Powerful and Effective Prayer
Dana Slingluff

The Bible says, "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Many Chris tians, however, believe in neither the practice nor the power of prayer. It is true that the doubters prayer will come up empty (James 1:7), but to those who believe and live a righteous life, prayer is both powerful and effective. In 1 Timothy 2:1, Paul mentions three kinds of prayer: supplications, intercessions, and the giving of thanks. These prayers will bless you in the following ways:

❶ PRAYER WILL DO SOMETHING TO YOU: Prayer is a part of our worship to God. To worship God acceptably, our prayers should contain words of praise and thanksgiving as well as confession of sin and pleas for forgiveness. This kind of prayer does something to us. It deepens the love that we have for God, keeps our conscience tender to our own shortcomings, and heightens our desire to walk close to God and do His will.

❷ PRAYER WILL DO SOMETHING FOR YOU: In Philippians 4:6 we read "Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God". There is no need too small or too great to take to our loving Father in prayer. In addition to our physical needs, Christians can pray for such spiritual needs as forgiveness for sin, deliverance from temptation, and the wisdom to choose what is right

❸ PRAYER WILL DO SOMETHING THROUGH YOU: Through prayer God will provide the needs of others. Among those for whom we should pray (1 Timothy 2:1-4), Paul includes kings and all who are in authority. Our president needs our prayers as would anyone in his position. So do the leaders of all countries, friend and foe alike. No man is really loyal as an American or as a Christian if he does not pray for God's intervention in behalf of peace in the world. We should also pray for those who are sick (James 5:16). Finally, we should pray for one another, for those who have temptation or sorrow and for those who are in need. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” ❦

Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to the family and friends of our sister Josephine Foster, who passed away this past Monday (July 1) after a brief illness. Funeral services were held Friday at Kersey’s.

Fellowship Help - Starting today everyone will have the opportunity to help with our monthly fellowships. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board with details.
....Libbie Littleton
Saturday Devotionals - 2003 - There’s a “new” sign-up sheet for our monthly Saturday Night Devotionals on the Bulletin Board. Please choose the month you prefer to host the devotional in your home.
....Jim Hall

Youth Devo Tonight
The teen group is scheduled for a fellowship and devotional this evening after the PM worship services. See Matt Faneuf for further details.

Team Meeting
There will be a Visitation Team 2 meeting tonight after the PM worship in Assembly Room “B”. Please be there.

Ladies....
The latest edition of “A Worthy Woman” is available today in the foyer. This is a monthly publication of sister Robin Johnson at the Springhead congregation.

Jesus asked, "what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" A soul is worth more than the whole world, you cannot buy one. It was given to you.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• First week of September
Personal Work Class at Orange Street
“Fishers of Men”

• Sept 29 - Oct 2 - Gospel Meeting
Orange Street church of Christ
Guest Speaker - Jimmy Clark
Start Making Plans Now