Lecture: Prayer Makes the Difference

Introduction

• Main Theme: The importance of prayer and small groups.
• Focus: Returning to prayer, as the church is a House of Prayer.
• Example: Jesus Christ's life and practice of prayer.

Jesus as a Model of Prayer

• Prayed in various situations: garden, mountains, before decisions, in grief.
• Continues to intercede for us in heaven (Hebrews 7:25).
• Prayer as a noble, full-time job for Jesus, highlighting its power.

Understanding Prayer

• **Prayer is: **
  • Cry: Asking for help in distress.
  • Conversation: Building a relationship with God.
  • Confrontation: Taking authority, speaking to life challenges.
• Biblical Reference: Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock.
  • Ask: Petition God.
  • Seek: Enter God's presence.
  • Knock: Intercede for others.

The Multifaceted Nature of Prayer

• Prayer should encompass asking, worship, and intercession.
• Balance between different types of prayer is essential.

Rewards and Results of Prayer

• Matthew 6:6: Prayer brings a reward, not just answers.
• Genesis 15:1: God being our ultimate reward.
• Conditional Answers:
  • Wrong request: God says no.
  • Wrong timing: God says slow.
  • Personal growth needed: God says grow.
  • Right conditions: God says go.

Prayer and Revival

• Prayer revives spiritual life (Luke 3:21-22).
• Changes in Jesus' appearance and circumstances through prayer (Luke 9:29).
• Personal transformation through prayer.

Testimonials: Impact of Prayer

• Dave Robertson: Revived through extensive prayer.
• Don Piper: Brought back to life after 90 minutes of being dead.
• Steve Kong: Rescued from near-death and hell through intercessory prayer.
• Joshua, the Liberian Warlock: Transformed and saved through prayer.

Practical Steps for Prayer

• Pray to the Father, through the Son, by the Holy Spirit.
• Locations for Prayer: Private and public.
• Postures for Prayer: Various biblical examples.
• What to Pray For: Use the TACOS method:
  • T: Thanksgiving
  • A: Adoration
  • C: Confession
  • O: Others
  • S: Self

Conclusion

• Encouragement to engage in 21 days of prayer and fasting.
• Emphasis on drawing nearer to God through dedicated prayer time.
• Practical advice on fasting and prayer, balancing physical and spiritual needs.
• Fasting guidelines and health considerations.
• Reminder: God's love is stable, but our closeness to Him can change with our practices.