Prayer

A healthy church prays fervently for gospel advancement. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’" — Matthew 9:37–38 1. We must prioritize praying for our neighbors and the nations. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people…” — 1 Timothy 2:1 Our prayers are a weapon to unleash God’s power. We need to pray for everyone, everywhere to know and follow Jesus. “…for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” — 1 Timothy 2:2 2. We please God when we pray for and engage in gospel advancement. “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” — 1 Timothy 2:3-4 The heart of God is always gospel advancement. “For there is one God and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” — 1 Timothy 2:5-6 “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice…” — Psalm 49:7–8 “But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.” — Psalm 49:15 3. We must guard against anything that hinders gospel advancement. “For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.” — 1 Timothy 2:7-10 How Do We Respond? 1. Surrender to Jesus and find new life in Him. 2. Pray fervently for your neighbors and the nations in your LifeGroup. 3. Pray together, today, for the gospel to advance.