The Call to Pray
“[2] Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
—Colossians 4:2“[18] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
—Ephesians 6:18
“a personal, communicative response to the knowledge of God… …Prayer is continuing a conversation that God has started through his Word and his grace which eventually becomes a full encounter with him.”
—Timothy Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
[15] and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” —Psalm 50:15
[13] Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
—John 14:13
“…prayerlessness is my declaration of independence from God.”
—Daniel Henderson, Transforming Prayer
“It is not about rehearsing a quick list of needs with God, but seeking Him because of who He is, with a passion for a deeper intimacy and experience of His presence.”
—Daniel Henderson, Transforming Prayer
“If we think we are central to gospel growth, then our activity will always seem more urgent than prayer”
—Everyday Church, Steve Timmis and Tim Chester
…Pray for Boldness
[19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
—Ephesians 6:18-12
[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, —Ephesians 6:10–17
…Pray for Clarity
[2] Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. [3] At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—[4] that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. (ESV)
—Colossians 4:2–4
Prayer in action…
Consider committing to:
- Pray daily for opportunities to share the gospel - and then take them!
- Pray daily for 3 people who are not Christians
- Pray daily for us (Veritas) that we would proclaim Jesus with boldness and clarity
Pray for each other:
- For boldness to proclaim Jesus
- For clarity as we share about Jesus
- For doors to be open to talk about Jesus
Pray for specific people who need to know Jesus:
- By name - that they would believe in Jesus.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? —Psalm 27:1