The power of prayer

Topics: power of prayer

I. Unleash Spirit directed prayer

A. Spirit led continual, varied, alert and persistent prayer!

1. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).

2. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life (Jude 20, 21).

3. In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26, 27).

B. Spirit led variety of prayer following the ACTS acronym!

1. Adoration (Psalm 29:1, 2)
2. Confession (Psalm 32:3-5)
3. Thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
4. Supplication (Philippians 4:6, 7)

II. Unleash the intercessory prayer

A. Paul faithfully practices prayer for others!

1. Be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).
2. We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you . . . we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Col. 1:3, 9 b; see 1 Samuel 12:23, 24).

B. Paul unashamedly asks for prayer from others!

1. And pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak (Eph. 6:19, 20).
2. Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith (2 Thessalonians 3:1, 2).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, March 15th, 2026.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

The power of prayer

An important Guideline of Life Groups: The enemy of our souls seeks to disrupt our prayer lives in any way possible. Discuss practical ways that you can encourage more faithful and passionate prayers for one another and for God's glory.

Getting Started:

1. Do you have a "War Room" where you are able to earnestly seek the Lord in secret, undistracted prayer (Psalm 42:1, 2)?
2. What is your honest attitude, practice, and perspective concerning prayer?

Discussing Truths:

1. How does Paul's example of being in prison and asking for boldness in the ministry of the gospel challenge your own prayer life (Ephesians 6:19, 20; Colossians 4:2-4)?
2. Why do you think that prayer is the concluding part of Paul's teaching on spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-20)?
3. Do you make it a practice of praying Scripture back to our Lord after reading His Word? Seek to make it a dialogue with God instead of disjointed monologues.
4. What do you think of the expression "It's amazing what praising can do!"? How do you express your worship, adoration, and praise to the Lord (Psalm 29:1, 2)?
5. When should we ask God to examine our hearts and lives (Psalm 26:2; 139:23, 24)?
6. Why do we need to confess our sins if God has already forgiven us (1 John 1:7-9)?
7. Have you ever viewed prayer like a "vending machine" or a "get out of jail free" card? Why do people look at prayer that way?

Now What? Application:

1. Will you commit to faithfully pray for spiritual revival for our church family, for my Sabbatical trip and book writing, and for God's gracious provisions to advance His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven?
2. Make sure to thank God every day and to celebrate His answers to your prayers.