TITLE: THE POWER OF A PRAYING CHURCH: DOES PRAYER CHANGE THINGS
TEXT: MATTHEW 26:36-44, 2 CORINTHIANS 12:1-10
A “THING” NEEDING CHANGING
A. Jesus
1. Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth in a human body to save humanity
2. Jesus went to Gethsemane with His Disciples to pray
3. Jesus was sorrowful and deeply distressed
4. “If it is possible, let this cup pass from me”
5. I have a “thing” that I am going through that needs changing…
B. Paul
1. Paul had a spiritual encounter that he was not permitted to speak about
2. Paul was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble
3. “I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me”
4. I have a “thing” that I am living with that needs changing
PRAYER DID NOT CHANGE THE “THING”
A. Jesus
1. Jesus prayed three times
2. Jesus suffered and died on the cross
3. The cup did not pass from Him
4. I have been praying regarding a “thing” I must go through
B. Paul
1. Paul prayed three times
2. Paul continued living and ministering with the thorn
3. The thorn did not depart from him
4. I have been praying regarding a “thing” I must live with
WHAT CHANGED?
A. Jesus
1. An angel appeared from heaven, and strengthened Him
2. The “thing” did not change, however, Jesus was strengthened to go through the “thing”
3. My “thing” may not change, however, I will be strengthened to go
through my “thing”
B. Paul
1. Jesus, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness
2. The “thing” did not change, however, Jesus strengthened Paul to continue living with the “thing”
3. My “thing” may not change, however, Jesus will strengthen me to continue living with my “thing”
CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: THAT I WILL TRUST GOD TO STRENGTHEN ME IN AND THROUGH MY “THING”
WORK FOR THE WEEK
