The Armory
A sermon series designed to prepare us for a new season of ministry at Dulins Grove. Sunday we completed the series with Ephesians 6:18-20.
Now what?
We’ve spent a billion weeks studying the armor of God, piece by piece. Now what? Now that we have all this spiritual armor on, what do we do? Should we start a contemporary worship service? Go to the mall and shout at people in front of Chick-Fil-A? Put more Jesus fish on the back of our cars? Toss a gospel booklet in a bathroom stall like a grenade? What do we do now?
Paul’s answer: PRAY!
1. When to pray.
At all times.
In other words, pray when it’s early and when it’s late. Pray at beginnings, middles, and ends. Pray at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Pray when you wake up and when you go to bed. Pray in your car, your house and your office. Pray when you want to and when you don’t. Pray at all times.
Are you praying right now? GOTCHA! You’ve already blown it.
I’m kidding. Don’t beat yourself up. You don’t have to constantly say things to him like a crazy person. He means for you to keep the line of communication open at all times. The illustration I used in my sermon was of my son holding my hand in the parking lot. Just don’t let go of God and a prayerful mindset. (Comment if I’m wrong here.)
2. How to pray.
In the Spirit as though lives depend on it.
Romans 8:15-16 and 25 shed some light on this. The Holy Spirit moves people to pray and helps in people’s prayer weakness. In other words, praying is a miraculous activity. God empowers it and guides it. So if you’re not satisfied with your prayer life (and who is!), don’t drown in guilt and commit to a legalistic prayer schedule. Instead, make your first prayer after reading this: God, please help me to pray like I ought. Depend on him for the miracle of prayer, just like the miracle of reading the Bible and hearing his voice.
Because lives do depend on it. People are dying. God is saving. Spiritual blood is everywhere. So PRAY!
3. For whom?
All the saints, especially (insert selfish prayer request) your pastor.
Those you sit next to in church are your comrades. Look them in the eyes. Think of them often. And pray for them.
And pray for your pastor. Paul begs for prayer so that he can minister well. I ask for your prayers too. Thanks in advance.
House to House Discussion Starters
Don’t have these with me (I’m writing this at the hospital). They’ll be up a little later.
