Reviving Prayer: Embracing God's Holiness and Majesty
Summary
### Summary
In a time of spiritual decline in America during 1857, a merchant named Jim Lamplear, with no theological training, felt compelled to start a prayer meeting at his struggling Dutch Reformed Church in New York City. Despite initial discouragement, his persistence led to a massive revival known as the Businessman's Revival, where thousands gathered daily to pray, transforming lives and communities. This story underscores the power of prayer and the importance of understanding to whom we pray.
The sermon then delves into the nature of God, emphasizing His holiness and grandeur through various biblical passages. From Moses encountering the burning bush to Isaiah's vision of God’s throne, Ezekiel’s awe-inspiring vision of heavenly creatures, and John's revelation of Christ in His glory, each account highlights the fearsome and awesome nature of God. These stories remind us that approaching God in prayer should be done with reverence, humility, and a deep sense of His majesty.
The sermon challenges us to reflect on our perception of God when we pray. Do we see Him as the mighty, powerful, and loving God who can meet our needs, or do we reduce Him to a mere genie who grants wishes? The importance of praying to the living, loving, and powerful God is emphasized, as He understands our challenges and actively hears us.
Finally, the sermon calls for a commitment to prayer, encouraging the congregation to devote time to pray humbly, submissively, and confidently. It concludes with a prayer for the church to be known as a praying community, experiencing God's miraculous work and giving Him all the glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Persistent Prayer: Jim Lamplear's story illustrates that even in times of spiritual decline, persistent prayer can lead to revival and transformation. His dedication to prayer meetings, despite initial discouragement, eventually led to a massive movement where thousands sought God daily. This teaches us the importance of perseverance in prayer, trusting that God can bring about significant change through our faithfulness. [02:49]
2. Understanding God's Holiness: The encounters of Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and John with God reveal His fearsome and awesome nature. These biblical accounts remind us that approaching God in prayer should be done with a deep sense of reverence and humility. Recognizing God's holiness helps us to approach Him with the respect and awe He deserves, transforming our prayer life into a profound spiritual experience. [07:00]
3. The Majesty of God in Prayer: When we pray, it is crucial to envision the majesty and grandeur of God. The visions described in Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Revelation depict a God who is far beyond our comprehension, surrounded by heavenly beings and radiant glory. This understanding should shape our prayers, making them more profound and aligned with the greatness of the God we serve. [19:05]
4. Praying to a Loving and Understanding God: Jesus' life on earth demonstrates that God understands our challenges and cares deeply for us. He experienced human emotions and pressures, making Him a compassionate and empathetic intercessor. When we pray to this loving God, we can be confident that He hears us and is moved by our needs, providing comfort and support in our struggles. [23:12]
5. Commitment to Devoted Prayer: The sermon calls for a dedicated prayer life, encouraging the congregation to set aside specific times for prayer. It emphasizes the need to pray humbly, submissively, and confidently, trusting in God's wisdom and power. By committing to regular and intentional prayer, we can experience a deeper relationship with God and witness His miraculous work in our lives and communities. [35:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Jim Lamplear's Prayer Meeting
[02:05] - The Stock Market Crash and Revival
[02:49] - The Businessman's Revival
[03:32] - The Importance of Prayer
[04:17] - God's Promise to Abraham
[05:18] - Moses and the Burning Bush
[07:00] - The Fearsome Experience of Speaking to God
[08:17] - Isaiah's Vision of God's Throne
[11:01] - Ezekiel's Vision of Heavenly Creatures
[15:56] - John's Revelation of Christ
[19:05] - The Majesty of God in Prayer
[23:12] - Praying to a Loving and Understanding God
[29:05] - Praying for Community Leaders
[35:31] - Commitment to Devoted Prayer
[40:14] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 3:1-6 - Moses and the Burning Bush
2. Isaiah 6:1-7 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Throne
3. Revelation 1:12-18 - John's Vision of Christ in His Glory
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Moses' reaction when he encountered the burning bush, and what did God instruct him to do? ([06:00])
2. Describe the vision Isaiah had of the Lord in Isaiah 6. What were the seraphim doing, and what did they proclaim? ([09:03])
3. In Revelation 1, how does John describe the appearance of the one speaking to him? What was John's reaction to this vision? ([17:09])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Jim Lamplear's prayer meeting illustrate the power of persistent prayer? What can we learn from his dedication despite initial discouragement? ([02:49])
2. Why is it important to approach God with a sense of His holiness and grandeur, as seen in the visions of Moses, Isaiah, and John? How does this understanding affect our prayer life? ([07:00])
3. How does recognizing Jesus as a loving and understanding God, who experienced human challenges, change the way we pray and relate to Him? ([23:12])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt discouraged in your prayer life. How can Jim Lamplear's story inspire you to persist in prayer despite challenges? ([02:49])
2. When you pray, do you envision the majesty and holiness of God as described in the visions of Moses, Isaiah, and John? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence in your prayer life? ([19:05])
3. Think about your current perception of God when you pray. Do you see Him as a mighty, powerful, and loving God, or do you sometimes reduce Him to a mere genie who grants wishes? How can you shift your perspective to align more with the biblical view of God? ([22:00])
4. Jesus understands our struggles and challenges because He lived as a human. How does this knowledge impact your confidence in bringing your needs and concerns to Him in prayer? ([23:12])
5. The sermon calls for a commitment to devoted prayer. What specific steps can you take this week to set aside dedicated time for prayer? How can you ensure that this becomes a regular practice in your life? ([35:31])
6. How can you involve your family or friends in a regular prayer routine? What are some practical ways to encourage and support each other in maintaining a committed prayer life? ([36:43])
7. Reflect on the grandeur and holiness of God as described in the sermon. How can this understanding transform your approach to prayer and deepen your relationship with God? ([19:05])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Jim Lamplear's story illustrates that even in times of spiritual decline, persistent prayer can lead to revival and transformation. His dedication to prayer meetings, despite initial discouragement, eventually led to a massive movement where thousands sought God daily. This teaches us the importance of perseverance in prayer, trusting that God can bring about significant change through our faithfulness. [02:49]
Luke 18:1-8 (ESV): "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, 'In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, "Give me justice against my adversary." For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, "Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming."'"
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you have felt discouraged in prayer. How can you commit to persistently bringing this need before God, trusting in His timing and faithfulness?
Day 2: Understanding God's Holiness
The encounters of Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and John with God reveal His fearsome and awesome nature. These biblical accounts remind us that approaching God in prayer should be done with a deep sense of reverence and humility. Recognizing God's holiness helps us to approach Him with the respect and awe He deserves, transforming our prayer life into a profound spiritual experience. [07:00]
Isaiah 6:1-5 (ESV): "In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!' And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: 'Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!'"
Reflection: When you pray, do you approach God with a sense of His holiness and majesty? How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily prayer life?
Day 3: The Majesty of God in Prayer
When we pray, it is crucial to envision the majesty and grandeur of God. The visions described in Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Revelation depict a God who is far beyond our comprehension, surrounded by heavenly beings and radiant glory. This understanding should shape our prayers, making them more profound and aligned with the greatness of the God we serve. [19:05]
Ezekiel 1:26-28 (ESV): "And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance. And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him. Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking."
Reflection: How does envisioning the majesty and grandeur of God change the way you pray? What specific steps can you take to remind yourself of God's greatness during your prayer time?
Day 4: Praying to a Loving and Understanding God
Jesus' life on earth demonstrates that God understands our challenges and cares deeply for us. He experienced human emotions and pressures, making Him a compassionate and empathetic intercessor. When we pray to this loving God, we can be confident that He hears us and is moved by our needs, providing comfort and support in our struggles. [23:12]
Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "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. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent struggle or challenge you have faced. How does knowing that Jesus understands and empathizes with your situation change the way you approach Him in prayer?
Day 5: Commitment to Devoted Prayer
The sermon calls for a dedicated prayer life, encouraging the congregation to set aside specific times for prayer. It emphasizes the need to pray humbly, submissively, and confidently, trusting in God's wisdom and power. By committing to regular and intentional prayer, we can experience a deeper relationship with God and witness His miraculous work in our lives and communities. [35:31]
Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Reflection: What specific time each day can you set aside for dedicated prayer? How can you ensure that this time is protected and free from distractions, allowing you to fully engage with God in prayer?
Quotes
1. "And then during, in between the weeks, the stock market crashes. The stock market crashed on October 19, 1857. It crashed. And all of a sudden, people came disillusioned. They lost everything, and they started to have a hunger, a need for God. And all of a sudden, people started coming in. In short time, so many people filled the room that he had to move it from more than one day. He moved it to every day. There would be a prayer meeting, and thousands upon thousands upon thousands of people came to pray. Over 3000 people in New York City. Businesses were closing for the hour. Lives were being changed. People would come, and they'd pray. And all of a sudden prayer meetings would start all over. It is called the businessman's revival in America." [02:05] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Here's a point. You need to be reminded, church, that speaking to the Lord is a fearsome and awesome experience. We forget those. I've been walking with Jesus for many years, and sometimes I completely forget speaking to the Lord. I take advantage of it. I pray to him. I just approach his throne. But speaking to the Lord is a fearsome and awesome experience. If you've been a Christian for a long time, you kind of take it for granted that you get to come to the Lord. We're going to look this morning at who he is." [07:00] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Church, there is a fearsomeness that draws us and forces us to be humble when we approach the throne of God. Because where the Lord is, it is holy. Praying to the Lord in your chair, in your couch, at your desk, where the Lord is, it is holy. So when you pray, to whom do you pray? I'm going to read some big passages, chunks of scripture today, because I think we need to get a grasp of the holiness and the grandeur of goddess." [08:17] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you pray, to whom do you pray? Do you just kind of even envision who you're talking to? Or do you just kind of come in and start rambling and talking to God without paying any attention to the who you're praying to, the one that the creatures bow down, fall down and worship? Well, let's continue. We're going to go now to the end of the book, the end of revelation." [15:56] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you pray, who do you pray? I often envision coming for God. I often envision him sitting on the throne on the sea of crystal clear glass. Put him in his right spot. When you pray, acknowledge his holiness and become humble. We'll look at that. And in the center of the throne were 24 creatures that were, they were covered with eyes front and in the back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second like an ox, the third the face of a man. And the fourth was like a flying eagle." [19:05] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When you pray to the mighty God. He has the power to help when you pray to the mighty God, he has the power to help. When you pray to a dead God, a defeated God, a dead defeated God, he is powerless to help. When you pray to an idol, an idol just sits on your shelf. It has no potential to do anything. It can't hear you, it can't speak, it can't work. It just sits there because of the block of wooden or a piece of stone. When you pray to the stars, what are you praying to? Do you pray to the mighty powerful God who created the stars and the universe and who loves you." [22:00] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When you pray to the loving God, he understands your challenges. When you pray to a distant God, a God that, well, you know, he just might be distant, he doesn't really care about me. That God can't help you. When you pray to the loving God. And how do we know he's a loving God? Because God so loved us that he sent son. He sent his son into the world. Jesus understands our problems and our challenges. Jesus was insulted, Jesus was hungry, Jesus was tired, Jesus laughed, Jesus cried, Jesus had pressure. Well Jesus, you should do this now from others about him. Jesus knows and understands what you're going through as he has been there." [23:12] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When you pray, how do you enter into his presence? When you pray, how do you enter into his presence? Do you just kind of lollygagging and so you're just praying as you drive? Are you really? God is so big that, well, I'm just going to drive. Sure, you can have that kind of relationship, but what about this beautiful, intimate relationship that you can have with God? When you pray, how do you enter? There are three ways I think we need to do. The first one is humbly. We absolutely need to enter humbly. The creatures that we heard about where they move their wings and it sounds like water rushing. When they move their wings, it sounds like an army moving. What did they do?" [31:27] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The Bible says, devote yourselves in prayer. I want you to think about your schedule this week. I want you to think about how you can make moments in your schedule and devote time to pray. Devote time to pray. And when you devote time to pray, you won't come to church starving for prayer, starving for a relationship, starving for something. You'll come, you'll come healthy, you'll come worshiping. Well, spend some time, make time with your family, spend some time with friends. Just committing yourself to praying. Devote yourself to prayer. Don't just do it as a one off for 1 minute. Good, do it for five minutes. Do it for ten minutes. Praying takes practice. It does. It absolutely takes practice." [36:43] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "This church has tremendous power in our prayer. Yeah, you got it. Imagine this. What would happen if we dedicated time to pray. Just pray. Pray church. This week, in my devotions, I was looking at who God was and I always write them down in my notes and, and I decided to write them down. Character qualities of God, all in alphabetical order. So I took the letters of the Alphabet and I made a list of character qualities of God. I found a great couple of words, Q and Z. Watch this. The Lord is almighty, bountiful in all of his ways, caring for his people. Delightful, everlasting, faithful, good, holy, invincible, just, kind, loving, magnificent, never ending, omnipotent, personal, whimful, qumful means gracious, merciful. It's q u e m e f u l. Quim ful." [37:54] (78 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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