Approaching God: The Power and Reverence of Prayer
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound question: "When you pray, to whom do you pray?" This question invites us to reflect deeply on the nature and character of God. We began by recounting the story of Jim Lamplier, who initiated a prayer meeting in 1857 that sparked a massive revival in New York City. His story underscores the power of prayer and the impact one person can have when they commit to seeking God earnestly.
We then delved into various biblical passages to understand the grandeur and holiness of God. From Moses encountering the burning bush to Isaiah's vision of the Lord in the temple, Ezekiel's awe-inspiring vision of heavenly creatures, and John's revelation of Christ in His glory, each account reveals a God who is majestic, powerful, and holy. These encounters remind us that approaching God in prayer is a fearsome and awesome experience, one that should be approached with reverence and humility.
We also discussed the importance of understanding who God is when we pray. God is not a distant, uncaring deity but a loving Father who understands our challenges and longs to be in a relationship with us. Jesus, who experienced human life in all its facets, empathizes with our struggles and intercedes on our behalf.
Finally, we emphasized the need to approach God in prayer with humility, submission, and confidence. Humility acknowledges our unworthiness, submission aligns our will with God's, and confidence stems from our faith in His power and love. We are encouraged to devote time to prayer, making it a regular and intentional part of our lives, and to pray for our leaders and communities, trusting that God hears and responds to our prayers.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of One Person's Prayer: Jim Lamplier's story illustrates how one person's commitment to prayer can ignite a spiritual revival. His perseverance, even when initial attendance was low, demonstrates the importance of faithfulness in prayer. This encourages us to persist in prayer, trusting that God can use our efforts to bring about significant change. [25:59]
2. The Holiness of God: Encounters with God in the Bible, such as Moses at the burning bush and Isaiah's vision in the temple, reveal the fearsome and awesome nature of God. These stories remind us that approaching God in prayer is a sacred act that requires reverence and humility. We must never take for granted the privilege of speaking to the Holy One. [32:01]
3. God's Empathy and Understanding: Jesus' life on earth assures us that God understands our struggles. Jesus experienced hunger, fatigue, pressure, and even death. This empathy means that when we pray, we are speaking to a God who truly understands and cares about our challenges. This should encourage us to approach Him with our deepest concerns. [48:05]
4. Approaching God in Prayer: We must approach God with humility, submission, and confidence. Humility acknowledges our unworthiness, submission aligns our will with God's, and confidence comes from our faith in His power and love. This balanced approach ensures that our prayers are both respectful and bold, trusting in God's ability to act. [56:54]
5. Devotion to Prayer: Developing a regular and intentional prayer life is crucial. This involves setting aside dedicated time for prayer, praying for our leaders and communities, and practicing prayer consistently. As we devote ourselves to prayer, we grow in our relationship with God and become more attuned to His will and purposes. [01:00:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:46] - Importance of Uninterrupted Worship
[12:12] - Challenge to Take Prayer Seriously
[25:59] - Jim Lamplier's Prayer Meeting
[29:20] - Encountering God's Holiness
[32:01] - Fearsome and Awesome Experience
[33:38] - Isaiah's Vision of God
[36:25] - Ezekiel's Vision of Heavenly Creatures
[40:36] - John's Revelation of Christ
[44:09] - The Throne Room of God
[46:31] - The Power of Praying to a Mighty God
[48:05] - Jesus' Empathy and Understanding
[56:54] - Approaching God in Prayer
[01:00:37] - Devotion to Prayer
[01:12:12] - Announcements and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 3:1-6 - Moses and the Burning Bush
2. Isaiah 6:1-8 - Isaiah's Vision of the Lord
3. Revelation 1:12-18 - John's Vision of Christ
### Observation Questions
1. What was Moses' initial reaction when he saw the burning bush and heard God's voice? (Exodus 3:1-6)
2. How did Isaiah describe the scene in the temple when he saw the Lord? (Isaiah 6:1-8)
3. What were some of the physical descriptions John used to describe Christ in his vision? (Revelation 1:12-18)
4. According to the sermon, what was the significance of Jim Lamplier's prayer meeting in 1857? ([25:59])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to reveal Himself to Moses through a burning bush? What does this tell us about God's nature? (Exodus 3:1-6)
2. How did Isaiah's vision of the Lord impact his sense of self and his mission? (Isaiah 6:1-8)
3. What does John's vision of Christ in Revelation tell us about the majesty and power of Jesus? (Revelation 1:12-18)
4. How does the story of Jim Lamplier illustrate the power of one person's prayer and faithfulness? ([25:59])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a powerful way. How did it change your perspective or actions?
2. How can you cultivate a sense of reverence and humility in your daily prayer life? ([32:01])
3. Jesus understands our struggles and intercedes for us. How does this knowledge affect the way you approach Him with your concerns? ([48:05])
4. What steps can you take to make prayer a more regular and intentional part of your life? ([01:00:37])
5. Think about a leader or community member you can pray for this week. How can you commit to praying for them consistently?
6. How can you align your will with God's in your prayers, practicing submission and humility? ([56:54])
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to approach God with more confidence. What specific prayer can you offer in that area this week? ([01:00:37])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of One Person's Prayer
Jim Lamplier's story from 1857 is a powerful testament to the impact one person's commitment to prayer can have. Despite initial low attendance, Jim's perseverance in seeking God through prayer sparked a massive revival in New York City. This story encourages us to persist in prayer, even when results are not immediately visible. It reminds us that God can use our faithful efforts to bring about significant change in our communities and beyond. Our prayers, no matter how small they may seem, have the potential to ignite a spiritual awakening.
When we commit to prayer, we align ourselves with God's will and open the door for His power to work through us. Jim's story is a call to action for each of us to take our prayer life seriously and to trust that God hears and responds to our prayers. Let us be inspired by Jim's example and commit to being faithful in prayer, knowing that God can use our dedication to bring about transformation. [25:59]
1 Kings 18:42-44 (ESV): "So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. And he said to his servant, 'Go up now, look toward the sea.' And he went up and looked and said, 'There is nothing.' And he said, 'Go again,' seven times. And at the seventh time he said, 'Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you have been praying for a long time without seeing results. Can you commit to continuing in prayer, trusting that God is at work even when you cannot see it?
Day 2: The Holiness of God
Encounters with God in the Bible, such as Moses at the burning bush and Isaiah's vision in the temple, reveal the fearsome and awesome nature of God. These stories remind us that approaching God in prayer is a sacred act that requires reverence and humility. We must never take for granted the privilege of speaking to the Holy One. When we come before God, we are entering the presence of the Creator of the universe, who is majestic, powerful, and holy.
Understanding the holiness of God helps us to approach Him with the right attitude. It reminds us of our own unworthiness and the need for humility. As we reflect on these biblical encounters, let us be mindful of the awe and reverence that should accompany our prayers. Let us approach God with a heart of worship, acknowledging His greatness and our dependence on Him. [32:01]
Isaiah 6:1-3 (ESV): "In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!'"
Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of reverence and awe in your prayer life? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's holiness when you pray?
Day 3: God's Empathy and Understanding
Jesus' life on earth assures us that God understands our struggles. Jesus experienced hunger, fatigue, pressure, and even death. This empathy means that when we pray, we are speaking to a God who truly understands and cares about our challenges. This should encourage us to approach Him with our deepest concerns, knowing that He is not distant or uncaring but is intimately aware of our human experience.
When we bring our struggles to God in prayer, we can be confident that He understands and empathizes with us. Jesus, who walked this earth and faced the same challenges we do, intercedes on our behalf. This knowledge should give us comfort and assurance as we pour out our hearts to God. Let us be encouraged to approach Him with honesty and vulnerability, trusting in His compassion and understanding. [48:05]
Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: What specific struggles or challenges are you facing right now? How can you bring these to God in prayer, trusting in His empathy and understanding?
Day 4: Approaching God in Prayer
We must approach God with humility, submission, and confidence. Humility acknowledges our unworthiness, submission aligns our will with God's, and confidence comes from our faith in His power and love. This balanced approach ensures that our prayers are both respectful and bold, trusting in God's ability to act. When we come before God in prayer, we recognize our need for Him and our dependence on His grace.
Humility helps us to see ourselves rightly in relation to God, while submission allows us to surrender our desires to His perfect will. Confidence, rooted in our faith, empowers us to pray boldly, knowing that God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. Let us strive to cultivate these attitudes in our prayer life, approaching God with a heart that is humble, submissive, and confident in His love and power. [56:54]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to practice more humility, submission, or confidence in your prayers? How can you intentionally incorporate these attitudes into your daily prayer routine?
Day 5: Devotion to Prayer
Developing a regular and intentional prayer life is crucial. This involves setting aside dedicated time for prayer, praying for our leaders and communities, and practicing prayer consistently. As we devote ourselves to prayer, we grow in our relationship with God and become more attuned to His will and purposes. A disciplined prayer life helps us to stay connected to God and to seek His guidance in all areas of our lives.
Making prayer a priority requires intentionality and commitment. It may involve creating a specific time and place for prayer, using a prayer journal, or setting reminders to pray throughout the day. As we cultivate a habit of prayer, we will experience the transformative power of God's presence in our lives. Let us be encouraged to devote ourselves to prayer, trusting that God hears and responds to our prayers. [01:00:37]
Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to develop a more consistent and intentional prayer life? How can you make prayer a regular and integral part of your daily routine?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "My challenge, my hope is that we become so enraptured, enamored, enthralled with the Lord that when we approach him it is this glorious moment of worship and we can ask him, we can approach him and we just fall in love with hanging out and spending time and abiding with God." [12:12](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "All because one man decided to pray. One man decided, you know what? I'm going to go to the city and I'm going to go to this place. I'm going to pass it out. I'm just going to tell people we need to pray. He heard about the decline. He knew about the anxiousness that people had about how Christianity was going south and people were disillusioned. Church attendance. And what did he do? He opened up a room and he prayed. He prayed." [28:12](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you pray to the mighty God, he has the power to help. When you pray to a dead God, a defeated God, a dead, defeated God, he is powerless to help. When you pray to an idol, an idol just sits on your shelf. It has no potential to do anything. It can't hear you, it can't speak, it can't work, it just sits there because of the block of wood or a piece of stone." [47:25](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you pray to the loving God, he understands your challenges. When you pray to a distant God, a God that, well, you know, he just might be distant, he doesn't really care about me, but God can't help you. When you pray to the loving God, and how do we know? He's a loving God because God so loved us that he sent his son. He sent his son into the world. Jesus understands our problems and our challenges." [48:05](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus said to us, come to me all of you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls for my yoke is easy my burden is oh church amen to that you know you don't have to fear he loves us he intimately loves us." [51:30](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Speaking to the Lord is a fearsome and awesome experience. We forget those. I've been walking with Jesus for many years and sometimes I completely forget the speaking to the Lord. I take advantage of it. I pray to him. I just approach his throne. But speaking to the Lord is a fearsome and awesome experience. If you've been a Christian for a long time, you kind of take it for granted that you get to come to the Lord." [32:01](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you pray, to whom do you pray? How big, how awesome, and how marvelous is the God to whom you pray? Is he capable? Competent, strong enough, powerful enough to meet your needs, to fulfill your request, to answer your puny request? Oh God, will you get me a parking? Compared to God, will you lead people to you? How big, how awesome, and marvelous is your God? You can tell by how big and awesome and marvelous are your prayers." [46:31](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you pray, how do you enter into his presence? Do you just kind of, you know, lollygagging and then so you're just praying as you drive? Are you really, God is so big that, well, I'm just going to drive. Sure, you can have that kind of relationship, but what about this beautiful intimate relationship that you can have with God? When you pray, how do you enter? There are three ways I think we need to do. The first one is humbly. We absolutely need to enter humbly." [56:54](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Come submissively. Jesus prayed, not my will but your will be done. Submissive. Don't demand of God that he works the way that you think he should work, works when you think he should work, works how you think he should work. God, I submit first myself to you and then when you submit yourself, you submit your requests to him and you go, God, here are my requests, they're yours, you're much wiser than I am, given to you." [59:04](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Be confident, church. Go to the one who sits in the throne, who's 24 angels, 24 creatures surround and the elders surround and boldly ask him to work and submit the Lord. I want you to think about your schedule this week. I want you to think about how you can make moments in your schedule and devote time to pray. Devote time to pray and when you devote time to pray, you won't come to church starving for prayer, starving for a relationship, starving for something. You'll come healthy, you'll come worshiping well." [01:00:37](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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