Today we begin a new series of sermons entitled, “WHEN YOU PRAY.” This series will be based on the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount about prayer. We will also cover two parables Jesus told about prayer. Once we have finished His teaching about prayer, we will turn to Christ’s actual prayers like those He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and the ones He prayed from the Cross. We will look at His High Priestly Prayer that He prayed for His disciples in John, chapter 17. Prayer is more than a conversation with God. It is communion with God. Prayer is a relationship with God. It is not an occasional “stop-over” with God. Prayer is a daily walk together with God.
The Psalmist said, “Today, if you will hear His voice: ‘Do not harden your hearts.’” (Psalm 95:7-8)
Tom Elliff says, “Many believers are under the misconception that they can return to intimacy with the Lord whenever they want. They believe restored fellowship is solely a matter of their personal discretion, available at the drop of a hat. But in moments of deep searching and quiet desperation they admit that even the willingness to will themselves back to God is missing. They come to the startling revelation that we must come to Him on His terms and at His time or we will not come to Him at all.”
The cold heart is a matter of the unbent knee and lack of prayer.
F.B. Meyer said, “The greatest tragedy in life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.”
Our whole nation suffers from this great tragedy. When the people of God fail to pray, the nation of God’s people suffers.
Today’s sermon makes 4 points for us to remember:
You will be asked today to respond to these four points which Jesus spoke about in the Sermon on the Mount when He taught about prayer. Prayer changes the cold heart into a spiritual heart sensitive to the word and way of God. Determine now to become a believer who prays like Jesus taught us all to pray.
“Father, make us a more sensitive and determined people in prayer. Warm our hearts, convict our souls and move us in our spirits to make prayer a daily priority in our homes, in our families, and in our dealings with others. May we put You first in our prayers. Help us to pray not to please others, but to obey You and listen to what You have to say. Jesus, show us how to pray to You like You prayed for us. Make Grace Baptist Church a place of powerful God-honoring prayer. May we today, truly ‘Hear Your voice…’ like the Psalmist prayed. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.”
Pastor Mike
The Psalmist said, “Today, if you will hear His voice: ‘Do not harden your hearts.’” (Psalm 95:7-8)
Tom Elliff says, “Many believers are under the misconception that they can return to intimacy with the Lord whenever they want. They believe restored fellowship is solely a matter of their personal discretion, available at the drop of a hat. But in moments of deep searching and quiet desperation they admit that even the willingness to will themselves back to God is missing. They come to the startling revelation that we must come to Him on His terms and at His time or we will not come to Him at all.”
The cold heart is a matter of the unbent knee and lack of prayer.
F.B. Meyer said, “The greatest tragedy in life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.”
Our whole nation suffers from this great tragedy. When the people of God fail to pray, the nation of God’s people suffers.
Today’s sermon makes 4 points for us to remember:
- Prayer is an Act of Worship – How can you make worship better in your life through prayer?
- Become a NOW disciple in prayer – Make a prayer schedule and stick to it!
- Pray Sacrificially – Pray like God is the only one listening. What should you do NOW to make God the only one who really matters when you pray?
- Pray in your Private Place – Do you have a special place in which you pray? If you do not, clean out a place, fix it up and set apart/sanctify a spot somewhere that is your special place of prayer.
You will be asked today to respond to these four points which Jesus spoke about in the Sermon on the Mount when He taught about prayer. Prayer changes the cold heart into a spiritual heart sensitive to the word and way of God. Determine now to become a believer who prays like Jesus taught us all to pray.
“Father, make us a more sensitive and determined people in prayer. Warm our hearts, convict our souls and move us in our spirits to make prayer a daily priority in our homes, in our families, and in our dealings with others. May we put You first in our prayers. Help us to pray not to please others, but to obey You and listen to what You have to say. Jesus, show us how to pray to You like You prayed for us. Make Grace Baptist Church a place of powerful God-honoring prayer. May we today, truly ‘Hear Your voice…’ like the Psalmist prayed. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.”
Pastor Mike
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