Connecting with God: The Power of Prayer
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the importance of prayer and how it is essential for maintaining a connection with God. We acknowledged that while many of us believe in the power of prayer, we often struggle with it, especially in public settings. Prayer is not just about talking to God but also about listening to Him. The Apostle Paul emphasized the need to pray continually, and we explored his prayers for the churches, focusing on receiving God's power, sharing faith, and fostering unity.
We then transitioned to a common prayer many of us have: "Help me make the right decision." Paul’s letter to the Philippians offers guidance on this, praying that our love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that we can discern what is best. This agape love is selfless and transformative, changing how we see the world and make decisions.
To discern God's will, we need to know God intimately, which involves seeking godly counsel, immersing ourselves in Scripture, and persistent prayer. I shared a personal story about a significant decision my wife and I made to move to Maricopa and start a church. We sought wise counsel, delved into Scripture, and prayed earnestly. Through this process, we felt God's guidance, even though it was challenging and required patience.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of listening to God in prayer, not just speaking. The Shema from Deuteronomy teaches us to hear, listen, and obey God. We encouraged everyone to seek wise counsel, engage with Scripture, and pray continually, especially when facing significant decisions. We concluded with an invitation to take communion, reflecting on the ultimate expression of God's love through Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Vital Role of Prayer: Prayer is essential for maintaining a connection with God. It involves both speaking to and listening to God. Despite its challenges, especially in public settings, prayer is a vital practice for spiritual growth and remaining in God's power. [02:30]
2. Agape Love and Decision Making: Paul's prayer in Philippians emphasizes that our love should abound in knowledge and depth of insight. This agape love is selfless and transformative, enabling us to discern God's will. It changes how we see the world and make decisions, aligning us with God's purpose. [07:17]
3. Knowing God to Discern His Will: To make the right decisions, we must first know God intimately. This involves seeking godly counsel, immersing ourselves in Scripture, and persistent prayer. Knowing God is both simple and complicated, requiring effort and dedication. [10:39]
4. The Importance of Wise Counsel and Scripture: Seeking advice from trusted, godly individuals and engaging deeply with Scripture are crucial steps in discerning God's will. Scripture provides a foundation, and wise counsel helps us process and understand God's direction for our lives. [12:05]
5. Listening in Prayer: Prayer is not just about speaking to God but also about listening to Him. The Shema teaches us to hear, listen, and obey. By being open to God's voice, whether through Scripture, other people, or a still small voice, we can find guidance and assurance in our decisions. [22:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:43] - The Struggle with Prayer
[02:30] - The Importance of Continual Prayer
[03:17] - Paul's Prayers for the Churches
[04:40] - Unity in Christ
[05:21] - Praying for Right Decisions
[06:34] - Paul's Prayer in Philippians
[07:17] - Understanding Agape Love
[08:05] - Discerning God's Will
[09:30] - Transformation Through God's Love
[10:39] - Knowing God to Make Decisions
[12:05] - Seeking Wise Counsel
[13:27] - Personal Story: Moving to Maricopa
[14:59] - The Role of Scripture
[16:10] - Importance of Prayer
[19:14] - Listening to God
[22:00] - The Shema: Hear, Listen, Obey
[23:27] - God's Guidance in Big Decisions
[24:20] - Changing the Prayer Perspective
[25:13] - Encouragement for Big Decisions
[26:07] - Invitation to Pray and Seek Counsel
[27:19] - Communion Invitation
[28:05] - Reflecting on God's Love
[29:05] - Closing Prayer and Communion
[34:47] - Announcements and Closing Song
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 1:9-10: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray continually."
3. Deuteronomy 6:4-5: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul pray for in Philippians 1:9-10, and why is it important for decision-making? [06:34]
2. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:17, how often are we encouraged to pray? [02:30]
3. What does the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 teach us about our relationship with God? [22:00]
4. In the sermon, what personal story did the pastor share about making a significant decision, and what steps did he take to discern God's will? [12:57]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does agape love, as described in Philippians 1:9-10, transform our decision-making process? [07:17]
2. Why is continual prayer, as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, vital for maintaining a connection with God? [02:30]
3. How can the principles of the Shema (hear, listen, obey) be applied to our daily prayer life and decision-making? [22:00]
4. What role does seeking godly counsel and engaging with Scripture play in discerning God's will, according to the pastor's personal story? [12:57]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you had to make. How did you incorporate prayer into that process? If you didn't, how might you do so in the future? [06:05]
2. Think of a time when you struggled with prayer, especially in public. What steps can you take to become more comfortable with praying in different settings? [01:43]
3. Identify a person in your life who exemplifies agape love. How can you learn from their example to let your love abound more in knowledge and depth of insight? [07:17]
4. When faced with a significant decision, how can you ensure you are seeking wise counsel and not just looking for someone to confirm your pre-existing desires? [14:06]
5. How can you make listening to God a more integral part of your prayer life? What practical steps can you take to create space for hearing God's voice? [19:14]
6. Reflect on the Shema's call to hear, listen, and obey. What specific actions can you take this week to better align your life with these principles? [22:00]
7. The pastor shared about the importance of Scripture in decision-making. What is one Bible passage that has guided you in the past, and how can you use Scripture to guide your current decisions? [16:10]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Vital Role of Prayer
Prayer is essential for maintaining a connection with God. It involves both speaking to and listening to God. Despite its challenges, especially in public settings, prayer is a vital practice for spiritual growth and remaining in God's power. [02:30]
Prayer is the lifeline that connects us to God, allowing us to communicate our deepest thoughts, fears, and desires while also opening our hearts to hear His voice. It is not merely a ritualistic practice but a dynamic conversation that fosters a deeper relationship with our Creator. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to pray continually, highlighting the importance of maintaining an ongoing dialogue with God. This continual prayer helps us stay attuned to God's will and strengthens our spiritual resilience.
However, many of us struggle with prayer, particularly in public settings where we may feel self-conscious or unsure of what to say. It's important to remember that prayer is not about eloquence or perfection but about sincerity and openness. By making prayer a regular part of our daily lives, we can experience God's presence more profoundly and draw on His strength in times of need.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Think about your current prayer life. What steps can you take to make prayer a more consistent and meaningful part of your daily routine?
### Day 2: Agape Love and Decision Making
Paul's prayer in Philippians emphasizes that our love should abound in knowledge and depth of insight. This agape love is selfless and transformative, enabling us to discern God's will. It changes how we see the world and make decisions, aligning us with God's purpose. [07:17]
Agape love, as described by Paul, is a selfless, unconditional love that seeks the best for others. This type of love is not based on emotions or circumstances but is rooted in a deep commitment to act in the best interest of others. When our love abounds in knowledge and depth of insight, it transforms our perspective and decision-making process. We begin to see the world through God's eyes, prioritizing His will and purpose over our own desires.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul prays that their love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that they may be able to discern what is best. This prayer highlights the connection between love and discernment. As we grow in agape love, we become more attuned to God's guidance, making decisions that reflect His character and align with His plans for our lives.
Philippians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did love and discernment play a role in that decision? How can you cultivate agape love in your daily interactions?
### Day 3: Knowing God to Discern His Will
To make the right decisions, we must first know God intimately. This involves seeking godly counsel, immersing ourselves in Scripture, and persistent prayer. Knowing God is both simple and complicated, requiring effort and dedication. [10:39]
Knowing God intimately is the foundation for discerning His will in our lives. This relationship is cultivated through various spiritual disciplines, including seeking godly counsel, immersing ourselves in Scripture, and engaging in persistent prayer. By surrounding ourselves with wise, godly individuals, we gain valuable insights and perspectives that help us navigate life's challenges. Scripture serves as a guide, providing timeless wisdom and principles that shape our understanding of God's character and desires.
Persistent prayer is another crucial aspect of knowing God. Through regular communication with Him, we develop a deeper sense of His presence and guidance. This ongoing dialogue allows us to align our hearts with His, making it easier to discern His will in our decisions. While knowing God may seem both simple and complicated, it ultimately requires a commitment to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else.
Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: Consider your current relationship with God. What steps can you take to deepen your intimacy with Him and better discern His will for your life?
### Day 4: The Importance of Wise Counsel and Scripture
Seeking advice from trusted, godly individuals and engaging deeply with Scripture are crucial steps in discerning God's will. Scripture provides a foundation, and wise counsel helps us process and understand God's direction for our lives. [12:05]
Wise counsel and Scripture are invaluable resources for discerning God's will. Trusted, godly individuals can offer insights and perspectives that we may not see on our own. Their experiences and wisdom can help us navigate complex situations and make decisions that align with God's purposes. It's important to seek counsel from those who are spiritually mature and have a track record of living out their faith with integrity.
Engaging deeply with Scripture is equally important. The Bible is God's revealed word, providing timeless wisdom and guidance for our lives. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we gain a better understanding of God's character, His promises, and His expectations for us. This foundation helps us discern His will and make decisions that honor Him. Together, wise counsel and Scripture create a comprehensive framework for understanding and following God's direction.
Proverbs 15:22 (ESV): "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed."
Reflection: Think of a decision you are currently facing. Who are the godly individuals you can seek counsel from, and what Scripture passages can you study to gain clarity and direction?
### Day 5: Listening in Prayer
Prayer is not just about speaking to God but also about listening to Him. The Shema teaches us to hear, listen, and obey. By being open to God's voice, whether through Scripture, other people, or a still small voice, we can find guidance and assurance in our decisions. [22:00]
Listening in prayer is an often overlooked but essential aspect of our spiritual lives. While it's natural to focus on presenting our requests and concerns to God, it's equally important to quiet our hearts and minds to hear His voice. The Shema, a central declaration of faith in Judaism, emphasizes the importance of hearing, listening, and obeying God. This practice requires intentionality and patience, as we learn to recognize and respond to God's guidance.
God speaks to us in various ways, including through Scripture, other people, and a still small voice within our hearts. By being open and attentive, we can discern His direction and find assurance in our decisions. Listening in prayer helps us develop a deeper relationship with God, as we learn to trust His wisdom and timing. It also fosters a sense of peace and confidence, knowing that we are following His lead.
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: During your next prayer time, take a few moments to be still and listen for God's voice. What do you sense He is saying to you, and how can you respond in obedience?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Prayer is vital to remaining in Christ and remaining in the power of God. If God, the Father, God, the Son, God, the Spirit are the power source, one of the most vital things we have to remain connected to them is prayer. It's when we're talking to God, it's when we're listening to God. And as awkward it can be and sometimes hard to pray, it's vital." [02:30] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So a lot of times we frame this question to God in such a way that we hope we get this answer. But that's not what Paul's talking about. I pray that your love will abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. So that you can discern what God's will is for you. His love. It's a deep, love. The love of God transforms us from the inside out." [08:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So how do you know what's best? Well, first of all, you have to know God. And it's very important. You have to know God before you know what's best. So knowing God is simple. And knowing God is complicated. I heard a guy on a podcast this week say, knowing God is simply complicated. Right? I mean, it should be easy. But many times it's difficult. It takes work. It takes effort." [10:39] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The love of God transforms us from the inside out. That was the first prayer we prayed, right? May the power of God dwell in you so that you can feel and understand and be transformed by this radical love. Because when this love comes at you, it changes you from the inside out. You see differently. You think differently. You understand differently." [08:50] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So it's a love that focuses on others, not self. And so Paul's saying, I pray that this love will abound in you more and more in depth of knowledge and insight, so that you can make the right decision. Now, a lot of times when we pray to God for the right decision, we've already got the answer in mind. We know what it looks like. We just want God to confirm it." [08:05] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Many times, sharing our faith can be a difficult thing, and most of the time, we get that backwards, right? We feel like, well, when I have full understanding of who Christ is, then I'll share my faith. And Paul says, no, no, no. It works the other way around. You can share your faith. You can listen to someone. You can pray for someone. You can be in a conversation with someone. You can share your faith many different ways." [03:59] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So, firstly, wise counsel. So, I began to meet with people. I met with people that I trusted. Maybe that was a mentor or a friend, family, people that I wanted to speak into my life. And I asked them, what do you think? What do you think we should do? And it was interesting. The answers were everywhere. Everywhere. Now, these are people I trusted, by the way. These are not strangers. These, you know, people I didn't know. I knew these people. They were trusted people." [13:27] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Scripture is important. People are important. And finally, the third thing is prayer. You're going to have to pray. You're going to have to pray and pray and pray. And a lot of times we think about prayer as us speaking to God. That's prayer. That's prayer. But most of the time, it's listening to God. It's finding a place that we can actually hear the voice of God." [19:14] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So be careful. Trusted people. But you need trusted people. And I had my uncle who was in ministry. I had friends. I had other pastors. Trusted, wise counsel. Second thing is scripture. You're going to need scripture. It's in the Bible. But the Bible is big. The Bible is hard to read. The Bible is confusing. It's written by a lot of different people. It's written over thousands of years. It can be very, very difficult." [15:32] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So I thought it would be a good illustration today just for me to take you through a big decision that Lisa and I made. And how we processed through this decision. It took a while. It took a while. But there were three main things that we leaned on. And I think these three things are helpful. Maybe not the only things, but I think they're important to discerning God's will, getting the right answer, connecting with God. The first one is this. Seek godly counsel. Seek godly, wise counsel that you can trust." [12:05] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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