Embracing Prayer and Stillness in Daily Discipleship
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the importance of maintaining a "prayer first" posture, emphasizing the power and necessity of prayer in our lives and community. We were reminded of the urgent need to pray for Jean Westby, who is currently facing significant health challenges, and for those affected by the devastating wildfires in California. These situations call us to unite in prayer and action, reflecting God's love and provision in times of crisis.
As we transition from the Christmas season, we continue to explore the profound implications of the coming of Jesus, the King. The essence of Christmas is not confined to a season but is a call to live as disciples of Jesus throughout the year. This involves understanding and responding to the gift of Jesus with joy, gratitude, and a commitment to embody His teachings in our daily lives.
We delved into the writings of the Apostle Paul, particularly his exuberant praise in Ephesians 1:3-14. Despite being written from prison, Paul's words overflow with joy and gratitude for the spiritual blessings we receive through Christ. This passage challenges us to reflect on our response to God's gift. Are we living with the same enthusiasm and thankfulness that Paul exemplified?
In our busy lives, filled with noise and distractions, we often miss the opportunity to be still and listen to God. Silence and stillness are crucial for hearing God's voice and understanding His desires for us. We are encouraged to create space in our lives for quiet reflection, allowing us to connect deeply with God and discern His will.
Finally, we are reminded that God desires to use each of us, despite our imperfections, to further His kingdom. Our response to the gift of Jesus should be one of active participation in His work, guided by prayer, stillness, and a heart full of gratitude.
Key Takeaways:
1. Prayer as a Foundation: Emphasizing a "prayer first" posture is crucial for our spiritual growth and community strength. Prayer connects us to God and aligns our hearts with His will, enabling us to support one another in times of need, like praying for Jean Westby and those affected by the California wildfires. [28:18]
2. The Ongoing Work of Christmas: The message of Christmas extends beyond the holiday season, calling us to live as disciples of Jesus throughout the year. This involves embracing the gift of Jesus with joy and gratitude, allowing it to transform our lives and guide our actions. [35:49]
3. Paul's Enthusiastic Praise: The Apostle Paul's writings, particularly in Ephesians, demonstrate an overflowing joy and gratitude for the blessings we receive through Christ. Despite his circumstances, Paul's enthusiasm challenges us to reflect on our response to God's gift and strive to live with similar passion and thankfulness. [39:31]
4. The Importance of Stillness: In our noisy and busy lives, creating space for silence and stillness is essential for hearing God's voice. This practice allows us to connect deeply with God, discern His will, and respond to His call with clarity and purpose. [54:02]
5. God's Use of Imperfect People: God has a history of using broken individuals to further His kingdom. Despite our imperfections, we are called to participate in His work, guided by prayer, stillness, and a heart full of gratitude for the gift of Jesus. [57:55]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[28:18] - Prayer for Jean Westby and California Wildfires
[29:16] - Reflections on New Year and Online Engagement
[30:11] - Inspiration from a Salt Mine Story
[31:14] - The Overhead Camera Incident
[31:55] - Continuing the Christmas Series
[32:55] - The Call to Be Peacemakers
[33:50] - The Promise of Christmas
[35:49] - The Work of Christmas
[37:04] - The Role of Grammarly in Writing
[38:05] - Paul's Enthusiastic Praise
[39:31] - Ephesians 1:3-14: A Single Sentence of Joy
[41:52] - Paul's Overflowing Joy
[44:31] - The Significance of Paul's Writing
[46:20] - Personal Reflections on Enthusiasm
[49:02] - The Impact of Jesus' Gift
[54:02] - The Value of Silence and Stillness
[57:06] - God's Call to Each of Us
[01:00:53] - Practicing Stillness and Listening
[01:04:11] - Responding with Praise and Joy
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:3-14
- Psalm 46:10
- John 3:16
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the spiritual blessings mentioned in Ephesians 1:3-14 that Paul praises God for?
2. How does the sermon describe the Apostle Paul's attitude while writing Ephesians 1:3-14, and what circumstances was he facing at the time? [50:21]
3. According to the sermon, why is silence and stillness important in our spiritual lives? [54:02]
4. What specific events or people were mentioned in the sermon that the church is encouraged to pray for? [28:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul's enthusiastic praise in Ephesians 1:3-14 challenge our own expressions of gratitude and joy in our faith? [39:31]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the message of Christmas should influence our daily lives throughout the year? [35:49]
3. How might the practice of stillness and silence help believers discern God's will, according to the sermon? [54:02]
4. What does the sermon imply about God's ability to use imperfect people for His purposes? [57:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you adopt a "prayer first" posture in your daily routine, especially in times of crisis? [28:18]
2. The sermon emphasizes living as disciples of Jesus beyond the Christmas season. What specific actions can you take to embody the teachings of Jesus in your everyday life? [35:49]
3. Consider the enthusiasm Paul had for his faith despite his imprisonment. How can you cultivate a similar sense of joy and gratitude in your own spiritual journey? [50:21]
4. Identify a time in your week where you can intentionally practice stillness and silence. How might this practice change your relationship with God? [54:02]
5. Think about a situation where you feel inadequate to serve God's kingdom. How does the sermon encourage you to step into that role despite your imperfections? [57:55]
6. How can you actively participate in supporting those in need, such as Jean Westby or those affected by the California wildfires, through prayer or other means? [28:18]
7. Reflect on the distractions in your life that prevent you from hearing God's voice. What steps can you take to minimize these distractions and focus on God's presence? [54:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Prayer as the Lifeline of Community
In times of crisis and need, prayer serves as the vital connection between individuals and God, aligning hearts with His will and empowering communities to support one another. The call to pray for Jean Westby and those affected by the California wildfires exemplifies the power of collective prayer in addressing urgent needs. By adopting a "prayer first" posture, individuals can experience spiritual growth and strengthen their community bonds. This approach encourages believers to prioritize prayer, not only as a personal practice but as a communal responsibility, reflecting God's love and provision in challenging times. [28:18]
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV): "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
Reflection: Who in your life or community is in need of prayer today, and how can you commit to praying for them consistently this week?
Day 2: Living the Christmas Message Year-Round
The essence of Christmas extends beyond a single season, calling believers to live as disciples of Jesus throughout the year. Embracing the gift of Jesus with joy and gratitude involves allowing His presence to transform lives and guide actions daily. This ongoing work of Christmas challenges individuals to embody the teachings of Jesus, fostering a lifestyle of discipleship that reflects His love and grace. By understanding the profound implications of Jesus' coming, believers are encouraged to respond with a commitment to live out His message in every aspect of their lives. [35:49]
Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the spirit of Christmas into your daily routine, ensuring that the joy and gratitude of the season influence your actions and interactions with others?
Day 3: Embracing Joy and Gratitude in All Circumstances
The Apostle Paul's writings, particularly in Ephesians, highlight an overflowing joy and gratitude for the spiritual blessings received through Christ, even amidst challenging circumstances. Despite being imprisoned, Paul's enthusiastic praise serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining a thankful heart. This passage challenges believers to reflect on their response to God's gift, encouraging them to live with the same passion and thankfulness that Paul exemplified. By focusing on the blessings received through Christ, individuals can cultivate a spirit of joy and gratitude that transcends their circumstances. [39:31]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: What are three specific blessings in your life that you can thank God for today, and how can you express your gratitude in a tangible way?
Day 4: The Power of Silence and Stillness
In a world filled with noise and distractions, creating space for silence and stillness is essential for hearing God's voice and discerning His will. This practice allows individuals to connect deeply with God, fostering a sense of clarity and purpose in their spiritual journey. By prioritizing moments of quiet reflection, believers can better understand God's desires for their lives and respond to His call with intentionality. Embracing stillness as a spiritual discipline encourages individuals to step away from the busyness of life and focus on their relationship with God. [54:02]
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: Set aside 10 minutes today to sit in silence and stillness before God. What do you sense He is speaking to you in this quiet moment?
Day 5: Participating in God's Work Despite Imperfections
God has a history of using imperfect individuals to further His kingdom, demonstrating that He can work through anyone willing to participate in His mission. Despite personal flaws and shortcomings, believers are called to actively engage in God's work, guided by prayer, stillness, and a heart full of gratitude for the gift of Jesus. This call to action encourages individuals to embrace their unique roles in God's plan, trusting that He can use their lives to make a meaningful impact. By responding to God's invitation, believers can experience the joy of contributing to His kingdom work. [57:55]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel inadequate or imperfect? How can you invite God to use this area for His glory and purpose?
Quotes
"Next, we try not to go a week without talking about our prayer first posture. It's something we desire to be known by in this church, and there's various ways to engage with that regarding getting requests in that the church can be praying about, the app, the website, text, email, phone call, all those things. Put a prayer card in the prayer first posture box." [00:25:46] (26 seconds)
"We would love to pray with you. And even this morning, those of you that are part of the prayer chain, if you're not part of the prayer chain, if you want, fill out one of those prayer cards with your email address, put it back there. We'll add you on there. But we got a message saying Jean Westby went into the hospital last night with some pretty significant heart issues." [00:26:11] (18 seconds)
"So her son Joe was sharing and asking that the church be praying for her. So we invite you to do that. She's going to be there for a little bit. We don't really know many details, but we ask you be praying for that, and we'll take a moment here and pray for that. And then finally, there's no slide for this, but unless you've been off in the woods somewhere, without signal, you've probably heard about all the crazy fires going on down in California and saying the most significant wildfire disaster that the nation has ever seen." [00:26:30] (34 seconds)
"Well, we've talked about how we are called to be peacemakers and how Jesus came for sinners through a family line of sinners and nothing we've done makes us too bad, too bad for Jesus. Nothing. We've talked about how Jesus didn't meet the expectations of John the Baptist and others when he came. And then how sometimes we project our expectations on God. And rather than just having a posture of faith and trust." [00:32:55] (35 seconds)
"Last week Ed said, and I wrote it down, the promise of Christmas is joy and peace that only comes when we accept God's promise of forgiveness in Jesus. God's promise to you. God's promise to us. So what's our response? What is our response to the gift of Jesus? What should our response be? What should our response be to the gift of Jesus?" [00:35:54] (28 seconds)
"Because we sit here, we sit here all stoic and calm, measured and proper, we express our thankfulness in even tones, we read scripture reverently, and Paul's having none of it. He's having none of it. This passage is often cited as evidence of Paul's overflowing joy regarding the gift of Jesus and his sacrifice for us and our ability to be reconciled with God." [00:41:06] (35 seconds)
"Have you ever had a child or a friend come up to you? And they're just so excited, they just spew words at you and they just don't stop, they just keep going? That's what Paul's doing here. This is Paul's praise for the past, present, and future blessing of Jesus. So I'm not going to try to read this passage as one sentence. I've seen pastors do that. I couldn't pull it off. It'd be too distracting." [00:41:52] (29 seconds)
"Paul's modeling an enthusiasm about his faith and Jesus which we should strive to replicate. A thankfulness, a sense of joy, of awe, of praise, of gratitude that God and Creator of the universe loved us so much that He sent His Son to give up His divine nature for this purpose of his life. To become human, to live as human, a perfect life, and then be falsely accused, arrested, tortured, executed to serve as a perfect sacrifice to reconcile us to God." [00:47:11] (63 seconds)
"Yet over and over in Scripture, it points us towards silence, towards stillness. Habakkuk 2 .20, But the Lord is in his holy temple. Let all the earth be silent. Before him. Zephaniah 1 .7, Stand in silence in the presence of the sovereign. Psalm 46 .10, Be still, be still, and know I am God. There's more. But often most of us are afraid of silence." [00:54:16] (43 seconds)
"Have you considered that God is desiring for you, you to play a significant role in someone's life? Have you considered that God is desiring you to play a significant role in his kingdom? Have you considered that God is desiring you to take your next step in your journey with him? He has things he wants to say. He has things he wants to say to us." [00:57:13] (37 seconds)
"Let me remind you, God has a long history of using broken people to further his kingdom. Remember Ed's sermon? The people that were in Jesus' family? We are all broken. That's why Jesus came. That's what the gift and promise of Christmas is all about. Because we can't do it on our own, and we aren't supposed to. But we're too busy or callous to model Paul's praise and joy." [00:58:08] (39 seconds)
"Seriously, if we truly consider it, it should really blow our minds. If we're truly considering it. So I asked how much silence. stillness was in your life just a moment ago. The data suggests that Americans get about 40 minutes of downtime a day, but most of that is spent online, reading a book, watching something, listening to something, or that little bit of time before you go to sleep." [00:59:18] (35 seconds)
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