1. We pray because we have cares and anxieties in our lives, both ordinary and extraordinary, that we need to bring to God. 2. We pray because God cares for us - we can count on His goodness, shelter, and protection. His love for us is so deep that Jesus laid down His life for us. 3. We pray because God wants our cares - He encourages us to cast our anxieties on Him so He can sustain and uphold us, and help us overcome suffering as Christians.

1. Why Pray?
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2. We Pray Because We Have
Cares
A. The ordinary issues of life can bring
anxiety.
(Mat 13:22 NIV) The one who received
the seed that fell among the thorns is
the man who hears the word, but the
worries of this life and the
deceitfulness of wealth choke it,
making it unfruitful.
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3. The danger of not taking our cares to
God is that we will be so anxious and
occupied with the things of this life that
we will cannot focus on more important
eternal matters.
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4. B. The extraordinary issues of life bring
anxiety.
(Psa 142:1-5 NIV) I cry aloud to the
LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD
for mercy. {2} I pour out my complaint
before him; before him I tell my trouble.
{3} When my spirit grows faint within
me, it is you who know my way. In the
path where I walk men have hidden a
snare for me.
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5. {4} Look to my right and see; no one is
concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one
cares for my life. {5} I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in
the land of the living."
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6. There are times when we sense that the
only one who cares is the Lord—but that
is enough, as David indicates in
Psalm 142.
1. The Person to Whom we ought to
pour out our complaints and
troubles is the Lord.
2. The Person Who knows the way
through the mine-fields of our
troubles is the Lord.
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7. 3. The Person Who has a safe place
prepared for us is the Lord.
And so, that is why we turn to the Lord.
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8. We Pray Because God Cares.
When we choose to place our trust in
God..
A. We can count on His goodness.
B. We can count on His shelter.
(Nahum 1:7 NIV) The LORD is good, a
refuge in times of trouble. He cares
for those who trust in him,
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9. C. We can count on His protection.
(John 10:14-15 NIV) "I am the good
shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep
know me-- {15} just as the Father knows
me and I know the Father--and I lay
down my life for the sheep.
His love for us is that deep.
(1 John 3:16 NIV) This is how we know
what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his
life for us…
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10. We Pray Because God Wants
Our Cares
A. We are encouraged to cast our care on
the Lord.
1. He wants to sustain us when we
feel we have run out of resources.
2. He wants to uphold us when we
feel we are close to defeat.
(Psa 55:22 NIV) Cast your cares on
the LORD and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.
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11. B. We are encouraged to be over-comers
of the devil and suffering that comes
from living as Christians.
(1 Pet 5:7-11 NIV) Cast all your anxiety on
him because he cares for you. {8} Be self-
controlled and alert. Your enemy the
devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour. {9} Resist
him, standing firm in the faith, because
you know that your brothers throughout
the world are undergoing the same kind
of sufferings.
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12. {10} And the God of all grace, who called
you to his eternal glory in Christ, after
you have suffered a little while, will
himself restore you and make you strong,
firm and steadfast. {11} To him be the
power for ever and ever. Amen.
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13. C. We are asked to do three things:
1. Cast our anxieties on the LORD.
2. Resist the devil.
3. Stand firm in the faith.
For this we are promised restoration,
strength, and places again on firm
footing.
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14. In all of this, remember…
God Is Not as Excitable
as We Are
A. He controls the storms that scare us.
(Mark 4:37-41 NIV) A furious squall
came up, and the waves broke over
the boat, so that it was nearly
swamped. {38} Jesus was in the
stern, sleeping on a cushion. The
disciples woke him and said to him,
"Teacher, don't you care if we
drown?" 14

15. {39} He got up, rebuked the wind and said
to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the
wind died down and it was completely calm.
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16. B. He would rather have US than a clean
house or a gourmet lunch.
(Luke 10:40-42 NIV) But Martha was
distracted by all the preparations that
had to be made. She came to him and
asked, "Lord, don't you care that my
sister has left me to do the work by
myself? Tell her to help me!"
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17. {41} "Martha, Martha," the Lord
answered, "you are worried and upset
about many things, {42} but only one thing
is needed. Mary has chosen what is better,
and it will not be taken away from her."
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18. C. He is not intimidated or swayed by
any man.
(Mark 12:14 NIV) They came to him and
said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of
integrity. You aren't swayed by men,
because you pay no attention to who they
are; but you teach the way of God in
accordance with the truth. Is it right to
pay taxes to Caesar or not?
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19. (Luke 12:4 NIV) "I tell you, my friends, do
not be afraid of those who kill the body and
after that can do no more.”
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20. D. He offers peace in the midst of all our
anxieties.
(Phil 4:6-7 NIV) Do not be anxious about
anything, but in everything, by prayer
and petition, with thanksgiving, present
your requests to God. {7} And the peace
of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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21. When we pray for others, we should
consider what needs they might have
spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
You will find all sorts of needs on our
Wednesday Prayer List:
1. Those who need to know Christ
2. Those who are ill
3. Those who are faced with difficult
decisions
4. The ministries of our church
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22. 5. Our missionaries
6. Our country and military
7. Our church body
8. Those who are persecuted,
…just to name a few.
Come pray with us.
We will be praying for you.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YLpiJbgZnw

23. I Will Be Praying For You
Steve Ragsdale
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24. Though I may not fully understand the pain
Still I’m here for you, my friend, just the
same
I know how hard things have been
But I know that God hears the prayers of a
friend
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25. So I will be praying for you
I will be praying for you
Wherever you are, near or far
Whatever you’re going through
And when your strength is gone
I’ll be there holding on
I will be praying, praying for you
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26. When the enemy is challenging your faith
And it’s hard sometimes to think or even
pray
I understand, ’cause I’ve been there
And I’ll take your burdens to the Lord in
prayer
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27. I will be praying for you
I will be praying for you
Wherever you are, near or far
Whatever you’re going through
And when your strength is gone
I’ll be there holding on
I will be praying, praying for you
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28. Don’t lose hope. God is there.
And the answer is on its way
So don’t despair
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29. I will be praying for you
I will be praying for you
Wherever you are, near or far
Whatever you’re going through
And when your strength is gone
I’ll be there holding on
I will be praying
I’ll be praying for you
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