Throughout the month of July – every day – for 31 days – we want our church family to set an alarm for 3:20pm to pray for Calvary Auburn and more. Why 3:20pm? It is meant to represent Ephesians 3:20 -which tells us that the Lord is,“…able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us …”
The Bible says:
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15)
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
“Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” (Eph 6:17-18)
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Col 4:2)
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess 5:16-18)
“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.” (1 Tim 2:8)
Why do we pray?
Because the Lord calls us to. And what a blessing prayer is!
#1- Prayer is like “time exposure with the Lord”- an intimate and loving relationship!
“Praying and sinning will never live together in the same heart. Prayer will consume sin, or sin will choke prayer.” (J.C. Ryle) We often speak about ‘the power of prayer’ – and rightly so, as long as we understand what is meant. For the power doesn’t actually lie with prayer itself. The power lies with God!
#2 – Prayer is about getting God’s will in heaven, here on earth.
“Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the Kingdom. If you may have everything by asking in his name, and nothing without asking, I beg you to see how absolutely vital prayer is.” (Charles Spurgeon)
#3 – Prayer says, “Lord, I am dependent upon your power and I am available for you to work through my life!”
“Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. And prayer is the turning away from ourselves to God in the confidence that he will provide the help we need. Prayer humbles us as needy, and exalts God as wealthy.” (Tozer)