Teaching summary
This sermon centers on the vital importance of prayer, emphasizing that it is not the method but the deep faith behind the prayer that matters. Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola share personal testimonies, biblical teachings, and practical insights that encourage believers to pray with the full authority given through Jesus’ name. They stress that by embracing the Spirit’s guidance and cultivating a genuine relationship with God, one’s prayers become powerful acts of faith. The message calls on each listener to trust in God’s everlasting love and to seek an intimate communion with the Holy Spirit.
Bible verses referenced
John 14:12 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do ye also; and greater works than these shall ye do; because I go unto my
Father.
John 14:13 – And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father
may be glorified in the Son.
John 14:14 – If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Philippians 2:10-11 –That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in
heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Romans 8:29 – For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be
conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many
brethren.
John 1:12-13 – But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God.
John 16:22 – And ye now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your
heart shall rejoice, and ye shall rejoice.
John 16:28 – I have a saying to you, Will ye not now see me, then afterward ye
Shall I see myself?
John 17:21-23 – That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee,
that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Romans 6:4 –Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as
Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father; even so, we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:5 – For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we
shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection.
Acts 2:38 – Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you
In the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:39 – For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar
off, even as many as the Lord our God will call.
Romans 5:13 – For until the law was given, sin was in the world: but sin is not
imputed when there is no law.
Ephesians 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath
blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
2 Peter 1:3 – According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that
pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Romans 8:26 – Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: But the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:27 – And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the
Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:32 – He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
1 Corinthians 2:12-13 – Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the
Spirit, which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things to spiritual.
Galatians 5:6 – For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor
uncircumcision, but faith which worketh by love.
John 16:12 – I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them
now.
John 16:13 – Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
John 16:14 –He shall glorify me: for he shall take of what is mine, and declare it
unto you.
John 16:15 – All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that
Whatsoever is mine is given unto him.
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Personal Testimony and Call to Worship
2. The Church’s Mission and the Urgency to Share the Gospel
3. Understanding Prayer as the Expression of Faith
4. Biblical Foundations for Prayer: Key Scriptures Explored
5. The Role of Faith in Effective Prayer
6. Intimacy with the Holy Spirit: Receiving Guidance and Revelation
7. Practical Illustrations and Personal Reflections
8. Conclusion: Communion, Gratitude, and a Call to Pray
Introduction: Personal Testimony and Call to Worship
Pastor Leonard opens the sermon by sharing a personal story from his early days as a song leader, recounting how he was unexpectedly called to lead worship in 1981–82. He describes the memorable incident in high school when he was set apart during a music presentation, highlighting his initial hesitance and ultimate reliance on God’s instruction. As he recalls that experience, he emphasizes the simplicity of worship—just to praise the Lord—and invites the congregation to enter into a spirit of worship. Throughout, the message is underpinned by a heartfelt reminder that our personal calling comes when we let go of our doubts and simply praise God.
The Church’s Mission and the Urgency to Share the Gospel
The tone shifts as Pastor Leonard expresses the importance of a church that not only preaches the gospel but also reaches out to the community. He explains how the church is actively working with experts—including those adept with modern algorithms—to ensure that the message is found by those seeking truth. He urges
listeners to invite their families, especially children, to church, noting that the presence of youth and families brings vibrancy to the ministry. This vision is presented as an integral part of spreading the true gospel message, ensuring that every member isenveloped by the love of God.
Understanding Prayer as the Expression of Faith
Transitioning to the core of the teaching, Pastor Leonard emphasizes that prayer is both an art and a necessity for every believer. He shares that many desire to know how to pray more effectively and that the secret lies in a simple, heartfelt cry to God – a plea built on unwavering faith. With passionate personal testimonies, he reminds the congregation that prayer is not merely reciting words but an outpouring of genuine trust. He encourages everyone to overcome doubts and hesitations and to engage in prayer, trusting that God hears and answers through the power of our faith.
Biblical Foundations for Prayer: Key Scriptures Explored
The sermon then enters a deep exploration of scripture to anchor the teaching on
prayer. Pastor Leonard reads and explains key passages, urging listeners to note every
verse:
• When he introduces the promise in John 14:12 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father, he underscores that believers will perform mighty miracles in faith.
• He further reinforces this promise with John 14:13 –And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son, and John 14:14 – If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it, urging the congregation to ask in Jesus' name without reservation.
• References to Philippians 2:10-11 – That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and Romans 8:29 –For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to
be conformed to the image of his Son.. Build the foundation that our authority in prayer is divinely established.
• He reminds believers of the transformative promise in John 1:12-13 – But as many as received him.. indicating that receiving Christ empowers us to approach prayer confidently.
The Role of Faith in Effective Prayer
Pastor Leonard continues by stressing that genuine prayer arises from deep-seated faith. He contrasts the mere act of speaking words with praying “from the heart” by recounting times when a single utterance like “Help” became a powerful prayer. He explains that the true key to answered prayers is not the method but the faith behind them. In this segment, he refers to John 16:22 – And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and ye shall rejoice, and John 16:28 –I have a saying to you, Will ye not now see me, then afterward ye shall see me? to illustrate that despite periods of sorrow and uncertainty, faith secures our hope in reunion and divine response.
Intimacy with the Holy Spirit: Receiving Guidance and Revelation
Delving deeper into the mechanics of prayer, the teaching focuses on the essential role of the Holy Spirit in guiding our prayers. Pastor Leonard reveals that our connection with the Holy Spirit—as explained in John 17:21-23 – That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee…—allows us to access the fullness of God’s promise.He demonstrates that being united with Christ brings not only powerful works but also an intimate relationship with the Father, as expressed in Romans 6:4 – Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death.. and Romans 6:5 – For if we have been
planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
Furthermore, Pastor Leonard emphasizes that through repentance and the reception of the Holy Spirit—as promised in Acts 2:38 – Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you… and Acts 2:39 – For the promise is unto you, and to your children…—our prayers are empowered beyond our human limitations. This section calls for a deep, personal intimacy with the Holy Spirit so that every prayer is an act of faithful communion.
Practical Illustrations and Personal Reflections
In this part of the sermon, personal anecdotes intertwine with theological insights to make the concept of prayer more relatable. Pastor Leonard uses everyday
scenarios—from his experiences in family life to humorous reflections on watching television and sharing moments with his wife—to exemplify how prayer and faith permeate all aspects of life. He draws on the certainty expressed in Romans 5:13 –For until the law was given, sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law, and connects it with the overwhelming blessings indicated in Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.. as well as 2 Peter 1:3 –According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…
He also highlights the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, referencing Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law, to show that as we engage deeply with God, our lives exhibit divine qualities. The personal
reflections serve as a practical reminder that intimacy with the Holy Spirit brings both guidance and a renewed perspective on everyday challenges.
Conclusion: Communion, Gratitude, and a Call to Pray
As the sermon draws to a close, Pastor Leonard leads the congregation into a time of communion, marking the remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the healing power of His blood. He reiterates that as believers, we are called to pray—to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit—with the full assurance that our prayers are heard. In his final exhortation, he invokes Romans 8:26 – Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities… and Romans 8:32 –He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? reinforcing that our requests and praises have infinite power when offered in faith. Pastor Leonard concludes with heartfelt thanks for the guidance received through prayer, encouraging the congregation to step forward with confidence and to share this transformative message with others.
We hope this article blessed you with a clear understanding of the profound power of prayer as taught by Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola. May the insights and personal testimonies inspire you to deepen your relationship with God and to walk daily in faith. Share this teaching with friends and family, and let the light of prayer continue to transform lives.