We believe that prayer changes things.
Our purpose in praying together
To seek God on behalf of the people through prayer and intercession.
What Is Prayer?
Many would define prayer as simply talking to God.
Although this is partially true, we believe there is so much more to prayer.
For example, describing prayer as conversation with God already expands the definition.
Below we break out some of our key points on prayer, from the basics of conversation to the deeper discussions and powerful testimonies found in scripture.
How Do I Start?
The acronym “A C T S” has been used to remind God’s children from ages 1 to 120 (see Genesis 6:3) of just some of the fundamentals of prayer.
A - Adoration
Adoration is different than thankfulness.
Although they may seem to be close brothers, adoring God for the things in your life that you are abruptly stopped and are awe struck by, are described as adoration. When we are impressed by His artistry and amazed by His creations.
It’s not only thanking him for that special someone in your life, it’s getting to know the potential of God. It’s saying “WOW, if I’m only seeing a glimpse of You, then I’m blown away by what I haven’t even seen yet!” (Make sense?)
Think about adoration; It’s not a word you hear spoken too often about (If at all).
Psalms 145:5 (NKJV)
“I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works.”
C -Confession
Confession is something we are all most likely familiar with in one way or another.
James chapter 5 speaks of confessing our sins one to another:
James instructs believers who are struggling with sin to seek faithful and trusted brothers and sisters in Christ who will intercede for them in their battle with sin.
He is not suggesting that we confess our sins carelessly to just anyone, but to mature believers who will provide spiritual and practical support.
Of course, we should also confess our sins to those we have sinned against, as we seek forgiveness and restoration.
1 John 1:9 says; “If we confess our sins, He [Jesus] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
T - Thankfulness
Thankfulness is something believers and non-believers display all the time; “Oh, Thank God!”.
But don’t forget the deeper things to be thankful for.
The very air we breathe is a great place to start as God is our provider and giver of life.
Genesis 2:7 says; “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
Acts 17:24-25 says; “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;”
We have much to be thankful for.
S - Supplication
Supplication is one subject that can be controversial even within ourselves.
- Are we asking for something that seems trivial?
- Are we supposed to ask for things?
We hear comments like, God is not a shopping mall or a vending machine.
We believe that in the context of scripture we can ask BIG because we serve a BIG GOD.
The question is not as much what we ask for, it is a bigger question:
“In what do we find our satisfaction?”
Jesus said, in the book of John chapter 14 verse 13-14; “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”
When our satisfaction and contentment is found when God gets ALL the glory, then we’ve asked “In His Name” and He will do it.
The Transforming Power of Prayer
Here is a daily challenge for one week at a time beginning on Monday and ending on Sunday.
Each day is an opportunity to emphasize different ways to speak, approach, respond and rely on God in your prayer walk.
Friday is a day of fast for this challenge.
Videos will be posted by each leader, one for each day at 7:00am on Instagram @therefugechurchsh
and Facebook @therefugechurchsh
Each subject is expandable below.
1. Invite God
When we invite God, He brings gifts: joy, patience, and resilience. Anxieties come, but they don’t stick. Fears surface and then depart. “The Lord will hear your crying and he will comfort you. When he hears you, he will help you” Isa. 30:19. We should do nothing before we pray. “A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.” Prov 16:9
2. Rejoice In Him
Paul urges us to, “rejoice in the Lord always!” Philippians 4:4. Not just on paydays, good days, or birthdays. Rejoice in the Lord always. It’s one thing to rejoice in the Lord when life is good, but when the odds are against you? It’s not easy, but remember His promises. Colossians 1:17: “He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together.” Rejoice in the sovereignty of God. His throne is still occupied; his will is still perfect. And God uses everything to accomplish His will! “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.” Psalm 150:6
3. Pray Boldly
Scripture says, “So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our time of need,” Hebrews 4:16. Pray boldly with faith. The faith-filled prayer invites God to be God, to be sovereign over every aspect of our lives. “However, we personally had a death sentence within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and He will deliver us; we have placed our hope in Him that He will deliver us again.” 2 Cor 1:9-10
4. Bring it all to Jesus
Bring it all to Jesus. “Will you take this away?” No sin is too ancient or recent, too evil or insignificant. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1.9
5. Be Specific
A specific prayer is a serious prayer. If I say to you, “Do you mind if I come by your house sometime?” you may not take me seriously. But if I say, “Can I come over this Friday night? I really need your advice.” Then you know my petition is sincere. When we ask specific requests, God knows the same! John 14:13-14
6. Reminded Promises
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah said, “Put the Lord in remembrance of His promises, keep not silence” Isaiah 62:6. God invites you—yes, commands you—to remind him of his promises. Find a promise that fits your problem, and build your prayer around it!
These prayers of faith touch the heart of God and miracles are set in motion! “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Duet 31:6
7. Give it All to God
We have the opportunity to offer heartfelt prayers for every person we know and every person we see: the attendant at the grocery store, and the nurse in the doctor’s office. You don’t have to tell them of your intercessory prayer. When we seek to help others through prayer, we are helped too. The act of praying for others has a boomerang effect. It allows us to shift the burden we carry for others to the shoulders of God. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” 1 Tim 2:1
The Lord’s Prayer
Breaking down The Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 into five parts, we can see how each section aligns us with God's will, allowing us to bring heaven to earth when we pray in faith, in Jesus' name:
1. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name”
Purpose: Worship and Reverence.
We begin by recognizing the holiness of God and our relationship with Him as a loving Father. This frames our prayer in a context of reverence, reminding us of our place as His children. By exalting His name, we honor His authority and establish our dependence on Him.
2. "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"
Purpose: Submission to God’s Will.
Here, we invite God's kingdom—His rule, authority, and power—into our lives and the world around us. It’s a plea for God’s will to manifest here, just as it is perfectly fulfilled in heaven. This shapes our prayers around His purposes rather than our desires.
Heaven on Earth: As we submit to His will, we become vessels through which God’s authority is carried out on earth. We act as Christ’s representatives, furthering His mission and transforming the world according to His kingdom.
3. "Give us this day our daily bread"
Purpose: Dependence and Provision.
This part emphasizes our daily reliance on God for sustenance, both physically and spiritually. It acknowledges that all provision comes from Him and that He is intimately involved in meeting our needs.
Heaven on Earth: In trusting God for our daily needs, we live in the present moment, experiencing His provision in real-time. Faith in His provision invites the reality of heaven’s abundance into our lives.
4. "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors"
Purpose: Reconciliation and Mercy.
This reflects the importance of forgiveness in our relationship with God and others. Just as Christ extends grace to us, we are called to extend that same grace to those who have wronged us. Forgiveness frees us to live in alignment with God’s heart.
Heaven on Earth: Forgiveness breaks the chains of bitterness and division, allowing heaven’s peace and unity to flourish in our hearts and relationships. In forgiveness, we mirror God's love and grace, bringing His reconciling power to earth.
5. "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one"
Purpose: Protection and Victory over Evil.
This is a prayer for God’s guidance and protection from spiritual warfare and moral pitfalls. We acknowledge our need for God’s strength to resist temptation and recognize the battle against the forces of evil.
Heaven on Earth: By seeking deliverance from evil, we align ourselves with the victory Christ has already won over sin and Satan. We stand in the authority Jesus gave us, declaring that we are His representatives on earth, empowered by His Spirit to overcome darkness.
Conclusion: "For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever."
Purpose: Declaration of God's Sovereignty.
This closing phrase affirms that all things belong to God—His is the kingdom, power, and glory. It reminds us that our prayers align with His eternal plan and authority.
Heaven on Earth: Declaring God's ultimate authority invites His rule over every area of life. As we proclaim His kingdom, we manifest His dominion here on earth, partnering with heaven in fulfilling His will.
Application:
When we pray The Lord’s Prayer with faith and in Jesus' name, we not only seek the Father’s will but also take our place as His voice and representation on earth.
Jesus perfectly modeled this, only speaking what the Father instructed (John 12:49). As His followers, we embody His mission, praying with the authority He has given us, thereby bringing heaven’s reality into our world.
RFG Prayer Team
The Prayer Team is a vital part of the church.
We support those in our church family who need a partner in prayer during our services and throughout the week.
Ephesians 6:18 says; “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all The Lord’s people.”
