Dennis R. Wiles
First Baptist Arlington
September 8, 2024
FALL 2024
Together . . . for the Future
September 1 – November 2, 2024
Preaching Voice: Shepherd
Kneeology: The Priority of Prayer
Ezra 8:21-23; Nehemiah 1:1-11
Theme for 2024: Together
Theme for Fall 2024: Together . . . for the Future
Devotional Guide for the Fall
CONTEXT: Come, let us rebuild! The stories of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah are told in Ezra-Nehemiah.
KNEEOLOGY: The priority and practice of prayer. The posture of prayer is physically disadvantageous, but it is spiritually advantageous!
Ezra and Nehemiah both model for us the appropriate first response and the ongoing practice when realizing the need to rebuild or restore. They prayed! And—they prayed!
Why pray?
PRAYER:
- Prayer connects us to God. This encourages and facilitates the satisfaction of the deepest human need. Connecting to God makes it possible for us to flourish as human beings.
- Prayer demonstrates our trust in God.
- Prayer is an act of obedience.
- Prayer fosters and develops spiritual patience.
- Prayer offers God the opportunity to bring clarity to us.
- Prayer emboldens and strengthens our faith.
- Prayer connects us to spiritual power, fortitude, humility, and grace.
- Prayer works!