DEVELOPING A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

THROUGH PRAYER

Psalm 119:1-18

INTRODUCTION: A relationship with God is not something that comes automatically. Like other relationships, it must be nurtured.

1. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT PRAYER
2. 1. A prayer life is for an elite few.
   2. Prayer is hard work.
   3. I can never learn to be good at prayer.

    

3. SIMPLE TRUTHS ABOUT NURTURING YOUR PRAYER LIFE
4. 1. Prayer is a relationship with a loving God - Our Father.
   2. Prayer is bigger than you think.
   3. God delights in answering prayer-Seek, Ask, Knock.

    

5. PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
6. 1. Start where you are - God will meet you there.
   2. Every relationship takes time - so find a time…God's available all the time - He'll always be there.
   3. A sample plan - Once a day.

CONCLUSION: Dedicate yourself today to spend time with God in His Word and in prayer. Each day read His Word, listen for Him to speak to you and talk with Him about your day. Watch what He will do in your loving relationship with God. (More on reverse side.)

REV. STEVE LOOPSTRA

Rev. Steve Loopstra is Executive Director of Prayer Transformation Ministries, formerly known as Midwest Concerts of Prayer, a ministry "Building strategic partnerships in prayer to empower churches for city transformation." His office is located in the Nehemiah Center in Downtown Minneapolis.

Steve is ordained with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He served as an Alliance pastor for twenty years. Steve, with his wife, Marilou, have pastored in California, Iowa and Minnesota. In addition, they have served as missionaries in Europe.

Steve has helped give leadership to the prayer movement in the Christian and Missionary Alliance and in the Twin Cities area among area pastors. Steve has also led prayer journeys to Mali, West Africa, Berlin, Germany and North Africa. Steve leads pastor's prayer summits, Concerts of Prayer, and teaches on prayer and revival. Steve and Marilou have two grown children, Jonathan and Esther

Upcoming Sunday School Classes on Prayer

Special presentations will be given on the topic of prayer on Sundays, October 1^st and 8^th for our combined Adult Classes.

Guests from Prayer Transformation Ministries will conduct classes as follows:

October 1st

• Steve Loopstra - Prayer and Fasting

• Carol Madison - Teaching Children to Pray

October 8th

• John Quam - Becoming a House of Prayer