Expectations Beyond Us
Prayer is the key to unlocking God's power and provision in our lives, and we must dare to use it with faith and authority.
Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the power and significance of prayer as the link that connects us with God, enabling us to overcome every danger and need. Through the example of Peter's miraculous release from prison due to unceasing prayer, Cowman urges believers to have holy audacity and confidence in their prayers, expecting unexpected and great things from God. He highlights the importance of not limiting God in our prayers and encourages worship and quiet reflection before interceding. Ultimately, Cowman reminds us that prayer opens up opportunities for God to work in our lives, bringing comfort in sorrow, adding joy in gladness, and providing divine protection in times of danger.
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"But prayer" (Acts 12:5).
But prayer is the link that connects us with God. This is the bridge that spans every gulf and bears us over every abyss of danger or of need.
How significant the picture of the Apostolic Church: Peter in prison, the Jews triumphant, Herod supreme, the arena of martyrdom awaiting the dawning of the morning to drink up the apostle's blood, and everything else against it. "But prayer was made unto God without ceasing." And what was the sequel? The prison open, the apostle free, the Jews baffled, the wicked king eaten of worms, a spectacle of hidden retribution, and the Word of God rolling on in greater victory.
Do we know the power of our supernatural weapon? Do we dare to use it with the authority of a faith that commands as well as asks? God baptize us with holy audacity and Divine confidence! He is not wanting great men, but He is wanting men who will dare to prove the greatness of their God. But God! But prayer! --A. B. Simpson
Beware in your prayer, above everything, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things, above all that we ask or think. Each time you intercede, be quiet first and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, of how He delights to hear Christ, of your place in Christ; and expect great things. --Andrew Murray
Our prayers are God's opportunities.
Are you in sorrow? Prayer can make your affliction sweet and strengthening. Are you in gladness? Prayer can add to your joy a celestial perfume. Are you in extreme danger from outward or inward enemies? Prayer can set at your right hand an angel whose touch could shatter a millstone into smaller dust than the flour it grinds, and whose glance could lay an army low. What will prayer do for you? I answer: All that God can do for you. "Ask what I shall give thee." --Farrar
"Wrestling prayer can wonders do,
Bring relief in deepest straits;
Prayer can force a passage through
Iron bars and brazen gates."
Sermon Outline
- I. The Power of Prayer
- A. Prayer connects us with God
- B. Prayer is the bridge over every gulf and abyss
- II. The Example of the Apostolic Church
- A. Peter in prison, the Jews triumphant, and Herod supreme
- B. Prayer was made unto God without ceasing, and the sequel was the prison open and Peter free
- III. The Importance of Supernatural Confidence
- A. We must dare to use our supernatural weapon with faith and authority
- B. God wants men who will prove the greatness of their God
Key Quotes
“Prayer is the link that connects us with God.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Prayer can force a passage through iron bars and brazen gates.” — Charles E. Cowman
“God wants men who will prove the greatness of their God.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- We must expect great things from God and not limit Him by our unbelief or lack of faith.
- We must be quiet and worship God in His glory before we pray, and think of what He can do and how He delights to hear Christ.
- We must use prayer to overcome danger and adversity, and trust in God's supernatural power to deliver us.