Transformative Power of Prayer: Cultivating Friendship with God
Summary
Influence Church is committed to helping you know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and influence your world. Today, we delve into the rhythm of prayer, a vital practice that can transform our lives. Prayer is not just a religious duty; it is a powerful tool that connects us with God, our loving Father, who desires a deep relationship with us. Through prayer, we can experience peace, healing, and guidance, as well as mental and physical health benefits, as even secular studies have shown.
The story of Joseph Scriven, who wrote the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," illustrates the power of prayer in overcoming life's sorrows. Despite experiencing profound personal loss, Scriven found solace and friendship in Jesus through prayer. This friendship with Jesus is available to all of us, and it is through prayer that we cultivate it. Jesus, our Savior and healer, desires to be our best friend, and prayer is the means by which we communicate with Him.
The Lord's Prayer, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13, serves as a model for how we should pray. It begins with acknowledging God as our Father and honoring His name, emphasizing the importance of starting our prayers with praise and reverence. We then invite His kingdom and will into our lives, recognizing that His plans are greater than our own. The prayer continues with requests for daily provision, forgiveness, and protection from temptation and evil, highlighting the importance of aligning our desires with God's will.
Prayer is not just about asking for things; it is about building a relationship with God. It is a two-way street where we listen as much as we speak. Personal prayer, family prayer, and corporate prayer each play a role in our spiritual growth. Personal prayer allows us to connect with God individually, while family prayer strengthens our bonds with loved ones. Corporate prayer, as seen in the early church, brings believers together in unity and power, leading to miraculous outcomes.
In conclusion, prayer is a rhythm that we must develop in our lives. It is a practice that brings us closer to God, aligns us with His will, and empowers us to face life's challenges with faith and hope. Let us commit to making prayer a daily habit, taking everything to God in prayer, and experiencing the transformative power of His presence.
Key Takeaways:
1. Prayer as Friendship with Jesus: Prayer is not just a religious obligation but a means to cultivate a deep friendship with Jesus. Like Joseph Scriven, who found solace in prayer after personal tragedies, we too can experience Jesus as our best friend through consistent communication with Him. [03:33]
2. The Lord's Prayer as a Model: The Lord's Prayer teaches us to start with praise, invite God's kingdom and will into our lives, and then present our needs. This order emphasizes the importance of aligning our desires with God's will and recognizing His authority in our lives. [11:21]
3. The Power of Corporate Prayer: Corporate prayer, as practiced by the early church, brings believers together in unity and power. When we pray together, miracles happen, and we experience God's presence in a profound way. [46:07]
4. The Importance of Personal Prayer: Personal prayer is a private conversation with God that strengthens our relationship with Him. It is a time to listen as well as speak, allowing God to guide and direct our lives. [29:47]
5. Prayer as a Daily Rhythm: Prayer should be a daily habit, not just a response to crises. By making prayer a regular part of our lives, we open ourselves to God's guidance, protection, and blessings, experiencing the peace and joy that come from His presence. [14:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:33] - The Power of Prayer
- [07:00] - The Importance of Order in Prayer
- [11:21] - Understanding the Lord's Prayer
- [14:35] - Praising God in Prayer
- [29:47] - The Story of the Flying Kitten
- [46:07] - The Role of Corporate Prayer
- [49:33] - Closing Thoughts on Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Rhythm of Prayer
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord's Prayer)
2. John 15:13
3. Luke 22:42
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the key components of the Lord's Prayer as outlined in Matthew 6:9-13? How does the order of these components emphasize the relationship between us and God?
2. How does the story of Joseph Scriven, who wrote "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," illustrate the power of prayer in overcoming personal tragedy? [03:33]
3. According to the sermon, what are some of the mental and physical health benefits of prayer that even secular studies have recognized? [07:00]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of corporate prayer in the early church, and what outcomes did it lead to? [46:07]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the Lord's Prayer serve as a model for aligning our desires with God's will, and how might this alignment impact our daily lives? [11:21]
2. How does the concept of prayer as a friendship with Jesus challenge or reinforce your current understanding of prayer? [03:33]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of the order in which we present our needs to God in prayer? How might this order affect the way we approach prayer? [14:35]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the power of persistent prayer through the story of Elijah and the rain? What does this teach us about perseverance in prayer? [29:47]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you incorporate the rhythm of prayer into your daily routine to cultivate a deeper friendship with Jesus? [03:33]
2. The Lord's Prayer begins with praise and reverence. How can you start your prayers with praise, and what impact might this have on your relationship with God? [11:21]
3. Consider a decision you are currently facing. How can you apply the principle of seeking God's will before making decisions, as emphasized in the sermon? [07:00]
4. How can you engage in corporate prayer within your church community, and what steps can you take to experience the unity and power that comes from praying together? [46:07]
5. Identify a personal struggle or temptation you are facing. How can you use prayer to seek God's guidance and protection in this area of your life? [14:35]
6. Think of a person you need to forgive. How can prayer help you release resentment and embrace forgiveness, as discussed in the sermon? [29:47]
7. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "holy coincidence" after praying. How can this encourage you to make prayer a regular part of your life, rather than just a response to crises? [29:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Cultivating Friendship with Jesus through Prayer
Prayer is a profound means of cultivating a deep friendship with Jesus. It is not merely a religious obligation but a heartfelt communication with our Savior, who desires to be our closest friend. Joseph Scriven's story, who wrote the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," exemplifies how prayer can provide solace and companionship in times of personal tragedy. Through consistent communication with Jesus, we can experience His friendship and find comfort in His presence. This friendship is available to all who seek it through prayer, allowing us to share our joys, sorrows, and everything in between with Him. [03:33]
John 15:15 (ESV): "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt alone or in need of comfort. How can you intentionally seek Jesus as your friend through prayer today?
Day 2: Aligning with God's Will through the Lord's Prayer
The Lord's Prayer, as taught by Jesus, serves as a model for how we should pray. It begins with acknowledging God as our Father and honoring His name, emphasizing the importance of starting our prayers with praise and reverence. By inviting His kingdom and will into our lives, we recognize that His plans are greater than our own. This prayer continues with requests for daily provision, forgiveness, and protection from temptation and evil, highlighting the importance of aligning our desires with God's will. Through this model, we learn to prioritize God's authority and purpose in our lives. [11:21]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to align with God's will? How can you use the Lord's Prayer as a guide to surrender this area to Him?
Day 3: Experiencing Unity and Power in Corporate Prayer
Corporate prayer, as practiced by the early church, brings believers together in unity and power. When we pray together, we experience God's presence in a profound way, leading to miraculous outcomes. The early church demonstrated the power of corporate prayer, where believers gathered to pray with one heart and mind, resulting in boldness, miracles, and the spread of the Gospel. This unity in prayer strengthens the body of Christ and allows us to witness God's work in our midst. [46:07]
Acts 4:31 (ESV): "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
Reflection: How can you participate in or initiate a time of corporate prayer with others this week? What specific needs or situations can you bring before God together?
Day 4: Deepening Personal Connection with God through Personal Prayer
Personal prayer is a private conversation with God that strengthens our relationship with Him. It is a time to listen as well as speak, allowing God to guide and direct our lives. Through personal prayer, we can share our deepest thoughts, fears, and desires with God, knowing that He listens and cares. This intimate communication helps us grow spiritually and aligns our hearts with His purposes. By setting aside dedicated time for personal prayer, we open ourselves to God's transformative work in our lives. [29:47]
Psalm 5:3 (ESV): "O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch."
Reflection: What specific time and place can you set aside for personal prayer each day? How can you ensure this becomes a consistent practice in your life?
Day 5: Embracing Prayer as a Daily Rhythm
Prayer should be a daily habit, not just a response to crises. By making prayer a regular part of our lives, we open ourselves to God's guidance, protection, and blessings, experiencing the peace and joy that come from His presence. Developing a rhythm of prayer helps us stay connected to God and strengthens our faith, enabling us to face life's challenges with hope and confidence. As we commit to daily prayer, we invite God's transformative power into every aspect of our lives. [14:35]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: What steps can you take to incorporate prayer into your daily routine, even during busy or challenging times? How can you remind yourself to turn to God in prayer throughout the day?
Quotes
Influence Church exists to help you know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and influence your world. [00:00:00] (12 seconds)
And I decided to share about prayer because I grew up with an amazing grandma that taught me about power of prayer. As I was thinking and preparing for the message, I came across, or Holy Spirit put on my mind, a nice hymn written by Joseph Scriven, which actually was written in the 1800s. [00:01:18] (26 seconds)
This man that experienced a lot of sorrow in his life discovers a way to become a friend with Jesus. And I'm a firm believer that was through prayer in his life. [00:04:16] (17 seconds)
You heard many times the saying that Jesus wants to be our savior, that he wants to be our healer. But even more than that, I am a firm believer that Jesus wants to become our friend, our best friend. Because see, when you have a good best friend, friends do things for friends. [00:04:32] (22 seconds)
Prayer helps mental health through stress reduction, improve mood, reduce negative emotions, and lessen anger. Also can act as a coping mechanism that indirectly promotes well-being. I'm talking about the secular world discovered this. Physical health. Prayer, lower heart rate, reduce muscle tension, slower breathing rate, reduces insomnia, depression, infertility, anxiety, and even aging. [00:05:49] (38 seconds)
If we pray before we make decisions, we may not get in trouble and have a better life. When we pray, we have a lot higher chances for holy coincidences to happen in our lives. [00:07:12] (17 seconds)
So, the first movement of our prayer should be to praise, honor, and thank God for who he is. That's what hallowing his name is all about. And, actually, Psalm 22 is saying that, and David is saying this, God inhabits the praises of his people. Think about it. Which actually means that God dwells in the middle of our praises. [00:14:44] (30 seconds)
And, by the way, this is a first priority in the prayer and in the friendship with God. It's about the relationship. After we develop a good relationship, he's going to provide the physical needs that we need. Fourth, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. With other words, your will, his will be done in my life. The same is done in heaven. [00:17:01] (30 seconds)
To truly understand what this part of our prayer is about, your will be done. Actually, I want to remind all of us about another place in the scripture where these words were said. And actually, another place in the scripture that Jesus said it, in his prayer, was in the Garden of Gethsemane. So, right before the crucifixion, the night before the crucifixion, he was praying to God the Father. [00:17:34] (32 seconds)
And the Bible describes that his prayer was so intense that the sweat, that he was sweating during the prayer, was dropping like drops of blood on ground. So, that was a very, very intense prayer. And in verse 42, in Luke chapter 22, we read this verse saying, Father, Jesus praying, Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me. Yet, not my will, but yours be done. [00:18:05] (39 seconds)
When we agree, the Bible says that when two or three are gathered together in my name, I will be there with them, and I'll answer their prayers. So we have to understand that corporate prayer, it's very, very important. [00:46:07] (16 seconds)
Prayer is not designed to inform God, but to humble man's heart, to excite his desire, to inflame his faith, to animate his hope, and to raise his soul from earth to heaven. [00:49:17] (20 seconds)
Chatbot
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