Seeking God's Presence: The Power of Prayer
Summary
In my sermon, I began by sharing a personal experience that highlighted God's providence and the importance of prayer in our lives. I recounted how God prompted me to ask the congregation to bring shelf-stable food to the church to meet community needs, and how He provided the necessary boxes in an unexpected way. This testimony set the stage for a deeper exploration of prayer and our relationship with God.
I then transitioned to discussing the Sermon on the Mount, specifically focusing on Matthew 6, where Jesus teaches about righteous giving, prayer, and fasting. I emphasized that our vertical relationship with God should drive our righteous acts, and that Jesus expects us to engage in these acts as a natural expression of our connection with Him.
Delving into the concept of the "secret place," I referenced Psalm 91 and the Hebrew word "yashab," which means to dwell or live in a place for a prolonged period. I stressed the importance of dwelling in God's presence and how this should be our ultimate desire.
I also touched on the Old Testament Tabernacle, explaining how it served as a model for seeking God's presence. I described the cloud and pillar of fire that guided the Israelites and how they followed God's presence, which was symbolized by the cloud settling over the Tabernacle.
I then drew parallels between the Tabernacle and the Temple, highlighting the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. I explained how this veil represented the barrier between humanity and God's presence due to sin.
The climax of the sermon came as I recounted the moment of Jesus' crucifixion when the veil in the Temple was torn, symbolizing the new access we have to God through Christ's sacrifice. I emphasized that Jesus' death and resurrection allow us to enter the "secret place" and have a personal, intimate relationship with the Father.
I concluded by encouraging the congregation to seek God's presence above all else, to desire to dwell with Him, and to embrace a culture of prayer that transforms our lives and aligns us with His will.
Key Takeaways:
1. Our acts of righteousness, including giving, prayer, and fasting, are not optional but expected as natural expressions of our relationship with God. When Jesus speaks of "when you" rather than "if you," He indicates that these practices should be regular parts of our lives, stemming from a heart transformed by His presence. [26:03]
2. The "secret place" is not about the act of prayer itself, but about being in the presence of the Father. It is a place of intimacy and communion where we are invited to share our lives with God and listen to His voice, much like a child climbing into a parent's lap to share their day. [33:23]
3. The Old Testament Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence among His people. The cloud and pillar of fire were tangible signs of God's guidance, and the Israelites' willingness to follow these signs teaches us the importance of seeking and following God's presence in our own lives. [44:40]
4. The tearing of the Temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death was a monumental event that opened the way for all believers to enter the "secret place" of God's presence. This act of divine grace invites us to approach God with boldness and confidence, knowing that we are welcomed and loved. [55:35]
5. Our pursuit of God should be characterized by a deep hunger for His presence. Like David, who desired one thing—to dwell in the house of the Lord—we too should seek to live in the reality of God's presence, where we find protection, guidance, and the fullness of joy. [38:43]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:5-15 (NIV)
> "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.'"
2. Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
> "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"
3. Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV)
> "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus instruct us to do when we pray according to Matthew 6:6? How does this differ from the behavior of the hypocrites? [22:33]
2. In Psalm 91:1, what is promised to those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High?
3. According to Hebrews 10:19-22, what allows us to enter the Most Holy Place, and what should our attitude be when we draw near to God?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasizes praying in secret rather than in public? How does this align with the concept of the "secret place"? [22:33]
2. How does the tearing of the Temple veil at Jesus' crucifixion (referenced in the sermon) symbolize our new access to God? [55:35]
3. What does it mean to "dwell" in the presence of God as described in Psalm 91:1 and how can this be applied to our daily lives?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. Do you find yourself praying more in public or in private? How can you create a more intimate "secret place" for your prayers? [22:33]
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of seeking God's presence above all else. What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize dwelling in God's presence? [21:07]
3. How can you incorporate the model of the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) into your daily prayer routine? What changes might you need to make to align your prayers with this model? [23:13]
4. The pastor shared a personal story about God's providence and the importance of listening to His guidance. Can you recall a time when you felt God guiding you in a specific way? How did you respond? [02:47]
5. The sermon emphasized the tearing of the Temple veil and our new access to God through Jesus. How does this truth impact your relationship with God and your approach to prayer? [55:35]
6. The pastor encouraged a culture of prayer that transforms lives. What are some ways you can contribute to fostering a culture of prayer within your small group or church community? [14:31]
7. Reflect on the idea of God as "Abba" (Father) and the intimate relationship He desires with us. How can you cultivate a deeper, more personal relationship with God in your daily life? [29:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Righteous Acts Reflect Relationship
Righteous giving, prayer, and fasting are not mere religious duties to be checked off a list; they are the fruit of a life deeply connected to the divine source. When these practices become regular parts of one's life, it is a clear indication that the heart is being transformed by the presence of God. This transformation is not for show but is a private affair, a sacred rhythm between the believer and the Creator. It is in the quiet moments, away from the eyes of others, that the true depth of one's relationship with God is often revealed. The expectation of these acts as natural expressions of faith is a call to authenticity in one's spiritual walk. [26:03]
"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." - Matthew 6:3-4
Reflection: How can you incorporate a secret act of righteousness into your life this week as a genuine expression of your relationship with God?
Day 2: Intimacy in the Secret Place
The "secret place" is a metaphor for the intimate presence of God, where one can commune with the Father beyond the confines of ritualistic prayer. It is a spiritual space where believers are invited to share their lives, listen to His voice, and experience the comfort and love of a parent-child relationship. This place is not defined by a physical location but by the quality of the connection with God. It is where one can lay bare their soul, find solace, and receive divine wisdom. The secret place is about being with God, not just doing for God. [33:23]
"For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!" - Psalm 61:3-4
Reflection: What does your "secret place" with God look like, and how can you make time to dwell there today?
Day 3: Following God's Presence
The Old Testament Tabernacle was a vivid illustration of God's desire to dwell among His people. The cloud and pillar of fire that led the Israelites are powerful symbols of God's guidance and presence. Believers today are called to seek and follow God's presence with the same dedication, recognizing that His guidance is as relevant now as it was then. The willingness to follow God's presence, to move when He moves and to rest when He rests, is a testament to one's trust in His sovereignty and love. [44:40]
"And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped." - Numbers 9:17
Reflection: In what ways can you be more attentive to God's guidance in your life, and how can you better follow His lead?
Day 4: Access Granted Through Grace
The tearing of the Temple veil at the moment of Jesus' crucifixion was a profound event that signified the removal of the barrier between humanity and God. This act of divine grace opened a new way for believers to enter into God's presence with boldness and confidence. It is a reminder that through Christ's sacrifice, all are invited to approach the throne of grace, to experience the love and acceptance of the Father without fear or reservation. This access is a gift, one that should be cherished and utilized in the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God. [55:35]
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh." - Hebrews 10:19-20
Reflection: How does the knowledge of having direct access to God through Jesus Christ change the way you approach prayer and your daily walk with Him?
Day 5: Hunger for God's Presence
The pursuit of God's presence should be marked by an insatiable desire, a hunger that goes beyond mere knowledge or ritual. Like David, who yearned to dwell in the house of the Lord, believers are called to seek the reality of God's presence where they find protection, guidance, and the fullness of joy. This hunger is not for the things of God but for God Himself, to know Him, to be with Him, and to live in the awareness of His constant companionship. [38:43]
"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." - Psalm 27:4
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper hunger for God's presence in your daily life?
Quotes
1) "My God will say something to you and he will work things out in a way that you didn't think that he could work them out... because the gospel goes forth to our community in the vehicle of his people meeting needs so that they can hear it and the fuel for that vehicle is you spending time asking him what would you have me do today." [06:07]
2) "The one who is in the secret place is the motivation to go to the secret place. Can I tell you that prayer is not the motivation to go to the secret place... there's only one reason to go to the secret place, just like there's only one reason for you to climb up on your father's lap and tell him about your day and listen to what he has to say to you." [33:23]
3) "When you pray, go into your room and when you have shut your door, pray to your father who is in the secret place, and your father who sees in secret will reward you openly... we should seek the Lord, that's biblical, right? We should seek the Lord." [34:35]
4) "He who dwells in the secret place of the most high will abide under the shadow of the almighty... where have you been living? Matthew chapter 6, that's where we're going to jump into this morning." [21:07]
5) "Jesus came and lived a perfect sinless life as fully God and fully man... in that moment when he died, that veil tore into from top to bottom, exposing the holy of holies, the most holy place, the secret place. Hebrews tells us that by the blood of Jesus we have boldness to enter into the holy place, the secret place where the father is." [55:35]
6) "One thing have I desired of the Lord and that one thing I will seek that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to behold the beauty of the Lord and inquire in his Temple... he shall hide me in his Pavilion in the secret place of his Tabernacle he shall hide me." [38:43]
7) "Your relationship with God drives your righteous acts, how do you give, how do you serve, how do you love... Jesus's expectation was not if you, he wouldn't say hey if you think about it... he said when you do these things because once you have a connection with God and Jesus comes and lives in your heart, you are driven to do the things." [26:03]
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