January 16th, 2025
by Pastor Pencil Boone
by Pastor Pencil Boone
*This blog post was generated using church.tech from the talk that was preached for Multiply week2
Have you ever imagined being part of something bigger than yourself? A movement that starts with one person and reaches thousands? You might be surprised to learn that this kind of multiplication begins with something as simple as prayer. In our recent sermon series, "Multiply Everywhere in Every Place," we explored how God's principle of multiplication extends beyond numbers to impact every part of our lives and communities. Today, we're focusing on multiplying our prayers and understanding that prayer isn't just preparation for the work—prayer is the work.
The Apostle Paul is a prime example of someone who understood the power of multiplication through prayer. In his letters to the Colossians, Paul highlights the importance of prayer in spreading the Gospel and building the church. He mentions Epaphras, a lesser-known but significant figure in Paul's ministry, who was known for his fervent and constant prayers. Epaphras's dedication to prayer was a key factor in the growth of the early church, and it can be the same for us today.
The Apostle Paul is a prime example of someone who understood the power of multiplication through prayer. In his letters to the Colossians, Paul highlights the importance of prayer in spreading the Gospel and building the church. He mentions Epaphras, a lesser-known but significant figure in Paul's ministry, who was known for his fervent and constant prayers. Epaphras's dedication to prayer was a key factor in the growth of the early church, and it can be the same for us today.
The Power of Prayer in Multiplication
Paul's letters to the Colossians reveal the importance of prayer in multiplying the impact of the Gospel. In Colossians 1:3-8, Paul thanks God for the faith and love of the Colossians, which he attributes to the Gospel bearing fruit and growing all over the world. This growth is not just numerical but spiritual, as believers mature in their faith and become more like Christ.
Epaphras, a faithful minister and prayer warrior, played a crucial role in this multiplication. He prayed constantly, fervently, personally, specifically, and sacrificially for the believers in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. His prayers were not just general requests but specific intercessions for the spiritual maturity and assurance of the believers. This kind of prayer is what leads to true multiplication in the church.
Epaphras, a faithful minister and prayer warrior, played a crucial role in this multiplication. He prayed constantly, fervently, personally, specifically, and sacrificially for the believers in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. His prayers were not just general requests but specific intercessions for the spiritual maturity and assurance of the believers. This kind of prayer is what leads to true multiplication in the church.
How You Can Multiply Your Prayer Life
- Pray Constantly: Make prayer a regular part of your daily routine. Just like Epaphras, don't wait for special occasions to pray. Seek God's guidance and blessing in every aspect of your life.
- Pray Fervently: Approach prayer with passion and intensity. Wrestling in prayer, as Epaphras did, means being fully engaged and committed to seeking God's will.
- Pray Personally: Focus your prayers on specific people and needs. Carry those you care about in your heart and lift them up to God regularly.
- Pray Specifically: Know what you're praying for. Be clear about the needs and desires you bring before God, and trust Him to work in those areas.
- Pray Sacrificially: Let your prayers cost you something. Invest time and energy into your prayer life, knowing that it is a powerful tool for multiplication.
Conclusion
The point is clear: prayer is the foundation for multiplying God's work in our lives and communities. As you consider your own prayer life, ask yourself: What steps can I take to develop a multiplication prayer life? How can I be more like Epaphras, wrestling in prayer for those around me? Remember, God has already given you the reach; now it's time to pray for the courage to have the outreach.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of prayer and the power it holds to multiply Your work in our lives. Help us to be like Epaphras, committed to praying constantly, fervently, personally, specifically, and sacrificially. May our prayers lead to spiritual growth and multiplication in our communities. Guide us as we seek to follow Your will and make a difference in the world around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
No Comments