Relational Prayer

This four-part Relational Prayer: Praying for Others series is based on Paul’s teachings in Philippians. This series explores how we can deepen our relationships with fellow believers and grow our spiritual maturity through intentional, consistent prayer for one another. Over four weeks, we’ll examine Paul’s prayer priorities: joyful prayer, praying for maturity, and protective prayer.

You’ll gain practical insights on how to pray more effectively for others, overcome common prayer challenges, and experience the joy and strength of a vibrant prayer life. Whether new to prayer or looking to revitalize your spiritual habits, this series offers biblical wisdom and encouragement to help you cultivate a rich prayer life that strengthens the body of Christ.

This series of messages is by Simon Pranaitis, a teacher at Kootenai Community Church. It was preached during our Sunday Morning Adult Sunday School Service. Click here for more teaching by Simon Pranaitis.

Protective Prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)

by Simon Pranaitis | May 26, 2024 | Adult Sunday School, Relational Prayer, Simon Pranaitis | 0 Comments

Simon Pranaitis emphasizes the importance of prayer in combating anxiety in his sermon on Philippians 4:6-7. He explains how believers can strengthen their prayer life by stopping worrying and starting to pray. Pranaitis highlights that this approach leads to God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, guarding hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. By focusing on these two fundamental principles, believers can protect themselves from anxiety.

Praying for Maturity (Philippians 1:9-11)

by Simon Pranaitis | May 19, 2024 | Adult Sunday School, Relational Prayer, Simon Pranaitis | 0 Comments

In his sermon, Simon Pranaitis emphasizes the importance of praying for maturity in the church, highlighting how it is a critical aspect of spiritual growth. He explains how Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9-11 is a model for believers to pray for one another’s maturity. Pranaitis encourages the congregation to pray, ensuring that their love abounds increasingly in knowledge and discernment, ultimately leading to fruitful and sincere Christian living.

Joyful Prayer (Philippians 1:3-8)

by Simon Pranaitis | May 12, 2024 | Adult Sunday School, Relational Prayer, Simon Pranaitis | 0 Comments

In his sermon “Joyful Prayer,” Simon Pranaitis explores Apostle Paul’s practice of consistently praying with joy, as detailed in Philippians 1:3-8. He highlights how Paul’s unceasing prayers and thankfulness fostered deep relationships and spiritual growth within the church. Pranaitis urges the congregation to emulate Paul’s example to enhance their spiritual lives and Christian community connections through joyful and consistent prayer.

Paul’s Prayer Priorities (Selected Scriptures)

by Simon Pranaitis | May 5, 2024 | Adult Sunday School, Relational Prayer, Simon Pranaitis | 0 Comments

In this new study series on prayer with this lesson delivered by Simon Pranaitis, the prayer priorities of Paul are meticulously explored to uncover the depth of relational prayer within the Christian community. Starting with a historical backdrop from the book of Philippians, Pranaitis engages his listeners by diving deep into the nuances of praying for others. This theme is vividly presented through Paul’s epistles. The discussion elaborates on how these practices sustain and deepen bonds among believers, irrespective of physical proximity, by emphasizing the dual use of relational prayer for sanctification and connection.

With thoughtful interrogation of Paul’s epistolary prayers, Pranaitis reveals how Paul’s prayer priorities emphasize the urgency and fidelity of intercessory prayers, which are meant for individual edification and communal strengthening. Throughout his discourse, examples from Philippians showcase how Paul’s prayers were intrinsically tied to his theological objectives, aiming to foster collective resilience and unity among early Christians.

Moreover, the sermon goes beyond mere biblical recounting to address contemporary applications, urging modern believers to embody Paul’s commitments through persistent and dedicated prayer habits. Simon’s call to recognize prayer as a foundational practice that transforms personal faith and enhances collective religious life highlights this approach. By revisiting and revitalizing Paul’s prayer priorities, the sermon encourages a reflective and proactive engagement with one’s faith, community, and the broader ecclesiastical body.

Simon Pranaitis

Teacher

Simon is originally from Golden, Colorado, where he was homeschooled and lived until age 17. He attended Hillsdale College in Michigan, majoring in physics and mathematics and minoring in music. He played on the soccer team and participated in the orchestra, choir, and other musical groups.

He moved to Southern California to complete his Master’s in Bioscience at Keck Graduate Institute. While in graduate school, he met and married the love of his life, Jessica. They spent the first ten years of their married life in Ontario, CA, attending Foothill Bible Church in Upland, CA, and working together in High School Ministries and Young Married Small Group Ministries.

Simon co-taught an adult Sunday School class with one of the elders, volunteered on the missions commission, took courses at Foothill Institute of Theological Training (FITT), and participated in regular evangelism outreach. Simon’s work for a medical device company moved the family to Seattle, where they continued serving in small group ministries. Simon was also a Living Hope Bible Church deacon in Issaquah, WA.

Simon, Jessica and their five kids have lived in Idaho since 2017, attended Kootenai Church since 2021, and rejoice in God’s providence of rich fellowship and opportunities for growth in Christ. Simon works remotely for Unchained, a Bitcoin financial services company, and enjoys gardening with Jessica, playing the piano, reading theology, and learning about Bitcoin.

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