The Ordinary Church – Prayer
Acts 2:36-47
1. Why do we not pray?
2. Why pray?
3. How should we pray?
Why pray?
1. Prayer glorifies God as God
– Prayer sets God apart from His creation
2. Prayer orders all things into their proper place
– Prayer humbles us and submits us to His will
– Prayer aligns us with Him and His purpose
– Prayer quiets the soul in peace and rest
3. Because God is sovereign and can change things…
…According to His purpose and promises
– His Kingdom
– One another’s needs
– Our own needs
– Wisdom and understanding
– Perseverance in trials
– Peace, boldness and courage
How do we know what God’s will is?
4. Because we love the One who saved us
– Adoration
– Praise
– Thanksgiving
– Repentance
– Celebrating our adoption as His children
5. Because we love others
– Praying for the needs of others
– Praying for God’s will for others
– Praying for others causes us to love them
– Praying unifies the church
6. Because prayer changes us
– Prayer aligns our will with God’s will
– Praying is a way of “watching” for temptation
– Praying is the practice of learning to trust God
– Praying to become like Christ
– Prayer changes our heart’s desires
