Sermons on Praying Hard:

The Little Apocalypse

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 10, 2013

We do not know the day and the hour when Jesus will return, so we also need to keep awake and be watchful. This message is not just for the early disciples, but for us all.

THE LITTLE APOCALYPSE. Mark 13:1-37. I. Mark 13, and its equivalents in Matthew 24 and Luke 21:5-36, is sometimes entitled “the little apocalypse.” This passage is poised between Jesus’ teaching in the Temple (Mark 12), and the account of the Passion (Mark 14-15). The main thrust of the chapter ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:1-37

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Mother's Day 2016

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on May 8, 2016

For a mother to see her child come to the saving knowledge of the Lord has to be a special treasure just as Mary treasured the truth of who Jesus was.

Mother’s Day 2016 Luke 2:41-52 When my daughter was a little girl she used to want me to read to her at every opportunity. One of her favorite little books was called “Are you My Mother”? Some of you may own a copy of this charming little book by Philip Dey Eastman. Source: ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Go! And Fear No More Psalm 118:5-6 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 11, 2025

Psalm 118:5-6, which challenges us to live boldly and fearlessly as we go forward in faith.

Go! And Fear No More Psalm 118:5-6 Introduction Today, we continue our series of "Go! And..." sermons by exploring the courage and confidence we have when God is with us. Our anchor text is Psalm 118:5-6, which challenges us to live boldly and fearlessly as we go forward in faith. Let us ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:5-6, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 34:4, Romans 8:31, Isaiah 41:10, John 8:36  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Go! And Live For An Audience Of One: The Secret Life Of A True Disciple - Matthew 6:1-18 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 28, 2025

In the Christian life, there is only one audience that matters—our Heavenly Father. In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches us to live for the Audience of One. He warns us not to perform righteousness before others but to pursue a life that pleases God alone.

Go! And Live for an Audience of One: The Secret Life of a True Disciple - Matthew 6:1-18 Introduction: Living for the Audience of One There’s an old story about a young violinist who practised day and night for years. One evening, he gave a recital in a packed concert hall. When he finished, the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-18, 1 Samuel 16:7, Galatians 1:10, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Proverbs 19:17, Psalm 34:18, Philippians 4:6, James 5:16, Joel 2:12, Acts 13:2, Romans 8:15, John 4:23, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Song For Spiritual Giants (Psalm 63) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Dec 6, 2025

It's hard, and risky, to describe to people your healthy, strong, radically committed relationship with God. David pulls back the curtain, and talks about how his relationship in a transparent, helpful way.

One of the more famous pastors of the last century was a guy by the name of A.W. Tozer. He was more famous for his books, than his sermons, probably. But one of his books was called "The Root of the Righteous." In the first chapter of this book, Tozer talks about spiritual giants. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 63:1-11

Seek First The Kingdom Of God

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Apr 19, 2009

This sermon speaks hard about seeking first the things of God. If we are to do that.. we need to (1) let God be in charge (2) allow God to be in the decistion process (3) give back to others.

Seek First the Kingdom of God Matthew 6:19-34 Disclaimer: This sermon was prepared by personal study and Sermon Central contributions. Introduction- This is a very familiar verse. There are some verses that jump off the page to us. For where your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-34

Denomination: Nazarene

Jehoshaphat’s Powerful Prayers

Contributed by John Gaston on Jul 28, 2018

Jehoshaphat prayed a prayer which moved the heart of God and had the equivalent effect of a nuclear bomb on an invading army. Let's learn from him!

JEHOSHAPHAT’S POWERFUL PRAYERS 2 Chron. 20:1-25 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. It's always curious to hear kids pray. They say what we’d like to say -- but never would! 2. Listen to these prayers: "DEAR GOD... a. "Could you please give my brother some brains? So far he doesn't have any." Angela, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-25

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Search Me---Am I That Brave?

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Jul 23, 2019

One of the bravest thing a believer can do is pray the prayer, "search me oh God and see if there is anything offensive within me.

—Search Me--- Am I That Brave? Psalm 139 13-24 2 Timothy 2:1-4 When you think of someone doing something brave. What comes to your mind? A father lost his life, swimming for his kids. An uncle was severely burned running into a burning building to save his niece. What would give you the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:13-24, 2 Timothy 2:1-4

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Whose Side Are You On?

Contributed by Dan Erickson on Nov 21, 2000

A true unity in the Lord is something we must never take for granted, and something for which we ought always to pray and work

A few weeks ago another pastor told me, "Dan, things are not going the best at my church. It seems there is always controversy and division over something or someone. But, I guess church fights are normal. From what I understand, it is unusual for a congregation to go more than two years without a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:22-30

Denomination: Baptist

My Petition Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Aug 23, 2001

Hanna’s example of dedication to God demonstrated through prayer challenges us to pray about the things our heart desires.

My Petition And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD, and wept sore. 1 Samuel 1:10 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you… 1 Samuel 12:23 Introduction: Hannah was a discouraged woman. She’d been married several years, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

#3 A Prayer For A Graduate Series

Contributed by Alex Perednia on Jun 1, 2003

Using Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21, we have an effective model for praying for what we need.

What would you ask for if you found a genie-in-a-bottle and were granted three wishes that were bound to come true? Graduates, if you could have three wishes fulfilled, what would you ask for? Have you heard the story of a young man who found a genie-in-a-bottle? This young adult is walking down ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

Honoring God's Name Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jun 7, 2004

Praying the Lord’s Prayer and honoring God’s name must be more than lip service. It must be heart service.

HONORING GOD’S NAME (Mal 1:6-2:2) Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Introduction: We are in the midst of a study of the Lord’s Prayer and the principles that we can learn about our praying from the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray. ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 6:9-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Lord's Prayer Choices-Part 2 Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jun 9, 2004

Each line of the Lord’s Prayer confronts us with spiritual and life choices. How will we pray? How will we live?

The Lord’s Prayer Choices---Part 2 Matthew 6:9-13 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Healing Prayer

Contributed by Mark Haines on Nov 3, 2001

A deductive exposition of the text leading individuals prompted by the Holy Spirit to accept an invitation to come forward to the altar rail and pray for healing.

Introduction: I’d like you to join me on a journey into a topic that’s filled with controversy and confusion. Today we will consider the idea of “Healing Prayer.” 1. What is “healing”? According to the words used in the New testament:  Healing means to MEND something that’s ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18

Denomination: Wesleyan

Reaching The Lost

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Apr 10, 2005

Salvation of the lost requires the help of the Holy Spirit. Without Him, we can’t reach the lost. Pray for His guidance.

Acts 8:26-35 REACHING THE LOST Salvation of the lost requires the work of the Holy Spirit. Without Him, we can’t reach the lost. Yet He is going to work through you and me. Beginning - Acts 8:4-8 - Philip was preaching in Samaria, crowds came to hear him. Sick were healed. There was great ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-35

Denomination: Independent/Bible