JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - Three Basic Elements of Prayer

This morning's Sunday School Lesson in case we don't have it because of our Consecration Service:

When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, 'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS? 'THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.' "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:23-31 NASB)

1.) WHO HE IS:  "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM

When you're feeling pressured, when you're being threatened, it's always a good idea to start prayer by remembering to whom you're talking. Sometimes my problems seem so big and insurmountable until I start to worship and remember WHO HE IS - the Creator of all things.

2.) WHAT IS HAPPENING: "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur."

In Psalm 2, Father, the believers prayed, "You told us that the heathen would try to come against You and Your people - We acknowledge that this is all in accordance with Your will. David wrote in Psalm 73 that the heathen seem to prosper while the Godly suffer.  Peter said, "Think it not strange when fiery trials come upon you" (1 Peter 4:12)

When persecution comes, it is in accordance with the Word and the will of the Father

3.) WHY WE COME:  "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."

The early church didn't pray that they might have a break from persecution, but that they might have boldness in persecution.

THE RESULT: And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

We often pray when we are shaken up. These guys prayed so they could BE SHAKEN UP!!!