Keeping Alert in Prayer
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Joined Together, Growing Together
Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Sermon Outline
We need to pray with alertness to resist forces that alienate us from God.
1. What are we alert to?
“keep alert with all perseverance”
2. What does alertness in prayer look like?
“with all prayer and supplication”
3. What can continual prayer do to help us remain alert?
“praying at all times in the Spirit”
Prayer of Confession
Our gracious Father, we come in the name of Jesus, who succeeded in the Spirit when his flesh was failing. We confess our spiritual failings. We have given into temptation and deception because we were not alert. We have not persisted in prayer. We have not lived by your ways. Forgive our laziness, apathy, doubt, pride, and anything else that has brought division between us. Show us mercy, and keep us from temptation. Grant us forgiveness in Christ. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
Why is prayer important? What do you think are chief reasons to pray, or benefits of prayer?
What makes prayer hard for you?
What do you need to be alert to in prayer? What should you be watching for or mindful of?
Why is it important for prayer to include more than just “supplication”? What happens if you only turn to God to ask God to do things?
What new beliefs come with Christianity that direct you to form habits for the discipline of prayer? What is wise about making prayer a priority?
What can you do to stay in prayer when it starts to get difficult?
Are there ways of praying that you have been neglecting? How can you pray in all circumstances? Think through different aspects of your day and how prayer fits into them.
What encouragement can you take from Jesus having prayed for his followers? How can you become stronger through what Jesus has done on your behalf?