The Power of Prayer Phil. 4:6-7
by Reece Sherman
1. INTR:
1.1. In a small Texas town, Drummond's Bar began construction on a new building to increase their business. The local Baptist church started a campaign to block the bar from opening with petitions and prayers. Work progressed right up till the week before opening when lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground. The church folks were rather smug in their outlook after that, until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means. The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise in its reply to the court. As the case made its way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork. At the hearing he commented, "I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but as it appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that does not."
1.2. The Power of Prayer is Unlimited - Jer. 33:3
1.2.1. "Faith makes the uplook good, the outlook bright, the inlook favorable and the future glorious"
2. Prayer Provides Power for Difficult Days - v6
2.1. Nothing is too small for God to care about nor too big for Him to handle
2.2. Prayer has rescued heroes of the faith during tough times
2.2.1. David - Ps. 34:6
2.2.2. Daniel - Dan 6
2.2.3. Paul & Silas - Acts 16
2.2.4. Peter - Acts 12
2.3. Prayer is the key to victory in every area of life
3. Prayer Provides Peace in Troubled Times
3.1. "And the peace.."
3.2. The peace of God comes through the power of prayer - vv6-7
3.3. Praying in faith brings peace that passes understanding - v.7
3.3.1. We should come from times of prayer with a tremendous feeling of peace...
4. Prayer Provides Protection from Attacks of the Enemy
4.1. A little girl’s Prayer: A little girl was being punished by eating alone in the corner of the dining room. The family paid no attention to her until they heard her pray: “I thank Thee, Lord, for preparing a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.”
4.2. Xians are at war w/powerful enemies - Eph. 6:11-12
4.2.1. Paul reminds us we are equipped to stand against them
4.2.2. Spiritual armor is available for life's constant conflicts
4.3. Prayer provides power for overcoming spiritual foes - Eph. 6:18
5. Conclusion:
5.1. We can expect daily victory through the power of prayer
5.1.1. 2 Chron. 20