Brokenness, A Prerequisite To Answered Prayer
Mark Greening teaches that true answered prayer requires a heart of brokenness and humility before God, as only the Spirit can intercede effectively through such a posture.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of brokenness before God, highlighting the need for desperation, conviction, and contrition in prayer. It draws parallels to biblical examples like Ahab and the prodigal son, showcasing how humility and repentance lead to God's mercy, forgiveness, and revival. The message underscores the power of surrendering our sins, cares, and desires to God, trusting in His ability to answer prayers and bring about transformation.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Necessity of Brokenness in Prayer
- Prayer without brokenness produces powerless results
- Jesus teaches spirit-to-spirit connection, not flesh-to-flesh
- Brokenness is the prerequisite for effective prayer
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II. Biblical Examples and Promises of Brokenness
- Deuteronomy 28:23 and the 'sky of bronze' metaphor
- Malachi 3:2 warns about the refining fire of God
- Isaiah 1:18 and 6:1 show God's mercy after brokenness
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III. Personal Testimonies of Revival through Brokenness
- Prayer meetings growing from few to many through broken hearts
- Stories of individuals saved during times of prayer and conviction
- The power of persistent, broken prayer to bring revival
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IV. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Prayer
- Romans 8:26 teaches the Spirit helps us pray in weakness
- The Spirit intercedes with groans beyond words
- Even Jesus groaned and wept in prayer, modeling brokenness
Key Quotes
“To teach about prayer without teaching about brokenness will produce fleshly, powerless results.” — Mark Greening
“Jesus said, flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit to spirit.” — Mark Greening
“The Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” — Mark Greening
Application Points
- Approach God in prayer with a humble and broken heart, acknowledging your weaknesses.
- Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers, especially when you don't know what to pray.
- Persist in prayer and seek God’s refining presence to experience revival personally and corporately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is brokenness important in prayer?
Brokenness humbles us and aligns our hearts with God's will, enabling the Holy Spirit to intercede effectively on our behalf.
Can prayer be effective without brokenness?
According to Mark Greening, prayer without brokenness often results in powerless, flesh-driven efforts that do not move God's heart.
What biblical examples show the importance of brokenness?
Scriptures like Isaiah 1:18 and Malachi 3:2 illustrate God's refining process and mercy toward those who come to Him broken and repentant.
How does the Holy Spirit help us pray?
The Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groans and prayers beyond our understanding, especially when we are weak or do not know what to pray.
What practical steps can I take to cultivate brokenness?
Regular self-examination, confession, and seeking God's conviction in prayer help cultivate a broken and contrite heart.