Power Prayer

by Loy Clements
(Springhill, LA. U.S.A.)

Text: James 5:13-20

Introduction:

Throughout my Christian life I have discovered that to be an effective Intercessor, I had to learn that prayer is not for those who have no patience. Powerful prayer is a journey that is taken in the vehicle of purity. I suggest you check out Mark Hollingsworth's sermon on "Character." There is a lot of wisdom there that will help you in your prayer journey.

Purity is the foundation that every Christian is to build their prayer life on. Without purity the storms that comes in this life will destroy the foundation your house of prayer.

I. The Promises of God.

Second Corinthians 1:20 New King James Version: "And all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."

Through our praying the promises of God the answer is always yes, and so be it. For this we find praying the answer back to God are the secrets to a successful, and powerful prayer journey.

People fail in their prayer journey simply because they don't know God's promises to them. This reveals one of the many reason we must study God's Word, go to church, and talk the promises with our family daily. Establish God's promises in your heart daily, and on your prayer journey through life you will always be in the right place at the right time.

II. Faith.

Faith is the substance of things that please God. We find this in Hebrews 11:1-6.

In our prayer journey faith is what we walk on. The story of Peter walking on the water is a good example. Peter didn't really walk on water, he was walking by faith in Jesus' word, "come". The word come that Jesus spoke established a sure highway in Peter's heart, that caused Peter to get out of the boat.

We are never to be like Peter, that is, to start and never finish. We must always by faith finish what God starts in us as He speaks His perfect will for our prayer journey.

In our prayer journey faith acted upon is the pathway to answered prayers. God is not just going to drop something in the middle of your journey. He is going to require you to put actions to what He tells you to do.

This is called walking our prayer journey out by faith. The key is in keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

III. Action.

James a disciple that took his journey of prayer gives us more insight to the powerful prayer journey. Here is where we find the reason prayer is a journey, and not just something we do from time to time.

In James 2:17-26, James teaches us that our prayer journey requires that we put actions to our faith in God. What is the life actions of our faith journey? Actions of love. Once we pray, we leave our prayer closets and go out into life keeping the Lords commandment of love.

1st. Corinthians 13:8,13 New King James Version, "Love never fails."

Nelson study Bible "Love never fails: This uncompromising and bold affirmation introduces the contrast with spiritual gifts which will not last. Paul wants the Corinthians to know that all the gifts, especially tongues, which attracted their attention so much, would one day no longer be needed. But love would continue forever."

IV. The Name of Jesus.

There is only one name whereby we are saved. Salvation does not produce anything in someone's prayer journey apart from His name.

Mark 16:15 says "Go." it is time to start down the road of our prayer journey. No one is left out based on weaknesses in their lives. If you and I don't obey and go in Jesus' name, your prayer journey will never carry you into His promise land. You'll die in the wilderness of lack and unbelief.

V. Praise and Worship.

1st. Thessalonians 5:16-18
This is the will of God for your prayer journey.
John 4:24 New King James Version, "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

Conclusion:

A Prayer Journey is a life in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16,22-26. Come and go with me to my Father House.

Note from Mark: Great sermon on our Prayer Journey. We definitely need to stay on the road of prayer, do we not? That's why I love E.M. Bounds' book "The Preacher and Prayer." Of course this prayer journey is for every Christian. Thanks Loy.