Prayer
(2)
Course: Different Forms of Prayer
Lesson 8
Lesson Title: Praying in Unity (Symphony)
Text: Matt. 18:19 'Again
I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything
that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven.'
Introduction: What does it mean if two of you shall agree.
The Greek word for ‘shall
agree’ is the word ‘symphony’
Gr. Symphony
means ‘to sound together.’
Not just
agreeing Amen.
In one mind,
with one voice.
Jesus said
that when we pray in symphony then we will receive whatever we ask.
What is
meant by praying symphony?
Introductory
story: Symphony
Orchestra
Many skilled
musicians in unity
Great
musicians but no-one is playing for him or herself.
Sound together
Great honour
to belong to the orchestra.
Not just
playing the right notes - must follow conductor.
This cannot be
read on paper must be followed all the time.
This kind of
unity in prayer is produced through:
·
New life [the life of Christ]
·
Discipleship through a living relationship with Christ built upon the Word
of God
·
A daily yielding to the leadership of the Holy Spirit
Main Points
1. New life.
Unity only
comes through new birth.
Must be born
into it.
The life of
Christ in the believer.
Unity begins
at the cross
Colossians
3:1-3
Seek first
God's kingdom.
We do not have
to produce the unity of the Spirit, we have to keep it. Ephesians 4:3.
Story: World (unsaved) looks at a new Christian and says what is he or she
doing there. New creation.
The Father
sees His Son and He delights in His Son.
Pours out His
love.
New saved are
not like the mature violinist but they can pick up the symbols and make a loud
noise
Look at the
mature violinists. Brilliant but noone gets the glory. Playing together.
Story:
Maturity - scars bring out the beauty of the life of Jesus.
2.
Discipleship.
Unity must be
built upon discipleship. Holy Spirit leading through experience and the Word of
God.
Jesus told His
disciples to teach all nations and make disciples. Matt.28.
He said that
the Gospel of the Kingdom would be preached in all nations before the end.
Matt.24:13
Personal
Testimony: As soon as I received new life I desired to
know God’s Word
Personal
testimony: My desire to
preach.
When I first preached
I was like an express train.
Needed to become
skilful.
Discipleship is
how we become skilful. 2 Tim 2:15
3. Empowering
of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2
Unity in the
anointing
caring
giving
meeting
house to house
Keep the
anointing Acts 5
Need the
energising power of the Holy Spirit
Greek Energeo
Unity in
prayer brings power.
Acts 4
Unitied prayer
empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Summary: Praying
in Unity is to be in symphony with one another.
It is a unity that
requires
1)
New Life – the resurrected life of Christ
2)
Discipleship – skilled workers
3)
Empowering of the Holy Spirit
This kind of prayer will always see great results.