Reading and Sermon Notes

More!

• Ephesians 3:14-21
• To ask for more isn't always a good idea, but in this prayer it is a very good idea. Paul's prayer is full of expectation:
  • There's a promise of more - despite what we see on earth now there is a future hope that begins and ends in Christ.
  • There's a passion for more - Paul kneels in prayer, showing his passion to see the church become more like its Saviour. He knows there is more of God to be known and experienced.
  • There's a power for more - God can do far more than we can imagine - and that power is in us so that we can work for Him.
• Are you living with hope and expectation for more of God?
• What can you learn from Paul's prayer?
• What excites you about this prayer and what will you do about it?

Prayer Focus

• Many Christians living in ongoing situations of discrimination and persecution are weary and faint, worn down by the year-in, year-out struggle to survive and the frustration of the injustices they suffer. Help them to find strength and hope in God by praying for them.
• Praise God for the early release from prison of an Azeri church leader, serving a 2 year prison sentance on trumped up charges. Other Christians believe that the real reason for his punishment is the Christian activities of his church, all of whose members are converts from Islam. Prison staff have demanded large payments to give him food and let him meet his relatives. Pray that other church leaders in Azerbaijan will not be made fearful by the imprisonment of this minister, whose example has been used as a threat to them.