ACTS of Prayer - Part 5 [Notes]

Join us for "The ACTS of Prayer," a six-week series designed to help you grow with God and others through the gift of prayer. Each week, we’ll explore different types of prayer—Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication—while addressing questions like, “Am I doing this right?” and “Why does God answer some prayers but not others?” Whether you’re new to prayer or looking to deepen your connection with God, this series will provide Biblical insights and practical tools to help you experience the power of prayer in a meaningful and guilt-free way.
Takeaway: Supplication (Others) – Lifting up the needs of others to God.
ACTS of Prayer 
  • Adoration – Praising God for who He is.
  • Confession – Being honest with God about our sin.
  • Thanksgiving – Expressing gratitude to God always and in everything.
  • Supplication (Others) – Lifting up the needs of others to God.
  • Supplication (Ourselves) – Coming next week.
Supplication (Others) – Lifting up the needs of others to God.
  1. When we pray for others, we obey God's command.
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, Himself human, who gave Himself—a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
– 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (HCSB)
"Not much weight should be placed on the presumed distinctions between requests, prayers, and intercession. The terms are more likely designed to build on one another for emphasis."
– Dr. A. D. Litfin, The Bible Knowledge Commentary
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
– 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (HCSB)
You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
– Matthew 5:43-44 (HCSB)
"People must pray, and people must be prayed for. The Christian must pray for all things, of course, but prayers for people are infinitely more important, just as people are infinitely more important than things."
– E.M. Bounds
If you love Me, you will keep My commands.
– John 14:15 (HCSB)
Supplication (Others) – Lifting up the needs of others to God.
  1. When we pray for others, we obey God's command.
  2. When we pray for others, we concede God knows best.
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways. This is the Lord’s declaration. For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
– Isaiah 55:8-9 (HCSB) 
Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.
– 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (HCSB)
My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will. 
– Matthew 26:39 (HCSB)
Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
– Matthew 6:10 (HCSB)
Supplication (Others) – Lifting up the needs of others to God.
  1. When we pray for others, we obey God's command.
  2. When we pray for others, we concede God knows best.
  3. When we pray for others, we accept God’s call to help.  
"We never know how God will answer our prayers, but we can expect that He will get us involved in His plan for the answer."
– Corrie ten Boom
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.
– James 2:14-17 (HCSB)

Discussion Questions // 

  1. Think about the last time you prayed for someone else. What led you to pray for them, and how did it impact you? Or, share about a time when you know someone was praying for you. How did that make you feel? 
  2. Obeying God’s Command (1 Timothy 2:1-2, Matthew 5:44, John 14:15) Why does Scripture repeatedly command us to pray for others? How does interceding for others reflect God’s heart?
  3. Conceding That God Knows Best (Isaiah 55:8-9, 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, Matthew 26:39). Have you ever prayed for something and received a different answer than expected? How did you process that?
  4. Committing to God’s Call to Care (James 2:14-17, Galatians 6:2, 1 John 3:17-18) Has there ever been a time when you prayed for someone, and then realized God wanted you to be part of the answer? What happened?
  5. What’s one practical step you can take this week to be more intentional about praying for others? How can we, as a church, grow in this together?

Worship Setlist // 

Rattle! // Evidence // On My Heart (Written) // There is a King // Worthy of My Song

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