Embracing Prayer: A Journey of Communion and Transformation
Summary
In this season of Lent, we are invited to pause and reflect on the themes that guide us through this sacred time, with a particular focus on prayer. Prayer is not merely a ritual or a duty; it is a profound invitation to commune with God, to grow in our relationship with Him, and to be transformed by His presence. Reflecting on my childhood memories of prayer, I recall the communal and consistent nature of prayer in my grandfather's mosque, as well as the personal and powerful expressions of prayer in my Baptist and Pentecostal upbringing. These experiences have shaped my understanding of prayer as a call, a communal act, a consistent practice, and sometimes, a confusing journey.
As we delve into the scriptures, particularly Philippians 4 and Hebrews, we are reminded that prayer is an invitation to bring our requests to God, to grow in our faith, and to witness the growth of others. Jesus, our great high priest, empathizes with our weaknesses and stands as a bridge between us and God, offering us mercy and grace in our time of need. This understanding should give us confidence to approach God's throne with boldness.
During Lent, we are encouraged to engage in both inward and outward practices. Inwardly, we focus on prayer, meditation, and fasting, using moments of sacrifice as opportunities for prayer and praise. Outwardly, we are called to serve others, allowing our solitude with God to bear fruit in the world. Lent is a time of preparation for the resurrection, a journey through the wilderness with Jesus, and a march towards Calvary.
Psalm 27 offers us profound insights into prayer. It reminds us that God is our light and salvation, our stronghold and refuge. In prayer, we are invited to seek God, not just to present our requests. We are assured that God hears us, offers us mercy, and provides shelter in times of trouble. Prayer is an invitation to a deeper relationship with God, a conversation that requires listening as much as speaking. It is personal, vulnerable, persistent, and formative, shaping us into the image of Christ and aligning us with God's purposes.
As we journey through Lent, let us embrace prayer as an act of radical dependence on God, a means of communication and transformation, and a source of strength and hope. May we be persistent in our prayers, trusting in God's promises and allowing Him to form us into His likeness.
Key Takeaways:
1. Prayer as a Communal and Consistent Call: Reflecting on my childhood experiences, prayer is seen as a communal and consistent practice, much like the call to prayer in my grandfather's mosque. It is a call to gather, to be consistent in our devotion, and to embrace the communal aspect of our faith. Prayer is not just a personal act but a shared journey with others. [05:00]
2. Jesus as Our Great High Priest: In Hebrews, we are reminded that Jesus is our great high priest who empathizes with our weaknesses. He stands as a bridge between us and God, offering us mercy and grace. This understanding should give us confidence to approach God's throne with boldness, knowing that Jesus understands and intercedes for us. [30:00]
3. Lent as a Time of Inward and Outward Reflection: Lent invites us to engage in both inward and outward practices. Inwardly, we focus on prayer, meditation, and fasting, using moments of sacrifice as opportunities for prayer and praise. Outwardly, we are called to serve others, allowing our solitude with God to bear fruit in the world. [40:00]
4. Psalm 27 and the Nature of Prayer: Psalm 27 reminds us that God is our light and salvation, our stronghold and refuge. In prayer, we are invited to seek God, not just to present our requests. We are assured that God hears us, offers us mercy, and provides shelter in times of trouble. Prayer is an invitation to a deeper relationship with God. [45:34]
5. Prayer as a Formative and Persistent Act: Prayer is an act of radical dependence on God, a means of communication and transformation. It is personal, vulnerable, persistent, and formative, shaping us into the image of Christ and aligning us with God's purposes. As we pray, we grow in confidence, trust, and reliance on God. [57:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Lent and Prayer
- [05:00] - Childhood Memories of Prayer
- [10:00] - Communal and Consistent Prayer
- [15:00] - The Invitation to Pray
- [20:00] - Jesus as Our Great High Priest
- [25:00] - Confidence in Prayer
- [30:00] - Lent: Inward and Outward Practices
- [35:00] - Psalm 27: God as Light and Salvation
- [40:00] - Seeking God in Prayer
- [45:34] - God as Our Stronghold
- [50:00] - The Nature of Prayer
- [55:00] - Prayer as Formative and Persistent
- [57:05] - Closing Prayer and Worship Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 4:6-7
- Hebrews 4:14-16
- Psalm 27
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Observation Questions:
1. In Philippians 4:6-7, what are the instructions given about how to handle anxiety? How does this relate to the concept of prayer as discussed in the sermon? [36:57]
2. According to Hebrews 4:14-16, what role does Jesus play in our prayer life, and how does this give us confidence? [36:57]
3. Psalm 27 describes God as our light and salvation. How does this imagery enhance our understanding of God's role in our lives, especially during times of trouble? [45:34]
4. Reflecting on the pastor's childhood memories, how did the communal and consistent nature of prayer in his grandfather's mosque and his Baptist and Pentecostal upbringing shape his understanding of prayer? [36:57]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the idea of Jesus as our great high priest in Hebrews 4:14-16 influence the way believers approach prayer, especially in times of weakness or need? [36:57]
2. In what ways does Philippians 4:6-7 challenge believers to change their approach to anxiety and prayer? How might this be practically applied in daily life? [36:57]
3. Psalm 27 emphasizes seeking God rather than just presenting requests. How does this shift in focus impact the depth and quality of one's prayer life? [45:34]
4. The sermon discusses Lent as a time for both inward and outward reflection. How can believers balance these two aspects in their spiritual practices? [36:57]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your earliest memories of prayer. How have these experiences shaped your current prayer life, and what changes might you want to make to deepen your relationship with God? [36:57]
2. During Lent, believers are encouraged to engage in both inward practices like prayer and fasting, and outward practices like serving others. What specific steps can you take this week to incorporate both aspects into your life? [36:57]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of approaching God's throne with confidence. What fears or doubts do you need to overcome to approach God more boldly in prayer? [36:57]
4. Psalm 27 describes God as a refuge and stronghold. In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God as your source of strength and protection? [45:34]
5. The pastor mentioned that prayer is an invitation to a deeper relationship with God. How can you make your prayer time more of a two-way conversation, including listening as much as speaking? [36:57]
6. Consider the idea of prayer as a formative and persistent act. What specific prayer habit can you develop to grow in your dependence on God and align more closely with His purposes? [36:57]
7. How can you use moments of sacrifice during Lent as opportunities for prayer and praise, and what impact do you hope this will have on your spiritual journey? [36:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Prayer as a Communal Journey
Prayer is a communal and consistent call to gather, reflecting the shared journey of faith. It is not just a personal act but a shared experience that strengthens the bonds within a community. The act of praying together, much like the call to prayer in a mosque, invites individuals to be consistent in their devotion and to embrace the communal aspect of their faith. This shared journey in prayer fosters a sense of unity and collective growth, encouraging believers to support and uplift one another in their spiritual walk. [05:00]
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community can you invite to join you in prayer this week, and how can you make prayer a consistent practice together?
Day 2: Jesus, Our Empathetic High Priest
Jesus serves as our great high priest, empathizing with our weaknesses and standing as a bridge between us and God. This understanding should give believers confidence to approach God's throne with boldness, knowing that Jesus understands and intercedes for them. His role as a mediator offers mercy and grace, providing assurance that they are not alone in their struggles. This relationship with Jesus encourages believers to bring their requests to God, trusting in His empathy and support. [30:00]
"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." (Hebrews 4:15, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to approach God with more confidence, trusting in Jesus' empathy and intercession?
Day 3: Lent as a Dual Reflection
Lent is a time for both inward and outward reflection, inviting believers to engage in practices such as prayer, meditation, and fasting. These inward practices are opportunities for personal growth and spiritual renewal, while outward practices call believers to serve others and let their solitude with God bear fruit in the world. This dual reflection during Lent prepares believers for the resurrection, encouraging them to journey through the wilderness with Jesus and march towards Calvary with purpose and intention. [40:00]
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you balance your inward spiritual practices with outward acts of service during this Lenten season?
Day 4: Seeking God in Prayer
Psalm 27 reminds believers that God is their light and salvation, their stronghold and refuge. In prayer, they are invited to seek God, not just to present their requests. This seeking involves a deeper relationship with God, where listening is as important as speaking. Believers are assured that God hears them, offers mercy, and provides shelter in times of trouble. This understanding of prayer as a conversation with God encourages believers to be persistent and vulnerable, allowing prayer to shape them into the image of Christ. [45:34]
"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." (Psalm 27:4, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God through prayer, focusing on seeking Him rather than just presenting requests?
Day 5: Prayer as a Transformative Act
Prayer is an act of radical dependence on God, serving as a means of communication and transformation. It is personal, vulnerable, persistent, and formative, shaping believers into the image of Christ and aligning them with God's purposes. As believers pray, they grow in confidence, trust, and reliance on God, allowing Him to form them into His likeness. This transformative nature of prayer encourages believers to be persistent, trusting in God's promises and allowing Him to work in their lives. [57:05]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you allow prayer to transform your life, aligning you more closely with God's purposes and image?
Quotes
"This week, really on Wednesday, we kind of started the Lenten season with our Ash Wednesday service. So we're taking a pause from First Peter for probably the next six weeks as we go through Lent and just kind of focusing on the different themes that we hold on to during Lent. This week it's about prayer. And this sermon isn't necessarily how to pray. This sermon isn't necessarily why to pray. This sermon is considering the fact that as God's people, we're called to pray. And so it's kind of bringing back some themes or maybe some good points to hold on to as we pray." [00:27:43]
"But the plower hut was, like, where you would go with any community disputes, right? So instead of turning it over to the magistrate, to the local people, which is interesting because grandfather was also a judge, right? But within the culture, there was this idea that you go to the plower hut and you literally give your plower, give your plower, and then someone would rule on it, right? And so that was there. It was a schoolhouse. But the thing that outside of the big pink house that was also really, really striking whenever you went to visit was the mosque, you know, because my grandfather was also a Muslim chief. And so at the mosque, I saw prayer as something that was a call, right? Like you would get out, someone was the caller, and they would just get on the horn, so to speak, right? And then people would just start gathering from everywhere, right? So that picture of prayer was communal. It was consistent. You know, Muslims pray five times a day, dedicated five times a day. But then it was also confusing because we were Liberian, we spoke English, but everything was in Arabic." [00:29:08]
"And I was like four or five years old trying to figure all this out, right? So that picture of prayer was, again, it was a call. It was communal. It was consistent. But it was confusing. And then, like, my Christian side was even more challenging, I think, right? Because we were very much Baptists, right? Like Baptists to our core, Baptists through generations. In fact, my parents, well, my parents had two churches, because it's not good enough to go to church for three hours on Sunday. You got to go to church for six or seven, right? So my mom's church was a very proud church, Providence Baptist Church in Monrovia. It is literally where the Constitution of Liberia was signed, right? So it's very much like Baptists to the core. And even though they were expressive with their faith, it was also very formal, right? Like, I would never wear this to Providence Baptist, right? I'd probably get thrown out, right? And it was very, very formal." [00:30:49]
"Then there was the Johnson Church, my dad's church. My dad was Pentecostal. And I don't know if they just, like, went from Azusa to Monrovia, but that's what seemed to be happening, right? Like, it was just everything was expressive, right? And so from these two places, I got that prayer was public, right? It was praise. It was personal. Sometimes, even as a kid, I felt it was a little too personal. You know, it was just like, should you be sharing this with 200 of your closest friends, right? Like, I know the Spirit's come down, but do we need to hear all this, right? So I heard that prayer was personal, but outside of all of that, I heard that prayer was powerful, right? And so that picture also has stuck with me. And so I think as we think about prayer, especially this week as you go through Lent, I think one of the things that would be really good to you, it would behoove you, so to speak, right, to actually think about what are some of your earliest memories of prayer? What are the lessons you learned about prayer? What are the things you hold on to prayer? So for me, prayer is still a call, it's still communal, it still needs to be consistent, and sometimes it can be confusing. If you've been a Christian long enough, you get to a point where sometimes you're like, God, do you really hear me? Because it feels like I'm talking to the wall, right? But I think also prayer needs to be public, and in the sense of it's not just me and God, we also need to be consistently praying together. And it can be personal, which we'll talk about in a little bit, but again, it's powerful." [00:34:09]
"And so the blessing this morning is that as we come to the scripture, we read it earlier, actually in our communal scripture, was that we are invited to pray, right? And we're invited to grow. That passage in Philippians 4 says, do not be anxious about anything, right? And some of us are like, how is that even possible, right? But do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. We're invited to not only bring these requests to God, but it's a chance for us to grow. And the other beauty of prayer is that we're also blessed to see other people grow too, right? The writer of Hebrews puts it like this, Therefore, since we have such a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, praise God, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. I love this passage because it's a reminder that as we pray, the same thing that Peter called, you know, Jesus resurrected as our living hope, we're praying to someone who's alive." [00:38:50]
"But the writer of Hebrews goes a little bit deeper. It says, not only is Jesus our living hope, the resurrected Jesus, but he's our great high priest. We've been talking a lot the last year, especially in Peter, about this idea that God calls us to be the priest, right? To be a bridge between our world and God, to take the message of God to the people. But what a blessing that we have, that Jesus is the bridge for us to God. That right now, he stands before the Father, taking everything that we have and putting it at the Father's feet. He's our great high priest, but he's a great high priest who empathizes, right? Like, God relates to what you go through. That's something that's scandalous to every other faith, you know? My Muslim cousins and stuff will say, like, how can you believe in a God that feels?" [00:41:45]
"How can you believe in a God that is human, right? Like, how can you be in a God that's affected by what you say? But that's the joy of our Jesus, that he empathizes and goes through or understands what we go through. And that's the beauty of it. And so this is the Jesus who should give you confidence to go to God in prayer. Because he not only knows what you're going through, he not only understands it, he not only empathizes, but he's the priest who's the bridge between you and God. And I love this last part, right? Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence. Why? So that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time in need. I don't know what's heavy on your heart this morning. I don't know what burden you've been carrying. I don't know what you feel like that you're praying and you're talking to a wall or you're not sure if God is there." [00:45:50]
"But I know that the writer of Hebrews gets it right, that Jesus is still your high priest, that Jesus still understands, and that you can go with confidence and you can expect to receive not just mercy, but grace in your time of need. Amen?" [00:48:26]
"And in that time, it was a time of prayer, time of sacrifice, time of reflection, time of surrender to the Spirit. Yes, he was tempted by the devil, but those are just three scenes, right? Those three scenes might have lasted three days max, right? Maybe even a day if you put all the time together. But the rest of that time, Jesus was without. Jesus was on his own in the wilderness walking with God. So that's one way the church has said, let's look at Lent that way. The other way the church has said, let's look at Lent is, remember in the Gospels it says, he set his face towards Jerusalem. A passage has always struck me that Jesus not only knew he was going to die, but he willingly submitted and made that his entire focus and walk. And so what we do here is before we get to the celebration of Resurrection Sunday and Easter, it's like a march towards Calvary. And so these themes that we hold on to is all either we're in the desert with Jesus or we're marching towards Calvary with Jesus. And all in all, we're holding on as we walk with God. We're holding on as we walk with Jesus. And so for the wilderness, some of the themes the church has held on to is the need for prayer, which we're talking about this morning. The need for sacrifice or self -denial, right? The need to not just give up something, but the need to repent so that we can be reconciled to God. And when they thought about Calvary in our march, it says it's about taking up your cross. So whether it's self -sacrifice or prayer or repentance, you're taking up your cross to follow Jesus because ultimately that sacrifice points us to celebration. The celebration that we get on Easter points us to the glory." [00:40:35]
"And isn't that what Jesus did for the joy that was set before him, took up the cross, despising the shame. And so for us, wilderness or Lent is about preparation for the resurrection." [00:42:11]
"That looks like maybe meditation on scripture. And that looks like fasting. And so the idea that the ancients have always said is that whatever this thing you're sacrificing, when you get a pang or a want of that thing, use that as a time of prayer, right? When if you're fasting and that stomach growls, make that a praise to the Lord, right? And if it growls loud enough, dance to it. I don't know, have fun, right? But that inward work is prayer, meditation on scripture, or just reading scripture or fasting. I think what we forget in the West is that Lent was also not just about what's happening inside, right? But how God can use you on the outside. So during the season of Lent, we were also invited not just to what's happening to me, but to service, right? Thinking through how we can serve one another in the season. Thinking through how we can be available in the season. And in that outward work, you're going to be submitting to the Holy Spirit to lead you. A lot of focus on Lent is on solitude." [00:42:44]
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