Praying in Faith

Speaker: Worship & Youth Pastor Nathan Miller

Scripture: Matthew 6:5–13; Luke 11:9; Ephesians 6:18; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:13; Ephesians 5:19

Engaging with Jesus is the most important and valuable thing you can do each day.

Personal Daily Prayer

1. Should be every day (Matthew 6:11). Start with about 20 minutes.

2. Should be private (Matthew 6:6). Do not try to be seen by others. Don’t just think prayers—say them.

3. Be persistent (Luke 11:9). Consider keeping a prayer journal.

4. Should be led by the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18).

5. Should include confession of sin (Matthew 6:12).

Scripture Reading – 2 Timothy 3:16

Scripture is “breathed out” by God and can benefit you as you:

• Read – 1 Timothy 4:13

• Teach – 2 Timothy 3:16

• Sing – Ephesians 5:19

Include Scripture in your daily prayer time (roughly half prayer and half Scripture).

Orient your thinking to God’s perspective.

Why do we have to engage with our faith?

• Sometimes we must engage our will to believe something that is true.

• Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

• Rehearse and remind yourself what God has done.

• Use 'stones of remembrance.'

• 'I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good.'

Why?

1. The God of the Bible is not someone we regularly see. (We sometimes have dreams or visions, but most times not.) Faith changes our perceptions.

2. Because of our sinful flesh (our inclination to sin). Sin has a corrupting effect. We have an advocate with the Father and must put to death the deeds of the flesh by the Spirit.

Ask the Lord for the fruit of the Spirit. James 1:5–8

Compromise – Are you mixing in the things of the world?

Be confident in the effectiveness of prayer.

Be open-handed about how and when your prayers are answered.