Foundations: Prayer | Listen to Sermon Audio
Foundations: Prayer - SERMON NOTES
Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. To listen to the sermon, click the link above.
Intro: (1) “foundations” series (2) reasons we don’t pray — doesn’t work, don’t feel like it, no time, not worthy, petty concerns, don’t know how (3) seven reasons to pray (4) necessity of person/work of Christ
Seven Reasons to Pray
1. Prayer connects us with God (James 1:5, 4:2-3): (1) apart from God we operate with faulty wisdom and desires — creates relational chaos (2) horizontal health flows from vertical health
2. Prayer lets us be ourselves (Ps. 109): (1) v.1-2 — exposure to evil (2) v.6-9 — anger (3) v.21-22 — weakness (4) v.30-31 — relief, gratitude (5) life a repeating cycle of these
3. Prayer protects us from sin (Colossians 2:6-8,15): (1) prayer grows us in that in which we are rooted (2) threat of competing views/perspectives (3) from what temptation do you need protection?
4. Prayer provides supernatural perspective (1 Peter 5:6-8): (1) continuing protection theme (2) God cares about us and makes it possible to experience him (4) God involved in mundane daily things
5. Prayer transforms us (Mk. 9:20-24): (1) request is granted, but the father is also changed (2) v.24 good place to start (3) honesty about where/how we need change (4) promise of 2 Cor. 3:18
6. Prayer brings peace (Phil. 4:6-7): (1) what robs you of peace and how does this manifest itself? Anger? Withdrawal? Worry? (2) “thanksgiving” caveat — thanking God for what robs us of peace
7. Prayer prepares us for Christ’s return (1 Peter 4:7): (1) proper “end times” theology is reflected in prioritizing prayer (2) this creates healthy biblical community (cf. v.8-10) as a witness to Christ
Conclusion: (1) practical ideas — ACTS, Psalms, worship guide and Friday email, shepherding group, pair with fasting, prayer service (2) notecards