Empowered Effectual Prayer
E.A. Johnston teaches that empowered, effectual prayer, fueled by faith and the Holy Spirit, is a powerful force that moves God and transforms lives.
In this powerful sermon, E.A. Johnston explores the nature and power of effectual prayer as described in the book of James. He emphasizes that prayer, activated by faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit, is a vital and unstoppable force that can move God and change circumstances. Johnston encourages believers to engage in persistent, earnest prayer that pleases the Father and honors the Son. This teaching challenges listeners to deepen their prayer lives and experience the transformative power of God.
Full Transcript
In the book of James, we read, The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. This is a message on prayer and an exhortation to be engaged in prayer. Prayer is activated by faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, elevated by desperation, answered by importunity.
The object of prayer is the ear of God. The objective of prayer is to move God. Prayer has a force, a power above that of earthly things.
It moves mountains of resistance and shakes cities off their foundations. A prayer strikes deep into the most guarded citadel and brings down the most formidable opposition. It is wrestling prevailing prayer that gains the ear of the Almighty and has power with heaven.
A prayer must be earnest, engaging, and enlarging, ever pressing upward with the wings of faith and fueled by believing the promises of God. Unrelenting prayer rings the ears of angels and ignites the coals on the altar in glory. To pray is to live, and to live is to pray.
There is no other way to live than to pray. When we pray, it pleases the Father and honors the Son. For the Son prayed to the Father, and the Father honored the Son.
Let us pray.
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Power of Prayer
- Prayer moves the ear of God
- Prayer has power above earthly things
- Prayer can move mountains and shake foundations
-
II. Characteristics of Effectual Prayer
- Earnest and engaging
- Fueled by faith and God’s promises
- Unrelenting and prevailing
-
III. The Role of Faith and the Holy Spirit
- Prayer activated by faith
- Empowered by the Holy Spirit
- Elevated by desperation
-
IV. The Purpose and Outcome of Prayer
- To please the Father
- To honor the Son
- To gain power with heaven
Key Quotes
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” — E.A. Johnston
“Prayer moves mountains of resistance and shakes cities off their foundations.” — E.A. Johnston
“To pray is to live, and to live is to pray.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Commit to a daily habit of earnest and persistent prayer fueled by faith.
- Rely on the Holy Spirit to empower and guide your prayers.
- Approach prayer as a vital part of living a life that pleases God.