This week, Pastor Chris delivered a powerful message on the transformative power of prayer as the bridge between us and the Kingdom of God. Through prayer, we become the conduit through which God’s will is released into the world, inviting us into a partnership with Him. As we draw near to God in prayer, not only are we changed, but we also become agents of change in the world around us.

“What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more novel methods, but people whom the Holy Ghost can use—people of prayer, people mighty in prayer.”

—E.M. Bounds

Prayer is the essential communication link between the visible and the invisible world.

Prayer is releasing what God has intended to do.

Matthew 16:19 (ESV)

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Prayer Changes People

Why Pray? God wants us to pray to build…

  1. Trust

Matthew 21:22 (ESV)

22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

“A prayerless day is a boast against God.”

  1. Fellowship
  2. Involvement

Ephesians 3:13–15 (ESV)

13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named

Prayer that Transforms

Ephesians 3:16 (ESV)

16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

  1. Intimate Connection
  • No Intimacy, No Power
  • Do not give up! Connection can take time.

Ephesians 3:17a (ESV)

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith

Ephesians 3:17b–19 (ESV)

—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

2. Dynamic Capacity

  • This means we will have greater capacity to love God, and to pray for others

3. Invested Power

Luke 24:49 (ESV)

49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Acts 1:8 (ESV)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Ephesians 3:20–21 (ESV)

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

“This latter is determined by the yieldedness of the believer to the Holy Spirit. Thus, the saint determines what God is able to do for him. In His inherent ability, there is no limit to what God can do in and through the saint. But the saint limits the working of God in and through him by the degree of his yieldedness to the Spirit in prayer.” Wuest

TRUST Prayer

  • “Thank You Holy Spirit for living inside of me. I love you and your presence in my life.”

John 15:5 (ESV)

Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

  • “Release Revelation of God’s plan and direction over our lives. Help me to see your plans.”

Ephesians 1:17 (ESV)

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,

  • “Use us in our spiritual gifts to minister and love others. Thank you for the gifts you are given me.”

1 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV)

7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

  • “Strengthen me to do your will, to pray, to fast. Strengthen me by your power Holy Spirit.”

Ephesians 3:16 (ESV)

16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

  • “Teach me God’s will and ways in every area of my life. Instruct my heart with understand and discernment.”

John 14:26 (ESV)

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Prayer is described as the essential link between the physical and spiritual world. How have you experienced this connection in your own life or in the lives of others?
  2. Matthew 21:22 says, “Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” How does this verse challenge or encourage your understanding of faith and prayer?
  3. Ephesians 3:16 talks about being strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit. How does prayer help you experience God’s power in your life?

Application Questions:

  1. How can we incorporate more moments of prayer throughout our day to strengthen our relationship with God and others?
  2. As we close out the Fast this week, spend some time praying the TRUST model Pastor Chris taught us.