string(7) "m-66998" Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

Sermons

← back to list

Jun 30, 2024

Passion for the Practice of Prayer

Passion for the Practice of Prayer

Follow Along with the Message

Passion for the Practice of Prayer

June 30, 2024

Prayer Ministry at BHBC exists to cultivate a culture of fervent prayer grounded in scriptural truth and guided by the Holy Spirit. We are committed to equipping and encouraging believers to deepen their relationship with God through prayer, interceded for one another, reach our community and the world, and glorify God through a lifestyle of prayerful dependence.

Visit our Prayer Wall »

“The only time my prayers are never answered is on the golf course!”
— Billy Graham

“Prayer isn't just asking God for things; it's communicating with Him, seeking His face, and aligning our hearts with His purposes.”
— Life Action Ministries

Significance of Prayer in Paul’s Ministry
  • Paul authored at least 13 books/letters in the New Testament
  • In eight of those letters, Paul writes a prayer for the local church and/or specific individuals
    • Romans 8:10
    • 1 Corinthians 1:4–9
    • Ephesians 1:15–23
    • Philippians 1:3–11
    • Colossians 1:3–14
    • 1 Thessalonians 1:2–10
    • 2 Thessalonians 1:3–12
Colossians 1:9–14
9 For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, 10 so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. 13 He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. 14 In him we have redemption the forgiveness of sins.
Passion of Prayer

Passion for God, His Church, and His people.

Colossians 1:3
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.
Colossians 1:9
We haven’t stopped praying for you.
Petition in Prayer

Petition is a specific request made to God for a particular need.

Colossians 1:9
…To be filled with the knowledge of His Will through all spiritual Wisdom and understanding…
  • God wants us to know His will and to understand it!
  • Prayer in accordance with God’s will.
1 John 5:14–15
14 This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of him.
  • Knowledge (epignosis) = full knowledge = information = What
  • Understanding (synesis) = understanding = significance = Why
  • Wisdom (sophia) = intelligence/skill = application = How
Purpose of Prayer

The underlying intention or goal that motivates the prayer.

Colossians 1:10
…so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God…

Walking worthy of the Lord involves living a life that reflects the character and teachings of Jesus Christ!

Ephesians 4:1
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received.
Philippians 1:27
Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:12
We encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Picture of Prayer

The vision or comprehensive understanding that a prayer aims to convey.

Colossians 1:10–12
…bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father...
    • Fruitfulness in Good Works: Paul desires that their faith results in tangible outcomes — good works that bear fruit for the glory of God.
    • Fellowship with God: growing in the knowledge of God — an ongoing, deepening, relationship with God.
      • We understand the will of God through the Word of&nbsplGod
Colossians 1:11–12
…so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father...
  • Fortitude:the strength and endurance to remain steadfast in faith, especially in the face of trials, adversity and challenges.
Practice of Prayer
Improve Your Prayer Life
  • Pray More Effectively
  • Join a Prayer Group
  • Develop the Habit of Praying Daily
Imrpove Your Prayer Life »
Take the Next Step »

Additional Notes

 

Email (To Send Copy of Notes)