Praying Audaciously: Embracing Boldness in Faith
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone, and a special welcome to our newcomers. At Chatham Church, our mission is simple: connecting people to God, to each other, and engaging our world for good. We take this seriously, and twice a year, we replace our worship service with a morning of service projects across the county. Over 17 years, we've contributed over 25,000 hours of service. Our next service day is in October, and we’re always looking for new projects and leaders.
Today, we continue our series called "Fertile Ground," focusing on cultivating hearts that are good soil for Jesus' teachings. Jesus calls us to be fruitful people, and today, He challenges us to be audacious, especially in our prayers. It's easier to pray safe, general prayers, but Jesus invites us to pray bold, specific, and audacious prayers. This can be challenging, especially if past experiences have left us disappointed. However, Jesus provides a framework for these audacious prayers, anchoring them in eternal truths.
Jesus teaches us to pray with the Lord's Prayer, which begins with "Father," a revolutionary way to address God that signifies a personal, caring relationship. This prayer is a "prayer shot heard around the world," changing how we relate to God. Jesus then moves from the personal to the global, asking for God's name to be hallowed and His kingdom to come. This forms a "prayer triangle" that frames all our prayers: Father, Hallowed, Kingdom.
Within this framework, Jesus encourages us to pray audaciously. He uses the parable of a friend asking for bread at midnight to illustrate the importance of persistence in prayer. If a reluctant friend can be persuaded, how much more will our good Father respond to our bold prayers? Jesus concludes by emphasizing that if we, despite our flaws, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will our heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask?
So, I challenge you to pray audacious prayers within this prayer triangle. Ask for the Holy Spirit regularly, as it is the most audacious and transformative request we can make. My prayer is that our hearts will be fertile ground for Jesus' teachings, leading to bold, life-changing prayers that bring about God's kingdom in our lives and community.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Addressing God as Father: Jesus revolutionized prayer by teaching us to address God as "Father," signifying a personal and caring relationship. This was unprecedented in Jewish and pagan traditions and invites us into a familial relationship with God, emphasizing His love and care for us. [07:04]
2. The Prayer Triangle: Jesus' Lord's Prayer forms a "prayer triangle" with three anchor points: Father, Hallowed, and Kingdom. These eternal truths frame our audacious prayers, grounding them in God's character and His eternal purposes. This framework helps us to pray boldly while staying anchored in what is unchanging. [10:53]
3. Persistence in Prayer: Jesus encourages us to be persistent in our prayers through the parable of the friend asking for bread at midnight. This persistence, or "shameless audacity," is key to seeing our prayers answered. If a reluctant friend can be persuaded, how much more will our good Father respond to our bold prayers? [12:36]
4. Audacious Prayers and Eternal Anchors: Within the prayer triangle, we are invited to pray bold, audacious prayers. These prayers should resonate with the eternal truths of God's fatherhood, His name being hallowed, and His kingdom coming. This alignment ensures that our bold requests are rooted in God's eternal purposes. [13:54]
5. The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Jesus highlights the Holy Spirit as the most audacious and transformative gift we can ask for. Unlike the Old Testament, where only select individuals received the Holy Spirit, Jesus democratizes this gift, inviting all believers to ask for and receive the Holy Spirit, empowering us for fruitful and impactful lives. [24:29]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:57] - Introduction to Chatham Serves
[01:57] - Series Overview: Fertile Ground
[02:42] - The Challenge of Audacious Prayer
[04:00] - The Potential of Audacious Prayer
[04:57] - Anchoring Audacious Prayers in Eternal Truths
[05:39] - The Lord's Prayer: A Revolutionary Approach
[07:04] - Addressing God as Father
[09:33] - Hallowed Be Your Name
[10:22] - Your Kingdom Come
[10:53] - The Prayer Triangle
[11:43] - The Parable of the Persistent Friend
[13:01] - Shameless Audacity in Prayer
[14:23] - Ask, Seek, Knock
[16:22] - Personal Testimony: Praying for the Building
[19:19] - Anchoring in Eternal Realities
[20:33] - The Reality of Disappointment
[22:00] - Praying for Community Transformation
[23:15] - The Good Father and Good Gifts
[24:29] - The Gift of the Holy Spirit
[25:40] - The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit
[26:52] - Practicing the Prayer Triangle
[27:56] - Invitation to Audacious Prayer
[29:15] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 11:1-13 - The Lord's Prayer and the Parable of the Persistent Friend
2. Matthew 6:9-13 - The Lord's Prayer (Extended Version)
3. Romans 8:15-16 - Addressing God as Father
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three anchor points of the "prayer triangle" mentioned in the sermon? ([10:53])
2. How does Jesus illustrate the importance of persistence in prayer through the parable of the friend asking for bread at midnight? ([11:43])
3. According to the sermon, what is the most audacious and transformative gift we can ask for in prayer? ([24:29])
4. How does Jesus revolutionize the way we address God in prayer, according to the sermon? ([07:04])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize addressing God as "Father" in the Lord's Prayer, and how does this change our relationship with God? ([07:04])
2. How does the "prayer triangle" (Father, Hallowed, Kingdom) help to frame our audacious prayers within God's eternal purposes? ([10:53])
3. What does the parable of the persistent friend teach us about the nature of God and our approach to prayer? ([11:43])
4. Why is asking for the Holy Spirit considered the most audacious prayer, and how does it empower believers according to the sermon? ([24:29])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. Are your prayers more general and safe, or are they bold and specific? What steps can you take to start praying more audaciously? ([02:42])
2. Think about a time when you were persistent in prayer. What was the outcome, and how did it affect your faith? How can you apply this persistence to a current prayer need? ([11:43])
3. Jesus invites us to address God as "Father." How does this personal and caring relationship with God influence the way you pray? ([07:04])
4. The sermon challenges us to pray within the "prayer triangle." Choose one of the three anchor points (Father, Hallowed, Kingdom) and describe how you can incorporate it into your daily prayers this week. ([10:53])
5. Identify one bold, audacious prayer you feel led to pray this summer. Share it with the group and discuss how you can support each other in these prayers. ([22:00])
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of asking for the Holy Spirit. How can you make this a regular part of your prayer life, and what changes do you hope to see as a result? ([24:29])
7. Reflect on a specific area in your life or community where you desire to see God's kingdom come. How can you pray audaciously for transformation in that area? ([10:22])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Addressing God as Father
Jesus revolutionized prayer by teaching us to address God as "Father," signifying a personal and caring relationship. This was unprecedented in Jewish and pagan traditions and invites us into a familial relationship with God, emphasizing His love and care for us. When we call God "Father," we are reminded of His intimate involvement in our lives, His provision, and His unwavering love. This approach to prayer changes our perspective, making our communication with God more personal and heartfelt.
Understanding God as our Father helps us to approach Him with confidence and trust. It reassures us that we are not alone and that we have a loving Father who is always ready to listen and respond to our needs. This relationship is the foundation of our faith and our prayers, encouraging us to come to God with all our concerns, knowing that He cares deeply for us.
[07:04]
Isaiah 64:8 (ESV): "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."
Reflection: How does addressing God as "Father" change the way you approach Him in prayer? Can you think of a specific situation where you need to trust in God's fatherly care today?
Day 2: The Prayer Triangle
Jesus' Lord's Prayer forms a "prayer triangle" with three anchor points: Father, Hallowed, and Kingdom. These eternal truths frame our audacious prayers, grounding them in God's character and His eternal purposes. This framework helps us to pray boldly while staying anchored in what is unchanging. By focusing on these three aspects, we align our prayers with God's will and His grand narrative for the world.
The "prayer triangle" serves as a guide to ensure that our prayers are not just about our immediate needs but are also in tune with God's greater plan. It reminds us to honor God's name, seek His kingdom, and recognize His fatherly love. This alignment helps us to pray with confidence, knowing that our requests are rooted in God's eternal truths.
[10:53]
Matthew 6:9-10 (ESV): "Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.'"
Reflection: How can you incorporate the "prayer triangle" into your daily prayer life? What specific prayer can you make today that aligns with God's name being hallowed and His kingdom coming?
Day 3: Persistence in Prayer
Jesus encourages us to be persistent in our prayers through the parable of the friend asking for bread at midnight. This persistence, or "shameless audacity," is key to seeing our prayers answered. If a reluctant friend can be persuaded, how much more will our good Father respond to our bold prayers? Persistence in prayer demonstrates our faith and trust in God's timing and His willingness to answer.
Persistence in prayer is not about wearing God down but about building our faith and dependence on Him. It shows that we are serious about our requests and that we trust God to act in His perfect timing. This kind of prayer requires patience and perseverance, but it also brings us closer to God as we continually seek His presence and guidance.
[12:36]
Luke 11:8 (ESV): "I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs."
Reflection: Is there a specific prayer request you have given up on? How can you renew your persistence in bringing this request before God with "shameless audacity" today?
Day 4: Audacious Prayers and Eternal Anchors
Within the prayer triangle, we are invited to pray bold, audacious prayers. These prayers should resonate with the eternal truths of God's fatherhood, His name being hallowed, and His kingdom coming. This alignment ensures that our bold requests are rooted in God's eternal purposes. Audacious prayers are not just about asking for big things but about aligning our desires with God's will and His grand plan for our lives and the world.
Praying audaciously means stepping out in faith and asking God for things that seem impossible, trusting that He is able to do far more than we can imagine. It also means being willing to submit our desires to His will, knowing that His plans are always for our good and His glory. This kind of prayer requires courage and a deep trust in God's character and promises.
[13:54]
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 bold, audacious prayer you can make today that aligns with God's eternal purposes? How can you trust God to answer this prayer in His way and timing?
Day 5: The Gift of the Holy Spirit
Jesus highlights the Holy Spirit as the most audacious and transformative gift we can ask for. Unlike the Old Testament, where only select individuals received the Holy Spirit, Jesus democratizes this gift, inviting all believers to ask for and receive the Holy Spirit, empowering us for fruitful and impactful lives. The Holy Spirit is our helper, guide, and source of power for living out our faith and fulfilling God's purposes.
Asking for the Holy Spirit is a bold request because it invites God's presence and power into our lives in a transformative way. The Holy Spirit equips us to live out our faith, to bear fruit, and to impact the world around us. This gift is available to all believers, and we are encouraged to ask for it regularly, trusting that God will generously give us His Spirit.
[24:29]
Acts 2:38-39 (ESV): "And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.'"
Reflection: Have you asked God for the gift of the Holy Spirit? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower and guide you in your daily life today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus calls those people fruitful people. He said his teaching is like seed, has potential, has power. And if it falls on good soil, if it falls on hearts that are open and receptive and willing to receive it, then it releases good fruit in us and through us. It makes us the fruitful people God intended us to be." [01:57] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Because what if, what if, what if, what if you become the person six months from now that prays crazy audacious prayers and God hears them. God answers them. Like what if you're that person? You don't know it yet. That hasn't been your experience previously. But what if your prayers are going to change someone's life in the next six months? What if God has positioned you for such a time as this?" [04:00] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "How much more. Will God your good father. Move on your behalf. If you are willing. To knock on the door. Be bold. Make the request. Even at midnight. So Jesus gives us this prayer triangle. Right. Father. You're good. Hallowed be your name. Worship to your name. Your kingdom come. Not my kingdom. Your kingdom come." [13:17] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus says, I want to charge all y'all, be audacious, ask God to give you the kingdom of God. I want you to be bold, ask God to give you the kingdom of God. Ask for the things that you want or need, and especially, here's the crowning glory, ask for the Holy Spirit. That's what's true. That's the invitation as we head into today's wildly important take-homes." [25:40] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "My prayer, six months from now, there'll be story after story of God hearing those prayers. Things bubbling up and life changing, families changing, things happening, people coming to faith, all kinds of transformation as our hearts are fertile ground to receive his teachings and then acting, following, hoping and praying his name would be hallowed, his kingdom would come, his will be done in our lives as it is in heaven." [29:15] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And what Jesus opens up with is the prayer shot heard around the world. This is the prayer shot heard around the world. And it's so familiar to us. It's so common. We don't think it's a big deal. But when he said, pray like this, Father, it totally changed all of human history. This prayer has changed so many people's lives, even people who aren't Christians." [07:04] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so my friends, Jesus invites us within this larger framework right within this larger framework that he's given us in his great Lord's prayer is there one audacious prayer you need to pray within that prayer triangle today this summer for the rest of the calendar year is there an audacious prayer that god's sort of tapping you on the shoulder saying hey i i want you to pray this and i know it's not going to be kind of crazy but i but i've given you a burden for this i've given you a passion for this you you you feel this deeply come ask me for it come ask me for it and watch what i might do watch how i might shape you as you trust me as a good father as you pray for the kingdom to come as you pray for god's name to be hallowed trust me in now watch how i want to shape you and then i might just might want to release something that you can't even begin to imagine in this place in the space" [20:33] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so Jesus opens his famous prayer. With these three sort of invitations for us to pray. And I want to call these the prayer triangle today. This is the prayer triangle. Father. Hallowed. Your kingdom come. And what I want to suggest to you. Is that everything that follows as Jesus does. A segment of teaching. He does three bits of teaching after this. Including the Lord's prayer. Give us our daily bread. And forgive us our sins. All that fits nested within this prayer triangle." [10:53] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so my friends my question for you or my my encouragement for you my challenge for you make asking for a fresh feeling of the spirit one of your regular most audacious requests in light of in the fact that god's a good father Father, in light of that we're asking for his name to be worshipped all over the world, in light of the fact that we're asking for his kingdom to come and break into our lives and into our world, in light of the fact that we're invited to pray audaciously for all kinds of things that might come and go at different points in our lives, that you'd certainly pray for those things, but at the corner of that, the cornerstone, the centerpiece of all that is this, ask boldly for God to give the Holy Spirit." [25:40] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so Jesus says. Listen. If you've got a friend who's reluctant to act. On your behalf. To give you your. The bread. Remember the daily bread thing. He asked. Invites us to pray earlier. Here's another bread idea. Another bread motif. Right. So if you've got a friend. Who out of friendship won't do it. Can you imagine. What your good father will do for you. How much more. Will a good father do so much more for you. Than a reluctant friend." [13:01] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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