Transforming Prayer: A Continuous Conversation with God

Summary

### Summary

Today marks the beginning of our series on prayer, a vital aspect of our spiritual lives. Many of you have expressed a desire to learn how to pray more effectively, and this series aims to address those concerns. Prayer is not just a ritual or a set of words; it is an integral part of our lives as believers. Statistics show that while 42% of Canadians pray regularly, only 5% attend church consistently, highlighting a significant disconnect. This series will help bridge that gap by emphasizing that our prayer life should be our life, not just an occasional activity.

We explored 2 Chronicles 20:1-12, where King Jehoshaphat faced a vast army and turned to God in prayer. His prayer was not about eloquence but about genuine dependence on God. He admitted, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." This is a powerful reminder that prayer is about turning our attention to God, growing our trust in Him, and practicing it consistently.

Prayer should not be a chore but a joyful conversation with our Creator. Imagine it as spending time with your best friend, where you can be completely honest and open. It's not about the outcome but about being in God's presence. Trust in God grows as we continuously turn to Him, and prayer is something we practice, not perfect.

To cultivate a meaningful prayer life, start now, keep showing up, and stay honest. Set aside time each day to pray, and don't worry about having the perfect words. Just begin, and let your relationship with God deepen through consistent, heartfelt communication.

### Key Takeaways

1. Prayer is Integral to Life: Prayer should not be an occasional activity but an integral part of our daily lives. It is not just something we do when we are in trouble or need something from God. Instead, it should be a continuous conversation with our Creator, reflecting our dependence on Him in every aspect of our lives. [02:38]

2. Prayer is About Presence, Not Outcome: Often, we focus on the outcomes we desire from prayer, such as a new job or a healed relationship. However, true prayer is about being in God's presence. It is about turning our attention away from ourselves and towards God, enjoying His presence and growing in our relationship with Him. [14:09]

3. Trust in God Grows Through Prayer: Trust is built over time and through consistent interaction. Just as we learn to trust a friend by spending time with them, we learn to trust God by continuously turning to Him in prayer. This trust grows as we see His faithfulness in our lives. [16:43]

4. Prayer is Practiced, Not Perfected: There is no perfect way to pray. It is not about using the right words or following a specific ritual. Prayer is about being honest with God and continuously practicing it. By praying, we learn to pray better, and our relationship with God deepens. [18:11]

5. Consistency and Honesty in Prayer: To develop a meaningful prayer life, it is essential to be consistent and honest. Set aside time each day to pray, and be genuine in your communication with God. Share your true feelings and thoughts with Him, and trust that He hears you, even when words fail. [22:29]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[00:56] - Common Questions About Prayer
[01:55] - Prayer Statistics
[02:38] - Your Prayer Life is Your Life
[03:32] - Cultural Influence on Prayer
[04:08] - God is Not Just a Blessing Machine
[04:52] - 2 Chronicles 20:1-12
[05:41] - Jehoshaphat's Prayer
[07:29] - "Our Eyes Are on You"
[08:04] - Different Ways to Pray
[09:24] - Prayer as a Chore vs. Joyful Conversation
[11:45] - Disconnect in Christian Life
[13:06] - What is Prayer?
[14:09] - Presence Over Outcome
[16:08] - Growing Trust in God
[18:11] - Practicing Prayer
[19:26] - Application: Start Now
[20:56] - Keep Showing Up
[22:29] - Stay Honest
[24:31] - Seeking God's Will
[25:40] - Prayer as a Continuous Practice
[26:13] - Jesus' Example of Prayer
[27:19] - Importance of a Praying Church

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- 2 Chronicles 20:1-12

#### Observation Questions
1. What was King Jehoshaphat's initial reaction when he heard about the vast army coming against him? ([05:41])
2. How did Jehoshaphat's prayer reflect his dependence on God? ([07:29])
3. What specific actions did Jehoshaphat take to seek God's help? ([05:41])
4. How did the people of Judah respond to Jehoshaphat's call to seek the Lord? ([05:41])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jehoshaphat admitted, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you"? What does this reveal about his faith? ([07:29])
2. How does the concept of prayer as a joyful conversation with God, rather than a chore, change the way we approach prayer? ([09:24])
3. In what ways does consistent prayer help build trust in God, similar to how trust is built in human relationships? ([16:08])
4. What does it mean that "prayer is practiced, not perfected"? How can this perspective impact our prayer life? ([18:11])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. Is it more of a chore or a joyful conversation with God? What steps can you take to make it more joyful? ([09:24])
2. Jehoshaphat turned to God in a moment of crisis. How do you typically respond in times of trouble? How can you make turning to God your first response? ([07:29])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of consistency in prayer. What practical steps can you take to set aside time each day for prayer? ([20:56])
4. How can you be more honest in your prayers, sharing your true feelings and thoughts with God? ([22:29])
5. Think of a situation where you felt unsure of what to do. How can you apply Jehoshaphat's example of keeping your eyes on God in similar situations? ([07:29])
6. The sermon mentioned that prayer is about being in God's presence, not just about the outcome. How can you shift your focus from what you want to receive to simply enjoying God's presence? ([14:09])
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to grow in trust with God. What specific prayers can you start praying to build that trust? ([16:08])

Devotional

Day 1: Prayer as a Lifeline
Prayer is not an occasional activity but a continuous lifeline that connects us to God. It is essential to understand that prayer should be woven into the fabric of our daily lives, not just something we turn to in times of need or crisis. By making prayer an integral part of our routine, we acknowledge our dependence on God in every aspect of our lives. This continuous conversation with our Creator helps us to stay grounded in our faith and aligned with His will. [02:38]

2 Chronicles 20:1-12 (ESV): "After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, 'A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar' (that is, Engedi). Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord."

Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to ensure it becomes a continuous lifeline rather than an occasional activity?

Day 2: Presence Over Outcome
True prayer is about being in God's presence rather than focusing on the outcomes we desire. Often, we approach prayer with a list of requests, hoping for specific answers. However, the essence of prayer lies in turning our attention away from ourselves and towards God. By enjoying His presence and growing in our relationship with Him, we find peace and fulfillment that transcends our immediate needs and desires. [14:09]

Psalm 27:4 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: When you pray, do you focus more on the outcomes you desire or on being in God's presence? How can you shift your focus to enjoy His presence more fully?

Day 3: Growing Trust Through Prayer
Trust in God grows through consistent interaction and prayer. Just as we build trust with a friend by spending time with them, we learn to trust God by continuously turning to Him in prayer. This trust is strengthened as we witness His faithfulness in our lives, and it becomes a foundation for our faith. By making prayer a regular practice, we allow our relationship with God to deepen and our trust in Him to grow. [16:43]

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can you use that experience to build and grow your trust in Him through prayer?

Day 4: Practicing Prayer, Not Perfecting It
Prayer is not about perfection but about practice. There is no right or wrong way to pray; it is about being honest with God and continuously practicing it. By praying regularly, we learn to pray better, and our relationship with God deepens. It is important to remember that prayer is a journey, not a destination, and that our efforts to communicate with God are always valued, regardless of how eloquent or simple our words may be. [18:11]

Romans 8:26 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."

Reflection: Are you hesitant to pray because you feel you might not do it "right"? How can you embrace the practice of prayer without worrying about perfection?

Day 5: Consistency and Honesty in Prayer
To develop a meaningful prayer life, it is essential to be consistent and honest. Setting aside time each day to pray and being genuine in your communication with God are key components of a strong prayer life. Share your true feelings and thoughts with Him, and trust that He hears you, even when words fail. Consistency and honesty in prayer help to build a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. [22:29]

Psalm 145:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."

Reflection: How can you create a consistent prayer routine that allows you to be honest and open with God? What steps can you take today to start this practice?

Quotes

1. "But know this, many people around the world pray. Want some numbers? In Canada alone, 42% of the people say that they pray on a regular basis. Doesn't matter what religion, sometimes even irreligious people, atheists, all kinds of people from all kinds of walks of life say that 42% of the time they pray on a regular basis. Compared to 5% of the people that attend church regularly on a Sunday morning." [01:55] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So that means that a lot more people are praying than actually going to church. A lot more people are praying, and even though they may or may not know how to pray, they know deep inside each and every one of us that there is something greater than us. There's something bigger. And I know that evolution says, right, world came from nothing and there was a big bang and all of a sudden life appeared. But that theory is not true." [02:38] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Your prayer life is your life. This is not something that you do on the side or when you have time or when you are in trouble. But our prayer life as believers should be our life. What happens now is that we want things and we want God to bless us as we want those things, right? That's not our fault. This is the culture that we grew up in." [03:32] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "But we must know that God is not just that weight that pushes us forward. He is the one that we ought to bow down and submit every time." [04:08] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Have you ever been in this position? I don't know what to do. But Lord, my eyes are on you. One of the questions that was on the survey, and that is, do you have a place to pray? How often do you pray? How is your prayer life? Do you pray in the morning, afternoon, for how long you pray? All these questions. And the interesting part about it is each and every one of us has a different way to pray." [08:04] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "So how do you engage in prayer? Is prayer something in your life that you do as a chore? Or is it something that you look forward to doing? There's a big difference because most of the time we approach prayer, our prayers in either way, right? It's a chore. I got to get it done. How do you act when you have chores to do at home?" [09:24] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Just imagine for a moment, if your prayer life was talking to your best friend. Imagine that friend that knows you from your childhood and he says, hey, listen, I'm here at the airport. I got four hours between my connecting flights. I'm going to be there tomorrow from whatever, one to four, come and see me. What would you do? You would probably clear your calendar for that. That afternoon to say, you know what? Here is my best friend. And I want to spend, what? Time with them." [10:36] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Prayer is turning your attention to God. As I mentioned earlier, everything is about you, right? Your favorite ice cream, your favorite shoe, your favorite car. But now it's like, okay, when I pray, I'm turning the attention away from me and I'm turning it to God." [13:35] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Prayer is about the presence before it is about anything. Prayer does not begin with our outcome. Prayer is about the presence and not the outcome. Sadly for many of us, it's always what? The outcome. Why do I pray? I want a new car. I want a better job. I want a healthy relationship. I want a healthy body. That's the outcome that I desire. But when we turn our attention to God, it's not about the outcome, but it is about spending time in the presence of our Creator." [14:09] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "So how can we learn how to pray? Are you guys ready? Start. I'll give you a few minutes. Whatever you want to do you ought to start. I don't know how to pray. Start. I want to have this perfect room in my house with the perfect chair with the perfect lighting and no noise from the dogs from the neighbors, from our kids and then I'll start. No. Start now. Just start. Because we know that when we pray we're talking to God." [19:26] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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