September 29th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

The Power of Faithful Prayer (James 5:13-20)

Lectionary Readings — Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost — September 29, 2024

Esther 7:1-6,9-10; 9:20-22; Psalm 124; James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50

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Call to Worship (based on James 5:13-20)

Leader: In times of suffering and joy, in sickness and in health,

People: We come to worship our faithful God.

Leader: With prayers of faith and songs of praise,

People: We gather as a community of believers.

Leader: Trusting in the power of righteous prayer,

People: We lift our voices to the Lord who hears us.

Leader: Confessing our sins and seeking restoration,

People: We turn to God's unfailing mercy and grace.

Leader: As we care for one another and reach out to those who wander,

People: We witness to God's transforming love.

Leader: Let us worship the God who answers prayer,

All: And rejoice in the presence of our merciful Savior!

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Opening Prayer (based on Mark 9:38-50)

Gracious and loving God,

We come before You today with humble hearts, recognizing our need for Your wisdom and guidance. Lord, like the disciples, we sometimes struggle to understand the breadth of Your kingdom and the depth of Your love.

Forgive us, Father, when we are quick to judge others who serve You in ways different from our own. Help us to see that all who work in Your name are part of Your greater purpose. Remind us that even the smallest act of kindness done in Your name has eternal significance.

Lord Jesus, You taught us the seriousness of sin and the importance of holy living. Give us the strength and courage to examine our own lives, to cut away anything that causes us to stumble in our faith. Help us to be salt in this world – preserving what is good, flavoring life with Your love, and creating a thirst for Your righteousness in others.

Guide us in our interactions with others, especially those new to faith or struggling in their spiritual journey. May we never be a stumbling block to others, but instead, may our words and actions always point to Your grace and truth.

We pray for unity among believers, Lord. Help us to see past our differences and focus on the bond we share in Christ. May we be known by our love for one another and our passion for serving You.

As we worship today, open our hearts to hear Your Word. Challenge us, comfort us, and transform us by Your truth. May everything we do be for Your glory and the advancement of Your kingdom.

In the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray boldly and faithfully, we offer this prayer.

Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: Title: "The Power of Faithful Prayer” (James 5:13-20)"

Introduction

• Brief overview of the context of James 5:13-20

• Thesis: James teaches us about the transformative power of faithful prayer in various life situations

I. Praying in All Predicaments (v. 13-14)

II. Potency of Prayerful Petition (v. 15-16)

III. Patterns of Powerful Prayer (v. 17-18)

IV. Purpose of Prayerful Pursuit (v. 19-20)

Conclusion

• Recap the main points: Praying in all predicaments, the potency of prayerful petition, patterns of powerful prayer, and the purpose of prayerful pursuit

• Challenge the congregation to apply these teachings in their prayer life and community interactions

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers