B.L.E.S.S. —
Begin with Prayer
Matthew 9:35-38
Why Pray!

God told you to. 1 Thessalonians 5:17–“Pray continually.”  Luke 18:1 “Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”   1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near.  Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
Jesus prayed. Mark 6:46 After leaving them, He went up on a mountainside to pray.” Jesus is our leader and example.  The lack of prayer is our declaration of independence from God.
Spiritual warfare is real. Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  We do our battles on our knees.

How to Pray to Bless Others! Use acrostic LOBSSS. Lob is a volleyball term. We lob the ball when sharing the Gospel and should let God direct it where it should go. It’s all about God but He allows us to be part of His game plan.

L: Pray for laborers. Matthew 9:37-38 “… He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. As the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”

O: Pray for open doors/opportunities. Colossians 4:13 “… pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.”

B: Pray for boldness. Acts 4:29 “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness.”

S: Pray for success. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.”
S: Pray for safety. 2 Thessalonians 3:2 “…pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people…”
S. Pray for salvation. 1 Timothy 2:1-6,8 “…God…wants all people to be saved…”