Unleash the power of prayer

I. Pray from a posture of humility

* Our physical posture is not as important as the attitude of our heart!

  1. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name (Ephesians 3:14, 15).
  2. For thus says the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy, "I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite? (Isaiah 57:15).

II. Pray for supernatural strength

* Our intercessory prayers for other's spiritual strength is critical!

  1. That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:16, 17 a).
  2. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison (2 Corinthians 4:16, 17).

III. Pray to express unconditional love

* Our ultimate character trait that needs to flourish is love!

  1. And that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge (Ephesians 3:17 b-19a.
  2. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment (Philippians 1:9).

IV. Pray to be anointed with the Holy Spirit

* Our power and influence come from the Spirit working within us!

  1. That you may be filled up to all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19 b.
  2. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, August 10th, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Unleash the Power of Prayer

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Taking time in prayer must be central to your Life Group times together. Keep a list of prayer requests and answers to prayers to encourage one another to keep interceding for one another.

Getting Started:

  1. What does it mean and what does it require to pray from a posture of humility? Is there a physical posture or practice that helps you pray?
  2. Do you really believe that prayer changes things (Luke 11:13)?

Discussing Truths:

  1. How do you explain and what do you say to someone who questions "Why God did not answer their prayer for a loved one?"
  2. What do you think of John Piper's quote: "Until we believe that life is war, we will not know what prayer is for?" (See Daniel 10:10-14, 19-21)
  3. How did the three Hebrew men express their faith in God no matter what the outcome of their situation (Daniel 3:16-18)?
  4. Have you used the acrostic of ACTS for your prayer time: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication?
  5. Who do you intercede for in prayer on a regular basis?
  6. Why is love such an important character quality for people to grasp and deepen their knowledge about?
  7. Do you believe that God's love reaches into the depths of your troubles and pain as well as lifts you to the heights of His strength and encouragement?

Now What? Application:

  1. Set aside at least 15 minutes each day to pour out your heart in prayer for others.
  2. Will you commit to praying for "spiritual revival" for our COTW church family and beyond (2 Chronicles 7:14-16)?