The purpose and power of prayer Why worry when you can pray... (Matthew 6: 25) What are some of the things you worry about? Many of us worry about things that we sometimes don’t pray about, because we don’t know why, how, when, where or who to ask for advice or help. Next slide...

Why do you pray? Put your hands up if you pray? Why do you pray? The word pray actually means ‘to make a petition or promise’. But it seems this thing called ‘prayer’ can be confusing sometimes because it has many other definitions and reasons. So, why should we pray? Do you want to come and write it?

Reasons some people pray 1. It encourages others. 2.  It reminds you of spiritual values. 3.  It gives hope. 4.  It helps you feel better. 5.  It allows you to let go of situations. 6.  It provides comfort. 7.  It relaxes you and reduces anxiety. 8.  It builds faith. 9.  It deepens character. 10. It broadens your perspective. 11. It brings you closer to God. 12. (most importantly) IT WORKS!

Why worry when you can pray Many of us are prayer worriers rather than prayer warriors (Esther 4:15). Point 1: - Warrior; One who is engaged in or experienced in battle, aggressively or energetically in an activity, cause, or conflict. - For example: Story of Esther

How do you pray? ..."And when you pray, don't be like those people who don't know God (Babbling like Pagans). They continue saying things that mean nothing, thinking that God will hear them because of their many words (Matt 6:7-8 NCV). Hope you don’t mind Tasha and Bervin in using your handsome son  So how do you pray? Do you remember doing the banner activity which say ‘God Loves Us’ and ‘how do you like to pray?’ According to Jesus, prayer is an expected act, and not a exactly a choice when doing God’s work.? Point 2: Jesus tells us as his children, disciples/ students, that we shouldn’t go on praying like those people such as pagans or religious folks who just don’t know when to shut – up and listen to what God has to say. They babble on and go on and on and on yakidi yakidi yak. Do you know any one like that? But Jesus says that the treasures of the kingdom of where he lives in heaven and our rewards of sincere and honest prayer is received when praying in secret or alone, and done carefully without anyone seeing us. So, clearly praying is not for earthy reasons or for everyone else to see you. This is really at the heart of Gods work and the cruel monster called Satan know this. This is why its so important to be careful, and why we must not brag or boast about this secret powerful weapon called prayer.

What should you pray for? “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done,    on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts,    as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]    but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’ Doesn’t this look a little like Pastor Philip? What are the things we pray for and should pray for? For example, with all the disasters going on around the world such as the tsunami in Japan, the government issues in the middle east such as Egypt, and Earth quakes in Hattie, we have all prayed for something that greatly concerns us. But what did Jesus say we should pray for? Jesus also tells us that if we should first seek or ask for the kingdom of heaven to come as it says here on the screen, allll these thing that we need such as a new i phone or black berry , a play station, wii or anything else will be given to you as well free of charge!!!.

What should you pray for? Things to Pray For: 1.   For a growing relationship with God. 2.   For positive relationships with your family members. 3.   For energy and enthusiasm for your work or career. 4.   For wisdom to make right and wise decisions. 5.   For your service to your community and/or church. 6.   For the special needs of your family and friends. 7.   For the spiritual lives of your church leaders and congregation. 8.   For wisdom for our government leaders. 9.   For the moral integrity of today’s young people. 10. For the safety of those serving in our armed forces. 11. For a lasting peace among peoples and nations. 12. For the opportunity to be a blessing to someone today.

When should we pray? When I was a child my parents taught me to pray before I went to bed and say grace before we ate dinner. But when I went to school and would sit on the brown carpet to drink my milk and cookies, we weren’t asked to pray. So, there where many times when I didn’t pray before I slept or ate. Many time people in the bible also didn’t pray before they eat or sleep. In fact many people prayed and did not eat or sleep. For example, remember Esther the queen, she fasted for three days when praying and also, Jesus stayed awake with his disciples who couldn’t stay awake, so Jesus has to wake them up for when praying.

Finally .... Who should pray?

Prayer Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth  14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,[a] 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.[b] 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. Let’s read this together....

Prayer 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.  20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.