Embracing a Prayer-First Posture in Our Lives
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the significance of adopting a "prayer-first posture" in our lives. This approach is not just a series of actions but a lifestyle that aligns us with God's will and presence. We began by reflecting on the journey of our church, QFMC, and how this series has been instrumental in deepening our collective prayer life. Over the years, we've introduced practices like the 21 Days of Prayer and the Moment of Silence, which have enriched our spiritual journey and brought us closer to God.
We explored the concept of the tabernacle as a model for prayer, drawing from the Old Testament's detailed descriptions of this sacred space. The tabernacle, with its three distinct areas and six specific pieces of furniture, offers a profound framework for entering into God's presence. This model, often referred to as the "Tabernacle Prayer" or "Prayer of Moses," provides a structured yet deeply personal way to engage with God.
The journey through the tabernacle begins in the outer court with thanksgiving and praise, setting the tone for our communication with God. As we move through the brazen altar, we are reminded of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, prompting us to repent and confess our sins. The laver, or wash basin, encourages self-reflection and cleansing, preparing us to enter the holy place.
Inside the holy place, the candlestick symbolizes the Holy Spirit's presence, guiding us in our prayers. The table of showbread reminds us of God's provision and the necessity of His word in our lives. The altar of incense calls us to worship God for who He is, beyond what He has done for us.
Finally, we enter the Holy of Holies, where we bring our requests before God, acknowledging His power and desire to hear from us. This model is not a rigid formula but a guide to deepen our relationship with God, encouraging us to communicate with Him in diverse and meaningful ways.
Key Takeaways:
- Thanksgiving and Praise: Begin your prayers with gratitude, focusing on what God has done and provided. This sets a positive tone and aligns your heart with His presence. Entering His courts with thanksgiving helps us to shift our focus from our needs to His greatness. [45:30]
- Repentance and Confession: The brazen altar reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice. It's a place to acknowledge our sins and claim His forgiveness. This step is crucial for reconciling with God and experiencing His grace. [48:10]
- Self-Reflection and Cleansing: The laver encourages us to examine our hearts and motives. True self-reflection allows us to see ourselves as God does, leading to genuine cleansing and renewal. [50:44]
- Holy Spirit's Guidance: The candlestick symbolizes the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. Inviting the Spirit to guide us ensures that our prayers align with God's will, fostering a cooperative relationship with Him. [52:52]
- Worship and Provision: The table of showbread and altar of incense remind us of God's provision and our need to worship Him for who He is. Worship goes beyond gratitude, focusing on God's inherent worthiness. [59:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [20:29] - Announcements and Updates
- [25:24] - Introduction of New Pastoral Staff
- [27:27] - Prayer and Focus
- [28:50] - Prayer First Posture Series Overview
- [29:47] - Moment of Silence Practice
- [30:50] - Implementing Silence in Daily Life
- [32:17] - Introduction to the Tabernacle Model
- [34:10] - The Tabernacle's Purpose and Design
- [35:46] - Visualizing the Tabernacle
- [37:18] - Elements of the Tabernacle
- [38:43] - The Tabernacle as a Prayer Model
- [39:54] - Importance of Diverse Communication with God
- [42:16] - Tent of Meeting and God's Presence
- [43:54] - Entering God's Presence Through Prayer
- [45:30] - Thanksgiving and Praise in Prayer
- [47:14] - The Brazen Altar and Jesus' Sacrifice
- [50:44] - Self-Reflection at the Laver
- [52:13] - The Holy Place and the Candlestick
- [55:38] - God's Provision and the Table of Showbread
- [58:28] - Worship at the Altar of Incense
- [01:00:34] - Entering the Holy of Holies
- [01:02:52] - Bringing Requests to God
- [01:03:44] - Practicing the Tabernacle Prayer Model
- [01:04:58] - Encouragement to Engage in Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Prayer-First Posture
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 25:8-9 - "Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. You must build this tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you."
2. Psalm 100:4 - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
3. Exodus 33:11 - "Inside the tent of meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the three distinct areas and six specific pieces of furniture mentioned in the tabernacle model, and what do they symbolize in the context of prayer? [43:54]
2. How does the brazen altar remind us of Jesus' sacrifice, and what is its significance in the prayer model? [48:10]
3. What role does the candlestick play in the tabernacle, and how does it relate to the Holy Spirit's guidance in our prayers? [52:52]
4. How does the table of showbread symbolize God's provision, and what does it remind us about our dependence on His word? [55:38]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the tabernacle model of prayer help deepen one's relationship with God, and why is it important to have diverse ways of communicating with Him? [39:54]
2. In what ways does the process of moving through the tabernacle reflect the journey of aligning our hearts with God's presence? [45:30]
3. How does the concept of entering the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle model encourage believers to bring their requests before God? [01:02:52]
4. What does the altar of incense teach us about the nature of worship, and how does it differ from thanksgiving and praise? [59:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you incorporate the practice of beginning with thanksgiving and praise to shift your focus from your needs to God's greatness? [45:30]
2. Consider a time when you felt distant from God. How might the act of repentance and confession at the brazen altar help you reconcile with Him and experience His grace? [48:10]
3. What are some practical ways you can invite the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers and ensure they align with God's will? [52:52]
4. How can you make self-reflection and cleansing a regular part of your spiritual routine to prepare yourself for deeper communion with God? [50:44]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to rely more on God's provision. How can the table of showbread remind you to trust in His word and provision? [55:38]
6. Think of a recent situation where you focused more on what God has done rather than who He is. How can you shift your worship to acknowledge God's inherent worthiness? [59:14]
7. How can you create a consistent practice of bringing your requests to God, acknowledging His power and desire to hear from you? What steps can you take to make this a regular part of your prayer life? [01:02:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude as the Gateway to God's Presence
The practice of beginning prayers with thanksgiving and praise is a powerful way to align one's heart with God's presence. This approach shifts the focus from personal needs to God's greatness, setting a positive tone for communication with Him. By entering His courts with gratitude, individuals can cultivate a deeper awareness of God's blessings and provision in their lives. This practice not only acknowledges what God has done but also opens the heart to His ongoing work and presence. [45:30]
Psalm 100:4-5 (ESV): "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
Reflection: What are three specific things you are grateful for today, and how can you express this gratitude to God in your prayers?
Day 2: Embracing Forgiveness Through Repentance
The brazen altar serves as a reminder of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, inviting believers to acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness. This step is crucial for reconciling with God and experiencing His grace. By confessing sins and claiming His forgiveness, individuals can release the burden of guilt and embrace the freedom that comes from being reconciled with God. This practice fosters a deeper understanding of God's mercy and the transformative power of His grace. [48:10]
1 John 1:9 (ESV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: Is there a specific sin or burden you need to confess to God today? How can acknowledging this before Him bring you closer to experiencing His grace?
Day 3: The Power of Self-Reflection and Renewal
The laver, or wash basin, encourages believers to examine their hearts and motives, leading to genuine cleansing and renewal. True self-reflection allows individuals to see themselves as God does, fostering a deeper understanding of their identity in Christ. This practice prepares the heart to enter into a more intimate relationship with God, free from the distractions and impurities that hinder spiritual growth. By engaging in self-reflection, believers can experience the transformative power of God's cleansing and renewal. [50:44]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need God's cleansing and renewal? How can you invite Him to transform this area today?
Day 4: Guided by the Holy Spirit in Prayer
The candlestick symbolizes the Holy Spirit's presence, guiding believers in their prayers and ensuring alignment with God's will. Inviting the Holy Spirit to lead in prayer fosters a cooperative relationship with God, where His desires become the focus. This practice encourages believers to seek the Spirit's guidance in all aspects of life, trusting that He will illuminate the path and provide wisdom for every decision. By relying on the Holy Spirit, individuals can experience a deeper connection with God and a more meaningful prayer life. [52:52]
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers today? What specific area of your life do you need His wisdom and guidance in?
Day 5: Worship Beyond Gratitude
The table of showbread and altar of incense remind believers of God's provision and the need to worship Him for who He is, beyond what He has done. Worship goes beyond gratitude, focusing on God's inherent worthiness and character. This practice encourages believers to cultivate a heart of worship that is centered on God's nature, rather than solely on His actions. By engaging in worship that honors God's character, individuals can experience a deeper connection with Him and a greater appreciation for His presence in their lives. [59:14]
Psalm 29:2 (ESV): "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness."
Reflection: In what ways can you worship God for who He is today, beyond what He has done for you? How can this shift in focus deepen your relationship with Him?
Quotes
We try to pray together each evening together, spend time in prayer together. Those of you that know us. Let us also know, we try to have popcorn each evening together. I think our average is 350 out of 365 nights a year, we have popcorn. And those of you that are joining us are new. Like, I'm not talking about that throwaway microwave popcorn. It's got to be stovetop, Whirly Pop, Rite Oil, Rite Popcorn, like the whole thing. Like, that's core Royer family value here. But, sidetrack. We, yeah, the Moment of Silence. So, she suggested we implement that. [00:30:10] (35 seconds)
And, you know, it hasn't felt like a sacrifice. It hasn't felt like a hardship. It's been important. Just a few minutes of silence each evening. So, it's been a meaningful series once again. And today marks the end of this series before next week we move into 1 John. But it does not mark the end of QFMC's Prayer First Posture. We're going to continue having that. And each year, we've focused on different things. We've considered the importance of prayer and God's desire for us to be in consistent conversation with Him through prayer. [00:31:18] (42 seconds)
And the tabernacle consisted of very specific design elements. That God provided in Exodus 25, verses 8 and 9, have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. You must build this tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you. And then we see God, through the next five chapters, Exodus 25 through 30, give very specific instructions and design components of how to design, construct, lay out this tabernacle. Let's take a look at the tabernacle. [00:35:08] (37 seconds)
It's because, you see, there's three specific areas, three specific areas within the tabernacle, and six particular pieces of furniture within these three areas, all built to God's specifications. Wow. Wow. And the design and layout actually provide a model of prayer for us. A few weeks ago, I delved into the Lord's Prayer, and we looked at how it can be a model of prayer for us and not just something to recite. [00:38:48] (36 seconds)
But if our relationship with God is important enough to us, shouldn't we put in some effort? Shouldn't it take some intention? If you have a close family member or friend, are your conversations always the same? Do they follow the same format, use the same tone of voice, the same words, every single time? Every time you talk to them? Ruth, I love your name. Thank you for all you do. You are so wonderful. I love you. That's going to wear thin after a while. It's not going to be super meaningful to her. [00:39:52] (46 seconds)
And the same should be true about our relationship with God. Not just simply repetitive. So as we looked at the Lord's prayer as an outline, as a process for how to pray, we can do the same with the design and the layout, and the elements within the tabernacle. Now, some people call this the tabernacle prayer model. Others call it the prayer of Moses or the Moses prayer model. And that's what we're going to look at today. The word tabernacle means dwelling place. [00:40:57] (31 seconds)
Yet this is the same type of relationship God still desires through the sacrifices of his son Jesus to have with us. A relationship where we converse with the eternal creator and God of the universe as one speaks to a friend. And the tabernacle and the elements within and contained in it and its layout give us a model of a powerful way we can do this. So let's take a look. First, and this image will give an overhead view. Yeah, there you go. Perfect. [00:42:53] (40 seconds)
And this process, this protocol, this model. Can be used in our own prayer life. Now it's important to note that Moses and the Hebrews were operating under the law in the Old Testament. Now we're living under the freedom of Christ. Under the new covenant. So this is not law, but it can be used as a principle. A model for prayer. Jesus himself said in Matthew 5, Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No. I came to accomplish their purpose. [00:44:34] (37 seconds)
And a quote from Chris Hodges in the book. He says, Christ permanently fulfilled the requirements of the law and paid our debt for sin. For our purposes, the seven steps that Moses followed in the tabernacle are not mandatory requirements for entering God's presence, but a model for drawing closer to him. So let's begin with the outer court. That's where we begin with thanksgiving and praise. Okay, about 300 years, about 300 years after Moses, David wrote in Psalm 100, enter his gates with thanksgiving, go into his courts with praise, give thanks to him, and praise his name. [00:45:30] (41 seconds)
However, we should begin with a posture of praise and thanksgiving, with gratitude for what God has done, about what He's provided. Over the years, we've done a couple series on gratitude, and during one of them, I remember talking about how the brain is incapable of having both positive and negative emotions simultaneously. Simultaneously. One has to dominate. Our minds should focus on gratitude, thankfulness, praise, as we enter into communication with God. [00:46:14] (45 seconds)
And this is where we repent and we confess. And we claim his sacrifice as a way to reconcile ourselves to God. Then we move on to the third space, the laver or the bronze wash basin. This is where people would wash before getting any closer to God. They'd just been at the altar. They needed to cleanse themselves because, you know, it's not a very clean place. And this was a fairly shallow basin. It also had a reflective bottom underneath the water. So you could see what you looked like as you washed. And then cleanse accordingly. Think about that. [00:50:44] (53 seconds)
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