Structured Prayer: A Journey Through the Tabernacle
Summary
In the exploration of prayer, there is a profound emphasis on the pattern and structure that can be drawn from the Old Testament, particularly from the practices of Moses and the Israelites. The concept of the Tabernacle, a movable sanctuary that housed the presence of God, serves as a blueprint for a deeper, more structured approach to prayer. This pattern is not just a historical or religious artifact but a template for personal spiritual discipline.
The Tabernacle was divided into several sections, each representing a step closer to the Holy of Holies, where the presence of God was believed to dwell. The journey through these sections is symbolic of a journey in prayer, starting from the outer courts and moving inward. The first step is entering with thanksgiving, acknowledging what one has and expressing gratitude. This step sets the tone for the entire prayer, shifting the focus from lack to abundance.
The next step is the Brazen Altar, where sacrifices were made in the Old Testament. In a contemporary context, this represents reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the significance of the cross. It is a moment to focus on the redemptive work of Christ rather than on personal desires or requests. This reflection leads to a deeper appreciation of the grace available through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Following the altar is the Laver, a basin for ceremonial washing, symbolizing the need for purification and preparation before approaching God. In prayer, this translates to a request for cleansing and forgiveness, acknowledging one's shortcomings and the need for God's grace to purify the heart and mind.
The next element is the Candlestick, representing the Holy Spirit's presence and power. Inviting the Holy Spirit into one's life is akin to asking for guidance, wisdom, and the activation of spiritual gifts. It is a recognition of the need for divine empowerment in daily life.
The Table of Showbread signifies sustenance and the Word of God. Just as the priests would eat the bread, individuals are encouraged to 'feed' on the Scriptures, allowing the Word to nourish and strengthen their spirit. This step is about claiming the promises of God and allowing His Word to transform one's life.
The Altar of Incense represents worship and adoration of God. It is a moment in prayer to shift from requests and supplications to simply adoring God for who He is, separate from what He can do. This worship is a crucial aspect of prayer, as it aligns the heart with God's presence.
Finally, the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies is where intercession takes place. After having gone through the previous steps, one is prepared to pray for others, interceding on their behalf before God. This selfless act of praying for others first aligns with the heart of God and reflects the intercessory nature of Jesus' prayers.
This pattern of prayer is not a rigid formula but a guide to help individuals engage with God on a deeper level. It encourages a balanced approach to prayer that includes thanksgiving, reflection on the cross, purification, inviting the Holy Spirit, feeding on the Word, worship, and intercession. This structure helps to create a comprehensive and fulfilling prayer experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Thanksgiving is the gateway to effective prayer. By starting with gratitude, individuals set a positive foundation for their prayers, acknowledging God's goodness and provision in their lives. This act of thanksgiving aligns the heart with an attitude of contentment and appreciation, which is essential for approaching God with the right mindset. [58:57]
- Reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus at the Brazen Altar is a powerful reminder of the grace and redemption available to all. It shifts the focus from personal efforts to the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross. This reflection is crucial for understanding one's position before God and the basis upon which one can approach Him with confidence. [01:00:54]
- The act of purification at the Laver represents the importance of confession and forgiveness in prayer. It is a humbling acknowledgment of one's need for God's cleansing and a reminder to maintain a pure heart before Him. This step is about preparing oneself to enter God's presence with a clear conscience and a desire for holiness. [01:03:24]
- Inviting the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment through the Candlestick symbolizes the need for divine assistance in one's daily walk. It is an acknowledgment that without the Holy Spirit, one's efforts are insufficient. This invitation is a request for the Holy Spirit to activate spiritual gifts and provide the necessary power for living a life that honors God. [01:06:26]
- The Table of Showbread emphasizes the importance of engaging with Scripture as a source of spiritual nourishment. Just as physical food sustains the body, the Word of God sustains the soul. This step encourages individuals to delve into the Bible, allowing it to transform their lives and equip them for every good work. [01:09:22]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 6:18 - "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."
2. Exodus 25:8-9 - "Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you."
3. Psalms 100:4 - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 6:18 suggest about the frequency and variety of our prayers?
2. According to Exodus 25:8-9, what was the purpose of the sanctuary (Tabernacle) that God instructed Moses to build?
3. In Psalms 100:4, what are the two actions we are encouraged to take when entering God's presence?
4. How does the sermon describe the significance of the Brazen Altar in the context of prayer? [59:34]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How might the instruction to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions" (Ephesians 6:18) influence our daily routines and interactions?
2. What does the pattern of the Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 25:8-9, teach us about approaching God in prayer? [52:07]
3. Why is it important to start our prayers with thanksgiving, as suggested in Psalms 100:4 and the sermon? [58:57]
4. Reflecting on the Brazen Altar, how does focusing on the sacrifice of Jesus change the way we approach God in prayer? [01:00:54]
#### Application Questions
1. Thanksgiving in Prayer: How can you incorporate more thanksgiving into your daily prayers? Can you think of specific things you are grateful for that you can mention in your prayers this week? [58:57]
2. Reflecting on the Cross: When you pray, do you take time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus? How can you make this a more consistent part of your prayer routine? [01:00:54]
3. Purification and Confession: What are some areas in your life where you need God's cleansing and forgiveness? How can you make confession a regular part of your prayer time? [01:03:24]
4. Inviting the Holy Spirit: How often do you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you in your daily life? What specific areas of your life could benefit from the Holy Spirit's guidance? [01:06:26]
5. Engaging with Scripture: How can you make engaging with the Word of God a more integral part of your prayer life? What is one specific verse or passage you can meditate on this week? [01:09:22]
6. Worship in Prayer: How can you shift your focus from requests to worship during your prayer time? What are some attributes of God that you can praise Him for in your prayers? [01:12:05]
7. Intercession for Others: Who are some people in your life that you can intercede for in prayer? How can you make intercession a more prominent part of your prayer routine? [01:16:00]
This guide is designed to help you delve deeper into the sermon’s teachings on prayer, using the Tabernacle as a model. May it enrich your prayer life and draw you closer to God.
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude Opens Prayer's Door
Gratitude is not merely a polite gesture but the foundation of a fruitful prayer life. By beginning with thanksgiving, one acknowledges the abundance already present, setting a positive tone for the entire prayer experience. This shift from focusing on lack to recognizing abundance helps to cultivate an attitude of contentment and opens the heart to further blessings. [58:57]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What are three specific things you are thankful for today, and how can expressing this gratitude shape your approach to prayer?
Day 2: The Cross as Our Foundation
Contemplating the sacrifice of Jesus is essential for a profound prayer life. It reminds believers of the grace and redemption that is freely given, not earned. This reflection on Christ's sacrifice provides a firm foundation for approaching God, allowing one to pray with confidence in the grace that has been extended through the cross. [01:00:54]
Hebrews 10:19-22 - "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."
Reflection: How does reflecting on Jesus' sacrifice influence your understanding of grace, and how might it change the way you pray?
Day 3: Purification Prepares the Heart
Acknowledging the need for God's cleansing is a vital step in prayer. It involves a humble confession of one's sins and the desire for a pure heart. This act of seeking forgiveness prepares one to enter God's presence with a clear conscience and a readiness to receive His holiness. [01:03:24]
Psalm 51:10-12 - "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life that need God's cleansing, and how can you actively seek His purification today?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit's Empowering Presence
Inviting the Holy Spirit into one's life is crucial for spiritual empowerment. It is an acknowledgment of human insufficiency and a request for divine guidance and the activation of spiritual gifts. This step in prayer is about seeking the Holy Spirit's presence to live a life that truly honors God. [01:06:26]
Ephesians 3:16-17 - "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."
Reflection: In what ways do you need the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment in your life, and how can you be more open to His presence?
Day 5: Scripture as Spiritual Sustenance
Engaging with Scripture is not just an intellectual exercise but a means of spiritual nourishment. By 'feeding' on the Word of God, believers allow the truths of the Bible to transform their lives and equip them for every good work. This step in prayer is about claiming God's promises and letting His Word guide and strengthen one's spirit. [01:09:22]
Jeremiah 15:16 - "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty."
Reflection: What Scripture has recently impacted you, and how can you incorporate its truth into your daily life to nourish your spiritual growth?
Quotes
1) "When you enter prayer into the outer courts and you give God thanks, that's when you begin to be thankful and grateful for what you have." [58:26] (Download)
2) "The altar represents sacrifice... your altar becomes when I'm going to focus on what God did through Jesus Christ on the cross." [01:00:54] (Download)
3) "God cleanse me... it is God you are washing the outside of me, clean the inside of me clean so that I can approach you gracefully." [01:03:24] (Download)
4) "Invite the work of the Holy Spirit in my life... let the Holy Spirit lead and guide me in everything that I do." [01:06:26] (Download)
5) "The more time we spend at the table eating the bread of life, eating the word of God, the more power is going to be on the inside of us." [01:10:28] (Download)
6) "The incense represents us worshiping his name... when we get to this moment in prayer we begin to worship God." [01:12:05] (Download)
7) "What if the church began to intercede for the needs of others even before we prayed for the needs of ourselves?" [01:16:00] (Download)
8) "Even Jesus in his last moments on the cross interceded on our behalf and he prays a prayer that says this, 'Father forgive them for they know not what they do'." [01:16:45] (Download)
9) "You are the Tabernacle in the New Testament that says Christ now lives inside of you. So God cleanse me." [01:05:13] (Download)
10) "This pattern of the Tabernacle... it's also a pattern of prayer for those of you that have never ever prayed before." [52:07] (Download)
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