Series Purpose:
To inform, inspire, equip and challenge us as the people of God to embrace our unique calling to be a counter-narrative people, to do His will and serve others, and to speak the truth in love, to those who are lost/far from God, as we tell of what He has done in our lives and for the whole world.

The focus for today is: PRAYER.

Last week we began with the focus of UNDERSTANDING. We must first seek to understand our neighbor.

-Paul is saying "pray for everyone", even those who are in authority and may oppose the way of Jesus.
-The heart of God is for all people to be saved.
-There is one Savior, who made a way for all people to be reconciled to God.

Why does prayer matter so much?
-First, we acknowledge prayer is powerful and effective (James 5:16). Through prayer we have access to divine power. And through prayer, this power is working and moving!
-Next, it matters because it's our weapon as we declare war in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).
-But there's another reason: as we pray, God works in our hearts. Prayer aligns our hearts with God's hearts.

If we begin truly praying for all people, even people who are far from the Lord, then our hearts begin to align with our Father's heart. He begins to lovingly direct our thoughts. He begins to point out in us things that don't please Him. He begins to give us a heart for those around us that desperately need hope.

If we are serious about the people around us experiencing new life in Christ, then we must pray.
"Lord, give me a heart that beats as one with your heart. A heart for all people."