October 28, 2007

Ephesians 6:18-24 Prayer

The KEY to prayer is FRIENDSHIP with God.........................

1.) BECOMING A FRIEND OF GOD OCCURS AT SALVATION - Eph 2:1-3,12 & John 15:1-3,15

-before receiving Jesus christ, we were separated from God

-we were saved and became a FRIEND of God

-we then make a choice concerning the level of friendship we want to obtain

2.) BECOMING  A FRIEND TAKES TIME - John 15:4

abide - means to stay; remain;continue

-this is growing in relationship with people and God - to get to know them

2 Things are Realized:

                                  (1) how God views me

                                  (2) how I need to view God

3.) FRIENDSHIP INCREASES SOME THINGS IN OUR LIVES -

a.) Communication - Exodus 3:1-3,7,10

-it is always

-it is not eloquent

-it is not long

-it is easy

-it is 2-way communication

                    *listen

b.) Boldness - Hebrews 4:16

bold - means frank;blunt;honest;open

***the more I get to know someone, the bolder I become

-the Lord wants bold prayers, not JUST prayers

just - means barely enough;to get by on a narrow margin

-He is a God of the "I wills" - Ephesians 3:20

Hebrews 4:16

let us - all believers

be coming - an invitation from God to draw near

mercy - is a combination of truth and grace

time of need - means seasonal help

-no matter what season it is in you rlife, there is help for you

c.) Access - Eph 2:14-18 (v18)

access - speaks of a continuous open door policy/an open door

*you have access to best friedns all of the time

*you do not have to be perfect to have access