Prayer is a core action of the Christian life. We all know that we should pray. We all want to pray. In fact, we all probably desire to pray bigger prayers in a better, more faithful way. What holds us back? What is causing you to feel like your prayer life is stagnant, ineffective, frustrating, and monotonous? We often view prayer as something that we do, and we try to consistently check it off our list of spiritual disciplines. We think that God’s actions might be in some way based on our ability to pray well, much, or often. I wonder if you (like myself in recent days) need to see prayer more clearly, more Scripturally. We all need a heart of prayer, and it begins with what God’s Word teaches about it.

Scripture References: Philippians 2:10-11, John 17:1-26, Colossians 4:2, Galatians 4:4-7, Ephesians 3:12-21, Ephesians 1:15-23

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From Series: "The Heart of Prayer"

The concluding statement of Paul's prayers in Ephesians is that there would be glory to God "in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." The prayer for God to give us an understanding of His focus, hope, riches, power, and love demands the fitting response of giving God glory. However, even our mission of glorifying God is done "by Christ Jesus". When the church understands and walks in God's purpose, it will glorify Him. Christian's within the church accomplish this purpose as they continually grow in Jesus. Our growth is not independent personal improvement; it is a deepening in relationship and growth in Christ.

Scripture References: Philippians 2:10, Ephesians 2:14-16, John 15:15, 1 Corinthians 4:5, Ephesians 1:10, Luke 7:26-50, Colossians 1:17, Ephesians 2:12-13, Romans 8:34, Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 2:1-6, Acts 17:31, Romans 5:6-10, Matthew 11:29, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, Romans 11:33, Hebrews 7:25, Ephesians 1:16-21, Revelation 1:13-17, Ephesians 1:21-23, John 13:1

More Messages from James Sumpter | Download Audio

The concluding statement of Paul's prayers in Ephesians is that there would be glory to God "in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." The prayer for God to give us an understanding of His focus, hope, riches, power, and love demands the fitting response of giving God glory. However, even our mission of glorifying God is done "by Christ Jesus". When the church understands and walks in God's purpose, it will glorify Him. Christian's within the church accomplish this purpose as they continually grow in Jesus. Our growth is not independent personal improvement; it is a deepening in relationship and growth in Christ.

Scripture References: Philippians 2:10, Ephesians 2:14-16, John 15:15, 1 Corinthians 4:5, Ephesians 1:10, Luke 7:26-50, Colossians 1:17, Ephesians 2:12-13, Romans 8:34, Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 2:1-6, Acts 17:31, Romans 5:6-10, Matthew 11:29, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, Romans 11:33, Hebrews 7:25, Ephesians 1:16-21, Revelation 1:13-17, Ephesians 1:21-23, John 13:1

More Messages from James Sumpter | Download Audio

From Series: "The Heart of Prayer"