You and Prayer; What Does it Do? Text: John 14:16, 16:7
( Show film clip from sermonspies.com called "enpowerment.")
John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever-- John 16: 7However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].
Introduction: People are supposed to call 911 for emergencies only, but many people don’t understand or follow the rule. Police emergency operators in Colorado Springs have received calls from people reporting a TV set that wasn’t working, asking when it was going to stop snowing, and wanting to report an identification theft while they remained anonymous. This happens all across America; people asking about frivolous things! You’ve read the bumper sticker that say’s “when all else fails read the Bible or when all else fails pray!” We need to understand that we have 24-7 access unto the king!
I. Remember Hebrews 4:15-16 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
A. The throne room of grace is a place that a believer can go and get what he or she can’t get on their own!
B. Listen to John 16:7 However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) a golden opportunity for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].
C. The Holy Spirit is our helper until Jesus comes! The Holy Spirit desires to drive you right into the presence of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the person who convicts you of right and wrong. The Holy Spirit is your teacher. The Holy Spirit is your comforter! The Holy Spirit gives you confidence. The Holy Spirit desires to pray through you. The Holy Spirit is your helper!
D. James 1: 2-7 Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.3Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.5If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.6Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.7For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord,
E. Four truths to remember: 1. Ask. Vs5 2. He’s a giving God. Vs5 3. In faith. Vs6 4. Without doubting. Vs6
F. If you’re single you should be wholly devoted unto God the King! If your married, husbands it’s time you step up to the plate and pray daily when possible with your wife.Take your wife and lead her in pray and pray blessings on her. (If you aren’t in agreement with your spouse your marriage and prayers aren’t powerful. You’re running on an empty or half-full tank!)
