WEBVTT 00:00:00.840 --> 00:00:06.660 Well, good morning, everyone. It's great to see you here. What a lovely day. Thank you 00:00:06.660 --> 00:00:11.700 to all who've participated so far in our service. Could I ask you to grab your Bibles? It's 00:00:11.700 --> 00:00:17.219 so important that we have God's Word out in front of us. So whether that's a paper copy 00:00:17.219 --> 00:00:20.839 or you scroll down in your phone or iPad, whatever it is you do, then make every effort 00:00:20.839 --> 00:00:27.640 to get the Scriptures open in front of you. And Luke chapter 10 and verses 38 to halfway 00:00:27.640 --> 00:00:32.340 through chapter 11 is where we are this morning. You should have received hopefully a sermon 00:00:32.340 --> 00:00:35.439 outline as you came in. That's going to be quite important for this morning. So if you 00:00:35.439 --> 00:00:39.899 don't have one, put your hand in the air that you just don't care and Al McIntosh will get 00:00:39.899 --> 00:00:45.640 one to you. But why don't we still ourselves as we come to this wonderful portion of Luke's 00:00:45.640 --> 00:00:53.480 Gospel that we've been in for quite a while. And let's take just a moment in our Martha 00:00:53.479 --> 00:00:58.619 world just to have a moment of Mary's stillness. Will we do that and we'll pray as we come 00:00:58.619 --> 00:01:00.140 to God's Word this morning. Let's pray. 00:01:07.039 --> 00:01:15.739 Our Father, we would thank you for this morning. And we would ask that as we come to your words 00:01:15.739 --> 00:01:21.239 now that you would help us to still ourselves, to still our hearts. Father, you would help 00:01:21.239 --> 00:01:28.659 us to focus our minds and to be ready to both receive and meet with you, we pray in Jesus' 00:01:28.819 --> 00:01:30.219 precious name. Amen. 00:01:31.659 --> 00:01:38.819 Well, to get us thinking this morning, if you had to sum up your life at present in one word, 00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:45.419 what would that word be? Why don't you just take 10 seconds, turn to your neighbor. What 00:01:45.419 --> 00:01:48.819 is that one word that you're thinking of that describes your life right now? 00:01:51.239 --> 00:01:57.439 Okay, it's 10 seconds. Put your hands up. Here's a little case study this morning. Put 00:01:57.439 --> 00:02:05.379 your hands up if that word was the word busy. Come on, show of hands. How many of us that 00:02:05.379 --> 00:02:12.299 was the word busy describes our life just now? Right in the air. So just have a look around 00:02:12.300 --> 00:02:18.920 and take that in. Because we are a busy people. You can put your hands down now. We are a busy 00:02:18.920 --> 00:02:24.000 people. It's one of the buzzwords of our day, isn't it? Our generation busy. We are always, 00:02:24.280 --> 00:02:29.340 always busy. Everybody's busy. Everyone I talk to is busy. Even in pastoral ministry, 00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:33.500 when you go to minister's conferences, how do people respond? How are you? Oh, I'm busy. 00:02:33.500 --> 00:02:42.819 We're always busy. In fact, I heard someone the other day refer to our always on world. Our phones 00:02:42.819 --> 00:02:48.300 are never off. Our alerts are always going. Our minds are always active. We live in an always 00:02:48.300 --> 00:02:54.680 on busy world. Well, here's the question that I want us to think about this morning. 00:02:54.680 --> 00:03:02.360 What are we busy with? There are, I don't know if you've ever stopped to think about this, there 00:03:02.360 --> 00:03:10.599 are 10,080 minutes in a week. Just think to yourself, what do you fill them with? What are 00:03:10.599 --> 00:03:16.360 you busy doing? Here's the challenge that God's word would bring to us this morning as those who are 00:03:16.360 --> 00:03:25.500 following Jesus Christ? Are we making room in our busy lives for the things which matter most? 00:03:27.440 --> 00:03:32.280 Now, if you remember last week, we said that we're in this kind of school of discipleship portion 00:03:32.280 --> 00:03:38.520 of Luke's gospel. And the big question that Luke's trying to get his readers to think through 00:03:38.520 --> 00:03:44.000 is what does it mean to follow this King? What does it mean to follow Jesus Christ? 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:50.860 And last week, we looked at the parable of the Good Samaritan, and we saw that following Jesus 00:03:50.860 --> 00:03:57.080 involves sacrificially and compassionately loving and caring for those round about you as those who 00:03:57.080 --> 00:04:06.240 have been made in God's very image. But this week, if last week's question was, or discipleship lesson 00:04:06.240 --> 00:04:13.879 rather, was an external lesson, well, this week Luke gives us an internal one. And it's no accident 00:04:13.879 --> 00:04:18.920 that he's put those two right together next to each other. There's an external part to following Jesus, 00:04:19.339 --> 00:04:26.779 and there's an internal part. In other words, it's not all about doing, it's about being and knowing. 00:04:28.699 --> 00:04:35.180 What are the things which matter most? That's the question that we should be asking right about now. 00:04:35.240 --> 00:04:41.339 Well, we're going to see two things this morning that should mark our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. 00:04:41.339 --> 00:04:51.539 What are they? Sitting and listening and stopping and praying. In other words, what will a disciple be marked by? 00:04:51.659 --> 00:04:57.579 Well, he or she will be marked by firstly, devotion, and secondly, dependence. 00:04:59.559 --> 00:05:04.819 And if you've got your Bibles there, we pick up the narrative at verse 38 of chapter 10, if you've got it there. 00:05:04.819 --> 00:05:11.399 And Jesus has been welcomed into Martha's house. 00:05:11.939 --> 00:05:13.719 And Luke tells us this story. 00:05:14.680 --> 00:05:23.459 And as he tells us this story, the focus of his story isn't as much on Jesus as it is actually on these two sisters. 00:05:25.219 --> 00:05:27.939 Do you notice that there? Firstly, who do we get in the story? 00:05:27.939 --> 00:05:31.339 Martha, the host. 00:05:32.500 --> 00:05:34.779 How would she describe her life in one word? 00:05:34.839 --> 00:05:35.560 Well, she's busy. 00:05:36.719 --> 00:05:38.120 She's busy. What's she doing? 00:05:38.219 --> 00:05:40.579 She's busy being a good host. 00:05:40.699 --> 00:05:42.560 Now, you can picture her, can't you, in the scene? 00:05:43.860 --> 00:05:45.159 She's chopping the veg. 00:05:45.259 --> 00:05:46.459 She's cooking the stew. 00:05:46.600 --> 00:05:47.600 She's setting the table. 00:05:47.699 --> 00:05:50.220 She's got Jamie Oliver's 15-minute meals out in front of her. 00:05:50.220 --> 00:05:55.360 All of that summed up in those words that Luke gives us at verse 40, if you see. 00:05:56.660 --> 00:05:58.120 Much serving. 00:05:58.240 --> 00:05:58.960 This is Martha. 00:05:59.280 --> 00:06:00.920 Much serving. 00:06:01.000 --> 00:06:01.900 That's what she's doing. 00:06:02.920 --> 00:06:08.000 But it's not what she's doing that seems to be the problem, but how she's doing it. 00:06:09.660 --> 00:06:17.660 And the way that Luke tells us the story here, it gives us the clues that we need to be able to ascertain the true state of Martha's heart. 00:06:17.760 --> 00:06:18.320 How is she? 00:06:18.440 --> 00:06:19.080 Verse 40. 00:06:21.120 --> 00:06:21.520 Distracted. 00:06:22.640 --> 00:06:31.280 Here we have a distracted sister, which I think we are led to understand means a little more than she was just a little bit flustered as she was going about her chores. 00:06:32.860 --> 00:06:33.920 It's more than that. 00:06:33.980 --> 00:06:35.720 She is overwhelmed. 00:06:37.060 --> 00:06:40.700 She's bothered and she's burdened. 00:06:42.100 --> 00:06:44.300 And do you see how it comes out? 00:06:44.620 --> 00:06:46.780 It spills out in her language. 00:06:46.880 --> 00:06:47.560 Do you see it there? 00:06:47.560 --> 00:06:52.939 Such a blessing for us in our lives, isn't it? 00:06:53.000 --> 00:06:57.680 That what makes it to our tongues is just simply a byproduct of what's going on in our hearts. 00:06:57.680 --> 00:07:00.019 What does she do? 00:07:00.100 --> 00:07:00.680 Verse 40. 00:07:00.780 --> 00:07:02.180 She confronts Jesus. 00:07:03.439 --> 00:07:04.120 Now you can picture her. 00:07:04.240 --> 00:07:06.400 She throws off her apron. 00:07:06.519 --> 00:07:08.120 She throws the dish towel on the floor. 00:07:08.240 --> 00:07:08.560 Lord. 00:07:10.019 --> 00:07:11.480 Notice what she calls him there. 00:07:11.480 --> 00:07:14.319 It's not that Mary doesn't know who he is. 00:07:15.020 --> 00:07:15.379 Lord. 00:07:16.939 --> 00:07:17.300 Lord. 00:07:17.500 --> 00:07:18.540 Do you not care? 00:07:18.800 --> 00:07:21.120 Do you not care that Mary is doing nothing? 00:07:21.259 --> 00:07:22.900 Well, I'm doing absolutely everything. 00:07:22.899 --> 00:07:28.739 Now we have to say there's a little bit of us that understands what she's saying there, doesn't it? 00:07:30.039 --> 00:07:31.439 How is Jesus going to respond? 00:07:31.519 --> 00:07:32.219 What's he going to say? 00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:33.159 Good point, Martha. 00:07:33.279 --> 00:07:33.839 Come on, Mary. 00:07:33.879 --> 00:07:35.179 You need to up your game here. 00:07:36.459 --> 00:07:36.819 No. 00:07:36.879 --> 00:07:37.479 What does he say? 00:07:37.539 --> 00:07:41.319 Would you notice the grace in Jesus' response to her? 00:07:41.319 --> 00:07:45.240 Martha, Martha. 00:07:47.339 --> 00:07:52.300 Gentle yet deeply concerned words for this woman. 00:07:53.459 --> 00:07:54.719 Verse 41. 00:07:54.959 --> 00:07:57.500 Jesus, he sees her heart. 00:07:59.199 --> 00:08:02.459 And he sees that she is anxious. 00:08:03.279 --> 00:08:07.699 And she's troubled about so many different things. 00:08:07.699 --> 00:08:12.800 But the cares of this world, the pressures of life, what are they doing? 00:08:12.860 --> 00:08:13.800 They're coming into her heart. 00:08:13.879 --> 00:08:15.199 They're choking her joy. 00:08:15.779 --> 00:08:20.860 And they're dragging her away from a right devotion to Jesus, her master. 00:08:23.519 --> 00:08:27.459 You see, it's not that the stuff that Mary is doing is bad. 00:08:28.539 --> 00:08:33.720 It's just that those things are pulling her away from what is best. 00:08:33.720 --> 00:08:39.600 Kevin DeYoung, he writes this about this passage. 00:08:39.700 --> 00:08:45.100 Martha is so busy with dinner that she's giving Jesus her spiritual leftovers. 00:08:46.720 --> 00:08:47.639 Here's Martha. 00:08:48.399 --> 00:08:49.060 She's busy. 00:08:50.180 --> 00:08:51.460 And then we get the other sister, don't we? 00:08:51.500 --> 00:08:52.220 We get Mary. 00:08:53.639 --> 00:08:55.879 And where is she in this picture? 00:08:56.080 --> 00:09:01.580 She's sitting with the right heart at Jesus' feet. 00:09:01.580 --> 00:09:04.820 She's like Greyfriars Bobby. 00:09:06.180 --> 00:09:08.860 You go and you look at his statue just up Northbridge. 00:09:08.940 --> 00:09:11.259 I pass it every day and I stop to read it this week. 00:09:11.320 --> 00:09:12.700 You see the plaque that reads, 00:09:13.340 --> 00:09:16.220 Here is the dog that faithfully followed his master. 00:09:16.320 --> 00:09:16.940 This is Mary. 00:09:17.200 --> 00:09:17.800 She's there. 00:09:17.920 --> 00:09:18.920 She's at his feet. 00:09:19.259 --> 00:09:22.200 Because we need to understand that in Jesus Christ, 00:09:22.300 --> 00:09:25.980 she's found somebody who's captivated her heart. 00:09:27.160 --> 00:09:28.860 That's why she's at the feet of Jesus. 00:09:28.860 --> 00:09:32.480 And what is she doing at the feet of Jesus? 00:09:33.139 --> 00:09:35.960 She's listening to his teaching. 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:41.460 The very words from her master's mouth. 00:09:41.820 --> 00:09:44.320 You see, Jesus hasn't just captivated her heart. 00:09:45.440 --> 00:09:47.180 He's captivated her mind. 00:09:49.159 --> 00:09:50.659 And what does Jesus say about her? 00:09:50.759 --> 00:09:54.680 Some of the most beautiful words I think Jesus says about a human being here. 00:09:54.679 --> 00:09:56.699 What has she chosen? 00:09:57.519 --> 00:09:59.419 The good portion. 00:10:01.159 --> 00:10:02.500 The good portion. 00:10:02.679 --> 00:10:05.000 It's kind of psalmy language. 00:10:05.599 --> 00:10:11.479 The language of the psalms about close fellowship with God being the most desirable thing in one's life. 00:10:11.639 --> 00:10:16.479 Mary has chosen the good portion and Jesus commends her for it. 00:10:18.120 --> 00:10:23.740 Jesus commends her for her undistracted devotion to him and his words. 00:10:23.740 --> 00:10:29.860 And I think that as we read this story this morning, we are invited. 00:10:30.820 --> 00:10:36.940 As we look at this woman here, we are invited to ask ourselves as followers of Jesus, 00:10:37.279 --> 00:10:40.139 which one is your heart? 00:10:43.139 --> 00:10:44.580 Help us think that through. 00:10:44.680 --> 00:10:47.139 Let me ask us a couple of diagnostic heart questions. 00:10:47.299 --> 00:10:50.159 Firstly, do you detect the marks of Martha? 00:10:51.500 --> 00:10:52.899 Do you see them in your own life? 00:10:52.899 --> 00:10:56.199 Do you see anxiety clouding your heart? 00:10:57.779 --> 00:11:01.879 Do you find yourself distracted by the pressures of life? 00:11:01.959 --> 00:11:04.120 And do you notice it firstly in your actions? 00:11:05.319 --> 00:11:08.419 And particularly, do you notice it in your words? 00:11:10.860 --> 00:11:12.279 The words in your texts? 00:11:12.279 --> 00:11:20.579 And the tone of your emails, how you reply to people, and the things that you post on Facebook and Twitter, 00:11:20.579 --> 00:11:23.919 do you notice this in your words? 00:11:24.039 --> 00:11:30.600 And maybe even those internal words, those kind of mental manuscripts that we always write, 00:11:30.799 --> 00:11:33.459 the internal things that never actually make it to print. 00:11:33.460 --> 00:11:37.940 Do you see the marks of Martha in your life this morning? 00:11:37.940 --> 00:11:44.980 It's even possible to be distracted, isn't it, as we serve in church? 00:11:46.580 --> 00:11:51.120 Things of this world that we allow them to cloud us as we serve in here? 00:11:51.120 --> 00:11:57.060 Do you detect the marks of Martha? 00:11:57.679 --> 00:12:01.159 And secondly, do you desire the heart of Mary? 00:12:01.159 --> 00:12:06.579 It's a beautiful irony in this story that the one that's held up to us here never actually says a word. 00:12:08.659 --> 00:12:09.699 What did she do? 00:12:09.779 --> 00:12:11.919 Well, let me just draw your attention to two words. 00:12:13.059 --> 00:12:14.799 Mary firstly chose. 00:12:16.100 --> 00:12:17.059 That's the verb there. 00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:17.699 She chose. 00:12:17.700 --> 00:12:20.540 She presumably made the decision. 00:12:21.680 --> 00:12:24.379 And amongst all the other things that could have occupied her time, 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:27.379 all the things that could have taken her attention and drawn her away, 00:12:27.700 --> 00:12:32.520 she decides to choose to sit at her Lord's feet and listen to his words. 00:12:34.440 --> 00:12:38.340 And according to Jesus, Mary chose that which was good. 00:12:39.560 --> 00:12:40.440 It was good. 00:12:41.700 --> 00:12:43.480 I'm sure if you'd asked her at this point, 00:12:43.660 --> 00:12:45.720 Mary, do you need to spend time with Jesus? 00:12:45.879 --> 00:12:47.500 Do you need to spend time listening to him? 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:48.779 She would have looked at you puzzled. 00:12:50.000 --> 00:12:51.279 And she would have replied, 00:12:51.440 --> 00:12:53.039 No, I do not have to do it. 00:12:53.559 --> 00:12:55.059 I get to do it. 00:12:57.659 --> 00:12:59.720 And the question for us this morning is, 00:13:00.159 --> 00:13:01.360 as disciples, 00:13:02.320 --> 00:13:03.620 as followers of this King, 00:13:03.679 --> 00:13:06.120 do we see that choosing to spend time, 00:13:06.940 --> 00:13:08.039 making the time, 00:13:08.580 --> 00:13:10.960 to be with our Lord, 00:13:11.120 --> 00:13:12.799 with our Bibles open, 00:13:13.320 --> 00:13:15.759 listening to his word every day, 00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:18.139 is good for us? 00:13:19.779 --> 00:13:21.080 It's good for us. 00:13:22.319 --> 00:13:23.259 Just something practical. 00:13:23.379 --> 00:13:24.860 If you're looking for something to do this week, 00:13:24.919 --> 00:13:27.200 something I found really helpful is just to write the word, 00:13:27.319 --> 00:13:28.340 this is the good portion, 00:13:28.879 --> 00:13:29.779 on a post-it note, 00:13:29.819 --> 00:13:31.059 and stick it on the front of my Bible. 00:13:31.059 --> 00:13:33.059 Because it reminds me, 00:13:33.119 --> 00:13:34.519 as I come to this every morning, 00:13:34.619 --> 00:13:35.799 that this isn't a duty, 00:13:36.019 --> 00:13:36.879 this is a delight. 00:13:37.619 --> 00:13:40.599 That I get to sit at the feet of my Lord 00:13:40.599 --> 00:13:42.459 and listen to his words every morning. 00:13:42.559 --> 00:13:43.819 This is the good portion. 00:13:43.979 --> 00:13:47.779 Can I say what I found out quite transforming this week in my own life? 00:13:48.699 --> 00:13:51.000 That this is the good portion, 00:13:51.119 --> 00:13:53.179 what a great thing to be reminded of, 00:13:53.199 --> 00:13:55.299 as we come to read our Bibles every morning. 00:13:55.299 --> 00:13:59.500 Before we move to Edinburgh, 00:13:59.659 --> 00:14:01.039 Alex and I used to live in Bristol. 00:14:01.879 --> 00:14:02.500 Lovely city. 00:14:04.159 --> 00:14:04.819 And in Bristol, 00:14:04.939 --> 00:14:06.799 there's this street called Muller Road. 00:14:06.939 --> 00:14:09.459 And it's named after one of Bristol's most famous sons, 00:14:09.599 --> 00:14:10.319 George Muller. 00:14:10.799 --> 00:14:12.279 Don't even know anything about George Muller. 00:14:12.359 --> 00:14:14.939 I knew diddly-squat before I moved down to Bristol. 00:14:15.079 --> 00:14:17.799 But George Muller is a wonderful Christian man. 00:14:18.439 --> 00:14:21.339 Because as well as being a pastor and a traveling preacher, 00:14:21.340 --> 00:14:24.560 he's most famous for founding a number of orphanages 00:14:24.560 --> 00:14:27.420 in and around Bristol and further seas as well. 00:14:27.519 --> 00:14:28.420 In fact, in his lifetime, 00:14:28.540 --> 00:14:29.560 I googled it this week, 00:14:30.220 --> 00:14:33.660 he pioneered the construction of five large orphan houses 00:14:33.660 --> 00:14:37.720 and he cared for 10,024 orphans. 00:14:38.519 --> 00:14:39.440 This is George Muller. 00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:41.660 Do you see what a difference this faith made in his life? 00:14:42.860 --> 00:14:44.100 Now there's a busy man. 00:14:45.300 --> 00:14:45.460 Right? 00:14:45.660 --> 00:14:46.480 Busy man. 00:14:47.680 --> 00:14:48.879 And he wrote in his journal, 00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:49.399 he wrote, 00:14:49.779 --> 00:14:50.360 somebody asked him, 00:14:50.439 --> 00:14:51.559 how did he do all of it? 00:14:51.620 --> 00:14:52.740 How did he do all of it 00:14:52.740 --> 00:14:54.439 and serve with a heart of joy? 00:14:56.179 --> 00:14:57.700 And he writes this in his diary. 00:14:57.820 --> 00:14:58.460 He says this. 00:14:58.559 --> 00:15:00.340 Now this is wonderful if you want to listen to this. 00:15:01.460 --> 00:15:01.939 He said, 00:15:02.019 --> 00:15:03.620 I saw more clearly than ever 00:15:03.620 --> 00:15:06.620 that the first great and primary business 00:15:06.620 --> 00:15:08.600 to which I ought to attend every day 00:15:08.600 --> 00:15:12.320 was to have my soul happy in the Lord. 00:15:14.259 --> 00:15:15.679 It's another wonderful phrase. 00:15:15.679 --> 00:15:20.519 To have my soul happy in the Lord. 00:15:20.599 --> 00:15:21.199 That's Mary. 00:15:22.059 --> 00:15:24.639 She is thrilled with Jesus. 00:15:24.779 --> 00:15:26.359 She is delighted with her master. 00:15:26.519 --> 00:15:28.759 There she is sitting at his feet, 00:15:28.939 --> 00:15:31.000 desperate for more of his words. 00:15:33.679 --> 00:15:33.859 You know, 00:15:33.899 --> 00:15:36.759 are we making room in our busy lives 00:15:36.759 --> 00:15:39.620 for the things which matter most? 00:15:39.620 --> 00:15:43.259 Are our lives as disciples, 00:15:43.419 --> 00:15:44.100 are they first they are, 00:15:44.139 --> 00:15:46.440 are they characterized by devotion? 00:15:47.799 --> 00:15:48.720 And secondly, 00:15:48.820 --> 00:15:50.779 as we move into chapter 11 this morning 00:15:50.779 --> 00:15:53.600 and this wonderful passage about prayer, 00:15:54.759 --> 00:15:57.840 we get the second mark of the true disciple. 00:15:59.179 --> 00:16:01.120 Are our lives marked by dependence? 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:05.840 Now look how we get into chapter 11 here. 00:16:05.899 --> 00:16:06.940 What does Luke tell us? 00:16:06.940 --> 00:16:08.879 He tells us that Jesus was praying. 00:16:09.940 --> 00:16:11.039 He was praying, 00:16:11.200 --> 00:16:12.899 which I don't know about you, 00:16:14.100 --> 00:16:15.620 but that always encourages me. 00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:18.019 That Jesus, 00:16:18.399 --> 00:16:21.639 in amongst the busyness of his life and ministry, 00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:22.980 in amongst all the people, 00:16:23.100 --> 00:16:25.379 all the urgent situations that surrounded him, 00:16:25.440 --> 00:16:27.279 all the needy people that came to him, 00:16:28.019 --> 00:16:29.060 he made time 00:16:29.060 --> 00:16:30.820 and he made prayer, 00:16:30.940 --> 00:16:33.139 that is communion with his heavenly father. 00:16:33.259 --> 00:16:35.779 He made it an absolute priority in his life. 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:38.939 And by including this here, 00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:41.419 I think Luke's lesson for us as we look on 00:16:41.419 --> 00:16:44.459 is that if dependent prayer was appropriate 00:16:44.459 --> 00:16:46.360 for the creator of the universe, 00:16:47.299 --> 00:16:49.279 then it's certainly appropriate for you 00:16:49.279 --> 00:16:50.360 who would try and follow him. 00:16:51.539 --> 00:16:52.879 It encourages me. 00:16:53.059 --> 00:16:54.120 It challenges me. 00:16:55.399 --> 00:16:56.299 And his disciples, 00:16:56.500 --> 00:16:57.199 what do we get there? 00:16:57.279 --> 00:16:58.899 They look at him praying 00:16:58.899 --> 00:17:00.919 and they ask him, 00:17:00.959 --> 00:17:02.259 will you teach us to pray? 00:17:03.259 --> 00:17:04.759 Which is a wonderful question. 00:17:05.920 --> 00:17:07.960 Teach us how to pray. 00:17:08.099 --> 00:17:09.700 Jesus gives them three big lessons 00:17:09.700 --> 00:17:10.700 in the school of prayer. 00:17:12.279 --> 00:17:13.559 Three big lessons 00:17:13.559 --> 00:17:15.960 that I found to be so practical this week, 00:17:16.059 --> 00:17:17.099 so helpful this week, 00:17:17.180 --> 00:17:18.279 so challenging this week, 00:17:18.359 --> 00:17:19.700 so transforming this week. 00:17:20.480 --> 00:17:21.360 Three big lessons 00:17:21.360 --> 00:17:23.220 that I've got so much to teach us this morning 00:17:23.220 --> 00:17:24.740 as we follow after this king. 00:17:24.840 --> 00:17:25.440 You ready for them? 00:17:26.720 --> 00:17:27.160 First, 00:17:27.920 --> 00:17:28.539 big lesson, 00:17:28.640 --> 00:17:29.519 verses one to four. 00:17:29.720 --> 00:17:31.140 Jesus lays out for his disciples 00:17:31.140 --> 00:17:32.220 what they should pray. 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:34.480 Verse two, 00:17:34.720 --> 00:17:35.500 when you pray, 00:17:36.000 --> 00:17:36.279 say. 00:17:36.580 --> 00:17:37.120 Do you see this? 00:17:37.120 --> 00:17:39.140 He gives them the very words to say. 00:17:40.420 --> 00:17:41.700 And there's two axes, 00:17:41.920 --> 00:17:42.279 I think, 00:17:42.360 --> 00:17:43.160 to this prayer. 00:17:43.319 --> 00:17:44.920 There's the kind of God word axis 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:47.500 and there's the you word axis. 00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:49.660 It starts 00:17:49.660 --> 00:17:51.779 with God and his glory 00:17:51.779 --> 00:17:53.559 before it moves to 00:17:53.559 --> 00:17:55.099 you and your needs. 00:17:56.980 --> 00:17:58.359 Wonderful lesson for us there 00:17:58.359 --> 00:17:59.059 that we'll come on to see 00:17:59.059 --> 00:17:59.619 in just a moment. 00:17:59.740 --> 00:18:00.019 Firstly, 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:01.660 let's consider the God word axis. 00:18:02.420 --> 00:18:03.299 Who is this God 00:18:03.299 --> 00:18:04.099 that they pray to? 00:18:05.700 --> 00:18:07.380 He's the all-powerful one. 00:18:08.440 --> 00:18:10.200 He's the all-knowing 00:18:10.200 --> 00:18:11.180 and all-present one. 00:18:11.259 --> 00:18:12.220 He is the creator 00:18:12.220 --> 00:18:13.920 and sustainer 00:18:13.920 --> 00:18:15.619 of absolutely everything 00:18:15.619 --> 00:18:17.420 and he is a blind 00:18:17.420 --> 00:18:17.860 and he is a blindingly 00:18:17.860 --> 00:18:18.779 holy God. 00:18:20.840 --> 00:18:22.400 And what is his relationship 00:18:22.400 --> 00:18:23.000 to them 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:25.740 and to us 00:18:25.740 --> 00:18:26.660 this morning? 00:18:28.140 --> 00:18:29.360 Distant spectator? 00:18:29.480 --> 00:18:29.700 No. 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:32.660 Ruthless dictator? 00:18:32.880 --> 00:18:33.220 No. 00:18:33.900 --> 00:18:34.420 Father. 00:18:36.060 --> 00:18:37.140 Jesus invites, 00:18:37.220 --> 00:18:38.180 and get your heads around this, 00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:38.860 his disciples 00:18:38.860 --> 00:18:40.060 to call this God 00:18:40.060 --> 00:18:40.900 Father. 00:18:42.019 --> 00:18:43.100 It's the Greek word 00:18:43.100 --> 00:18:44.000 pater there. 00:18:44.360 --> 00:18:45.680 Now whatever the precise usage 00:18:45.680 --> 00:18:46.580 of that word was 00:18:46.580 --> 00:18:47.259 in this culture, 00:18:47.460 --> 00:18:48.440 surely the main point 00:18:48.440 --> 00:18:49.460 that Jesus is making 00:18:49.460 --> 00:18:51.000 is that the relationship 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:52.240 between this God 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:53.580 and his people 00:18:53.580 --> 00:18:54.940 is one of intimacy 00:18:54.940 --> 00:18:56.360 and access. 00:18:57.019 --> 00:18:58.200 That he is no cold 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:59.120 and distant God. 00:18:59.220 --> 00:19:00.200 He is a gracious 00:19:00.200 --> 00:19:02.620 and a near Father. 00:19:05.100 --> 00:19:06.279 Now what an amazing mystery 00:19:06.279 --> 00:19:06.940 that is. 00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:10.140 That the almighty God 00:19:10.140 --> 00:19:11.299 would look on us 00:19:11.299 --> 00:19:14.259 and because of his son 00:19:14.259 --> 00:19:15.180 Jesus Christ 00:19:15.180 --> 00:19:16.039 and his shed blood 00:19:16.039 --> 00:19:16.740 on the cross 00:19:16.740 --> 00:19:17.819 that makes us right 00:19:17.819 --> 00:19:19.519 with our heavenly father, 00:19:19.639 --> 00:19:20.139 our God, 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:22.639 that he adopts us 00:19:22.639 --> 00:19:24.599 and he calls us 00:19:24.599 --> 00:19:25.259 his sons 00:19:25.259 --> 00:19:26.399 and daughters. 00:19:27.399 --> 00:19:29.099 Is it not a mind-boggling joy 00:19:29.099 --> 00:19:30.200 that the one we address 00:19:30.200 --> 00:19:30.960 in prayer 00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:32.319 and we get these two truths, 00:19:32.659 --> 00:19:33.200 firstly, 00:19:33.559 --> 00:19:34.599 that we come before him 00:19:34.599 --> 00:19:35.319 reverently 00:19:35.319 --> 00:19:37.619 because he is holy, 00:19:38.679 --> 00:19:40.700 that he is so far above us? 00:19:41.899 --> 00:19:43.259 As I heard one person 00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:44.159 say it this week 00:19:44.159 --> 00:19:46.659 how we must be careful 00:19:46.659 --> 00:19:47.819 not to just simply 00:19:47.819 --> 00:19:49.059 address God 00:19:49.059 --> 00:19:50.059 as the God almighty. 00:19:50.299 --> 00:19:51.299 He is the God almighty. 00:19:52.359 --> 00:19:53.159 We must never lose 00:19:53.159 --> 00:19:54.259 that sense of reverence 00:19:54.259 --> 00:19:55.399 as to who he is 00:19:55.399 --> 00:19:56.200 and who we are. 00:19:56.579 --> 00:19:58.359 He is a holy God. 00:19:58.879 --> 00:19:59.679 But secondly, 00:19:59.819 --> 00:20:01.139 the second truth to grasp 00:20:01.139 --> 00:20:02.460 is that we come before him 00:20:02.460 --> 00:20:03.339 because of Jesus. 00:20:03.339 --> 00:20:05.480 We come before him confidently 00:20:05.480 --> 00:20:07.059 and we can call him 00:20:07.059 --> 00:20:08.339 our father. 00:20:10.099 --> 00:20:11.839 Two wonderful truths 00:20:11.839 --> 00:20:15.220 that we must never let go of. 00:20:16.439 --> 00:20:17.639 Oh, in our Christian lives 00:20:17.639 --> 00:20:18.779 may we never get past 00:20:18.779 --> 00:20:20.259 the jaw-dropping effect 00:20:20.259 --> 00:20:21.159 of that one word. 00:20:23.279 --> 00:20:24.699 He is our father. 00:20:26.419 --> 00:20:28.139 And so the only response to us 00:20:28.139 --> 00:20:29.039 as we get that right 00:20:29.039 --> 00:20:31.379 is hallowed be your name. 00:20:31.380 --> 00:20:33.780 hallowed. 00:20:33.900 --> 00:20:37.220 It's the cry of a transformed heart 00:20:37.220 --> 00:20:38.780 that beats for God's glory 00:20:38.780 --> 00:20:39.200 and says, 00:20:39.320 --> 00:20:41.200 God, because you are so great 00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:44.060 I want to see your name 00:20:44.060 --> 00:20:45.760 in lights. 00:20:45.860 --> 00:20:46.720 I want to see your name 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:48.320 made great in my life, 00:20:48.820 --> 00:20:49.840 in our lives, 00:20:50.020 --> 00:20:51.300 and in our lands. 00:20:51.620 --> 00:20:53.560 I want people up and down 00:20:53.560 --> 00:20:54.740 our nation, 00:20:54.840 --> 00:20:55.440 in our city 00:20:55.440 --> 00:20:57.040 to see your greatness, God. 00:20:57.420 --> 00:20:58.340 Would they see it? 00:20:58.339 --> 00:21:00.779 And would your kingdom come? 00:21:02.159 --> 00:21:03.399 Would your rule 00:21:03.399 --> 00:21:04.379 and your reign, 00:21:04.720 --> 00:21:05.879 would it come here? 00:21:06.419 --> 00:21:07.659 Would you save people 00:21:07.659 --> 00:21:08.399 in our city 00:21:08.399 --> 00:21:09.159 to yourself 00:21:09.159 --> 00:21:09.879 as they hear 00:21:09.879 --> 00:21:10.539 and respond 00:21:10.539 --> 00:21:11.279 to the message 00:21:11.279 --> 00:21:12.319 of Jesus Christ? 00:21:14.079 --> 00:21:15.379 And not just in our city 00:21:15.379 --> 00:21:16.059 and in our land, 00:21:16.139 --> 00:21:17.039 but in the world. 00:21:18.379 --> 00:21:19.099 Do you see the truth 00:21:19.099 --> 00:21:19.699 for us there? 00:21:19.700 --> 00:21:22.740 that knowing God rightly, 00:21:23.600 --> 00:21:25.160 it feels worship, 00:21:26.259 --> 00:21:27.620 it feels mission, 00:21:28.340 --> 00:21:29.779 and it feels prayer. 00:21:30.920 --> 00:21:33.100 This is our God. 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:36.440 So Jesus rightly, 00:21:36.759 --> 00:21:37.559 as he gives them 00:21:37.559 --> 00:21:38.700 this pattern of prayer, 00:21:38.779 --> 00:21:40.080 he begins by drawing 00:21:40.080 --> 00:21:42.080 their gaze to God. 00:21:42.180 --> 00:21:42.759 As if to say, 00:21:42.840 --> 00:21:43.920 it starts with him, 00:21:43.960 --> 00:21:45.080 it doesn't start with you. 00:21:46.059 --> 00:21:48.339 He is the orbit 00:21:48.339 --> 00:21:49.639 in which you are operating, 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:50.699 not the other way around. 00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:53.779 Once they have 00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:54.599 their vision 00:21:54.599 --> 00:21:55.639 of who God is, 00:21:55.740 --> 00:21:56.639 God their Father, 00:21:57.299 --> 00:21:57.899 once they have 00:21:57.899 --> 00:21:58.899 that vision refined 00:21:58.899 --> 00:21:59.599 and clarified, 00:21:59.899 --> 00:22:02.079 then they can 00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:03.199 begin to see 00:22:03.199 --> 00:22:04.460 themselves rightly. 00:22:05.980 --> 00:22:06.359 And we get 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:06.980 the other axis 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:07.779 to this prayer. 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:08.639 Firstly, 00:22:08.759 --> 00:22:09.579 the God word axis. 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:10.079 Secondly, 00:22:10.199 --> 00:22:11.259 the you word axis. 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:13.899 What does Jesus 00:22:13.899 --> 00:22:14.639 teach us 00:22:14.640 --> 00:22:16.040 teach his disciples 00:22:16.040 --> 00:22:17.400 about themselves? 00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:19.040 Well, 00:22:19.060 --> 00:22:19.520 as we've already 00:22:19.520 --> 00:22:20.380 sang earlier, 00:22:20.600 --> 00:22:21.240 and this is the reason 00:22:21.240 --> 00:22:21.860 we sang it, 00:22:23.040 --> 00:22:23.940 he teaches them 00:22:23.940 --> 00:22:25.360 this profoundly 00:22:25.360 --> 00:22:26.740 simple yet 00:22:26.740 --> 00:22:28.040 wondrously 00:22:28.040 --> 00:22:28.900 profound 00:22:28.900 --> 00:22:30.080 lesson about 00:22:30.080 --> 00:22:31.020 the Christian life, 00:22:32.040 --> 00:22:32.880 and it's that 00:22:32.880 --> 00:22:34.340 we need 00:22:34.340 --> 00:22:35.240 God. 00:22:36.800 --> 00:22:37.400 We 00:22:37.400 --> 00:22:38.480 need 00:22:38.480 --> 00:22:39.120 God. 00:22:39.280 --> 00:22:39.900 They need 00:22:39.900 --> 00:22:40.300 God. 00:22:40.640 --> 00:22:41.120 There's three 00:22:41.120 --> 00:22:42.300 aspects of their 00:22:42.300 --> 00:22:42.880 need that Jesus 00:22:42.880 --> 00:22:43.740 outlines here in this 00:22:43.740 --> 00:22:44.000 prayer. 00:22:44.640 --> 00:22:46.320 firstly, 00:22:46.460 --> 00:22:47.340 they need a bread. 00:22:48.600 --> 00:22:49.220 Do you see it there? 00:22:49.880 --> 00:22:50.980 The daily things 00:22:50.980 --> 00:22:52.080 that they need for life. 00:22:52.960 --> 00:22:53.700 Jesus is teaching 00:22:53.700 --> 00:22:54.520 them to stop 00:22:54.520 --> 00:22:55.400 and reflect 00:22:55.400 --> 00:22:58.080 that, 00:22:58.200 --> 00:22:58.340 God, 00:22:58.420 --> 00:22:59.160 you are the one 00:22:59.160 --> 00:22:59.980 who makes the sun 00:22:59.980 --> 00:23:00.920 rise every morning. 00:23:02.240 --> 00:23:02.580 God, 00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:03.500 you are 00:23:03.500 --> 00:23:04.440 the one 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:05.400 who sustains me 00:23:05.400 --> 00:23:06.620 and provides for me. 00:23:08.380 --> 00:23:08.580 You see, 00:23:08.640 --> 00:23:09.320 Jesus is teaching 00:23:09.320 --> 00:23:09.820 them here to have 00:23:09.820 --> 00:23:10.780 a heart stance 00:23:10.779 --> 00:23:12.039 of dependence 00:23:12.039 --> 00:23:14.000 and thankfulness. 00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:15.200 Lord, 00:23:15.259 --> 00:23:15.799 that Sunday 00:23:15.799 --> 00:23:16.639 happened today, 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:17.299 not just because 00:23:17.299 --> 00:23:17.920 it rolled around 00:23:17.920 --> 00:23:18.559 from Saturday, 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:19.279 but Sunday 00:23:19.279 --> 00:23:19.899 happened today 00:23:19.899 --> 00:23:20.879 because you 00:23:20.879 --> 00:23:21.680 decided it should 00:23:21.680 --> 00:23:22.299 happen today. 00:23:22.660 --> 00:23:23.339 And you have 00:23:23.339 --> 00:23:24.299 got your purposes 00:23:24.299 --> 00:23:25.200 to fulfill today 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:26.119 for your glory. 00:23:26.299 --> 00:23:26.839 That's why it 00:23:26.839 --> 00:23:27.440 happened today. 00:23:27.440 --> 00:23:30.700 I wonder if you 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.720 find yourselves 00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:33.440 thankful this 00:23:33.440 --> 00:23:33.740 morning. 00:23:36.660 --> 00:23:37.720 Do we find 00:23:37.720 --> 00:23:38.240 ourselves 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:40.700 aware of God's 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:41.840 goodness to us 00:23:41.840 --> 00:23:43.059 every day, 00:23:43.600 --> 00:23:44.360 every moment of 00:23:44.360 --> 00:23:44.880 every day, 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:46.520 or have we 00:23:46.520 --> 00:23:47.680 grown accustomed 00:23:47.680 --> 00:23:48.620 to his 00:23:48.620 --> 00:23:49.200 mercies? 00:23:53.860 --> 00:23:54.640 As the late 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:55.240 John Stott 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:56.080 once said, 00:23:57.120 --> 00:23:57.880 thankfulness 00:23:57.880 --> 00:23:58.560 is a soil 00:23:58.560 --> 00:23:59.320 in which 00:23:59.320 --> 00:23:59.880 pride 00:23:59.880 --> 00:24:00.460 does not 00:24:00.460 --> 00:24:01.240 easily grow. 00:24:04.140 --> 00:24:04.620 Father, 00:24:04.780 --> 00:24:05.320 thank you. 00:24:06.320 --> 00:24:07.040 They need bread. 00:24:07.220 --> 00:24:07.560 Secondly, 00:24:07.660 --> 00:24:08.380 they need forgiveness. 00:24:09.940 --> 00:24:10.800 They need to be 00:24:10.800 --> 00:24:11.460 examining their 00:24:11.460 --> 00:24:12.080 own hearts, 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:13.140 confessing their 00:24:13.140 --> 00:24:14.640 failures and 00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:15.160 sin and 00:24:15.160 --> 00:24:15.800 shortcomings 00:24:15.800 --> 00:24:16.440 against their 00:24:16.440 --> 00:24:17.360 holy father, 00:24:18.460 --> 00:24:19.320 and recognizing 00:24:19.320 --> 00:24:19.900 that he is 00:24:19.900 --> 00:24:20.380 gracious, 00:24:21.600 --> 00:24:22.220 and he is 00:24:22.220 --> 00:24:22.720 merciful, 00:24:23.380 --> 00:24:23.840 and knowing 00:24:23.840 --> 00:24:24.440 that because of 00:24:24.440 --> 00:24:25.160 Jesus and his 00:24:25.160 --> 00:24:25.940 shed blood that 00:24:25.940 --> 00:24:26.620 speaks a better 00:24:26.620 --> 00:24:27.560 word for us, 00:24:27.620 --> 00:24:28.060 that he is 00:24:28.060 --> 00:24:28.860 faithful and 00:24:28.860 --> 00:24:29.660 just to forgive 00:24:29.660 --> 00:24:30.200 their sin. 00:24:31.800 --> 00:24:32.259 And you see 00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:33.420 how Jesus so 00:24:33.420 --> 00:24:34.240 tightly knits 00:24:34.240 --> 00:24:34.700 here the 00:24:34.700 --> 00:24:35.759 relationship with 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:37.180 God to the 00:24:37.180 --> 00:24:38.200 relationships with 00:24:38.200 --> 00:24:38.759 others. 00:24:39.700 --> 00:24:40.620 Because knowing 00:24:40.620 --> 00:24:41.180 that they have 00:24:41.180 --> 00:24:41.960 been forgiven 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:43.000 much by God, 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:44.060 it should affect 00:24:44.060 --> 00:24:44.420 how they 00:24:44.420 --> 00:24:45.039 relate to 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:45.620 others, 00:24:46.620 --> 00:24:47.200 that they 00:24:47.200 --> 00:24:47.620 seek to 00:24:47.620 --> 00:24:48.100 forgive 00:24:48.100 --> 00:24:48.800 others, 00:24:49.340 --> 00:24:49.860 that they 00:24:49.860 --> 00:24:50.160 seek to 00:24:50.160 --> 00:24:51.300 be right 00:24:51.300 --> 00:24:52.519 with others, 00:24:52.820 --> 00:24:53.740 that they 00:24:53.740 --> 00:24:54.200 seek to 00:24:54.200 --> 00:24:54.720 deal with 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:55.400 issues that 00:24:55.400 --> 00:24:56.539 arise with 00:24:56.539 --> 00:24:57.240 others. 00:24:59.580 --> 00:25:00.100 You know, 00:25:00.140 --> 00:25:00.580 let me ask 00:25:00.580 --> 00:25:00.860 you this 00:25:00.860 --> 00:25:01.160 morning, 00:25:01.300 --> 00:25:01.580 is there 00:25:01.580 --> 00:25:03.580 anyone that 00:25:03.580 --> 00:25:03.960 you need to 00:25:03.960 --> 00:25:04.300 get right 00:25:04.300 --> 00:25:04.620 with? 00:25:07.580 --> 00:25:08.180 Is there 00:25:08.180 --> 00:25:09.259 bitterness 00:25:09.259 --> 00:25:11.100 brewing in 00:25:11.100 --> 00:25:11.400 your own 00:25:11.400 --> 00:25:12.140 heart against 00:25:12.140 --> 00:25:12.840 another brother 00:25:12.839 --> 00:25:13.459 or sister? 00:25:15.559 --> 00:25:15.899 Is there 00:25:15.899 --> 00:25:16.500 unconfessed 00:25:16.500 --> 00:25:17.779 sin in the 00:25:17.779 --> 00:25:18.740 chambers of 00:25:18.740 --> 00:25:19.319 your heart 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:19.679 that is 00:25:19.679 --> 00:25:20.240 holding your 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:21.079 back in 00:25:21.079 --> 00:25:21.559 your walk 00:25:21.559 --> 00:25:21.939 with the 00:25:21.939 --> 00:25:22.259 Lord? 00:25:24.259 --> 00:25:24.899 We need 00:25:24.899 --> 00:25:25.339 forgiveness. 00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:28.539 And thirdly, 00:25:29.459 --> 00:25:30.119 they need 00:25:30.119 --> 00:25:30.699 protection. 00:25:32.399 --> 00:25:32.939 It's a 00:25:32.939 --> 00:25:33.619 confession that 00:25:33.619 --> 00:25:34.099 Lord, I know 00:25:34.099 --> 00:25:34.759 my own sinful 00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:35.539 heart, I know 00:25:35.539 --> 00:25:36.119 as the old hymn 00:25:36.119 --> 00:25:36.879 says, I know 00:25:36.879 --> 00:25:37.299 that I am 00:25:37.299 --> 00:25:37.740 prone to 00:25:37.740 --> 00:25:38.379 wander, Lord, 00:25:38.419 --> 00:25:38.939 I feel it. 00:25:38.940 --> 00:25:40.620 I know my 00:25:40.620 --> 00:25:41.799 weaknesses, and 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:42.259 so Lord, I 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:43.039 need you by 00:25:43.039 --> 00:25:43.600 your spirit 00:25:43.600 --> 00:25:44.299 living in me 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:45.160 to direct and 00:25:45.160 --> 00:25:45.799 to guide my 00:25:45.799 --> 00:25:47.500 every step and 00:25:47.500 --> 00:25:47.960 my every 00:25:47.960 --> 00:25:48.920 thoughts and 00:25:48.920 --> 00:25:49.440 my every 00:25:49.440 --> 00:25:50.480 action today. 00:25:50.600 --> 00:25:50.840 Would you 00:25:50.840 --> 00:25:51.820 deliver me from 00:25:51.820 --> 00:25:52.299 evil? 00:25:55.380 --> 00:25:56.279 I need you, 00:25:56.360 --> 00:25:56.880 Heavenly Father, 00:25:56.940 --> 00:25:57.539 I need you. 00:26:00.340 --> 00:26:01.140 Before we 00:26:01.140 --> 00:26:02.500 came to 00:26:02.500 --> 00:26:03.779 Brunsfield five 00:26:03.779 --> 00:26:04.480 odd years ago, 00:26:04.660 --> 00:26:05.759 Alex and I, 00:26:05.820 --> 00:26:06.259 we spent a bit 00:26:06.259 --> 00:26:06.860 of time working 00:26:06.859 --> 00:26:08.279 in a Christian 00:26:08.279 --> 00:26:08.799 hospital, 00:26:08.959 --> 00:26:10.539 Malawi, and 00:26:10.539 --> 00:26:11.959 every morning 00:26:11.959 --> 00:26:12.439 we used to 00:26:12.439 --> 00:26:12.799 have these 00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:13.419 team meetings 00:26:13.419 --> 00:26:13.679 at a 00:26:13.679 --> 00:26:14.139 ridiculous 00:26:14.139 --> 00:26:14.659 o'clock in 00:26:14.659 --> 00:26:15.019 the morning. 00:26:16.519 --> 00:26:17.039 We used to 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:17.500 start by 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:17.819 reading a 00:26:17.819 --> 00:26:18.240 portion of 00:26:18.240 --> 00:26:18.639 God's word 00:26:18.639 --> 00:26:19.059 together, and 00:26:19.059 --> 00:26:19.639 we would sing 00:26:19.639 --> 00:26:20.059 together. 00:26:20.219 --> 00:26:20.500 Now, you 00:26:20.500 --> 00:26:20.939 can imagine 00:26:20.939 --> 00:26:21.539 coming from a 00:26:21.539 --> 00:26:22.159 British background 00:26:22.159 --> 00:26:22.859 into that. 00:26:23.399 --> 00:26:23.740 It was a bit 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:24.279 weird singing 00:26:24.279 --> 00:26:24.659 together. 00:26:26.319 --> 00:26:27.059 But we sung 00:26:27.059 --> 00:26:27.579 together, and I 00:26:27.579 --> 00:26:27.979 used to think I 00:26:27.979 --> 00:26:28.319 could hit a 00:26:28.319 --> 00:26:28.879 note, but I 00:26:28.879 --> 00:26:29.279 heard these 00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:29.799 guys sing, and 00:26:29.799 --> 00:26:29.939 I thought, 00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:30.459 oof, right, I 00:26:30.459 --> 00:26:30.839 can't hit a 00:26:30.839 --> 00:26:31.000 note. 00:26:31.879 --> 00:26:32.419 But every 00:26:32.419 --> 00:26:32.859 morning we 00:26:32.859 --> 00:26:33.259 used to sing 00:26:33.259 --> 00:26:33.639 the same 00:26:33.639 --> 00:26:34.019 song. 00:26:35.259 --> 00:26:35.740 We used to 00:26:35.740 --> 00:26:36.579 sing, give 00:26:36.579 --> 00:26:36.779 me, 00:26:36.859 --> 00:26:38.299 power, Lord 00:26:38.299 --> 00:26:39.199 Jesus, give 00:26:39.199 --> 00:26:40.740 me power, Lord 00:26:40.740 --> 00:26:41.779 Jesus, give me 00:26:41.779 --> 00:26:42.779 power, every 00:26:42.779 --> 00:26:43.819 hour to be 00:26:43.819 --> 00:26:44.259 strong. 00:26:45.159 --> 00:26:45.919 O, give me 00:26:45.919 --> 00:26:47.059 power, and I 00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:47.619 used to repeat 00:26:47.619 --> 00:26:48.279 about six 00:26:48.279 --> 00:26:48.659 times. 00:26:48.839 --> 00:26:50.479 Now, I'm 00:26:50.479 --> 00:26:50.899 all up for 00:26:50.899 --> 00:26:51.199 repeating 00:26:51.199 --> 00:26:53.740 choruses, but 00:26:53.740 --> 00:26:54.199 that one got a 00:26:54.199 --> 00:26:54.699 bit repetitive. 00:26:54.939 --> 00:26:56.339 But I sat 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:59.199 there, convicted, 00:27:00.439 --> 00:27:01.439 because I 00:27:01.439 --> 00:27:02.019 looked into my 00:27:02.019 --> 00:27:02.619 own heart, and 00:27:02.619 --> 00:27:02.879 I thought, 00:27:02.979 --> 00:27:03.240 Graham, have 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:03.979 you ever sung 00:27:03.979 --> 00:27:04.500 that song, 00:27:04.579 --> 00:27:04.819 really? 00:27:06.099 --> 00:27:06.459 Have you 00:27:06.460 --> 00:27:06.900 ever 00:27:06.900 --> 00:27:08.100 acknowledged 00:27:08.100 --> 00:27:08.460 that you 00:27:08.460 --> 00:27:09.299 need God? 00:27:09.920 --> 00:27:10.380 Have you 00:27:10.380 --> 00:27:11.059 ever acknowledged 00:27:11.059 --> 00:27:11.480 that you do 00:27:11.480 --> 00:27:11.940 not have the 00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:12.640 ability to 00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:13.140 guide your 00:27:13.140 --> 00:27:13.480 way through 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:13.759 life? 00:27:13.799 --> 00:27:14.039 You do 00:27:14.039 --> 00:27:14.360 not have 00:27:14.360 --> 00:27:14.640 all the 00:27:14.640 --> 00:27:15.039 answers. 00:27:16.539 --> 00:27:16.759 And in 00:27:16.759 --> 00:27:17.120 fact, the 00:27:17.120 --> 00:27:17.880 cry, if I'm 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:18.299 honest, the 00:27:18.299 --> 00:27:18.720 song of my 00:27:18.720 --> 00:27:19.200 own heart 00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:21.299 was, I'm 00:27:21.299 --> 00:27:21.779 okay, Lord 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:22.039 Jesus. 00:27:23.380 --> 00:27:24.019 I've got the 00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:24.319 power. 00:27:25.180 --> 00:27:25.799 I've got the 00:27:25.799 --> 00:27:26.200 power for 00:27:26.200 --> 00:27:26.840 every hour to 00:27:26.840 --> 00:27:27.180 keep me 00:27:27.180 --> 00:27:27.539 strong. 00:27:29.299 --> 00:27:29.600 And I 00:27:29.600 --> 00:27:30.039 wonder if 00:27:30.039 --> 00:27:31.660 that is 00:27:31.660 --> 00:27:32.319 true for us 00:27:32.319 --> 00:27:32.819 this morning 00:27:32.819 --> 00:27:35.419 that we 00:27:35.419 --> 00:27:36.119 rate our 00:27:36.119 --> 00:27:37.039 ability to 00:27:37.039 --> 00:27:38.159 navigate our 00:27:38.159 --> 00:27:38.679 ways through 00:27:38.679 --> 00:27:39.819 the ups and 00:27:39.819 --> 00:27:40.240 downs of 00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:40.720 life. 00:27:42.839 --> 00:27:43.419 I've been 00:27:43.419 --> 00:27:44.059 praying this 00:27:44.059 --> 00:27:45.839 week for 00:27:45.839 --> 00:27:46.359 us that we 00:27:46.359 --> 00:27:46.960 would see that 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:47.399 we do not 00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:47.779 have the 00:27:47.779 --> 00:27:48.139 power. 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:50.319 Individually, in 00:27:50.319 --> 00:27:50.679 our own 00:27:50.679 --> 00:27:51.079 lives, we 00:27:51.079 --> 00:27:51.659 would see our 00:27:51.659 --> 00:27:52.319 need of God, 00:27:52.399 --> 00:27:52.779 we would see 00:27:52.779 --> 00:27:53.339 that we need 00:27:53.339 --> 00:27:54.179 him, and 00:27:54.179 --> 00:27:55.099 corporately as 00:27:55.099 --> 00:27:55.759 a church, that 00:27:55.759 --> 00:27:56.279 we would see 00:27:56.279 --> 00:27:56.819 that we need 00:27:56.819 --> 00:27:57.139 God. 00:27:57.140 --> 00:27:59.160 how often 00:27:59.160 --> 00:27:59.700 do we think 00:27:59.700 --> 00:28:00.240 we're okay 00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:00.700 because we 00:28:00.700 --> 00:28:01.259 can put on 00:28:01.259 --> 00:28:02.840 nice events, and 00:28:02.840 --> 00:28:03.360 we can make 00:28:03.360 --> 00:28:04.620 nice coffee, and 00:28:04.620 --> 00:28:05.380 we can do nice 00:28:05.380 --> 00:28:06.160 Bible studies, we 00:28:06.160 --> 00:28:07.040 can function as 00:28:07.040 --> 00:28:07.580 a church, we 00:28:07.580 --> 00:28:08.440 can get by. 00:28:09.700 --> 00:28:10.320 But my prayer 00:28:10.320 --> 00:28:11.080 this week has 00:28:11.080 --> 00:28:11.840 been, oh Lord, 00:28:11.920 --> 00:28:12.560 would you rid 00:28:12.560 --> 00:28:13.080 us of our 00:28:13.080 --> 00:28:13.840 complacency? 00:28:14.620 --> 00:28:15.240 As a church 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:16.020 community here, 00:28:16.100 --> 00:28:17.860 would you forgive 00:28:17.860 --> 00:28:18.840 us for the times 00:28:18.840 --> 00:28:19.800 that we think in 00:28:19.800 --> 00:28:20.640 our busy lives, that 00:28:20.640 --> 00:28:21.280 we can run from 00:28:21.280 --> 00:28:22.140 thing to thing, and 00:28:22.140 --> 00:28:23.900 task to task, and 00:28:23.900 --> 00:28:24.560 think that they 00:28:24.560 --> 00:28:25.320 are excuses for 00:28:25.320 --> 00:28:26.180 not stopping to 00:28:26.180 --> 00:28:26.860 acknowledge that we 00:28:26.860 --> 00:28:27.120 need Jesus. 00:28:27.140 --> 00:28:27.300 you. 00:28:28.620 --> 00:28:29.420 Do you feel that 00:28:29.420 --> 00:28:29.720 in your own 00:28:29.720 --> 00:28:30.000 heart? 00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:31.980 Lord, I need 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:32.240 you. 00:28:33.780 --> 00:28:34.380 Wednesday the 00:28:34.380 --> 00:28:35.980 10th of May, prayer 00:28:35.980 --> 00:28:36.520 meeting in the 00:28:36.520 --> 00:28:37.060 upstairs hall. 00:28:37.100 --> 00:28:37.380 We're going to 00:28:37.380 --> 00:28:37.800 pray for our 00:28:37.800 --> 00:28:39.060 nation, the UK. 00:28:39.540 --> 00:28:40.080 We put that 00:28:40.080 --> 00:28:40.860 together about six 00:28:40.860 --> 00:28:41.520 months ago, not 00:28:41.520 --> 00:28:42.080 really knowing what 00:28:42.080 --> 00:28:42.759 would happen, but 00:28:42.759 --> 00:28:43.500 what a time to 00:28:43.500 --> 00:28:44.000 pray for our 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:44.400 country. 00:28:45.480 --> 00:28:46.340 Brexit, snap 00:28:46.340 --> 00:28:46.900 election, we 00:28:46.900 --> 00:28:47.520 need to pray. 00:28:48.040 --> 00:28:48.580 We need to pray 00:28:48.580 --> 00:28:49.140 to our great 00:28:49.140 --> 00:28:49.540 gods. 00:28:49.759 --> 00:28:50.540 Come, Wednesday 00:28:50.540 --> 00:28:51.080 the 10th of 00:28:51.080 --> 00:28:51.580 May, let's pray 00:28:51.580 --> 00:28:52.420 together as a 00:28:52.420 --> 00:28:52.960 community, and 00:28:52.960 --> 00:28:54.280 acknowledge that 00:28:54.280 --> 00:28:54.900 we need him. 00:28:56.380 --> 00:28:57.040 Martin Luther, 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:57.899 famously wrote, 00:28:57.980 --> 00:28:58.659 I have so much 00:28:58.659 --> 00:28:59.480 to do today that 00:28:59.480 --> 00:29:00.059 it leaves me with 00:29:00.059 --> 00:29:01.259 little option but 00:29:01.259 --> 00:29:02.000 to spend the first 00:29:02.000 --> 00:29:02.839 three hours of this 00:29:02.839 --> 00:29:03.500 day in prayer. 00:29:06.379 --> 00:29:06.899 You know, one 00:29:06.899 --> 00:29:07.500 thing I've tried to 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:08.119 do this week, and 00:29:08.119 --> 00:29:08.700 I'll invite you to 00:29:08.700 --> 00:29:09.359 do it, is I've just 00:29:09.359 --> 00:29:11.619 printed, well, just 00:29:11.619 --> 00:29:12.159 try and make the 00:29:12.159 --> 00:29:13.000 Lord's Prayer the 00:29:13.000 --> 00:29:13.839 focus of my prayer 00:29:13.839 --> 00:29:14.559 times this week. 00:29:14.559 --> 00:29:15.599 and I've just printed 00:29:15.599 --> 00:29:16.319 it on the back of 00:29:16.319 --> 00:29:16.679 the sheet. 00:29:17.559 --> 00:29:18.159 Maybe you want to 00:29:18.159 --> 00:29:19.460 just, this week, make 00:29:19.460 --> 00:29:20.299 that the focus of 00:29:20.299 --> 00:29:21.359 your prayer, just slip 00:29:21.359 --> 00:29:22.179 it inside your Bible, 00:29:22.319 --> 00:29:22.919 come to it every 00:29:22.919 --> 00:29:24.099 morning, and I 00:29:24.099 --> 00:29:24.980 found it such a 00:29:24.980 --> 00:29:26.399 realigning experience 00:29:26.399 --> 00:29:28.960 to pray this prayer 00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:30.799 and to stop after 00:29:30.799 --> 00:29:31.619 every line. 00:29:33.079 --> 00:29:33.839 That these are the 00:29:33.839 --> 00:29:35.059 words my Lord gave 00:29:35.059 --> 00:29:36.519 us, his followers, 00:29:36.659 --> 00:29:37.039 to pray. 00:29:37.119 --> 00:29:37.679 These are his 00:29:37.679 --> 00:29:38.079 words. 00:29:39.440 --> 00:29:40.299 And this is how I 00:29:40.299 --> 00:29:40.960 should be praying. 00:29:41.500 --> 00:29:42.460 Heavenly Father, I 00:29:42.460 --> 00:29:42.980 need you. 00:29:44.920 --> 00:29:45.740 That is what they 00:29:45.740 --> 00:29:46.340 should pray, and 00:29:46.340 --> 00:29:46.980 we'll rattle through 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:47.640 these last two. 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.319 I'm aware of time. 00:29:48.440 --> 00:29:49.319 Secondly, verses 1 00:29:49.319 --> 00:29:50.340 to 10, Jesus lays 00:29:50.340 --> 00:29:51.140 out to his disciples 00:29:51.140 --> 00:29:51.819 how they should 00:29:51.819 --> 00:29:52.120 pray. 00:29:53.400 --> 00:29:54.059 And he tells them 00:29:54.059 --> 00:29:56.380 this parable, and 00:29:56.380 --> 00:29:58.480 it's about a host who 00:29:58.480 --> 00:29:59.620 receives an unexpected 00:29:59.620 --> 00:30:00.620 guest at what you 00:30:00.620 --> 00:30:01.460 must be able to say 00:30:01.460 --> 00:30:02.620 is an ungodly hour. 00:30:03.220 --> 00:30:04.319 And he's unprepared 00:30:04.319 --> 00:30:05.160 for this guest. 00:30:06.180 --> 00:30:06.680 Now, in this 00:30:06.680 --> 00:30:07.579 culture, hospitality 00:30:07.579 --> 00:30:08.840 is a big deal. 00:30:09.660 --> 00:30:10.200 And so a first 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:11.140 century host would 00:30:11.140 --> 00:30:11.819 do absolutely 00:30:11.819 --> 00:30:12.440 everything in 00:30:12.440 --> 00:30:13.720 their power to 00:30:13.720 --> 00:30:14.460 offer their 00:30:14.460 --> 00:30:15.660 guest the very 00:30:15.660 --> 00:30:16.320 best that they 00:30:16.320 --> 00:30:16.940 could give them. 00:30:18.019 --> 00:30:18.660 In a village, 00:30:18.960 --> 00:30:19.920 hospitality is not 00:30:19.920 --> 00:30:20.700 just an individual 00:30:20.700 --> 00:30:21.380 thing, it's a 00:30:21.380 --> 00:30:22.160 corporate thing. 00:30:22.600 --> 00:30:23.299 Everybody in the 00:30:23.299 --> 00:30:23.900 community was 00:30:23.900 --> 00:30:24.779 obliged to help 00:30:24.779 --> 00:30:25.600 each other be a 00:30:25.600 --> 00:30:26.700 good host. 00:30:27.400 --> 00:30:27.920 And so it was 00:30:27.920 --> 00:30:28.920 the duty of this 00:30:28.920 --> 00:30:30.160 neighbor, no 00:30:30.160 --> 00:30:30.620 matter how 00:30:30.620 --> 00:30:31.400 inconvenient, no 00:30:31.400 --> 00:30:32.019 matter what the 00:30:32.019 --> 00:30:33.080 hour, his duty 00:30:33.080 --> 00:30:34.140 to get out of bed 00:30:34.140 --> 00:30:35.279 in order to help 00:30:35.279 --> 00:30:35.759 his neighbor. 00:30:37.279 --> 00:30:37.960 None of Jesus' 00:30:37.960 --> 00:30:38.779 listeners would 00:30:38.779 --> 00:30:39.980 refuse to get out 00:30:39.980 --> 00:30:40.440 of bed. 00:30:40.539 --> 00:30:40.980 That is the 00:30:40.980 --> 00:30:41.279 point. 00:30:41.279 --> 00:30:42.639 No matter what 00:30:42.639 --> 00:30:43.460 time it was, 00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:44.299 no matter what 00:30:44.299 --> 00:30:45.099 the cry was, 00:30:45.240 --> 00:30:45.940 to help a 00:30:45.940 --> 00:30:47.180 neighbor in need. 00:30:47.240 --> 00:30:47.759 So when Jesus 00:30:47.759 --> 00:30:49.139 asks this question, 00:30:49.220 --> 00:30:49.899 which of you has 00:30:49.899 --> 00:30:52.559 a friend who 00:30:52.559 --> 00:30:54.139 wouldn't act like 00:30:54.139 --> 00:30:55.180 this in a situation 00:30:55.180 --> 00:30:55.720 like that? 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:56.500 The disciples are 00:30:56.500 --> 00:30:57.420 thinking to themselves, 00:30:57.960 --> 00:30:58.460 well, none of us 00:30:58.460 --> 00:30:59.079 have a friend like 00:30:59.079 --> 00:30:59.379 that. 00:31:00.200 --> 00:31:00.720 All of our 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:01.180 friends would 00:31:01.180 --> 00:31:01.559 help. 00:31:02.899 --> 00:31:03.740 Well, says Jesus, 00:31:03.899 --> 00:31:04.899 if that neighbor 00:31:04.899 --> 00:31:06.660 disturbed and 00:31:06.660 --> 00:31:08.000 hassled as he may be, 00:31:08.059 --> 00:31:10.099 if he will rise and 00:31:10.099 --> 00:31:11.099 respond to the request 00:31:11.099 --> 00:31:11.740 from his neighbor 00:31:11.740 --> 00:31:12.319 and needs, 00:31:12.599 --> 00:31:13.919 then how much 00:31:13.919 --> 00:31:16.119 more will God 00:31:16.119 --> 00:31:17.000 rise to answer 00:31:17.000 --> 00:31:17.859 your prayers when 00:31:17.859 --> 00:31:18.519 you knock at his 00:31:18.519 --> 00:31:19.459 door and ask? 00:31:19.719 --> 00:31:20.699 Big point from the 00:31:20.699 --> 00:31:22.939 parable, that God 00:31:22.939 --> 00:31:24.219 is not a begrudging 00:31:24.219 --> 00:31:25.659 and inconvenience 00:31:25.659 --> 00:31:26.240 grantor. 00:31:26.639 --> 00:31:27.899 God is a willing 00:31:27.899 --> 00:31:29.359 and ready giver. 00:31:29.359 --> 00:31:33.359 If your friend will 00:31:33.359 --> 00:31:34.299 answer your cry for 00:31:34.299 --> 00:31:34.859 help because you 00:31:34.859 --> 00:31:35.719 were bold in asking, 00:31:35.859 --> 00:31:37.419 how much more will 00:31:37.419 --> 00:31:39.879 God answer your 00:31:39.879 --> 00:31:40.899 cry for help because 00:31:40.899 --> 00:31:42.139 you are his child? 00:31:44.179 --> 00:31:45.159 So what does Jesus 00:31:45.159 --> 00:31:46.259 invite his disciples 00:31:46.259 --> 00:31:47.000 to do here? 00:31:47.599 --> 00:31:48.099 Ask. 00:31:49.799 --> 00:31:50.319 Ask. 00:31:50.579 --> 00:31:51.419 In line of what 00:31:51.419 --> 00:31:52.219 he's outlined to 00:31:52.219 --> 00:31:53.500 them to pray, ask 00:31:53.500 --> 00:31:54.659 and do it boldly. 00:31:55.500 --> 00:31:56.479 Your friends may 00:31:56.479 --> 00:31:57.799 reluctantly give you 00:31:57.799 --> 00:31:58.579 what you need. 00:31:58.579 --> 00:32:00.599 But how much more 00:32:00.599 --> 00:32:01.799 as God's child will 00:32:01.799 --> 00:32:02.859 he gladly give you 00:32:02.859 --> 00:32:03.519 everything that you 00:32:03.519 --> 00:32:03.799 need? 00:32:04.039 --> 00:32:05.039 You may well be an 00:32:05.039 --> 00:32:05.980 inconvenience to your 00:32:05.980 --> 00:32:06.279 neighbor. 00:32:07.220 --> 00:32:08.299 And if he answers, 00:32:08.899 --> 00:32:10.000 how much more will 00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:10.799 God your good 00:32:10.799 --> 00:32:11.819 father be willing to 00:32:11.819 --> 00:32:12.839 open up the door to 00:32:12.839 --> 00:32:13.199 you? 00:32:15.460 --> 00:32:16.679 This is how you're to 00:32:16.679 --> 00:32:17.519 ask, says Jesus. 00:32:17.699 --> 00:32:18.960 You're to ask boldly 00:32:18.960 --> 00:32:19.939 and you're to ask 00:32:19.939 --> 00:32:20.579 confidently. 00:32:20.799 --> 00:32:21.299 And thirdly, 00:32:21.379 --> 00:32:22.679 verses 11 to 13, 00:32:23.460 --> 00:32:24.480 Jesus lays out for 00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:25.299 them why they should 00:32:25.299 --> 00:32:25.619 pray. 00:32:25.619 --> 00:32:27.719 And again, it's 00:32:27.719 --> 00:32:28.899 this how much more 00:32:28.899 --> 00:32:29.699 logic. 00:32:30.939 --> 00:32:31.399 There's a bit of 00:32:31.399 --> 00:32:32.179 humor in there as 00:32:32.179 --> 00:32:32.679 well, isn't it? 00:32:32.719 --> 00:32:33.519 If you earthly 00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:34.959 fathers, if you know 00:32:34.959 --> 00:32:35.719 how to give good 00:32:35.719 --> 00:32:36.299 gifts to your 00:32:36.299 --> 00:32:38.419 children, how much 00:32:38.419 --> 00:32:40.679 more will your good 00:32:40.679 --> 00:32:41.799 and perfect father 00:32:41.799 --> 00:32:42.579 not give his 00:32:42.579 --> 00:32:43.559 children things that 00:32:43.559 --> 00:32:44.259 will be bad or 00:32:44.259 --> 00:32:45.239 dangerous for them, 00:32:45.919 --> 00:32:47.539 but give them the 00:32:47.539 --> 00:32:48.619 things that are good 00:32:48.619 --> 00:32:49.139 for them? 00:32:50.979 --> 00:32:51.559 And to see it 00:32:51.559 --> 00:32:52.239 outlined there, 00:32:52.240 --> 00:32:54.440 most notably, his 00:32:54.440 --> 00:32:55.740 very presence with 00:32:55.740 --> 00:32:56.299 us through the 00:32:56.299 --> 00:32:56.900 Holy Spirit. 00:32:59.539 --> 00:33:00.579 And as we close 00:33:00.579 --> 00:33:01.779 this morning, let's 00:33:01.779 --> 00:33:03.660 maybe bring a few 00:33:03.660 --> 00:33:04.200 of those strands 00:33:04.200 --> 00:33:05.319 together and bring 00:33:05.319 --> 00:33:06.039 ourselves back to 00:33:06.039 --> 00:33:07.000 that question that we 00:33:07.000 --> 00:33:07.900 asked at the outset. 00:33:09.620 --> 00:33:11.079 In our always-on 00:33:11.079 --> 00:33:13.339 culture, are we 00:33:13.339 --> 00:33:15.259 making room in our 00:33:15.259 --> 00:33:16.400 busy lives for the 00:33:16.400 --> 00:33:17.420 things which matter 00:33:17.420 --> 00:33:18.019 most? 00:33:18.980 --> 00:33:20.200 As disciples of 00:33:20.200 --> 00:33:21.140 Jesus Christ, are we 00:33:21.140 --> 00:33:22.059 making time in our 00:33:22.059 --> 00:33:23.359 busy lives every day 00:33:23.359 --> 00:33:24.899 to sit and listen 00:33:24.899 --> 00:33:26.919 and to stop and 00:33:26.919 --> 00:33:27.359 pray? 00:33:28.599 --> 00:33:29.619 Are our lives, are 00:33:29.619 --> 00:33:30.480 they marked by 00:33:30.480 --> 00:33:32.039 undistracted devotion 00:33:32.039 --> 00:33:34.299 and by unashamed 00:33:34.299 --> 00:33:35.179 dependence? 00:33:37.480 --> 00:33:38.159 And I thought it'd 00:33:38.159 --> 00:33:38.899 be great for us this 00:33:38.899 --> 00:33:39.679 morning, just as we 00:33:39.679 --> 00:33:41.179 close, to close by 00:33:41.179 --> 00:33:42.779 saying the Lord's 00:33:42.779 --> 00:33:43.700 Prayer together as we 00:33:43.700 --> 00:33:44.240 read it here. 00:33:45.839 --> 00:33:46.819 But before we do 00:33:46.819 --> 00:33:47.259 that, why don't we 00:33:47.259 --> 00:33:48.639 just take a moment 00:33:48.639 --> 00:33:50.139 before we rush into 00:33:50.140 --> 00:33:51.759 our Martha world, 00:33:52.900 --> 00:33:53.720 just to still our 00:33:53.720 --> 00:33:54.520 hearts before the 00:33:54.520 --> 00:33:55.120 Lord and let's 00:33:55.120 --> 00:33:55.980 respond to his 00:33:55.980 --> 00:33:56.720 words as we've 00:33:56.720 --> 00:33:57.580 heard it this 00:33:57.580 --> 00:33:57.920 morning. 00:33:57.920 --> 00:34:11.800 Let's pray together. 00:34:11.800 --> 00:34:16.519 Father, hallowed be 00:34:16.519 --> 00:34:18.620 your name, your 00:34:18.620 --> 00:34:19.580 kingdom come. 00:34:20.640 --> 00:34:22.620 Give us each day our 00:34:22.620 --> 00:34:23.539 daily bread. 00:34:24.760 --> 00:34:26.440 Forgive us our sins 00:34:26.440 --> 00:34:28.560 as we also forgive 00:34:28.560 --> 00:34:29.820 everyone who sins 00:34:29.820 --> 00:34:30.660 against us. 00:34:31.340 --> 00:34:33.240 And lead us not into 00:34:33.240 --> 00:34:33.940 temptation. 00:34:33.940 --> 00:34:35.260 Amen.