Lifestyle of Prayer


Definition
Prayer is a two‐way conversation with God. It may occur silently or verbally, individually or corporately, and is not limited in its appropriateness to specific times, places, or events.


Beliefs
I. We believe that we exist in a world with spiritual dimensions.

Ephesians 6:12 – For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)

II. We believe that God is sovereign, while recognizing His delegation of God‐given authority to those whom He has redeemed.


A. God’s sovereignty—


Romans 9:15‐23 – For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”16It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

19One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?” 20But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ ” 21Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?

22What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in
advance for glory— (NIV)


1. God has disclosed His sovereignty through the Bible


Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double‐edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (NIV)


2. God discloses His will through the Holy Spirit and His Gifts


1 Corinthians 12:1‐11 – Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (NIV)


B. God’s delegation to those He has redeemed—


Genesis 1:26 – Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (NIV)


Matthew 16:19 – I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (NIV)


John 15:7 – If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. (NIV)


III. We believe that prayer is a dialogue that aligns us with God’s purposes.


2 Thessalonians 1:11‐12 – With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)


IV. We believe that God delights in leading us to pray, hearing our prayers, and answering our prayers in alignment with His will.


Matthew 6:9‐10 – “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (NIV)


2 Chronicles 7:14 – if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (NIV)


Matthew 7:11 – If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (NIV)


Psalm 5:3 – In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. (NIV)


V. We believe that He has given us authority to release blessing and resist evil through prayer in alignment with His sovereign will.


Matthew 16:19 – I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (NIV)


VI. We believe that God calls us to persistent prayer for specific reasons.


A. To conform our will to His will.


Luke 22:42 – “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (NIV)


B. To purify our obedience.


Revelation 3:3 – Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. (NIV)


C. To enjoy His nearness as we agree with God’s will in community.


Matthew 18:20 – For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (NIV)


D. To build our trust in His goodness and character even when we don’t understand His answers.


Matthew 19:17 – “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good.” (NIV)


VII. We believe that with practice, we grow in our ability to pray.


Acts 1:14 – They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (NIV)


Acts 6:4 – and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” (NIV)


Ephesians 6:18 – And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (NIV)


Colossians 4:2 – Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)


VIII. We believe that prayer is essential to fulfill our God‐ordained purposes.


2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and
heal their land.”


James 5:16 – “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”


Values
I. We value prayer as foundational to the discovery of God’s will.
II. We value prayer in both small and large group settings.
III. We pray in obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
IV. We value the order and submission to spiritual leaders in prayer environments.
V. We value the laying on of hands with permission when appropriate.
VI. We anoint with oil when appropriate.
VII. We value gentleness and deference to those receiving prayer.
VIII. We value musical worship as a means of facilitating intimate prayer.
IX. We value fasting.
X. We value opportunities to learn, observe, and grow in prayer.


Practices
Healing prayer
Listening prayer
Intercessory prayer
Worship
Prayer walking
Prayer support for ministry teams/events
Commissioning
Prayers of impartation
Elder prayer
Prayer teams