Pastor Jerry Waggener preached on The Power of Spirit-Led prayer as The River Church gathered on Sunday, September 6, 2026. (Video of teaching here on YouTube.) Jesus said (in Acts 1:4-8) » Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:14 » They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. Acts 2:42 » All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. Outline: The priority of Spirit-filled prayer. The plan of prayer. Spirit-led prayers are unified. Spirit-led prayers are Scriptural. Spirit-led prayers are bold. 2 Corinthians 1:20 » For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. John 14:26 » But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. Acts 4:29-31 » And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. James 5:16 » Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. “I have felt the Spirit of God working in my heart just as really and as truly as I have felt the wind blowing in my face.” —D.L. Moody “There has never been a spiritual awakening in any country or locality that did not begin in united prayer.” —A.T. Pierson “I firmly believe that the moment our hearts are emptied of pride and selfishness and ambition and self-seeking… the Holy Ghost will come and fill every corner of our hearts; but if we are full of pride and conceit… there is no room for the Spirit of God.” —D.L. Moody The River Church in Oregon City, Oregon See our new website » www.TheRiverOC.com
