We are created to be in communion with God through Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:2, 9)

Communion With God

Koinōnia — fellowship, association, community, communion, and joint participation.

Communion with God is accessed and activated through prayer. (Hebrews 10:22)

We cannot be people of His presence if we are not people of prayer.

Prayer is Our Acknowledgement Of

• His love for us — Salvation (John 3:16)

• His work in us — Sanctification (2 Corinthians 3:18)

• His power through us — Spirit Baptism (Acts 1:8)

Prayer Is Powerful and Effective

Prayer is powerful and effective. (James 5:13–16)

When We Pray, We…

• Engage in conversation with God. (Psalm 17:6–7)

• Receive revelation from God. (Jeremiah 33:3)

• Activate the plans of God. (Matthew 9:38)

Effective Prayers Are Prayed With

• Conviction — Mark 9:23; James 1:6

• Consistency — 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 18:1–7; Matthew 7:7–8

• Cooperation — John 14:13–14; Luke 11:2; Matthew 26:42

• Clean hands — Matthew 6:33; James 4:2–3; Psalm 66:18; 1 Peter 3:7, 12

Ask. Seek. Knock. — The Bullseye of Prayer

• When we ask, we inquire (God’s heart).

• When we seek, we worship (God’s glory).

• When we knock, we obey (God’s will).

Press into His heart, lift up His glory, and surrender to His will. (Matthew 7:7–8)

When we are people of His presence, we cannot help but be people of His purpose. (Jeremiah 23:18)

Receive the Gifts of the Spirit

Pray to receive the gifts of the Spirit. (Luke 11:13; 1 Corinthians 14:1)

What Is Prophecy?

Prophecy is speaking forth by divine inspiration.

Prophecy is the tongue or language of the Church. Slander and lies are the tongue or language of the enemy. (John 8:44)

Diabolos - to slander.

Types of Prophecy

1. Edification - 1 Corinthians 14:4

2. Encouragement - Ephesians 5:18–19; Colossians 3:16

3. Comfort - 1 Corinthians 14:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17

4. Correction - 1 Corinthians 14:24–25

Testing and Discerning Prophecy

False prophets will operate in the last days to hinder the true work of the Spirit. Their goal is to distort or discourage the truth. (2 Peter 2:1–3; 1 John 4:1)

Truth shines brightly in dark places. (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21; 1 Corinthians 14:29)

1. Is it in the Word? — Hebrews 4:12–13; Jeremiah 23:28–29

2. Is it in order? — 1 Corinthians 14:32

3. Is it in love? — 1 Corinthians 13:2; Ephesians 4:15

Session One Discussion

In what ways has God revealed Himself to you during times of prayer?

Pray together for your assigned situation in the Church.

• What is God’s heart concerning the matter?

• What will bring glory to God in the matter?

• What is God’s will in the matter?

Session Two Prayer Points

• Pray for a missionary and their country. Share what you sense God is speaking over them, then send your prayer to the missionary.

• Pray for a Love Fayette partner: City Mission, The Salvation Army, Alternatives.Yes Pregnancy Support Center, Keystone Family Institute, Prison Ministry, or Genesis House.

• Pray for another church in Fayette County.

• Pray for a Faith Assembly serve-team ministry: Faith Kids, Faith Youth, Faith Pillars, Belle Vernon Campus, or Brownsville Campus.