Bringing Hope to OthersSample

The Big Idea: The Power of Prayer

Praying with a purpose is extremely important. There are going to be people in our lives we come across that are not completely open to hearing the Good News. This is where praying with a purpose comes in. Coming to God - allowing him to hold and guide through witnessing and bringing the gospel - will guide the steps that need to be taken. It is an opportunity to see God’s heart through a new lens. He delights in this because there are new growth opportunities in our relationship with Him to learn His heart for those around us. God is in every single detail! Psalm 37:23-24:

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

What does praying for those around us look like in such a hurting and broken world? Praying prayers that affect and change us deep in our core and includes talking with God instead of just to God and also includes listening to what He has to say? Let’s take a look at some of the things Paul says about prayer: 

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with the one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. -Romans 15:5-6

During this time the church was being persecuted. Paul didn’t pray for their suffering to disappear. No, Paul prayed that Christians would be brought together to glorify God in and through their suffering. Paul prayed for a unity that brings the kingdom together, a mindset that unites Christians to model Christ, whose suffering brought such glory to God. What people are facing can be met with joy and hope! A hope we are called to spread to this world. Having this deep relationship with God gives us the tools to witness to others. 

Challenge: What do your prayers with God look like? Spend some time today in prayer asking God to reveal His heart for your life and the discipleship with others you are called to.