The Power of Prayer

Scripture passages that support the idea of prayer changing things and can be included in your sermon are:

1. Matthew 7:7-8 - "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."
2. James 5:16 - "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
3. Mark 11:24 - "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

To reinforce your current ideas without sharing personal examples, you can:

1. Provide historical examples of answered prayers from the Bible or other sources.
2. Share testimonies or stories of individuals who have experienced the power of prayer in their lives.
3. Offer practical steps or guidelines for effective prayer, such as consistency, faith, and aligning with God's will.

Regarding language suggestions from the original languages in the Scripture passages you included:

1. In Matthew 7:7-8, the Greek word for "ask" is "aiteite," which implies a persistent and earnest request.
2. In James 5:16, the Greek word for "power" is "energeō," which conveys the idea of effective and active working.

You can explore other instances where these words are used in the Bible to further emphasize the transformative nature of prayer. For example:

1. The word "aiteite" is also used in John 14:13-14, where Jesus encourages his disciples to ask in his name, assuring them that he will do whatever they ask.
2. The word "energeō" is used in Ephesians 3:20, highlighting God's ability to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think.

By incorporating these additional Scripture passages and exploring the original language meanings, you can strengthen your sermon's message on the power of prayer.