Embracing Prayer: A Journey of Humility and Guidance

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we embarked on a journey of prayer, recognizing it as a three-way conversation between you, me, and God. This awareness of God's presence is crucial, as Jesus exemplified through His unbroken conscious contact with God. We often resist prayer despite our desperate need for divine help, a resistance rooted in self-will and ego. By letting go of these barriers, we open ourselves to the transformative power of prayer.

We explored practical exercises in prayer, inspired by the teachings of the AA Big Book, which encourage us to review our day constructively. This involves reflecting on our actions, identifying areas where we were resentful, selfish, or dishonest, and seeking God's guidance to discern our hidden faults. It's essential to avoid drifting into worry or remorse, as these diminish our usefulness to others. Instead, we should focus on God's love and forgiveness, even when we struggle with self-deception and inadequacy.

As we plan for the day ahead, we are reminded to approach it with joy and gratitude, as expressed in Psalm 118:24. By consciously inviting God into our daily plans, we align our thoughts and actions with His will. This involves asking for inspiration and intuitive decision-making, allowing us to navigate life's choices with wisdom and assurance.

We concluded with a powerful prayer for deliverance, seeking freedom from the need for praise, honor, and approval, as well as from fears of humiliation, criticism, and loneliness. This prayer, adapted from the Litany of Humility, calls us to set aside self-importance and embrace a heart like Jesus'. By doing so, we walk through each day with confidence in God's love and assurance of His presence.

Key Takeaways:

- Prayer is a vital conversation with God, requiring us to let go of self-will and ego. By doing so, we open ourselves to divine guidance and transformation. [01:49]

- Reflecting on our daily actions helps us identify areas for growth and seek God's forgiveness. This practice prevents us from falling into worry and remorse, allowing us to remain useful to others. [03:30]

- Embracing God's love and forgiveness, even amidst self-doubt and inadequacy, is crucial. We must trust that God loves us despite our flaws and failures. [05:01]

- Planning our day with God in mind aligns our actions with His will. By seeking inspiration and intuitive decision-making, we navigate life's choices with wisdom and assurance. [07:54]

- The prayer for deliverance from self-centered needs and fears invites us to embrace humility and a heart like Jesus'. This shift in focus allows us to walk confidently in God's love. [10:30]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:16] - The Three-Way Conversation
[02:03] - Resisting Prayer and Self-Will
[02:32] - Daily Reflection and Examination
[03:44] - Avoiding Worry and Remorse
[05:15] - Seeking Forgiveness and Correction
[05:46] - Planning the Day with God
[06:18] - Recognizing God's Mercy and Grace
[07:04] - Aligning with God's Will
[07:54] - Seeking Inspiration and Intuition
[08:25] - Embracing Divine Guidance
[09:11] - The Deliverance Prayer
[10:54] - Walking in Confidence and Assurance
[11:39] - Conclusion and Resources
[12:19] - Community and Prayer Requests
[12:34] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
2. Psalm 19:12 - "But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults."

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the sermon describe prayer as a "three-way conversation"? What does this imply about our relationship with God? [01:16]

2. According to the sermon, what are some common barriers that prevent us from engaging in prayer, and how can we overcome them? [02:03]

3. What practical exercises in prayer are suggested in the sermon, and how do they help us reflect on our daily actions? [02:32]

4. How does the sermon use Psalm 118:24 to encourage a positive outlook on the day ahead? [05:46]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that self-will and ego interfere with our prayer life, and how can letting go of these lead to transformation? [02:03]

2. How does reflecting on our daily actions, as suggested in the sermon, help us identify areas for growth and seek God's forgiveness? [03:30]

3. The sermon mentions a prayer for deliverance from self-centered needs and fears. How does this prayer align with the concept of humility as seen in the life of Jesus? [10:30]

4. How does the sermon suggest that planning our day with God in mind can align our actions with His will? What role does seeking inspiration and intuitive decision-making play in this process? [07:54]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where self-will or ego may have hindered your prayer life. What steps can you take to let go of these barriers in future prayers? [02:03]

2. Consider your daily routine. How can you incorporate the practice of reviewing your day constructively to identify areas where you need God's guidance and forgiveness? [02:32]

3. Psalm 118:24 encourages us to rejoice in each day. How can you consciously invite God into your daily plans to cultivate a spirit of joy and gratitude? [05:46]

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of avoiding worry and remorse. What practical steps can you take to prevent these feelings from diminishing your usefulness to others? [03:30]

5. Think about a specific fear or need for approval that you struggle with. How can the prayer for deliverance help you embrace humility and a heart like Jesus'? [10:30]

6. Identify a decision you need to make soon. How can you seek God's inspiration and intuitive thought to navigate this choice with wisdom and assurance? [07:54]

7. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate or self-doubt. How can embracing God's love and forgiveness help you trust in His presence despite your flaws? [05:01]

Devotional

Day 1: Letting Go of Self-Will and Ego
Prayer is a transformative conversation with God that requires us to release our self-will and ego. This act of surrender allows us to open ourselves to divine guidance and transformation. Often, our resistance to prayer stems from a desire to control our lives and outcomes, but true spiritual growth comes from acknowledging our limitations and inviting God into our hearts. By letting go of these barriers, we create space for God's presence to work within us, leading to a deeper connection and understanding of His will. [01:49]

"For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling." (Isaiah 30:15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are holding onto control? How can you invite God to take the lead in this area today?


Day 2: Reflecting on Our Actions
Reflecting on our daily actions is a crucial practice that helps us identify areas for growth and seek God's forgiveness. By reviewing our day constructively, we can pinpoint moments where we were resentful, selfish, or dishonest, and ask for divine guidance to discern our hidden faults. This practice prevents us from falling into worry and remorse, which can diminish our usefulness to others. Instead, it encourages us to focus on God's love and forgiveness, even when we struggle with self-deception and inadequacy. [03:30]

"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!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: As you review your day, what specific actions or thoughts do you need to bring before God for forgiveness and guidance?


Day 3: Embracing God's Love and Forgiveness
Embracing God's love and forgiveness, even amidst self-doubt and inadequacy, is crucial for spiritual growth. We must trust that God loves us despite our flaws and failures. This trust allows us to move beyond our insecurities and embrace the transformative power of His grace. By focusing on God's unwavering love, we can overcome feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, knowing that His forgiveness is always available to us. [05:01]

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent moment of self-doubt. How can you remind yourself of God's love and forgiveness in similar situations?


Day 4: Planning the Day with God
Planning our day with God in mind aligns our actions with His will. By consciously inviting God into our daily plans, we seek inspiration and intuitive decision-making, allowing us to navigate life's choices with wisdom and assurance. This practice involves asking for divine guidance in our thoughts and actions, ensuring that we remain aligned with God's purpose for our lives. [07:54]

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)

Reflection: As you plan your day, what specific decisions or tasks can you commit to God for guidance and wisdom?


Day 5: Embracing Humility and Confidence in God's Love
The prayer for deliverance from self-centered needs and fears invites us to embrace humility and a heart like Jesus'. By setting aside our need for praise, honor, and approval, we can walk confidently in God's love and assurance of His presence. This shift in focus allows us to live with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that our worth is found in God's love rather than in the approval of others. [10:30]

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." (James 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one fear or need for approval that you can release to God today, trusting in His love and presence?

Quotes


so now today we're going to pray and I want to do that right now I'm going to invite you to be aware of the fact that this is uh a three-way conversation it's you and me and God you know with Jesus he was always aware his conscious contact with God was unbroken so now God I'm aware of the fact you are right here would you make these moments these words uh supremely helpful and fruitful and lifegiving to that one to whom I speak right now because we need to know God that you're with us and that you love us [00:01:03]

it is a strange thing about you and I now my invite you to listen to God through these words and talk to God as we're walking through these moments together that we often resist prayer even though we know we need help so much and uh if you have an identified addiction then uh you're given the gift of desperate need for God and the awareness that I got to have him uh Bill W asks why is it that so often we resist prayer when we know how much we need it well it's just self- will run RI run Riot uh I want my ego I want what it is that I want when I want it so now in prayer I seek to let go of that [00:01:45]

this is part of what the big book of AA talks about when we retire at night we constructively review our day now if you're too tired at night like I am you might need to find another time to do this do this right now just think back on yesterday were we resentful selfish dishonest or afraid do we owe an apology God would you help me to know this yeah Psalm 19:12 ask uh for help God uh help me to discern my hidden faults that's what we're asking now what could we have done better were we thinking of ourselves most of the time ouch ouch are you saying ouch yet or were we thinking of what we could do for others of what we could pack into the stream of life [00:02:32]

so we do some examination here and then this is critical but we must be careful not to drift into worry remorse or morbid reflection why not because that would be unpleasant no because that would diminish our usefulness to others and I'll pause here God would you help me right now as I reflect on the day yesterday uh to be open to what I need to see what needs to be changed where I need to be forgiven where I need to make an apology and not to drift into worry or remorse or morbid reflection [00:03:22]

I was talking to some people yesterday about how I believe that God has Lov I believe that God is good uh those are thoughts that I affirm joyfully but I really wrestle when I go to God with me and can God really be loving me right now and I'll think sometimes because I know there's so much messed up inside me in so many ways that I fall short am I really being honest with him or am I just consumed with uh self-deception and this will sound a little odd I know but I think about likey filler had a quiet time what would Hitler's quiet time be like he'd be like well again you know knock yourself out Adolf you try to pretend you try to make yourself feel better by imagining that God loves you when your whole life is lived in other direction [00:03:57]

God would you help me not to be in denial not to Puff myself up or think I'm any better than I am but in faith to believe that you love even me that you care about even me with all of my inadequacies and failure and ego so uh we seek to do that I invite you to do that right now God is there anything you want me to know from yesterday that needs to be corrected after making our review we ask God's forgiveness God forgive me Jesus Son of David have mercy on me and require what corrective measures need to be taken [00:04:49]

on awakening let us think about the 24 hours ahead and to do that not in a spirit of fear and dread so I seek when I wake up to have that first sentence be Psalm 118: 24 this is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in this day sometimes I'll add that little word I will rejoice and be glad in it somehow we consider our plans for the day so do that right now whatever time of day this is just begin thinking and God you're right here so now talk with God [00:05:34]

I'm going to after I'm through with this right right as I'm talking to you I depend on God for this and then I will go and spend some time meeting with a friend who was telling me on the phone yesterday how keenly he is aware of God's mercy and Grace in his own life uh how keenly he has been aware of people praying for him how often do I miss that what a good thing it will be to be able to hear those words and then after that I will be with somebody else who I dearly love and I I have uh Zoom appointments this afternoon and erands turn this evening [00:06:11]

how often when I pray uh if I do pray I end up obsessively focusing on one thing my will wants done in instead of regularly asking God your will be done in This Moment In This Moment In This Moment so that's what we do now we ask God to direct our thinking especially that it be divorced from self-pity dishonesty or self-seeking motives under these conditions we can employ our mental facilities with Assurance for after all God gave us brains to use so now prayer and asking for God will is not something other than taking initiative and thinking creatively and deeply and with Innovation that is precisely part of God's will for your life [00:06:48]

in thinking about our day we may face indecision Choice fatigue is a huge problem in our world so that's going to happen so then I ask God uh God would you give me the ability to Choose Wisely here we ask God for inspiration and intuitive thought or decision we relax and take it easy we don't struggle God would you help the person I'm talking with right now not to live in a sense of prayerless striving we are often surprised at how the right answers come after we've tried this a while what used to be the hunch or the occasional inspiring gradually becomes a working part of the mind [00:07:42]

being still inexperienced and having just made conscious contact with God it is not probable that we're going to be inspired at all times do you think we might pay for this presumption in all sorts of observe actions and ideas in other words I'm just open uh I might be prompted I might have a thought that says contact this person or uh write this email to somebody that I care about and it may be a foolish thing to do nonetheless we will find that our thinking as time passes will be more and more on the plane of of inspiration we come to rely on it [00:08:28]

there is one more prayer that I want to offer today this is a a prayer that is listed in Ian Cron's wonderful little book on the 12 Steps called the fix and it's the deliver me prayer so today I want to close by praying you pray this right where you are for deliverance here we go from the need of being praised Deliver Me Jesus from the need of being honored Deliver Me Jesus from the need of being preferred Deliver Me Jesus from the need of being consulted Deliver Me Jesus from the need of being approved Deliver Me Jesus from the need of being right ouch deliver me Jesus from the need of comfort and ease Deliver Me Jesus from the fear of being humiliated Deliver Me Jesus from the fear of being criticized Deliver Me Jesus from the fear of being passed over Deliver Me Jesus from the fear of being forgotten Deliver Me Jesus from the fear of being lonely Deliver Me Jesus from the fear of being hurt Deliver Me Jesus from the fear of suffering offing Deliver Me Jesus oh Jesus help me put myself importance aside oh Jesus Make My Heart Like Yours oh Jesus strengthen me with your spirit oh Jesus teach me your ways [00:09:03]

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Transcript
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