The Prayer of Faith
The prayer of faith is essential for believers to tap into God's power and ministry, and to avoid spiritual complacency.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the vital role of prayer in the life of the church, asserting that the prayer of faith is essential for engaging God's heart and fulfilling the church's mission. He challenges believers to move beyond mere religious routines and to seek genuine spiritual vitality through fervent prayer. Tozer warns against complacency, urging the congregation to desire dynamic participation in God's work, which is fueled by the Holy Spirit's answers to their prayers. He highlights that true effectiveness in ministry comes not from advertising but from the transformative power of faith-filled prayers. The sermon concludes with a heartfelt plea for believers to be part of a vibrant community that experiences God's answers to their prayers.
Text
..The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. --James 5:16
A second important requirement if the believing church is to be used in God's ministry is prayer and the response God makes to our prayers uttered in true faith.... No matter what our stature or status, we have the authority in the family of God to pray the prayer of faith. The prayer of faith engages the heart of God, meeting God's conditions of spiritual life and victory.
Our consideration of the power and efficacy of prayer enters into the question of why we are part of a Christian congregation and what that congregation is striving to be and do. We have to consider whether we are just going around and around--like a religious merry- go-round. Are we simply holding on to the painted mane of the painted horse, repeating a trip of very insignificant circles to a pleasing musical accompaniment?...
All of the advertising we can do will never equal the interest and participation in the things of God resulting from the gracious answers to the prayers of faith generated by the Holy Spirit. Tragedy in the Church: The Missing Gifts, 7-8.
"Lord, don't ever let me be satisfied 'holding on to the painted mane of the painted horse.' I want to be part of a dynamic Body of believers, greatly used of You because we're seeing answers to genuine 'prayers of faith generated by the Holy Spirit.' Amen."
Sermon Outline
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I
- The Importance of Prayer in the Church
- Prayer and the Response of God
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II
- The Authority of Believers in Prayer
- The Prayer of Faith Engages God's Heart
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III
- The Power and Efficacy of Prayer
- The Role of the Holy Spirit in Prayer
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IV
- The Danger of Spiritual Complacency
- The Need for Genuine Prayer and Faith
Key Quotes
“Lord, don't ever let me be satisfied 'holding on to the painted mane of the painted horse.'” — A.W. Tozer
“I want to be part of a dynamic Body of believers, greatly used of You because we're seeing answers to genuine 'prayers of faith generated by the Holy Spirit.'” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Prayer is essential for believers to experience spiritual life and victory.
- The Holy Spirit generates prayers of faith, which are answered by God.
- Being part of a dynamic Body of believers is crucial for genuine growth and ministry.