Series:  God’s Plan to Change the World - The Local-Global Church

Today: Becoming A House of Prayer, Part I (Acts 1:14-16 & many other texts in Acts)

Use these notes if you find them helpful. However, I believe most are better served

by listening with an open Bible (Acts 17:11) heart & mind, than by writing. - Pastor Jeff

Intro:

*** The book of Acts confirms that God is calling & inviting us to be a house
of ___________:

I. ... by showing us the fundamental priority of prayer in the 1^st century church
 in _____________ (Acts 1:1-6:7).

II. ... by showing us the fundamental priority of prayer in the 1^st century churches
in. Judea & ___________ (Acts 6:8-12:25).

*** The book of Acts confirms that God is calling & inviting us to be a house of prayer:

III. ... by showing us the fundamental priority of prayer in the 1^st  century  ___________

churches (Acts 13:1-28:31).

Concl/applications:

A.  4 core rhythms in a healthy lifestyle of prayer:

B.  5 key components of a healthy daily habit of prayer:

Prayer Resources for praying for the world:

• For “Operation World” go to www.operationworld.org/index.html

  & click on “Pray today”

• Also Global Prayer Digest

_________________________________________________________________________________________

A Basic Guide To Spending Time Alone With God

a few ideas for establishing prayer as a vital “habit of the heart”

A. Reading & Reflecting ... on a portion of Scripture:

With a few key questions in mind/ questions like these:

• What is one central teaching that stands out from this passage? (can you identify one central teaching with a key verse(s)
• What is one way that this passage leads you to worship God’? (can you identify this with a key verse(s)
• What is one way that this passage steps on your “toes”? (can you identify an application with a key verse(s)
• What is one way this passage inspires or directs prayer? (pray accordingly!)

B. Rejoicing …

            1.         In who God is/ His qualities & names

                        o          Adoring ...        enjoying

                        o          Admiring ...      being satisfied

                        o          Fearing...          being in awe

                        o          Praising ...        rejoicing

                        o          Blessing ...        remembering

            2.         In what God has done/ is doing:

                        o          Thanking/ blessing / “Consider all His benefits ...“

                        o          Pray for eyes to see what God is doing…

           3.          In what God will yet do:

                        o          Waiting / Hoping / Remembering & trusting God’s promises…

C. Repenting ... of my sins:
 

      •   my scandalous & “refined” sins

      •   in word & deed, in action & in attitude

      •   to be someone who repents regularly, deeply & fully

D. Requesting (interceding for others & for myself)

1.  My Family

2.  My Church

     •    Key leaders

     •    Pray _____names a day thru the directory

     •    Key ministries

     •    Ministries I am in/ & those people

3.        My close friends & coworkers

4.        Those I want to reach with the gospel

5.        My mentors & co-mentors & mentoree(s)

6.        Missionaries & places for the gospel to expand

      •   Operation World &/or Global prayer digest

7.         Those in crisis or needing special prayer

8.         Rotating prayer needs!

            Day1                Day2                Day3

9.         Myself

E.  Re-surrendering ... all of myself to all of God

1.         Open my heart

                   •    “Speak Lord for your servant listens”

                   •     Help me see the opportunities you have for me today

2.         Incline my heart

                    o    Fill me...Use me...

                    o    so that I live as an “extravagant worshipper” - who greatly enjoys

                          making much of You in all things for the joy of all the peoples.

3.         Satisfy my heart ... in you & with you

                    •    To find my joy in being the dearly loved slave & child of God

Z