Embracing Dangerous Prayers for a Bold New Year
Summary
On this first Sunday of the year, I invite you to reflect on the nature of our prayer lives. As we step into a new year, it's crucial to consider how much time we spend being still before God, listening rather than just speaking. Our world is filled with noise and distractions, and it's easy to get caught up in the chaos. Yet, God calls us to moments of stillness where we can truly hear His voice. Often, our prayers are safe and predictable, but I challenge you to embrace the concept of "dangerous prayers"—prayers that move us beyond comfort and safety into deeper faith and reliance on God.
Consider the prayer of David, "Search me, O God," which invites God to reveal areas in our lives that need transformation. This is a dangerous prayer because it requires vulnerability and a willingness to change. Similarly, Isaiah's prayer, "Here am I, send me," is a call to action, asking God to use us for His purposes, even when it leads us into the unknown. These prayers are not about seeking comfort but about aligning ourselves with God's will, even when it leads to challenges.
In 1 Samuel 3, young Samuel learns to listen to God's voice, a lesson in being still and attentive. When God speaks, it often leads to difficult tasks, as seen throughout the Bible. Yet, these challenges bring us closer to God and deepen our relationship with Him. In Acts 4, the early church prayed for boldness in the face of persecution, and God answered by empowering them to continue spreading the gospel despite opposition.
As we enter this new year, I encourage you to pray with boldness and faith. Ask God to search your heart, to send you where He needs you, and to speak to you in ways that challenge and grow your faith. Let us be a church that prays not just for safety and comfort but for the courage to step into the unknown, trusting in God's greatness and His plans for us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Stillness: In a world filled with noise, taking time to be still before God allows us to hear His voice. This requires intentionality and a willingness to listen rather than just speak. Being still is a spiritual discipline that opens us to God's guidance and presence. [00:44]
2. Embracing Dangerous Prayers: Prayers like "Search me, O God" and "Here am I, send me" are dangerous because they invite God to challenge and change us. These prayers require vulnerability and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. [05:59]
3. Listening to God's Voice: Like Samuel, we must learn to recognize and respond to God's voice. This involves being still, willing, and ready to act on what God reveals to us. Listening to God often leads to tasks that are challenging but spiritually rewarding. [08:16]
4. Praying for Boldness: The early church's prayer for boldness in Acts 4 demonstrates the power of asking God for courage to face opposition. Boldness in our faith can lead to spiritual growth and opportunities to witness to others. [24:21]
5. Trusting in a Big God: Our prayers should reflect the greatness of God, asking for things that are humanly impossible. Trusting God with the results of our prayers allows us to take risks in faith, knowing that He is capable of doing more than we can imagine. [30:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:44] - The Call to Be Still
- [03:03] - Reflecting on Prayer Habits
- [05:11] - Challenging Safe Prayers
- [05:59] - Dangerous Prayers: Search Me
- [08:16] - Samuel's Lesson in Listening
- [10:14] - The Cost of Hearing God
- [11:40] - The Challenge of God's Call
- [12:38] - Samuel's Difficult Message
- [14:14] - The Importance of Stillness
- [16:52] - Being Willing and Ready
- [18:23] - Responding to the Holy Spirit
- [20:09] - Acts 4: Boldness in the Early Church
- [22:22] - The Power of Being with Jesus
- [24:21] - Praying for Boldness
- [27:08] - The Call to Dangerous Prayers
- [30:35] - Trusting in a Big God
- [32:08] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Samuel 3:1-10
2. Psalm 139:23-24
3. Isaiah 6:8
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Observation Questions:
1. In 1 Samuel 3, how does Samuel initially respond to hearing God's voice, and what guidance does Eli provide him? [08:16]
2. What are the specific "dangerous prayers" mentioned in the sermon, and why are they considered dangerous? [05:59]
3. How did the early church in Acts 4 respond to threats and opposition, and what was their prayer? [24:21]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of being still before God? [00:44]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might the prayer "Search me, O God" be considered dangerous, and what does it reveal about one's willingness to change? [05:59]
2. How does the story of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3 illustrate the importance of being attentive and responsive to God's voice? [08:16]
3. In what ways does the prayer for boldness in Acts 4 demonstrate a shift from seeking comfort to embracing challenges for the sake of the gospel? [24:21]
4. How does the sermon suggest that being still before God can impact one's spiritual life and relationship with Him? [00:44]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. How often do you take time to be still and listen to God, and what steps can you take to improve this practice? [00:44]
2. Consider the "dangerous prayers" mentioned in the sermon. Which one resonates with you the most, and why? How can you incorporate it into your prayer life this year? [05:59]
3. Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt God was speaking to you? How did you respond, and what can you learn from Samuel's example in 1 Samuel 3? [08:16]
4. The early church prayed for boldness in the face of opposition. What areas of your life require boldness, and how can you pray for and act on that boldness this week? [24:21]
5. The sermon challenges us to trust in a big God by praying for things that seem humanly impossible. What is one "big" prayer you can commit to praying this year, and how will you trust God with the outcome? [30:35]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt called to step out of your comfort zone for God's purposes. How did you respond, and what might God be calling you to do now that requires similar faith and courage? [11:40]
7. How can you create a regular habit of praying for others, especially those who come to mind unexpectedly? What practical steps can you take to act on these promptings from the Holy Spirit? [18:23]
Devotional
Day 1: The Discipline of Stillness
In a world that constantly demands our attention, finding moments of stillness can be challenging yet profoundly rewarding. The practice of being still before God is not merely about silence but about creating space to hear His voice. It requires intentionality and a willingness to pause amidst the chaos of life. This spiritual discipline allows us to tune into God's guidance and presence, fostering a deeper relationship with Him. By prioritizing stillness, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's voice, which often speaks in the quiet moments of our lives. [00:44]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: What specific time and place can you set aside this week to practice stillness before God, allowing Him to speak into your life?
Day 2: The Courage of Dangerous Prayers
Dangerous prayers are those that push us beyond our comfort zones and invite God to challenge and change us. Prayers like "Search me, O God" and "Here am I, send me" require vulnerability and a willingness to embrace the unknown. These prayers are not about seeking comfort but about aligning ourselves with God's will, even when it leads to challenges. By praying dangerously, we open ourselves to transformation and growth, trusting that God will lead us through whatever He reveals or calls us to do. [05:59]
Jeremiah 17:10 (ESV): "I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to pray more boldly and vulnerably? How can you begin to pray dangerously in that area today?
Day 3: The Art of Listening to God
Learning to listen to God's voice is a vital aspect of our spiritual journey. Like Samuel, we must cultivate the ability to recognize and respond to God's voice, which often requires stillness and attentiveness. Listening to God can lead to tasks that are challenging but spiritually rewarding, as it aligns us with His purposes. By being willing and ready to act on what God reveals, we deepen our relationship with Him and grow in faith. This practice of listening is not passive but an active engagement with God's presence and direction in our lives. [08:16]
1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
Reflection: How can you create an environment in your daily routine that allows you to better hear and respond to God's voice?
Day 4: The Boldness of Faith
The early church's prayer for boldness in Acts 4 exemplifies the power of asking God for courage in the face of opposition. Boldness in our faith can lead to spiritual growth and opportunities to witness to others. By praying for boldness, we invite God to empower us to stand firm in our beliefs and to act courageously in sharing the gospel. This kind of prayer reflects a deep trust in God's ability to work through us, even in challenging circumstances, and encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that God is with us. [24:21]
Ephesians 6:19-20 (ESV): "And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
Reflection: In what specific situation or relationship do you need to pray for boldness to share your faith or stand firm in your beliefs?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Greatness
Our prayers should reflect the greatness of God, asking for things that are humanly impossible. Trusting God with the results of our prayers allows us to take risks in faith, knowing that He is capable of doing more than we can imagine. This trust is rooted in the belief that God's plans are greater than our own and that He is able to accomplish what we cannot. By praying with this mindset, we align ourselves with God's purposes and open ourselves to the miraculous ways He can work in and through us. [30:35]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What is one seemingly impossible situation in your life where you need to trust in God's greatness and pray with faith for His intervention?
Quotes
Some of us need to start the year by just saying, God, search me. See if there's anything in me that needs to be addressed. Is there any unclean spirit within me that needs to be addressed? Is there any habit? Is there any addiction? Is there anything, the way I'm treating people that needs to be addressed? God, search me. It's a dangerous prayer because God will answer that prayer and he will reveal to you what needs to change. [00:05:59] (27 seconds)
When you volunteer to be sent by God, God hears that prayer. It's a very dangerous prayer because he will send you. Now the prayer we like to pray. Church is here am I, send Kevin, right? Or hey, pastor, there's this need in our church and I think this needs to be done and here's all the problems that we have in the church and one of the ways to address it is Steve would be a great person to do that, right? And we often say, here am I, send somebody else. But what would it look like to pray this dangerous prayer this year? Here am I, send me. [00:06:37] (33 seconds)
When was the last time you or I prayed that prayer? God, no agenda. God, what do you have to say to me today? God, speak to me, for your servant is listening. It's a dangerous prayer. Why is that a dangerous prayer? Bible trivia. You ready for Bible trivia? This one's for 1,000 points. How many times in the Bible did God show up to speak to somebody and he gave them an easy job? Now, take your time. [00:09:54] (33 seconds)
All through the Bible, when God shows up and speaks to his servant, speaks to a woman, speaks to a man, and gives them something to do, was there ever a response of, whoo, shoo? I thought you were going to ask me something difficult. I'll get to that right after lunch. I'll have that done by 2 o'clock. Noah. Hey, Noah, I have a message for you. It was like, hit me. What you got? I want you to build an ark. What's an ark? What's this instrument? It's this vehicle that you're going to have when it rains. What's rain? Right? And oh, by the way, you're going to take two of every creature on the planet into the ark with you. And by the way, you're going to, this is going to take 100 years, and nobody's going to believe you. And then after the flood ends, then you're going to repopulate the whole earth. Easy assignment? No. [00:10:30] (52 seconds)
When God speaks in the Bible, life becomes more difficult. Comfort is not given. Your quality of life does not necessarily improve. Life gets more difficult. But you know what also happens? The greatness and the intimacy of our relationship with God is not necessarily increases. Our relationship with God increases exponentially, but greatness and difficulty go hand in hand. Following Jesus. You want to have the best year of your life in following Jesus. Pray some dangerous prayers. Dangerous prayers. [00:11:52] (47 seconds)
It's probably not going to be the message of, I have a great spouse for you, and a great job for you, and a corner office, and you're going to have three children, and two dogs in the backyard, and a two-car garage. That's probably not going to be the message God gives you when you say, God, speak to me, for your servant is listening. It's probably going to be a message of difficulty, and pain, and suffering, but you will experience the greatness of God like you've never experienced before. [00:13:39] (28 seconds)
Three things about that real quick. Number one, in order to hear from God, you have to be able to hear from God. You have to be able to hear from God. God requires us to be still, to stop. That is really difficult in our world today, isn't it? We're five days into the new year, and I wonder if we were to add up how much time we've scrolled, binged, wasted time on the temporal, right? I'm speaking to myself on this. Just five days in, then. [00:14:39] (29 seconds)
This world is so loud. This world is so chaotic. There's so much competing for our attention, where we can just turn everything off, and we can just sit and say, God, I'm listening. I talk a lot to God. You know what I need to do a better job at is listening. I tell God a lot of things, what I want, when I want it, how I want it, a long list. God already knows that, but I wonder if God's like, just give me a chance. Enough already. [00:15:17] (0 seconds)
And it allows the Holy Spirit to speak to you and bring people to mind that you can pray for and bring things to mind. And I get it. I am ADD. I am all over the place. I get it. But what would it look like to just take a moment every day, maybe the beginning of the day, maybe at the end of the day, say, you know what, this new year, I'm going to be still. [00:16:19] (24 seconds)
The world is competing for your time and attention. And David says, be still and know that I am God. He writes, be still. Number two, this is all under speak. Your servant is listening. Number one, be still. Number two, be willing. Don't pray that prayer if you're not willing to do what he's going to ask you to do. Okay? Be willing. And number three, be ready. Be ready. [00:16:43] (29 seconds)
The boldness was given to them. Peter and John. John was eventually arrested, and church history says he was dipped in boiling acid. It did not kill him. There were probably scars left on his body, but eventually he gets exiled to the island of Patmos, where he writes other books. He writes the book of Revelation. John the Revelator. John, Revelation. They prayed for boldness. What did God give them? Boldness. Peter prayed for boldness. What did God give him? Boldness. Did God give him comfort? Did God give him an easy life? No. At the end of his life, Peter was about to be crucified, and he said, I am not worthy to be crucified in the manner that my Lord and Savior Jesus was crucified. [00:25:23] (52 seconds)
And so as we head into this new year, may we pray dangerous prayers and may we be willing to respond to what God has to say and what he's going to do. Search me. Make me bold. Send me. God, speak to me. Dangerous prayers this year. I'm going to challenge you to pray for some things that humanly cannot happen. That somebody who doesn't know God, would say, you have no business praying that prayer. And you'd be like, you're right. I have no business, but I have a big God. [00:31:45] (38 seconds)
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