Page 27 - Pastoral Epistles I & 2 Timothy, Titus

Where does sharing the truth of the Gospel begin? The place to start planning evangelism
strategies is not on the street, but the process begins in our prayer times, where we are
dependent upon God.
Paul tells Timothy that the first thing – the primary thing – perhaps the most important thing (V1),
first of all … let’s pray.
 The church is a worshiping, praying community. No matter what else You are worthy, our
we may get involved with, our primary focus is worship and prayer. That Lord and God, to receive
is why Paul clearly says … first of all. glory and honor and power,
Some people will say, “We go to church for the preaching,” and that may for you created all things, and
be true, but preaching is not the primary purpose of the church.
Worship and prayer are the primary purposes of the church. We remind by your will they were
ourselves each time we worship that there is something greater than created and have their being.
ourselves. Revelation 4:11
Psalm 95:6-7. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel
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before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock
under his care.
Hebrews 12:28. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be
thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

What does worship look like in your church?
Is it warm and inviting? Does everything you do make sense to you? Do you think it all
makes sense to new people?

 Why do we pray? We pray because we know that God hears our prayers and answers
our prayers. When we pray for people who have not yet put their faith in Jesus for their
salvation, we remind ourselves that, even in our prayers, we are participating in God’s work
of salvation.

The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service.
The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost
and helpless. Rev. Billy Graham

Mark 11:24. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it,
and it will be yours.
James 5:13. Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing
songs of praise.
1 Peter 3:12. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their
prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

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

Colossians 4:2. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Romans 12:12. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Prayer should always be an important part of every worship service.

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