I long to learn to pray prayers, that result in answers, to pray effectual, fervent prayers that availeth much.  

It troubles me that our Churches seem Powerless.  If Christ is present, why is there a problem? 

To be honest, a lot of our prayers are for financial problems, or about physical sickness or distress.   

We pray for things we see, touch, taste, hear and feel.

Then we wonder at the lack of progress (in our growth), in our walk with Christ.  We wonder why our prayers are not answered, or at best, not often. 

If we study the prayers of Paul, for the church, and learn to follow his lead, we might find results, beyond our dreams.

The first thing, I notice is Paul is praying for others.  We do not hear a lot of personal needs or desires, except, for the sin that so easily besets him.

He asked the Lord three times to remove this messenger of Satan, to be told the Grace, (the unmarited mercy and favor), of God, is enough.

We need to know how to repent, to get back in right standing with God…  it was both David and Pauls secret, to have a heart after God.

No, for the most part, the prayers that he wrote, were for others.   I will attempt to break down his prayer, from Ephesians 1.

     *  He gives thanks for others, by name to the Lord.

I give thanks that they walk with You, and know and serve You, draw them closer, Please Lord.

     *   He prays for the Spirit of Wisdom, (Jesus), (1 Corinthians 1:30), and Revaluation in our Knowledge of Him. 

Lord, may You reveal Yourself to them, increasing their knowledge and love for You with their  every breath. 

     *   The eyes of our understanding be opened, that we would know, recognize the hope, He has for us.  That we would grab ahold of His promises and power, to do His will.

That we would accept the inheritance He left us.  The Ministry Gifts and the Gifts of the Spirit.  That we would grow into You.

     *   That we would know and use the Power we have, in the belief of His Name and His Promises. 

He said, so many times:  ONLY BELIEVE!!!  Only, …   we don’t. 

     *   That Power is the Power of the Resurrection.  

Paul, prayed for this Power, (Philippians  3:10), recognizing he also had to share the fellowship of His suffering, and be made into HIS IMAGE. 

     *   He wants us to have Power above that of the Prince of this world.  To have Dominion, to Rule over, not be a Servant of the limits of this World.

We are not limited by the Laws of Nature.  

Phillip was translated to another place, after, he had served Gods purpose where he was.   The dead have been raised, the lame healed, the sick have recovered. 

ONLY BECAUSE PETER, PAUL, JOHN, STEVEN AND OTHERS…..  ONLY BELIEVED!!!

Church, there is something wrong with our belief system.  I believe it can be corrected. 

I believe God would have us, living in a place of Power.  A place of Answered Prayer. 

We first need to read, study, listen to the miracles in the Word.  Faith, comes by hearing, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD. 

The second thing we need to do is to learn how to pray, as Paul prayed.   In thanksgiving, for more of Jesus, that our eyes would be opened, to see the Spiritual Blessings available to those Who Believe. 

Then we need to seek and accept the Gifts He has given us…  They are freely given and awaiting our acceptance, we must ask and receive tham, as we did our Salvation. 

Lord, hear our Prayer.   Amen