WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.000 Good morning, everyone. My name's James. Nice to see you this morning. 00:00:04.879 --> 00:00:13.259 I'm the kind of person that has large, crazy, and sometimes over-the-top and very big harebrained schemes. 00:00:14.200 --> 00:00:19.019 And my wife is very good to me. She often brings me down to earth, 00:00:19.019 --> 00:00:24.140 no, you can't do that. That's just a little bit silly, that idea. No, that's not practical. 00:00:25.100 --> 00:00:30.399 And it was just over four years ago that I had another of these crazy, large, harebrained schemes. 00:00:30.960 --> 00:00:37.799 I'd seen a post on Facebook that there was this guy called Sam Lowe leaving St. Paul's Chatswood. 00:00:38.560 --> 00:00:43.079 And I thought, we used to be at St. Paul's Chatswood. Wouldn't that be... 00:00:43.079 --> 00:00:50.340 I wonder, I wonder if I got in contact with Steve, I wonder if they're looking to replace Sam. 00:00:50.340 --> 00:00:57.160 So I got in contact with Steve, had a conversation with him over a lovely lunch nearby in Chatswood. 00:00:57.400 --> 00:00:59.140 And now we've been here for four years. 00:01:00.080 --> 00:01:07.659 I took this idea to my wife going, I wonder how my wife's going to respond to this large, crazy, harebrained scheme. 00:01:07.659 --> 00:01:13.560 You know, what if we did this big thing and moved from one side of Sydney to the other side of Sydney? 00:01:13.820 --> 00:01:17.180 I wonder what would happen if we took our kids out of school and moved them to another school. 00:01:17.180 --> 00:01:18.580 Very big change. 00:01:19.560 --> 00:01:21.420 And my wife on this occasion said, yeah, let's do that. 00:01:21.440 --> 00:01:22.020 That's a great idea. 00:01:22.120 --> 00:01:23.460 Let's go. 00:01:25.000 --> 00:01:26.360 And Sam was very excited. 00:01:26.440 --> 00:01:26.980 Thank you, sister. 00:01:29.400 --> 00:01:34.000 But sometimes I think, you know, sometimes I keep my crazy harebrained schemes inside 00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:36.820 because I've learned to just tone down a little. 00:01:37.520 --> 00:01:39.680 But I wonder if we do the same thing with God. 00:01:40.820 --> 00:01:42.760 What kind of requests do we bring him? 00:01:42.760 --> 00:01:50.939 Do we only bring him small and manageable requests because I don't know about those big ones? 00:01:51.980 --> 00:01:54.260 Maybe he's not going to answer those. 00:01:55.560 --> 00:02:00.400 And if we do, if we only bring small things to God, what does it say about our view of him? 00:02:01.360 --> 00:02:05.960 What does it say about our relationship with God if we only bring him small things? 00:02:05.959 --> 00:02:13.120 I wonder if the way we view God impacts the way we pray. 00:02:13.500 --> 00:02:18.319 If I only have a small view of God, I'm only going to bring him small requests. 00:02:18.900 --> 00:02:21.159 God, you know, help me find a parking spot. 00:02:21.419 --> 00:02:23.079 God, please help the rain to stop. 00:02:23.340 --> 00:02:25.199 Maybe that's a big prayer, actually, in this season. 00:02:25.199 --> 00:02:33.239 But I wonder if we have a big, grand, and incredible view of God, we will pray prayers in line with that. 00:02:34.500 --> 00:02:41.719 Last week, we started a series seeking to restore our awe of God as we head towards Easter. 00:02:41.879 --> 00:02:49.859 And we saw the value of regularly gathering the week-in-week-out rhythm that God has designed for us 00:02:49.860 --> 00:02:57.760 as we are people who consume things all week to come back and be people who consume Jesus in the Lord's Supper as part of that, 00:02:58.040 --> 00:02:59.780 but are dependent upon God. 00:03:00.560 --> 00:03:07.920 And the challenge for us today is to consider how we view God and how we pray prayers in line with that. 00:03:08.700 --> 00:03:14.660 As we seek to restore our awe of God, I think it's important for us to get our prayer right. 00:03:14.659 --> 00:03:22.039 And we're going to do that today by looking at the last hours of Jesus' life as he is in the Garden of Gethsemane 00:03:22.039 --> 00:03:28.680 and comparing Jesus' prayer with the disciples' prayer or even the lack of prayer. 00:03:29.259 --> 00:03:31.000 So let me start by doing that. 00:03:31.039 --> 00:03:33.120 Let me pray for us and we're going to have a look at the Bible. 00:03:34.079 --> 00:03:40.039 Heavenly Father, I thank you so much that we do indeed have the privilege of being able to talk to you. 00:03:40.900 --> 00:03:42.680 Thank you for your word to us this morning. 00:03:42.680 --> 00:03:50.680 Help us to know how big and awesome you are and help us to pray in line with that. 00:03:51.060 --> 00:03:51.379 Amen. 00:03:52.480 --> 00:03:54.860 Firstly, this morning, we're going to have a look at the disciples' prayer. 00:03:55.040 --> 00:03:56.080 So have your Bibles open. 00:03:56.780 --> 00:04:00.260 We're in Matthew 25. 00:04:00.360 --> 00:04:01.040 Is it 25? 00:04:01.620 --> 00:04:02.400 26, Flora. 00:04:02.500 --> 00:04:03.300 Thank you, dear sister. 00:04:03.780 --> 00:04:04.719 Matthew 26. 00:04:05.080 --> 00:04:07.140 Matthew 26, verse 36. 00:04:07.139 --> 00:04:13.619 And so Jesus is facing the last painful hours before his crucifixion. 00:04:14.139 --> 00:04:15.759 He knows he's about to be arrested. 00:04:16.060 --> 00:04:19.800 He knows he's about to have a mock trial and then be executed. 00:04:20.620 --> 00:04:22.180 And so he goes to pray. 00:04:22.659 --> 00:04:24.199 Matthew 26, verse 36. 00:04:24.199 --> 00:04:28.659 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. 00:04:28.879 --> 00:04:32.039 And he said to them, sit here while I go over there and pray. 00:04:32.719 --> 00:04:35.779 And he took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him. 00:04:35.939 --> 00:04:38.319 And he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 00:04:39.060 --> 00:04:43.680 And then he said to them, my soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. 00:04:44.339 --> 00:04:46.599 Stay here and keep watch with me. 00:04:46.600 --> 00:04:49.920 Jesus is overwhelmed with emotions. 00:04:50.080 --> 00:04:51.080 He's sorrowful. 00:04:51.680 --> 00:04:54.000 And he asks his disciples to help him. 00:04:54.520 --> 00:04:58.580 This is the Jesus who has raised the dead, who has healed people. 00:04:58.580 --> 00:05:14.020 He calls God Father and he asks his three closest friends, Peter, James and John, to stay with him, to help him, to keep watch, to be alert, to bear this burden in some way with him. 00:05:14.019 --> 00:05:17.019 But the heartbreaking truth is that they can't. 00:05:17.979 --> 00:05:18.500 Verse 39. 00:05:18.979 --> 00:05:27.579 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, my father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. 00:05:28.379 --> 00:05:30.099 Yet not as I will, but as you will. 00:05:30.459 --> 00:05:33.259 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. 00:05:33.479 --> 00:05:36.060 Couldn't you men watch with me for one hour? 00:05:36.599 --> 00:05:37.379 He asked Peter. 00:05:38.459 --> 00:05:42.399 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. 00:05:42.399 --> 00:05:45.799 The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. 00:05:45.939 --> 00:05:47.519 This is painful to read. 00:05:47.679 --> 00:05:49.899 The disciples can't stay awake. 00:05:50.620 --> 00:05:56.599 It's another aspect of the sad story of betrayal of everyone departing Jesus. 00:05:56.719 --> 00:05:59.560 Even in these last moments, they're betraying him. 00:06:01.060 --> 00:06:04.799 He asks them to watch and pray so they wouldn't be tempted. 00:06:06.019 --> 00:06:08.939 Jesus is telling them to do the exact same thing that he is doing. 00:06:08.939 --> 00:06:11.819 Jesus is praying, I don't want to be tempted. 00:06:12.019 --> 00:06:12.800 I don't want to sin. 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:15.779 I've got this crucifixion coming up. 00:06:15.879 --> 00:06:16.699 God, help me. 00:06:17.139 --> 00:06:19.279 And he's saying to his disciples, don't be tempted. 00:06:22.160 --> 00:06:25.079 Jesus is praying to God that he would obey God. 00:06:25.779 --> 00:06:27.519 That he would not fail God. 00:06:27.899 --> 00:06:30.399 And he's wanting his disciples to do the same thing. 00:06:30.540 --> 00:06:32.259 To pray in line with that. 00:06:32.759 --> 00:06:33.779 But they fail. 00:06:34.720 --> 00:06:36.800 They fail three times. 00:06:36.800 --> 00:06:38.740 Again in verse 33. 00:06:39.139 --> 00:06:40.680 And again in verse 45. 00:06:42.000 --> 00:06:43.740 Their flesh has let them down. 00:06:45.020 --> 00:06:48.560 They've struggled physically to watch and be alert. 00:06:48.800 --> 00:06:52.819 It says in verse 43 that they were sleeping because their eyes were heavy. 00:06:54.040 --> 00:06:55.519 They were physically tired. 00:06:55.720 --> 00:06:58.560 It kept them from doing what Jesus was doing, praying. 00:06:58.560 --> 00:07:03.280 I'm sure we've all had that feeling of having heavy eyes. 00:07:04.079 --> 00:07:12.379 Hopefully, you know, whether it's been watching a movie late at night, I've definitely had this experience of micro sleeps happen while I'm driving. 00:07:12.740 --> 00:07:14.139 That's a terrifying one. 00:07:14.720 --> 00:07:17.100 You know, open the window, get some cold air. 00:07:17.100 --> 00:07:20.120 My wife's always asking me, why are you slapping yourself in the face? 00:07:20.480 --> 00:07:22.240 Oh, no reason. 00:07:25.040 --> 00:07:27.320 Or even praying late at night. 00:07:27.960 --> 00:07:30.040 You know, trying to get through your prayers at night. 00:07:30.180 --> 00:07:33.040 And just your eyes, you're just going to sleep. 00:07:34.860 --> 00:07:37.920 You know, those moments driving, they're pretty bad moments. 00:07:37.920 --> 00:07:40.460 But this is a really terrible moment. 00:07:41.460 --> 00:07:45.640 Jesus has bared his soul to his three closest friends. 00:07:46.900 --> 00:07:49.939 My soul is overwhelmed to the point of death. 00:07:50.800 --> 00:07:54.500 And they didn't have the ability to read the importance of this situation. 00:07:55.920 --> 00:07:58.080 They didn't understand what was about to happen. 00:07:59.139 --> 00:08:03.200 Even though Jesus has told his disciples that he's going to the Father, 00:08:04.100 --> 00:08:05.840 that they're going to all for the way, 00:08:05.839 --> 00:08:08.179 they didn't heed his warning. 00:08:10.060 --> 00:08:14.279 I wonder if it's because their view of themselves is still too big at this point. 00:08:15.359 --> 00:08:17.519 The disciples are still full of pride. 00:08:18.500 --> 00:08:21.379 Peter, in particular, his view of himself is too big. 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:24.879 Only in the verses before what was read, 00:08:25.459 --> 00:08:28.699 Jesus says to him, you are going to fall away. 00:08:29.599 --> 00:08:33.059 And Peter says, no, I'm going to go with you even if it means I die. 00:08:33.059 --> 00:08:36.519 And then when Jesus is being arrested, 00:08:36.819 --> 00:08:38.919 Peter tries to fix the problem. 00:08:39.039 --> 00:08:42.699 He tries to save Jesus by pulling out a sword and cutting off a servant's ear. 00:08:44.099 --> 00:08:46.139 Peter still thinks he's in control. 00:08:46.679 --> 00:08:49.539 Even though Jesus has told him, you're going to fall away, 00:08:50.359 --> 00:08:54.039 and then I'm going to be the one that saves you, 00:08:54.699 --> 00:08:56.699 his view of himself is still too great. 00:08:56.919 --> 00:08:58.779 And his view of God is too small. 00:08:58.779 --> 00:09:03.919 And so he's too self-sufficient, too self-confident. 00:09:04.839 --> 00:09:06.120 And where does God fit? 00:09:07.879 --> 00:09:09.240 Well, Peter has heavy eyes. 00:09:10.819 --> 00:09:13.980 A right view of ourselves leads to a right view of God. 00:09:14.419 --> 00:09:16.179 When we know who we are, 00:09:16.839 --> 00:09:18.519 then we can have awe of God. 00:09:18.579 --> 00:09:21.919 When we know how small and humble we really are, 00:09:21.919 --> 00:09:26.719 it's so much easier to understand how big God is. 00:09:27.759 --> 00:09:31.879 We can't be in awe of God when we think that we are self-sufficient, 00:09:32.539 --> 00:09:34.419 that we have self-control, 00:09:35.879 --> 00:09:37.379 that when we are in control of things. 00:09:39.360 --> 00:09:41.719 It's one of those things that happens in movies. 00:09:41.860 --> 00:09:44.120 There's this very common trope that happens in movies, 00:09:44.199 --> 00:09:46.120 that there's this arrogant character, 00:09:46.120 --> 00:09:48.039 and they think they know everything, 00:09:48.299 --> 00:09:49.000 and you're just like, 00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:53.539 oh, I really want to see this person be knocked down a couple of pegs. 00:09:53.659 --> 00:09:55.539 They're going around saying they know everything. 00:09:56.820 --> 00:09:58.879 Peter needs to learn this lesson of humility 00:09:58.879 --> 00:10:01.879 to be able to understand what God is doing. 00:10:03.039 --> 00:10:07.259 The disciples' lack of prayer here indicates their view of themselves, 00:10:07.539 --> 00:10:08.720 their view of their situation, 00:10:08.720 --> 00:10:09.720 and their view of God. 00:10:10.680 --> 00:10:12.620 They're still acting self-sufficiently, 00:10:12.820 --> 00:10:15.399 and they're not dependent yet on God's grace. 00:10:15.399 --> 00:10:16.139 And they will be. 00:10:17.159 --> 00:10:18.600 Jesus will restore Peter, 00:10:18.840 --> 00:10:19.819 but that happens later. 00:10:21.579 --> 00:10:24.000 And so we're going to compare the disciples' prayer, 00:10:24.240 --> 00:10:25.819 or lack of prayer, 00:10:26.939 --> 00:10:28.379 with Jesus' prayer. 00:10:28.699 --> 00:10:30.759 And we very briefly looked at Jesus' prayer, 00:10:30.819 --> 00:10:32.579 but we're going to spend some more time looking at that now. 00:10:33.519 --> 00:10:35.120 So we're going to go back to verse 37. 00:10:35.340 --> 00:10:37.659 Back to 37, we're going to look at Jesus' prayer. 00:10:38.659 --> 00:10:39.259 Verse 37, 00:10:39.319 --> 00:10:42.000 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him. 00:10:42.639 --> 00:10:43.340 Then he said to them, 00:10:43.340 --> 00:10:45.980 my soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. 00:10:47.100 --> 00:10:48.160 Stay here and keep watch. 00:10:48.160 --> 00:10:49.860 Jesus knows what's about to happen. 00:10:50.440 --> 00:10:52.700 He is sorrowful, 00:10:52.840 --> 00:10:54.860 and his posture says that. 00:10:54.980 --> 00:10:55.620 Verse 39, 00:10:56.100 --> 00:10:59.540 He fell on his face to the ground and prayed, 00:11:00.620 --> 00:11:01.280 my Father, 00:11:01.820 --> 00:11:02.740 if it is possible, 00:11:02.860 --> 00:11:04.460 may this cup be taken from me. 00:11:05.480 --> 00:11:06.680 Yet not as I will, 00:11:06.759 --> 00:11:07.500 but as you will. 00:11:07.500 --> 00:11:10.580 He falls on his face, 00:11:11.259 --> 00:11:11.860 sorrowful, 00:11:12.059 --> 00:11:14.879 while his disciples are lying down sleeping. 00:11:16.179 --> 00:11:18.019 And he implores God three times, 00:11:18.360 --> 00:11:20.139 take this cup away from me, 00:11:21.259 --> 00:11:22.419 yet not as I will, 00:11:22.519 --> 00:11:23.320 but as you will. 00:11:24.259 --> 00:11:27.179 So what does this tell us about Jesus' view of God? 00:11:28.480 --> 00:11:30.200 Well, two things, I think, in particular. 00:11:30.519 --> 00:11:32.299 It's both very personal, 00:11:32.299 --> 00:11:35.219 and it's also full of awe. 00:11:35.919 --> 00:11:37.359 It's personal because Jesus, 00:11:37.699 --> 00:11:39.459 even as he's about to die, 00:11:39.559 --> 00:11:40.699 still calls God his Father. 00:11:42.219 --> 00:11:45.959 Jesus prays very intimate prayers to God. 00:11:46.679 --> 00:11:48.719 It's one of the key reasons that the Jewish leaders 00:11:48.719 --> 00:11:49.699 want to kill him, 00:11:49.799 --> 00:11:53.299 because he continues to call God his Father. 00:11:53.299 --> 00:11:56.099 And so they want to kill him for that. 00:11:57.459 --> 00:12:00.620 And yet he prays prayers that are full of awe to God. 00:12:01.579 --> 00:12:02.839 He has the right view. 00:12:02.939 --> 00:12:04.859 He knows who God is, 00:12:04.919 --> 00:12:06.199 and he is going to obey him. 00:12:07.219 --> 00:12:10.719 He knows how powerful and sovereign God is, 00:12:11.019 --> 00:12:14.799 so much so that Jesus can pray big, radical requests. 00:12:16.179 --> 00:12:17.259 Jesus can pray, 00:12:17.679 --> 00:12:18.599 if it's possible, 00:12:19.199 --> 00:12:20.419 take this cup away from me. 00:12:20.419 --> 00:12:22.500 God, if it's possible, 00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:24.879 bring salvation another way. 00:12:25.000 --> 00:12:26.939 God, I know you are the one who saves. 00:12:27.599 --> 00:12:30.099 I know that you are both just and generous. 00:12:30.539 --> 00:12:32.079 I know you are full of grace. 00:12:32.439 --> 00:12:34.639 Is it possible that there's another way 00:12:34.639 --> 00:12:35.779 that you can work out salvation? 00:12:37.419 --> 00:12:39.959 Jesus has such a high view of God, 00:12:40.139 --> 00:12:41.579 he can actually say to God, 00:12:41.939 --> 00:12:43.259 is there another way? 00:12:44.860 --> 00:12:46.939 You can't bring that kind of prayer to God 00:12:46.939 --> 00:12:48.319 if you have a small view of him. 00:12:50.419 --> 00:12:53.059 Jesus can only say, 00:12:54.019 --> 00:12:55.259 not my will, but your will, 00:12:55.339 --> 00:12:58.240 because he has a very large view of God, 00:12:58.740 --> 00:13:00.459 of God's love and compassion, 00:13:00.959 --> 00:13:02.360 his holiness and his sovereignty. 00:13:03.379 --> 00:13:04.659 That even though this is going to be 00:13:04.659 --> 00:13:06.059 incredibly difficult for Jesus, 00:13:06.179 --> 00:13:08.120 he knows that God is good. 00:13:10.279 --> 00:13:12.199 Knowing the awesome God means 00:13:12.199 --> 00:13:15.139 Jesus prays differently to the disciples. 00:13:15.139 --> 00:13:17.840 Knowing his grace and wisdom 00:13:17.840 --> 00:13:19.120 and power and love 00:13:19.120 --> 00:13:20.879 means he can ask for big things. 00:13:20.960 --> 00:13:21.919 God, is it possible 00:13:21.919 --> 00:13:23.500 that we can do this another way? 00:13:23.720 --> 00:13:24.319 But if not, 00:13:24.519 --> 00:13:26.080 I'm going to submit to you 00:13:26.080 --> 00:13:27.580 and I will obey. 00:13:29.379 --> 00:13:31.360 Because Jesus has been raised from the dead, 00:13:31.699 --> 00:13:33.659 because he has given us his spirit, 00:13:33.819 --> 00:13:37.000 because he has brought us into his family, 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:40.980 we can pray big, radical prayers too. 00:13:42.299 --> 00:13:43.279 We can pray, 00:13:44.440 --> 00:13:45.940 God, I know you are generous. 00:13:46.759 --> 00:13:48.100 God, I know you are the one 00:13:48.100 --> 00:13:49.139 who brings salvation. 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:50.980 Will you save my friend? 00:13:52.139 --> 00:13:54.559 Don't let them die without knowing you. 00:13:55.399 --> 00:13:57.240 God, I know you are powerful 00:13:57.240 --> 00:13:58.659 and wise and sovereign, 00:13:58.860 --> 00:14:00.220 and it seems impossible, 00:14:01.039 --> 00:14:03.000 but I know that you are in control. 00:14:03.200 --> 00:14:05.139 God, bring an end to COVID. 00:14:05.139 --> 00:14:09.039 But also, God, not my will, but yours. 00:14:11.319 --> 00:14:12.519 Our third point this morning, 00:14:12.659 --> 00:14:13.860 prayer and awe. 00:14:14.840 --> 00:14:16.159 What's the connection here 00:14:16.159 --> 00:14:17.179 between our prayer 00:14:17.179 --> 00:14:19.080 and our view of God? 00:14:20.019 --> 00:14:21.080 Our awe of him. 00:14:22.139 --> 00:14:24.699 Well, when our awe is restored, 00:14:25.699 --> 00:14:28.019 we pray prayers in line 00:14:28.019 --> 00:14:29.000 with our view of God. 00:14:29.620 --> 00:14:31.100 If we only have a small 00:14:31.100 --> 00:14:32.419 and insignificant view of God, 00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:33.819 we'll only have small 00:14:33.820 --> 00:14:35.200 and significant prayers. 00:14:36.400 --> 00:14:38.300 But when our view of God 00:14:38.300 --> 00:14:39.540 is in awe of him, 00:14:39.800 --> 00:14:41.420 so will be our prayers. 00:14:42.540 --> 00:14:45.379 I wonder if the way to do this 00:14:45.379 --> 00:14:47.580 is actually by getting our prayers right 00:14:47.580 --> 00:14:50.000 to build a bigger picture of God first. 00:14:50.600 --> 00:14:53.140 I wonder if speaking rightly 00:14:53.140 --> 00:14:54.960 corrects our view of God. 00:14:54.960 --> 00:14:57.180 I think it's almost like how 00:14:57.180 --> 00:14:59.560 I'm trying to teach my children respect, 00:14:59.940 --> 00:15:00.920 not by saying, 00:15:01.080 --> 00:15:01.960 respect people. 00:15:03.180 --> 00:15:04.019 None of them are looking at me. 00:15:04.080 --> 00:15:04.440 That's fine. 00:15:04.860 --> 00:15:06.320 But instead, teaching them, 00:15:06.879 --> 00:15:07.120 you know, 00:15:07.580 --> 00:15:08.460 you say, please. 00:15:08.980 --> 00:15:09.980 You say, thank you. 00:15:10.180 --> 00:15:11.800 This is how you do it. 00:15:11.820 --> 00:15:12.400 I'm going to teach you 00:15:12.400 --> 00:15:13.340 the practice of it, 00:15:13.500 --> 00:15:14.800 and you will get respect 00:15:14.800 --> 00:15:15.460 for other people. 00:15:17.120 --> 00:15:18.420 I wonder what our prayers 00:15:18.420 --> 00:15:19.400 are like in this season. 00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:23.139 I wonder if we did a quick poll 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:24.899 how our prayers would be. 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:27.939 Are they distracted prayers? 00:15:28.379 --> 00:15:31.059 Are they short, quick? 00:15:32.019 --> 00:15:33.899 Are they non-existent prayers? 00:15:35.340 --> 00:15:36.879 Do we pray quickly at mealtimes, 00:15:37.919 --> 00:15:38.779 but not for too long 00:15:38.779 --> 00:15:39.959 so the food doesn't get cold? 00:15:40.919 --> 00:15:42.079 Do we just bring random 00:15:42.079 --> 00:15:43.980 ad hoc requests to God 00:15:43.980 --> 00:15:45.539 as we're going throughout the day, 00:15:45.620 --> 00:15:45.840 you know, 00:15:45.840 --> 00:15:46.540 that, God, 00:15:46.600 --> 00:15:47.879 I'd really need a car park 00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:49.120 because, you know, 00:15:49.160 --> 00:15:50.080 it's school holidays now 00:15:50.080 --> 00:15:51.139 and everybody's going to the shops. 00:15:52.879 --> 00:15:54.120 God, help me, you know, 00:15:54.560 --> 00:15:55.920 kill this mold in my house. 00:15:56.000 --> 00:15:57.019 Maybe that's a big prayer too. 00:15:58.160 --> 00:15:59.480 Or do we even pray 00:15:59.480 --> 00:16:00.399 like the disciples 00:16:00.399 --> 00:16:02.120 with heavy eyes, 00:16:03.040 --> 00:16:04.639 just with great difficulty? 00:16:06.080 --> 00:16:07.960 We need prayer like Jesus, 00:16:08.600 --> 00:16:10.620 prayer that has a right view of God 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:12.500 and is very personal. 00:16:14.280 --> 00:16:15.540 And so I think, firstly, 00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:16.920 I want to come to 00:16:16.920 --> 00:16:18.399 how Jesus teaches us 00:16:18.399 --> 00:16:19.580 to do this in the Lord's Prayer. 00:16:19.860 --> 00:16:20.560 The Lord's Prayer is 00:16:20.560 --> 00:16:22.200 a wonderful prayer. 00:16:22.540 --> 00:16:23.720 It is so instructive 00:16:23.720 --> 00:16:24.500 for how to pray. 00:16:24.940 --> 00:16:25.519 And it starts 00:16:25.519 --> 00:16:26.800 by getting the address 00:16:26.800 --> 00:16:27.820 to God right. 00:16:29.399 --> 00:16:30.320 How does it start? 00:16:31.480 --> 00:16:33.280 Our Father in heaven, 00:16:34.060 --> 00:16:35.379 hallowed be your name, 00:16:35.700 --> 00:16:36.840 your kingdom come, 00:16:36.940 --> 00:16:37.860 your will be done. 00:16:39.019 --> 00:16:40.379 It's so wonderful 00:16:40.379 --> 00:16:42.240 and simple for us. 00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:44.320 You can teach this to a child. 00:16:44.320 --> 00:16:45.340 This is a prayer 00:16:45.340 --> 00:16:46.500 I still pray regularly. 00:16:47.379 --> 00:16:50.000 It starts with a posture of awe. 00:16:50.420 --> 00:16:52.879 You are a father 00:16:52.879 --> 00:16:55.540 and you are in heaven. 00:16:56.700 --> 00:16:57.920 You are hallowed, 00:16:58.020 --> 00:16:58.860 which means holy. 00:16:59.620 --> 00:17:01.420 You are the boss of the world 00:17:01.420 --> 00:17:02.700 and your will should be done. 00:17:03.860 --> 00:17:06.240 This is such a prayer 00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:07.539 that separates us and him. 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:10.580 God, you are so much bigger than me. 00:17:10.579 --> 00:17:12.759 I should be following you. 00:17:15.659 --> 00:17:16.799 It's a prayer 00:17:16.799 --> 00:17:19.079 that is wonderful to use. 00:17:19.240 --> 00:17:20.419 I've definitely used it 00:17:20.419 --> 00:17:22.139 and it takes me 00:17:22.139 --> 00:17:24.939 out of the bad habit 00:17:24.939 --> 00:17:26.500 of just praying for immediate needs 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:28.259 and it reminds me 00:17:28.259 --> 00:17:29.259 of who my God is. 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:32.059 One of the things 00:17:32.059 --> 00:17:32.920 I've done in the past 00:17:32.920 --> 00:17:33.599 with the Lord's Prayer 00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:35.359 is spend time praying 00:17:35.359 --> 00:17:36.640 through each line 00:17:36.640 --> 00:17:38.819 and I can preach another sermon 00:17:38.819 --> 00:17:39.900 right here on the Lord's Prayer 00:17:39.900 --> 00:17:40.619 but I'm not going to do that. 00:17:40.660 --> 00:17:41.420 I'm going to put that there. 00:17:42.180 --> 00:17:43.500 I think we did recently. 00:17:44.119 --> 00:17:44.879 We spent some time 00:17:44.879 --> 00:17:45.660 going through the Lord's Prayer 00:17:45.660 --> 00:17:46.259 and it was wonderful. 00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:50.480 Another structure of prayer 00:17:50.480 --> 00:17:51.299 that I've used 00:17:51.299 --> 00:17:52.759 is the word acts. 00:17:53.079 --> 00:17:54.319 A-C-T-S. 00:17:54.319 --> 00:17:55.839 It's a structure. 00:17:56.279 --> 00:17:56.679 Adoration, 00:17:57.619 --> 00:17:58.119 confession, 00:17:58.899 --> 00:17:59.519 thanksgiving 00:17:59.519 --> 00:18:00.759 and supplication. 00:18:01.039 --> 00:18:01.919 Asking for stuff. 00:18:02.720 --> 00:18:03.099 And again, 00:18:03.200 --> 00:18:03.980 I think it's really helpful 00:18:03.980 --> 00:18:04.939 because it starts 00:18:04.939 --> 00:18:05.859 in a place of going, 00:18:06.059 --> 00:18:07.659 God, you are awesome. 00:18:08.179 --> 00:18:09.179 Let me adore you. 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:09.919 I want to do 00:18:09.919 --> 00:18:11.460 what a lot of the Psalms do 00:18:11.460 --> 00:18:12.519 and just talk about 00:18:12.519 --> 00:18:13.480 how wonderful you are. 00:18:14.099 --> 00:18:14.679 And then, 00:18:14.779 --> 00:18:15.779 as we've done today, 00:18:15.919 --> 00:18:16.500 acknowledge that 00:18:16.500 --> 00:18:17.279 I'm not like you 00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:18.439 and I need to confess 00:18:18.439 --> 00:18:20.379 but I want to say thank you 00:18:20.379 --> 00:18:21.399 and then ask for things. 00:18:21.500 --> 00:18:22.879 I think it's a helpful structure. 00:18:24.319 --> 00:18:25.399 But what would it actually 00:18:25.399 --> 00:18:26.500 look like for us 00:18:26.500 --> 00:18:29.319 to sit in that first letter 00:18:29.319 --> 00:18:30.559 in adoration? 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:32.720 What would it look like 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:34.659 to pray prayers 00:18:34.659 --> 00:18:36.899 in line with God's awesomeness? 00:18:37.399 --> 00:18:38.859 To pray prayers 00:18:38.859 --> 00:18:40.599 reflecting on His grace, 00:18:40.859 --> 00:18:41.480 His wisdom, 00:18:41.879 --> 00:18:43.220 that He's everywhere, 00:18:43.359 --> 00:18:44.939 that He's in sovereign control, 00:18:45.079 --> 00:18:46.399 that He has great 00:18:46.399 --> 00:18:47.700 and boundless love 00:18:47.700 --> 00:18:48.980 and that He's made the world, 00:18:49.059 --> 00:18:49.740 that He's eternal. 00:18:49.740 --> 00:18:52.079 I wonder 00:18:52.079 --> 00:18:54.700 if we spent more time 00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:56.039 praying prayers 00:18:56.039 --> 00:18:57.039 in line with that. 00:18:57.859 --> 00:18:59.059 I wonder how we would 00:18:59.059 --> 00:19:00.000 grow as disciples. 00:19:02.359 --> 00:19:04.000 I wonder if we were 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:05.200 praying prayers like that. 00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:07.200 We might even just be able 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:07.960 to pray prayers 00:19:07.960 --> 00:19:09.440 in line with how awesome 00:19:09.440 --> 00:19:10.220 God is, 00:19:10.299 --> 00:19:11.579 how in control He is. 00:19:12.140 --> 00:19:12.700 And then, 00:19:12.900 --> 00:19:13.819 when we spend some time 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:14.440 remembering that, 00:19:14.519 --> 00:19:15.180 maybe we're not even 00:19:15.180 --> 00:19:16.059 going to ask for anything 00:19:16.059 --> 00:19:17.839 because we're going to remember 00:19:17.839 --> 00:19:18.599 that He's trustworthy 00:19:18.599 --> 00:19:20.279 and that, 00:19:20.399 --> 00:19:20.799 you know what, 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:22.279 I know God knows 00:19:22.279 --> 00:19:22.980 what I need 00:19:22.980 --> 00:19:24.759 and so I don't even need 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:25.480 to ask for them. 00:19:26.699 --> 00:19:27.819 A little while ago, 00:19:27.959 --> 00:19:28.699 one of my kids 00:19:28.699 --> 00:19:29.779 asked me a question 00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:30.720 that just stopped me 00:19:30.720 --> 00:19:31.339 in my tracks. 00:19:32.939 --> 00:19:34.459 They asked at breakfast time, 00:19:35.059 --> 00:19:35.500 hey dad, 00:19:35.579 --> 00:19:36.639 can we have food today? 00:19:37.879 --> 00:19:38.679 And I just went, 00:19:39.399 --> 00:19:41.699 what do you mean? 00:19:43.539 --> 00:19:44.759 I think it was just the way 00:19:44.759 --> 00:19:45.939 they worded the question 00:19:45.940 --> 00:19:49.019 because we don't ration food 00:19:49.019 --> 00:19:50.120 in our household. 00:19:51.400 --> 00:19:52.519 My children don't have 00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:53.799 to come to me with stamps, 00:19:54.279 --> 00:19:54.420 you know, 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:55.180 food rations 00:19:55.180 --> 00:19:56.100 or anything like that. 00:19:56.700 --> 00:19:57.299 I said, 00:19:57.460 --> 00:19:58.380 I was actually just 00:19:58.380 --> 00:19:59.140 getting you breakfast, 00:19:59.340 --> 00:20:00.340 just give me three seconds, 00:20:00.440 --> 00:20:01.220 you can have food. 00:20:02.840 --> 00:20:04.380 But I wonder if that's actually 00:20:04.380 --> 00:20:05.799 how we bring prayers to God. 00:20:07.180 --> 00:20:07.580 God, 00:20:07.660 --> 00:20:09.259 I desperately need these things 00:20:09.259 --> 00:20:09.980 and God's like, 00:20:11.420 --> 00:20:12.680 like I know what you need. 00:20:13.019 --> 00:20:13.759 It's actually okay. 00:20:14.440 --> 00:20:15.359 You're actually praying 00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:16.819 for really simple things. 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:17.920 I've got you. 00:20:17.980 --> 00:20:19.079 You don't need to fret 00:20:19.079 --> 00:20:20.019 about these things. 00:20:22.400 --> 00:20:24.119 And that actually frees us up 00:20:24.119 --> 00:20:26.299 to pray for much bigger 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:27.079 radical things. 00:20:27.440 --> 00:20:28.900 God knows the things we need, 00:20:29.119 --> 00:20:30.599 but I wonder if far too often 00:20:30.599 --> 00:20:31.460 we're just praying 00:20:31.460 --> 00:20:32.779 for the very small things. 00:20:33.160 --> 00:20:34.220 And that is really good. 00:20:35.839 --> 00:20:37.980 God wonderfully calls us 00:20:37.980 --> 00:20:39.779 to come to him like children 00:20:39.779 --> 00:20:43.059 and pray childlike prayers. 00:20:44.220 --> 00:20:45.639 But I think one of my issues 00:20:45.639 --> 00:20:47.139 has been I think I've gotten stuck 00:20:47.139 --> 00:20:49.279 praying those childlike prayers. 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:51.740 So to help me this week 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:53.680 move away for just asking 00:20:53.680 --> 00:20:54.500 for those immediate 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:55.899 small picture things, 00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:56.660 small prayers, 00:20:57.079 --> 00:20:57.899 I've been using 00:20:57.899 --> 00:20:59.160 the act structure of prayer, 00:20:59.759 --> 00:21:02.660 but to try and spend more time 00:21:02.660 --> 00:21:03.519 meditating on God, 00:21:03.680 --> 00:21:04.460 I've needed help 00:21:04.460 --> 00:21:07.819 because I'm really poor at this. 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:09.980 I don't know where to go. 00:21:11.279 --> 00:21:12.519 Go and read some Psalms 00:21:12.519 --> 00:21:13.279 if you're like me. 00:21:13.359 --> 00:21:14.079 Go read some Psalms. 00:21:14.139 --> 00:21:14.980 They've got wonderful, 00:21:15.379 --> 00:21:18.179 wonderful ways to pray to God 00:21:18.179 --> 00:21:19.019 and his awesomeness. 00:21:19.419 --> 00:21:20.220 But because my brain 00:21:20.220 --> 00:21:21.399 is a bit of a wet sieve, 00:21:21.799 --> 00:21:22.960 I actually need a structure 00:21:22.960 --> 00:21:24.000 of prayer to help me. 00:21:24.639 --> 00:21:25.319 And so I've come up 00:21:25.319 --> 00:21:25.919 with one this week. 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:26.700 Ali's going to put it 00:21:26.700 --> 00:21:27.740 on the screen for me. 00:21:28.200 --> 00:21:29.700 It is the word awesome. 00:21:30.879 --> 00:21:31.700 And I really like 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:32.579 this graphic as well. 00:21:32.980 --> 00:21:34.019 The word is awesome. 00:21:34.019 --> 00:21:36.160 And the love heart there 00:21:36.160 --> 00:21:36.740 is important. 00:21:36.920 --> 00:21:37.420 It's an O, 00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:38.740 but it's actually really important 00:21:38.740 --> 00:21:39.500 with this acronym. 00:21:40.639 --> 00:21:42.460 So the structure for me 00:21:42.460 --> 00:21:43.339 this week has been 00:21:43.339 --> 00:21:45.519 to meditate on God's, 00:21:45.779 --> 00:21:47.200 A, his amazing grace. 00:21:48.980 --> 00:21:50.599 Secondly, his wisdom. 00:21:52.519 --> 00:21:54.859 Then, that God is everywhere. 00:21:57.559 --> 00:21:59.500 Meditate that God is sovereign 00:21:59.500 --> 00:22:00.960 and in control. 00:22:00.960 --> 00:22:02.600 And then this was the letter 00:22:02.600 --> 00:22:04.240 that I spent so long 00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:05.340 trying to get this acronym right. 00:22:05.420 --> 00:22:06.559 It was very difficult for me. 00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:08.360 The O is a love heart. 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:09.299 God's love. 00:22:09.940 --> 00:22:11.140 His boundless love. 00:22:11.539 --> 00:22:12.720 M is that he is 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:13.880 the maker of all things 00:22:13.880 --> 00:22:15.880 and E is that he is eternal. 00:22:17.079 --> 00:22:18.440 I've been using this this morning. 00:22:18.539 --> 00:22:19.940 I used M this morning. 00:22:20.160 --> 00:22:20.840 I got to church 00:22:20.840 --> 00:22:21.960 and I spent some time in prayer 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:23.759 and I spent some time meditating 00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:24.940 that God is the maker 00:22:24.940 --> 00:22:25.779 of all things. 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:31.359 And I found it a really helpful way 00:22:31.359 --> 00:22:34.619 to remember how big my God is. 00:22:36.079 --> 00:22:36.680 That, you know, 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:37.779 we looked a little while ago, 00:22:37.940 --> 00:22:38.539 Psalm 8, God, 00:22:38.619 --> 00:22:39.680 it talks about God 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:41.980 making with these fingers. 00:22:42.119 --> 00:22:45.139 He intimately made the galaxy, 00:22:45.619 --> 00:22:47.879 sun, stars, moon, ants, 00:22:48.259 --> 00:22:48.920 my organs. 00:22:48.920 --> 00:22:49.360 And then, 00:22:49.440 --> 00:22:49.740 and I was, 00:22:50.220 --> 00:22:50.640 again, 00:22:50.920 --> 00:22:52.180 I was just blown away 00:22:52.180 --> 00:22:53.460 by the size of God. 00:22:55.340 --> 00:22:56.680 How I want to have 00:22:56.680 --> 00:22:57.840 a deeper prayer life. 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:01.120 And I know what will happen 00:23:01.120 --> 00:23:03.000 when I pray to an awesome God 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:03.680 who, 00:23:03.900 --> 00:23:05.060 let me go through these letters again 00:23:05.060 --> 00:23:05.840 if you're writing them down, 00:23:05.920 --> 00:23:08.560 who has amazing grace for us. 00:23:09.580 --> 00:23:10.840 Who is wise. 00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:13.400 He is so wise. 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:13.640 He, 00:23:13.759 --> 00:23:14.580 he is everywhere. 00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:16.360 He knows everything that's going on. 00:23:16.359 --> 00:23:18.479 He is sovereign 00:23:18.479 --> 00:23:20.279 and in control of all things. 00:23:20.519 --> 00:23:21.599 He loves. 00:23:22.419 --> 00:23:23.799 He has boundless love. 00:23:24.679 --> 00:23:26.019 He's the maker of all things 00:23:26.019 --> 00:23:27.539 and he is eternal. 00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:32.139 My desire is that as I pray this, 00:23:33.179 --> 00:23:34.759 I'll grow deeper in trust of him, 00:23:35.059 --> 00:23:35.859 deeper in knowledge. 00:23:36.599 --> 00:23:37.779 And I'll be able to trust him 00:23:37.779 --> 00:23:39.039 with the small things I pray 00:23:39.039 --> 00:23:41.319 and then like Jesus pray, 00:23:41.719 --> 00:23:42.740 radical big prayers. 00:23:43.899 --> 00:23:45.179 Jesus' prayer here 00:23:45.180 --> 00:23:47.220 is a wonderful balance for us. 00:23:47.299 --> 00:23:48.539 A balance of awe 00:23:48.539 --> 00:23:49.640 and intimacy. 00:23:51.060 --> 00:23:53.180 Jesus obeys God's call 00:23:53.180 --> 00:23:56.120 but also calls him father. 00:23:57.380 --> 00:23:59.000 I heard a story recently 00:23:59.000 --> 00:24:00.940 of a royal, 00:24:01.100 --> 00:24:02.660 a king holding court, 00:24:03.299 --> 00:24:04.160 making decisions 00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:05.440 on people's lives. 00:24:05.600 --> 00:24:06.019 There's, you know, 00:24:06.060 --> 00:24:07.560 armed security there. 00:24:07.880 --> 00:24:09.180 People speaking in hushed tones 00:24:09.680 --> 00:24:10.660 around the king. 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:12.240 Countries bringing requests 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:13.820 for aid and allegiance. 00:24:13.819 --> 00:24:15.079 When suddenly, 00:24:15.379 --> 00:24:17.359 a screaming child runs in, 00:24:17.599 --> 00:24:18.679 straight past the security, 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:19.879 straight up to the monarch 00:24:19.879 --> 00:24:21.099 and jumps on the king. 00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:24.139 Only to be greeted by a hug 00:24:24.139 --> 00:24:25.779 and a child 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:26.919 asking the parent, 00:24:27.579 --> 00:24:27.980 the king, 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:29.279 what's for lunch? 00:24:31.279 --> 00:24:32.559 This is true of God. 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:34.619 We are called to run to him. 00:24:34.819 --> 00:24:36.319 We have incredible access 00:24:36.319 --> 00:24:37.839 to our wonderful king. 00:24:37.919 --> 00:24:38.759 We can come to him 00:24:38.759 --> 00:24:39.539 like that child. 00:24:39.759 --> 00:24:40.639 We can come to him 00:24:40.640 --> 00:24:41.860 and bring all of the requests 00:24:41.860 --> 00:24:43.540 because Jesus died on the cross 00:24:43.540 --> 00:24:44.360 and was raised to life. 00:24:44.560 --> 00:24:45.540 There is no barrier. 00:24:48.620 --> 00:24:49.520 But I wonder 00:24:49.520 --> 00:24:52.320 if we only bring him 00:24:52.320 --> 00:24:53.600 those small things, 00:24:53.780 --> 00:24:54.660 those small requests. 00:24:56.420 --> 00:24:57.860 We can come to him 00:24:57.860 --> 00:24:58.420 like a child 00:24:58.420 --> 00:24:59.240 but it doesn't mean 00:24:59.240 --> 00:25:01.060 we only need to pray 00:25:01.060 --> 00:25:02.200 childlike requests. 00:25:02.860 --> 00:25:04.020 We run the risk 00:25:04.020 --> 00:25:04.900 of missing out 00:25:04.900 --> 00:25:05.780 on how awesome 00:25:05.780 --> 00:25:06.660 our God is 00:25:06.660 --> 00:25:08.300 and how powerful 00:25:08.300 --> 00:25:09.500 and generous he is. 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:10.840 I know there is 00:25:10.840 --> 00:25:11.840 at least one person 00:25:11.840 --> 00:25:12.480 here today 00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:14.940 that has burdens 00:25:14.940 --> 00:25:15.820 on their back 00:25:15.820 --> 00:25:18.700 that is carrying anxieties. 00:25:19.920 --> 00:25:20.920 I know that there are 00:25:20.920 --> 00:25:21.660 people here today 00:25:21.660 --> 00:25:22.120 struggling. 00:25:23.279 --> 00:25:24.460 I know I have been recently. 00:25:24.759 --> 00:25:25.460 There's been a burden 00:25:25.460 --> 00:25:26.019 on my back 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:26.360 and that's been 00:25:26.360 --> 00:25:27.259 my youngest son, 00:25:27.740 --> 00:25:28.060 Micah, 00:25:28.360 --> 00:25:30.040 who only two days ago 00:25:30.040 --> 00:25:31.180 got his first vaccine 00:25:31.180 --> 00:25:32.900 because he's only 00:25:32.900 --> 00:25:34.019 just recently turned five. 00:25:34.140 --> 00:25:34.800 And for me, 00:25:35.360 --> 00:25:36.420 hello my son, 00:25:37.640 --> 00:25:38.320 he's giving me 00:25:38.320 --> 00:25:39.000 a sour look. 00:25:39.140 --> 00:25:39.600 For me, 00:25:40.680 --> 00:25:41.800 this whole year, 00:25:41.920 --> 00:25:42.580 ever since I had 00:25:42.580 --> 00:25:43.340 COVID in January, 00:25:43.460 --> 00:25:44.100 there's been a weight 00:25:44.100 --> 00:25:44.779 on my shoulders. 00:25:45.880 --> 00:25:46.480 When are my kids 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.080 getting vaccinated? 00:25:47.220 --> 00:25:47.759 When are they going 00:25:47.759 --> 00:25:48.580 to have that protection? 00:25:49.160 --> 00:25:50.380 And then going months 00:25:50.380 --> 00:25:51.420 waiting for him 00:25:51.420 --> 00:25:52.160 to be five. 00:25:53.340 --> 00:25:54.180 There's been this 00:25:54.180 --> 00:25:55.360 underlying sense 00:25:55.360 --> 00:25:56.420 of uneasiness 00:25:56.420 --> 00:25:57.120 and fear 00:25:57.120 --> 00:25:57.860 and I don't even 00:25:57.860 --> 00:25:58.820 want to think about it. 00:26:00.320 --> 00:26:01.380 But our God 00:26:01.380 --> 00:26:02.440 wants us 00:26:02.440 --> 00:26:03.259 to trust him 00:26:03.259 --> 00:26:04.440 in uncertain situations. 00:26:04.440 --> 00:26:06.640 our God 00:26:06.640 --> 00:26:07.820 wants to heal 00:26:07.820 --> 00:26:09.259 broken hearts. 00:26:10.100 --> 00:26:10.779 He wants 00:26:10.779 --> 00:26:11.460 to see 00:26:11.460 --> 00:26:12.920 lives changed. 00:26:13.500 --> 00:26:13.880 He wants 00:26:13.880 --> 00:26:14.279 to see 00:26:14.279 --> 00:26:14.820 addiction 00:26:14.820 --> 00:26:15.559 ended 00:26:15.559 --> 00:26:16.940 and relationships 00:26:16.940 --> 00:26:17.380 healed 00:26:17.380 --> 00:26:18.340 and friends 00:26:18.340 --> 00:26:18.900 saved. 00:26:19.100 --> 00:26:19.440 He wants 00:26:19.440 --> 00:26:19.680 to see 00:26:19.680 --> 00:26:20.200 relationships 00:26:20.200 --> 00:26:21.080 between families 00:26:21.080 --> 00:26:21.539 and children 00:26:21.539 --> 00:26:22.180 and parents 00:26:22.180 --> 00:26:22.519 healed. 00:26:24.180 --> 00:26:25.160 We have a God 00:26:25.160 --> 00:26:25.960 who wants us 00:26:25.960 --> 00:26:26.539 to bring 00:26:26.539 --> 00:26:28.259 big prayers 00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:28.720 to him. 00:26:28.720 --> 00:26:31.100 So let's pray 00:26:31.100 --> 00:26:31.680 to this awesome 00:26:31.680 --> 00:26:32.360 God right now. 00:26:35.259 --> 00:26:35.980 Dear God, 00:26:36.039 --> 00:26:36.500 we thank you 00:26:36.500 --> 00:26:37.220 that you are 00:26:37.220 --> 00:26:37.940 indeed awesome. 00:26:38.819 --> 00:26:39.819 We thank you 00:26:39.819 --> 00:26:41.460 for your 00:26:41.460 --> 00:26:42.640 amazing grace 00:26:42.640 --> 00:26:43.319 to us. 00:26:44.579 --> 00:26:45.339 That you 00:26:45.339 --> 00:26:45.980 would choose 00:26:45.980 --> 00:26:46.799 to love us 00:26:46.799 --> 00:26:48.460 even though 00:26:48.460 --> 00:26:49.339 we are small 00:26:49.339 --> 00:26:50.819 and insignificant. 00:26:52.200 --> 00:26:53.140 That we don't 00:26:53.140 --> 00:26:54.100 deserve anything 00:26:54.100 --> 00:26:54.839 good from you. 00:26:55.680 --> 00:26:56.539 We thank you 00:26:56.539 --> 00:26:57.360 for your wisdom 00:26:57.359 --> 00:26:58.879 that you know 00:26:58.879 --> 00:26:59.719 everything that is 00:26:59.719 --> 00:27:00.240 going on 00:27:00.240 --> 00:27:00.679 and you have 00:27:00.679 --> 00:27:01.240 a good 00:27:01.240 --> 00:27:02.379 plan. 00:27:04.059 --> 00:27:04.679 Thank you, 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:04.899 Lord, 00:27:04.979 --> 00:27:06.759 that you 00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:07.459 are sovereign. 00:27:08.359 --> 00:27:09.199 That you 00:27:09.199 --> 00:27:10.339 are in control. 00:27:11.479 --> 00:27:11.740 Lord, 00:27:11.799 --> 00:27:12.359 help us 00:27:12.359 --> 00:27:13.539 to trust you. 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:16.519 Lord, 00:27:16.599 --> 00:27:16.939 thank you 00:27:16.939 --> 00:27:17.479 that you 00:27:17.479 --> 00:27:18.819 are loving, 00:27:19.639 --> 00:27:20.099 that you 00:27:20.099 --> 00:27:20.859 have boundless 00:27:20.859 --> 00:27:21.279 love. 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:22.259 God, 00:27:22.299 --> 00:27:22.759 we thank you 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:23.019 that you 00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:23.740 made us, 00:27:24.779 --> 00:27:25.419 that you 00:27:25.419 --> 00:27:26.039 know how 00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:27.000 we are to be 00:27:27.000 --> 00:27:27.480 and that you 00:27:27.480 --> 00:27:28.519 know what 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:28.960 the good 00:27:28.960 --> 00:27:29.619 life is to 00:27:29.619 --> 00:27:30.059 look like 00:27:30.059 --> 00:27:30.660 following you. 00:27:30.759 --> 00:27:31.220 Help us 00:27:31.220 --> 00:27:32.000 to live that 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:32.279 life, 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:32.559 Lord. 00:27:33.480 --> 00:27:34.119 And Lord, 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:34.740 we thank you 00:27:34.740 --> 00:27:35.000 that you 00:27:35.000 --> 00:27:35.680 are eternal 00:27:35.680 --> 00:27:36.579 and that you 00:27:36.579 --> 00:27:37.700 invite us 00:27:37.700 --> 00:27:38.640 to be with 00:27:38.640 --> 00:27:39.140 you forever. 00:27:40.380 --> 00:27:40.680 God, 00:27:40.779 --> 00:27:41.579 grow our 00:27:41.579 --> 00:27:42.400 picture of 00:27:42.400 --> 00:27:44.339 you and 00:27:44.339 --> 00:27:44.880 help us 00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:45.500 to pray 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.579 big prayers. 00:27:47.900 --> 00:27:48.619 Help us 00:27:48.619 --> 00:27:50.420 to come to 00:27:50.420 --> 00:27:50.880 you with 00:27:50.880 --> 00:27:51.460 childlike 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:51.980 faith, 00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:53.200 totally 00:27:53.200 --> 00:27:53.960 dependent on 00:27:53.960 --> 00:27:54.279 you. 00:27:54.279 --> 00:27:55.899 but Lord, 00:27:55.980 --> 00:27:56.359 help us 00:27:56.359 --> 00:27:56.799 to give 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:57.139 you the 00:27:57.139 --> 00:27:57.500 burdens 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:57.839 of our 00:27:57.839 --> 00:27:58.279 lives 00:27:58.279 --> 00:27:59.399 because 00:27:59.399 --> 00:28:00.000 we 00:28:00.000 --> 00:28:00.279 know 00:28:00.279 --> 00:28:00.480 that 00:28:00.480 --> 00:28:00.599 you 00:28:00.599 --> 00:28:00.819 love 00:28:00.819 --> 00:28:01.139 us. 00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:02.559 We pray 00:28:02.559 --> 00:28:03.000 this in 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:03.259 Jesus' 00:28:03.440 --> 00:28:03.619 name. 00:28:04.299 --> 00:28:04.619 Amen. 00:28:04.619 --> 00:28:04.759 Amen. 00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:04.799 Amen. 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:04.819 Amen. 00:28:04.819 --> 00:28:04.859 Amen. 00:28:04.859 --> 00:28:04.879 Amen. 00:28:04.879 --> 00:28:04.899 Amen.