Establishing Prayer as a Resilient Faith Rhythm
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the concept of making prayer a consistent spiritual rhythm in our lives, inspired by the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. We celebrated the incredible week our church has had, including 31 baptisms and a week of prayer and fasting. This sermon marks the beginning of a new series titled "Seven Rhythms of a Resilient Faith," where we will delve into the first six chapters of the book of Acts to understand how the early church developed habits that enabled them to transform the world despite numerous challenges.
We discussed the importance of resilience, defined by Barna Research Group as the ability to recover quickly from setbacks or adversities. Resilient disciples are those who attend church regularly, trust in the authority of Scripture, believe in Jesus' death and resurrection, and express their faith through societal transformation. However, only 10% of Christian 20-somethings today are resilient disciples, highlighting the need for a deeper commitment to faith.
The first rhythm we focused on is prayer. Jesus emphasized prayer in His life and teachings, and the early church followed suit, making prayer a daily, intentional practice. We examined various scriptures that underscore the importance of prayer, such as Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16, and Acts 2:42. Prayer is not just a solitary activity but a communal one, as seen in the early church's practice of praying together.
We also discussed the practical aspects of prayer, including the benefits of praying with others, the importance of being honest in our prayers, and the role of prayer in managing anxiety and discovering God's will. Prayer helps us move from loneliness to solitude, reminding us that we are not alone but in God's presence. It also helps us discern what is from the Spirit and what is from the flesh, ensuring that our actions are sustained by God's power rather than our own strength.
Finally, we touched on the rewards of a prayerful life, such as a thankful heart, peace, a secure identity in Christ, and the joy of seeing answered prayers. We are encouraged to pray with confidence, knowing that God listens and answers, even if not always in the way or timeline we expect. As we continue this series, let's commit to developing these rhythms both personally and corporately, strengthening our faith and unity as a church.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Resilience in Faith: Resilient disciples are those who can recover quickly from setbacks and adversities. They attend church regularly, trust in the authority of Scripture, believe in Jesus' death and resurrection, and express their faith through societal transformation. This resilience is crucial in a culture where being a committed Christian often means losing social standing. [02:47]
2. Prayer as a Communal Activity: The early church emphasized prayer as a key rhythm, making it a daily, intentional practice. Prayer is not just a solitary activity but a communal one, as seen in Acts 2:42. Praying together with others strengthens our faith and helps us wait on God more effectively. [11:21]
3. Honesty in Prayer: Prayer is simply talking to God about what's going on in your life. It’s important to be honest and real before God, as exemplified by David in the Psalms. This honesty helps us encounter God's presence and move from loneliness to solitude, reminding us that we are not alone but in God's presence. [22:00]
4. Discerning God's Will Through Prayer: Prayer helps us discern what is from the Spirit and what is from the flesh. This discernment is crucial in a culture of striving, ensuring that our actions are sustained by God's power rather than our own strength. Whatever begins in the Spirit will be sustained in the Spirit, but whatever is birthed in the flesh must be sustained in the flesh. [34:47]
5. The Rewards of a Prayerful Life: A prayerful life brings numerous rewards, including a thankful heart, peace, a secure identity in Christ, and the joy of seeing answered prayers. Prayer helps us focus on what we have rather than what we lack, breaking the entitlement mentality and fostering a heart of gratitude. [36:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - Introduction to Seven Rhythms of a Resilient Faith
[02:47] - Defining Resilience
[04:02] - The State of Modern Christian Discipleship
[05:22] - The Cost of Being a Resilient Disciple
[06:57] - Overview of the Book of Acts
[08:52] - The Rhythm of Prayer
[10:05] - Jesus' Emphasis on Prayer
[11:21] - Early Church's Commitment to Prayer
[12:08] - Paul's Teachings on Prayer
[13:19] - Integrating Prayer into Daily Life
[14:37] - The Power of Waiting on God Together
[15:44] - Praying for Breakthroughs
[17:26] - The Upper Room Experience
[21:20] - Learning to Pray from Others
[22:00] - The Simplicity and Power of Honest Prayer
[23:16] - Discovering God's Will Through Prayer
[24:27] - Rooted: Organizing Life Around Prayer
[25:57] - Devoting Ourselves to Prayer
[26:34] - Resting in the Lord
[27:16] - Practical Strategies for Prayer
[28:25] - Praying Through the Psalms
[29:36] - Imagining Jesus in Your Prayer
[31:04] - Full Access to God Through Prayer
[32:12] - Growing in Prayer with Others
[33:18] - The Book of Acts: A Book of Miraculous Prayers
[34:47] - Discerning the Spirit vs. the Flesh
[35:48] - The Role of United Prayer in Revival
[36:23] - The Rewards of a Prayerful Life
[38:29] - Praying with Confidence
[40:01] - Yielding to God's Purposes
[40:37] - Developing a Rhythm of Prayer
[41:19] - Closing Prayer and Commitment to Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 1:35 - "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
2. Acts 2:42 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
3. Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Mark 1:35, what did Jesus do early in the morning, and why is this significant for understanding His prayer life?
2. In Acts 2:42, what four activities did the early church devote themselves to, and how does this reflect their commitment to communal prayer?
3. Philippians 4:6-7 mentions two outcomes of presenting our requests to God with thanksgiving. What are they, and how do they relate to managing anxiety?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' example of rising early to pray (Mark 1:35) challenge our current prayer habits and priorities? [08:52]
2. What does the early church's devotion to prayer in Acts 2:42 teach us about the importance of communal prayer in building a resilient faith? [11:21]
3. How can the peace of God, as described in Philippians 4:6-7, transform our approach to life's challenges and uncertainties? [12:46]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current prayer routine. How can you incorporate the practice of rising early to pray, as Jesus did, into your daily life? [08:52]
2. Think about your experiences with communal prayer. How can you make praying with others a more regular part of your spiritual rhythm? [11:21]
3. When was the last time you were completely honest with God in your prayers? How did it affect your relationship with Him? [22:00]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you need discernment. How can you use prayer to seek God's guidance and differentiate between what is from the Spirit and what is from the flesh? [34:47]
5. Consider a recent situation that caused you anxiety. How can you apply Philippians 4:6-7 to that situation, and what steps can you take to experience God's peace? [12:46]
6. What are some practical ways you can develop a rhythm of prayer in your daily life, both personally and within your community? [40:37]
7. Reflect on a time when you experienced an answered prayer. How did it impact your faith, and how can you use that experience to encourage others in your small group? [37:57]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s themes and apply them practically in their lives. May your discussions be fruitful and transformative!
Devotional
Day 1: The Importance of Resilience in Faith
Resilience in faith is the ability to recover quickly from setbacks and adversities. Resilient disciples are those who attend church regularly, trust in the authority of Scripture, believe in Jesus' death and resurrection, and express their faith through societal transformation. In today's culture, being a committed Christian often means losing social standing, making resilience crucial. Only 10% of Christian 20-somethings today are resilient disciples, highlighting the need for a deeper commitment to faith. [02:47]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a recent setback or adversity you faced. How did you respond, and what can you do to build resilience in your faith for future challenges?
Day 2: Prayer as a Communal Activity
The early church emphasized prayer as a key rhythm, making it a daily, intentional practice. Prayer is not just a solitary activity but a communal one, as seen in Acts 2:42. Praying together with others strengthens our faith and helps us wait on God more effectively. The communal aspect of prayer fosters unity and collective spiritual growth, making it a vital practice for any faith community. [11:21]
Acts 2:42 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
Reflection: Think of a time when you prayed with others. How did it impact your faith and sense of community? How can you incorporate more communal prayer into your life?
Day 3: Honesty in Prayer
Prayer is simply talking to God about what's going on in your life. It’s important to be honest and real before God, as exemplified by David in the Psalms. This honesty helps us encounter God's presence and move from loneliness to solitude, reminding us that we are not alone but in God's presence. Being transparent in our prayers allows us to build a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. [22:00]
Psalm 62:8 (ESV): "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent prayers. Are you being completely honest with God? What is one thing you can be more transparent about in your prayers today?
Day 4: Discerning God's Will Through Prayer
Prayer helps us discern what is from the Spirit and what is from the flesh. This discernment is crucial in a culture of striving, ensuring that our actions are sustained by God's power rather than our own strength. Whatever begins in the Spirit will be sustained in the Spirit, but whatever is birthed in the flesh must be sustained in the flesh. This understanding helps us align our actions with God's will, leading to a more fulfilling spiritual journey. [34:47]
Romans 8:5-6 (ESV): "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."
Reflection: Think about a decision you are currently facing. Are you seeking God's will through prayer, or are you relying on your own understanding? How can you better discern the Spirit's guidance in this situation?
Day 5: The Rewards of a Prayerful Life
A prayerful life brings numerous rewards, including a thankful heart, peace, a secure identity in Christ, and the joy of seeing answered prayers. Prayer helps us focus on what we have rather than what we lack, breaking the entitlement mentality and fostering a heart of gratitude. These rewards not only enrich our spiritual lives but also positively impact our overall well-being and relationships with others. [36:23]
Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Reflection: Reflect on the rewards you have experienced from a consistent prayer life. How has prayer helped you develop a thankful heart and a secure identity in Christ? What steps can you take to deepen your prayer life further?
Quotes
1. "Resilient means this. Resilient is the ability to recover quickly from setbacks or adversities. You ever notice how two people can go through the exact same thing, but react in much different ways? A resilient person is able to withstand or bounce back from challenges, from stress, or even from trauma. It doesn't mean that they're not affected by it. It just means that they will not allow their life to be ultimately defined by those challenges." [02:47] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Being a disciple, in our culture today, requires you to be all-in and to take God at his word. And I love being a part of a church of resilient disciples where people are highly committed to living out the Great Commission. Who are committed to obeying all that God has commanded, not observe, but to obey all that God has commanded. Even when it causes me to lose something that the world says is essential or valuable. The revelation that God gives me as a disciple is that what I'm gaining in Christ far outweighs what I've lost." [05:22] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "One of the most important elements in any relationship is communication. Having good and regular communication. And that's really what prayer is. It's communication and conversation with God. It's sharing our hearts with God. It's listening to his voice and learning to do that personally, one on one with God, but also in community with others. Now the first thing about prayer that we must not miss in scripture is that Jesus emphasizes prayer continually in his own life rhythms and also in his teaching." [08:52] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is teaching us that our prayers must have a level of resilience, perseverance, the ability to keep going in the midst of adversity and setbacks. Prayer is not only emphasized in Jesus's life. But the early church emphasizes prayer as a key rhythm. In Acts 2, which has all seven of the rhythms that we'll talk about in some form and we'll highlight throughout the series. We'll go through Acts 1 through 6, but you'll see chapter 2 is really the heartbeat of that." [10:05] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Waiting on God is hard, but waiting on God with others is much better. You know, it's not great to be stuck in the car on a long road trip, not able to move around much, but being stuck in a car with your closest friends is much better. You can share stories, you can laugh together, you can listen to music together, and it makes the time go by much faster. Or being in a long line is not great, but being in a great conversation in a long line is much better." [14:37] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Church, if we expect to hear God's will for our lives, we have to devote ourselves to prayer. And as we do so, we can expect answers. We can expect peace that surpasses all understanding. We can expect a sense of purpose and identity that others in the world lack. Prayer is how we learn to rest and rest is prayer. In a true manner. You know, resting in the Lord is much different than just being entertained. You know, resting in the Lord means to relax in His presence, to be unplugged from the need for any striving, unplugged from the need to react to incoming notifications." [26:34] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Prayer is simply talking to God about what's going on in your life. It's just conversation. And one of the greatest benefits of prayer is being able to encounter God's presence. And, you know, I'm a very relational person. And so one of the feelings I can often get is the feeling of loneliness. I think some of it's associated with being a leader. Some of it's just my personality. And some of it, I think, is just what it means to be human. But prayer helps remind me that I'm not alone. That God is with me." [22:00] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Prayer is what realigns me that my identity reminds me and realigns me that my identity is in Christ. And then another reward of prayer is just seeing answered prayers. If you start praying and writing down your prayers, you will start seeing God answer prayers in your life. It will be noticeable. God actually is answering prayers all the time. We just don't notice it because we're on to the next thing or we're only thinking about the one unanswered prayer we don't have." [37:25] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Prayer brings unity. Many translations translate verse 14 with one accord, they were devoting themselves to prayer. They weren't just together, but they were with one accord. They were of one mind, of one spirit. And this unity enabled them to have discernment about their next move. To move. To move forward united rather than divided. You know, one of the things that prayer does for me is it helps me discern what's from the spirit and what's from the flesh." [34:23] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "God is a good Father and He delights to give good gifts to His children. Jesus says this in Mark 11, Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours. Now God may not answer your prayer in the way that you expect or in the timeline that you want, but He will listen and He will answer. And prayer will change you. It will help you see that God's ways are not always our ways, that He often has even bigger purposes than we are even aware of from our limited perspective." [39:28] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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