Series: 3:16- Numbers That Bring Hope [#33]
THE HOPE THAT COMES FROM PRAYER
Ephesians 3:16
Introduction:
[Song: “A Shelter In The Time Of Storm”]
[Offering Song: “Soul On Fire”]
This morning, we are going to jump ahead in our series to Ephesians 3:16. The reason that we are doing this is based on a proclamation from our President about today.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 3, 2017, as a National Day of Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey and for our National Response and Recovery Efforts. We give thanks for the generosity and goodness of all those who have responded to the needs of their fellow Americans. I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers today for all those harmed by Hurricane Harvey, including people who have lost family members or been injured, those who have lost homes or other property, and our first responders, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and medical professionals leading the response and recovery efforts. Each of us, in our own way, may call upon our God for strength and comfort during this difficult time. I call on all Americans and houses of worship throughout the Nation to join in one voice of prayer, as we seek to uplift one another and assist those suffering from the consequences of this terrible storm.
Ephesians 3:14-17a (NIV)
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”
Pray that…
1. People are strengthened through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In order for a person to be strengthened through the power of the Holy Spirit, they have to be saved. “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”
[Pray for the strengthening of believers and the salvation of the lost.]
[Song: “Trading My Sorrows”]
[Song: “Ever Be”]
Ephesians 3:17b-19 (NIV)
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Pray that…
2. People will see the power of God’s love.
When we are going through difficult times and situations, we tend to think that God is punishing us. We forget that the love of God goes further than we will ever understand. The world needs to see the love of Jesus.
[Pray for the workers.]
[Song: “Take My Life”]
[Song: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Pray that…
3. People will trust God to do more than anyone could ever imagine.
We put limits on God. We say that we trust in God to take care of all our situations; but we don’t behave like it. Nothing is too difficult for God.
[Pray for God to do miraculous things.]
[Invitation Song: “The Old Rugged Cross”]
