Living the Christian Life
The Power of Prayer
James 5:13-20
The late Jake Hess sang a song with the Statesmen Quartet many times many years ago that said, “Prayer is the key to Heaven, but faith unlocks the door.” That’s been the entire theme to the book of James – faith in Jesus Christ leads us to Heaven. As we have gotten to know you, it has been amazing to hear of the powerful stories of healing, brought about in this church, due to the power of prayer and the healing power of God. Cancer in remission – cancer going to be healed – marriages saved through the power of prayer – broken hearts mended through prayer. As we look at this passage, let us come together as the body of Christ, lift up high the name of Jesus – and realize how powerful prayer is and how it can be a weapon in our lives and in our church.
TEXT
1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
I. Just Pray
a. When sickness abounds, pray
b. When trouble abounds, pray
c. When life seems to be sinking fast around you, pray
d. When your marriage is on the rocks, pray
e. When your job is taken away, pray
Jesus gave us such a formula to pray in Matthew 6 when he told us to get in a closet, away from others and cry out to Him – offering Him – praises and thanksgiving and asking for guidance and mercy. What a formula, what a concept – what a tool.
Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father, which art in Heaven , hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts and we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen
Wow – what a pattern to use. You may think that talking God is hard – try it, it’s a whole lot easier than you think.
Think of these times of prayer:
Isaiah 6 – Isaiah had a life-changing experience when God spoke to Him through His prayer
Paul, Peter, James, John, all of the apostles as the Christian Church was being formulated
Times when this particular church was being put together
Prayer and declaration of Stephen as he was being stones: “I See Jesus”
Prayer can change things! Prayer can rearrange things! Prayer can rearrange You!
You want to see some things change in your life? Oh child – just pray!
II. God will heal and forgive
a. What a promise – you ask in faith, believing, and He’ll forgive you and heal you.
b. 2 Chron 7:14
i. If my people, which are called by my Name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and I will forgive their sins and will heal their land
c. Don’t let your pride get in the way of a miracle in you
d. Jeremiah 29:12-13
i. Call upon me and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all of your heart.
e. Seek and search for God with all of your heart.
i. Thou shalt Love the Lord thy God with all of your heart, mind, spirit, and soul.
f. John 14:13-14
i. Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.
III. Pray for Each Other and this Church
a. Galatians 6:2
i. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Are there some today that stand in the need of prayer? Are there those who have family members that need to be prayer for? Are there those in need of a physical healing in our families today? Are there those in need of a Spiritual, Saving touch from Jesus today?
The amazing power of prayer is not found on as seen on TV commercials, it is seen on a daily basis. You and I are all products of the power of prayer.
You have the key to heaven, do you have the faith to unlock the door of God’s blessings on your life?
