When the Church Prays, 6-Sermon Series on Corporate Prayer

Written by Lloyd Stilley

The following six (6) sermons were preached by Lloyd Stilley as a part of an emphasis on corporate prayer in his church. He was inspired by and drew heavily on John Franklin's new book And the Place Was Shaken: How to Lead a Powerful Prayer Meeting.

The following is an excerpt of the introductory sermon:

And the Place Was Shaken

My aim this morning is, first, to so persuade you from God’s Word and from church history of the primacy of corporate prayer that you will never view the prayer meetings of our church the same again.

Second, my aim and my prayer is that you will determine to take one step forward in your participation and confidence in prayer, not just as an individual, but with other believers, gathered together with the purpose of seeing God’s glory manifested.

Why am I talking about this today? Is it because our Wednesday prayer meeting attendance is off or our Prayer Ministry involvement is lacking? No, in fact, in both cases, this church has been stronger in attendance and involvement than any I’ve served.

I bring the issue of praying together up for three reasons:

1. Corporate prayer is on par with preaching and teaching as a priority in a healthy church.
2. Praying together is a vital key to opening God’s presence and work among His people in unique ways. And
3. The tendency among believers, even among those who occupy leadership positions in the church, to think of prayer gatherings as the extra-curricular activity in the life of the church.

Here are links to full manuscripts of all six (6) sermons:

1. The Priority of Praying Together (Acts 6:1-5)
   
    
2. The Critical Mass That Unleashes God’s Will (Revelation 8:1-5)
   
    
3. Why We Believe Better Than We Behave Concerning Prayer (James 4:1-2)
   
    
4. Principles for a Powerful Prayer Meeting, Part 1 (Acts 12:1-11)
   
    
5. Principles for a Powerful Prayer Meeting, Part 2 (Acts 12:1-11)
   
    
6. The Great Awakening (Romans 1:18; Joel 2) (this sermon is preached as a part of the prayer summit service below)

Free Download:  Order of Service for a Prayer Summit  (2-page PDF)

Pastor Lloyd Stilley has been married to Leeanne for 23 years, has two sons, Joey (20) and Craig (16), and has served as a pastor for 20 years. The past 7 years he has served FBC, Gulf Shores. He is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.