Sunday Morning Worship
May 6, 2012
Series: “iLife”
Today: “iPray”

Scripture:  Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Mark 14:38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Intro:  The original iMac computer was released in      1998       .

A.  This month’s theme:  It’s not about the internet, but it is about making life in Christ very     personal         .

B.  The key is making our prayers       effective        .

I.   EFFECTIVE PRAYER TAKES         DISCIPLINE         .

A.  Prayer is not the       goal       ; it’s a means to a goal.

B.  The goal of prayer is to carry less      burdens        and have more of God’s      joy      in our lives.

II.  EFFECTIVE PRAYER IS FULL OF        THANKSGIVING         .

A.  Philippians 4:6 instructs us to present our requests to God with       thanksgiving        .

B.  Effective pray-ers naturally rejoice in the Lord because they have no reason to be        anxious         .

Conclusion:  Jesus tells a parable (Luke 18:1-8) to challenge His followers to pray and not        give up        .

A.  He is a judge that is       righteous       ; His answers will always be fair and right.

B.  He is a judge who       cares deeply         for people.

C.  He is a judge who answers       quickly       – (Luke 18:8).

D.  Last statement Jesus makes in this story:  Will He find       faith       on earth?

* Effective prayer takes faith.