Embracing Bold Prayers in Times of Transition
Summary
Life is full of transitions, uncertainties, and moments that stretch us beyond our comfort zones. In these seasons, it’s easy to become anxious, to focus on the chaos around us, or to look for someone or something to blame. Yet, the invitation from God is to come to Him with bold, audacious prayers—prayers that are honest, even a little scary, and that invite Him to do deep work within us. Psalm 139 gives us a model for this kind of prayer, reminding us that God knows us intimately, is always present, is in control of all things, and has all power.
God’s knowledge of us is complete—He knows our thoughts, our fears, our coming and going, even better than we know ourselves. This can be both comforting and convicting, especially when we realize that nothing is hidden from Him, not even our sin. In times of change, when anxiety rises, we are reminded that God is not only aware of our circumstances but is also with us in every moment. His presence is not dependent on our feelings; it is a constant reality because of what Christ has done for us.
We are also reminded that God is sovereign over every detail of our lives. From the moment of our conception, He has been intricately involved, weaving together every part of who we are. If He is in control of something as complex as our creation, how much more can we trust Him with our finances, our families, our futures, and our fears?
But perhaps the boldest prayer we can pray is not for God to change our circumstances or deal with those who oppose us, but to search our own hearts. “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” This is a prayer of radical trust and surrender, asking God to reveal what is truly within us—even the things we’d rather not see. It’s a prayer that requires courage, because God will answer it, and He will lovingly confront us with the truth. Yet, in His hands, even our weaknesses and failures become places of transformation.
Like a child who boldly asks for what seems impossible, we are invited to approach God with the same audacity—trusting that He is good, that He hears us, and that He desires to do His best work in us. Let’s be a people who pray bold prayers, who invite God to search us, and who trust Him to lead us in the way everlasting.
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Key Takeaways
- God’s Knowledge Surpasses Our Own Self-Understanding
God knows us more deeply than we know ourselves. While we often think we are experts on our own hearts and motives, God sees every thought, every fear, and every hidden place. This truth is both comforting and humbling, reminding us that we can bring our confusion and questions to the One who truly understands us and our needs. [45:27]
- God’s Presence Is Unchanging, Even When We Don’t Feel It
Our feelings can be unreliable indicators of God’s nearness. Even in seasons of darkness, spiritual opposition, or emotional numbness, God’s presence is unwavering. The cross of Christ guarantees that nothing can separate us from Him, so we can rest in the assurance that He is with us, working even when we cannot perceive it. [50:10]
- God’s Sovereignty Extends to Every Detail of Our Lives
From the moment of conception, God has been intimately involved in our creation and our story. His control is not limited to the big events but includes every intricate detail. Trusting in His sovereignty frees us from the illusion of control and invites us to surrender our anxieties, knowing that the One who formed us is also guiding our future. [53:30]
- Bold Prayers Begin with Honest Self-Examination
It is easier to pray for God to change others or our circumstances than to ask Him to search our own hearts. Yet, true transformation begins when we invite God to reveal what is within us—our motives, our fears, our hidden sins. This kind of prayer is bold because it opens us up to God’s loving correction and the possibility of real change. [01:01:10]
- Childlike Boldness Pleases God and Invites His Power
Just as a child asks for what seems impossible without fear or shame, we are called to approach God with audacious requests and honest confessions. God delights in our boldness, not because we have it all together, but because it demonstrates trust in His goodness and power. Let’s not settle for safe, predictable prayers, but dare to ask God for what only He can do in us and through us. [01:12:59]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[03:10] - Gratitude for Serve Teams and Field House Staff
[07:30] - Navigating Transition and Change
[11:45] - House Church Announcement
[14:20] - Introduction to Bold Prayers Series
[18:00] - The Call to Pray Bold, Audacious Prayers
[22:30] - Psalm 139: God Knows Everything
[26:00] - God’s Presence in Every Circumstance
[30:10] - God’s Sovereignty Over Our Lives
[34:00] - Wrestling with Enemies and God’s Power
[38:00] - The Bold Prayer: Search Me, O God
[43:00] - Radical Self-Examination and Surrender
[47:00] - Childlike Boldness in Prayer
[50:00] - Response Time and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Bold Prayers – Psalm 139
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### Bible Reading
Psalm 139 (ESV)
(You may want to read the whole chapter, but especially focus on verses 1-18 and 23-24.)
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 139, what are some specific ways God shows that He knows us intimately? (see verses 1-6)
2. In the sermon, what examples did the pastor give of how God’s presence is with us even when we don’t feel it? [49:33]
3. How does the psalmist describe God’s involvement in our creation and life story? (see verses 13-16)
4. What is the bold prayer that David prays at the end of Psalm 139, and how does it differ from his earlier prayers in the chapter? [01:01:10]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The pastor said, “God knows more about you than you know about you.” Why might this be both comforting and convicting for someone? [45:27]
2. The sermon mentioned that God’s presence is not dependent on our feelings. How does this truth challenge the way people often approach their relationship with God? [50:10]
3. Why do you think David shifts from praying about his enemies to asking God to search his own heart? What does this reveal about the nature of bold prayer? [01:01:10]
4. The pastor described childlike boldness in prayer as “audacious.” What does it look like to approach God with this kind of boldness, and why do you think God delights in it? [01:12:59]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor asked, “When’s the last time you prayed a prayer that scared you a little?” Can you think of a time when you prayed a bold or risky prayer? What happened? [39:45]
2. In seasons of transition or anxiety, do you tend to focus more on the chaos around you or on what God might want to do within you? What would it look like to shift your prayers from “change my circumstances” to “search my heart”? [01:01:10]
3. The sermon said, “God’s presence is not dependent on our feelings.” Are there times when you have doubted God’s nearness because you didn’t feel Him? How can you remind yourself of His constant presence this week? [50:10]
4. The pastor shared that God is in control of every detail, even our creation. Is there an area of your life (finances, family, future, fears) where you struggle to trust God’s sovereignty? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him? [53:30]
5. David’s prayer, “Search me, O God, and know my heart,” is a prayer of radical trust. What fears or hesitations do you have about inviting God to reveal what’s really in your heart? [01:01:10]
6. The pastor gave the example of his daughter boldly asking for ice cream at bedtime. What is something you want to ask God for, but have been hesitant because it feels too bold or “impossible”? What’s stopping you from bringing it to Him? [01:12:59]
7. The sermon challenged us not to settle for “safe, predictable prayers.” What is one bold, honest prayer you can pray this week, either for yourself or for someone else? How can the group support you in this? [01:13:41]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray Psalm 139:23-24 together, asking God to search their hearts and lead them in the way everlasting. Encourage honesty and boldness in their prayers this week.
Devotional
Day 1: God Knows Everything About You
God knows every detail of your life—your thoughts, your actions, your fears, and your hopes—even better than you know yourself. This truth can be both comforting and convicting, because nothing is hidden from Him, not even the things you try to keep from others or from yourself. When you feel lost, uncertain, or alone, remember that God already knows what you need and what you’re going through. He sees your struggles and your sin, and He loves you enough to call you to confession and forgiveness. You can come to Him honestly, knowing He understands you completely and desires what is best for you. [45:27]
Psalm 139:1-6 (ESV)
O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
Reflection: What is one area of your life you’ve been hiding or avoiding bringing to God? Will you take a moment today to honestly tell Him about it, trusting that He already knows and loves you?
Day 2: God Is Always Present
No matter where you go or what you face, God’s presence is with you. Even in the darkest moments, when you feel far from Him or surrounded by uncertainty, He is right there—closer than you realize. You don’t have to rely on feelings to know that God is near; His presence is a promise, not a feeling. Jesus’ sacrifice removed every barrier, so you can be confident that God is with you in every circumstance, whether you’re on the mountaintop or in the valley, in the light or in the darkness. [51:55]
Psalm 139:7-12 (ESV)
Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
Reflection: When was the last time you felt alone or abandoned? How might your day change if you reminded yourself that God is truly with you, right now, wherever you are?
Day 3: God Is In Control of All Things
From the moment you were conceived, God has been intimately involved in every detail of your life. He is the Creator who knit you together, and He has written every one of your days in His book. Nothing in your life is outside of His control—not your circumstances, your future, your family, or your struggles. When you feel anxious about change or overwhelmed by uncertainty, you can rest in the truth that God is sovereign and purposeful in all things, working for your good and His glory. [56:00]
Psalm 139:13-18 (ESV)
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel out of control? Will you surrender it to God today, trusting that He is already working in ways you cannot see?
Day 4: God Has All Power
God is able to handle every enemy, obstacle, and opposition you face—nothing is too hard for Him. Like David, you can bring your boldest, most honest prayers to God, even when you feel overwhelmed by those who are against you or by spiritual opposition. God’s power is not limited by your circumstances or your emotions; He is the same God who raised Jesus from the dead and who can move in your life in mighty ways. Bring your struggles, your frustrations, and even your anger to Him, knowing He is powerful enough to act on your behalf. [59:46]
Psalm 139:19-22 (ESV)
Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain.
Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.
Reflection: Who or what feels like an “enemy” in your life right now? Will you boldly ask God to intervene, trusting in His power rather than your own strength?
Day 5: Boldly Invite God to Search Your Heart
The boldest prayer you can pray is to ask God to search your heart, reveal what’s inside, and lead you in His way. It’s easy to focus on what’s wrong around you or with others, but true transformation begins when you invite God to deal with what’s inside of you. This prayer requires radical trust and surrender, because it means being open to God’s correction, conviction, and healing—even when it’s uncomfortable. When you let God search your motives, your thoughts, and your desires, you open yourself to His best work in your life, trusting that He loves you enough to change you from the inside out. [01:10:34]
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 heart or attitude you’re afraid to let God examine? Will you take a quiet moment today to invite Him to search you and show you what needs to change?
Quotes
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