WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.839 The movie Avatar came out, how amazing it was when it first came out. 00:00:06.160 --> 00:00:11.320 And I remember talking to one person, and I was waxing lyrical about how great it was. 00:00:11.880 --> 00:00:15.099 But they said that they didn't think it was that good. 00:00:16.199 --> 00:00:22.460 And sure, it was a bit of a rehash of Pocahontas with aliens, but it looked amazing. 00:00:23.480 --> 00:00:26.780 They disagreed again, they didn't think it was anything special. 00:00:27.060 --> 00:00:29.780 I said, I can't believe it, it was cutting edge. 00:00:30.079 --> 00:00:31.300 The 3D was phenomenal. 00:00:32.119 --> 00:00:34.240 Ah, I saw it in 2D. 00:00:34.619 --> 00:00:36.780 I didn't want to pay the extra for 3D. 00:00:38.039 --> 00:00:40.060 Ah, that's why you missed out. 00:00:40.159 --> 00:00:44.159 You missed out on seeing the movie as it was supposed to be seen. 00:00:44.620 --> 00:00:45.960 It was so vibrant. 00:00:46.240 --> 00:00:51.840 The animals, the aliens, the plants, they were jumping off the screen. 00:00:51.840 --> 00:00:53.640 It was like you could touch it. 00:00:54.039 --> 00:00:56.200 You really missed out. 00:00:56.200 --> 00:01:03.460 Today we're starting a new series on prayer as we seek awe and intimacy with God. 00:01:04.120 --> 00:01:05.219 And prayer is a delight. 00:01:05.460 --> 00:01:09.780 It's a privilege that we can pray to a God who listens to us. 00:01:10.700 --> 00:01:13.980 Prayer is where we come before our Heavenly Father and we talk to Him. 00:01:13.980 --> 00:01:17.359 We bring our requests and our pains and our griefs. 00:01:17.900 --> 00:01:21.540 But the reality is that prayer is also hard. 00:01:22.560 --> 00:01:25.159 I'm sure all of us know the temptation not to pray. 00:01:25.159 --> 00:01:29.259 Whether we're tired or we're busy or maybe we don't know how. 00:01:30.179 --> 00:01:35.579 Maybe we occasionally throw up an emergency prayer, like a flare to God. 00:01:36.179 --> 00:01:38.640 God, help me out with the job I've got coming up. 00:01:38.719 --> 00:01:40.599 Help me find this job. 00:01:40.679 --> 00:01:41.299 Help me with the interview. 00:01:41.439 --> 00:01:42.640 Help me with money. 00:01:42.780 --> 00:01:44.019 It's a bit tight at the moment. 00:01:44.019 --> 00:01:49.780 But I'm sure that many of us don't really pray unless we're desperate. 00:01:50.539 --> 00:01:54.979 Because our human hearts don't naturally desire to pray. 00:01:55.979 --> 00:01:58.379 It means we need to admit our weakness. 00:01:59.379 --> 00:02:01.899 And that God is in control and that we're not. 00:02:03.079 --> 00:02:07.659 Has the Christian God that many of us have put our faith in, 00:02:07.939 --> 00:02:12.319 has the relationship with Him been as good as we expected? 00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:18.759 I wonder, is it possible that we have a 2D relationship with God? 00:02:19.099 --> 00:02:20.239 You know, all the pieces are there. 00:02:20.319 --> 00:02:21.739 You can still see the same thing. 00:02:21.879 --> 00:02:23.819 You know, you've still got Jesus on the cross. 00:02:24.039 --> 00:02:25.139 We can still read the Bible. 00:02:26.060 --> 00:02:28.939 But the relationship is just fine. 00:02:29.659 --> 00:02:30.539 It's just okay. 00:02:31.680 --> 00:02:36.159 Can you imagine having a 3D relationship with God? 00:02:36.180 --> 00:02:39.240 Where you could say that it is just so vibrant. 00:02:39.740 --> 00:02:40.319 It is delightful. 00:02:40.319 --> 00:02:40.919 It's delightful. 00:02:41.060 --> 00:02:42.859 It's like you could touch Him. 00:02:43.739 --> 00:02:44.680 And it's life-changing. 00:02:46.120 --> 00:02:49.019 Can you imagine having a closer relationship with God? 00:02:49.319 --> 00:02:53.400 One that is rich and satisfying and nourishes the soul. 00:02:54.419 --> 00:02:57.759 Is it possible that there is something amazing that we've missed out on? 00:02:58.319 --> 00:03:02.319 Is it possible that we've missed a trick on prayer out of a laziness or busyness 00:03:02.879 --> 00:03:04.099 or just misunderstanding? 00:03:04.099 --> 00:03:09.299 And it's meant we've actually missed out on an intimate relationship with God Himself? 00:03:10.539 --> 00:03:17.919 Is it possible that the extra D to make it 3D is actually the D of devotion to prayer? 00:03:18.079 --> 00:03:19.340 One of our core values. 00:03:20.939 --> 00:03:26.019 Today we're going to begin to see the joy and delight of prayer. 00:03:26.659 --> 00:03:27.959 It's going to be a wake-up call. 00:03:28.079 --> 00:03:29.719 We're going to spend five weeks on prayer. 00:03:29.719 --> 00:03:32.580 We're not going to hear everything about prayer tonight. 00:03:32.740 --> 00:03:33.900 This is just the start. 00:03:34.680 --> 00:03:40.000 But I hope it's going to be like placing those 3D glasses over our eyes 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:43.759 so that we can see the joy of talking to our Heavenly Father. 00:03:45.199 --> 00:03:48.560 And so today as we seek to desire prayer, 00:03:49.000 --> 00:03:53.219 we're going to want to go from a dry to a nourishing relationship with God. 00:03:53.219 --> 00:03:56.879 We're going to hope to go from duty to delight in prayer. 00:03:57.359 --> 00:04:02.620 And I'm going to hope for us that we pray instead of wanting to get things from God 00:04:02.620 --> 00:04:04.620 so that we actually get God Himself. 00:04:05.659 --> 00:04:08.500 And so let me pray as we look at God's Word. 00:04:09.780 --> 00:04:13.560 Heavenly Father, we want to know You better 00:04:13.560 --> 00:04:17.019 and we want to be in relationship with You. 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:20.839 We want to be in a close relationship with You, Lord. 00:04:20.839 --> 00:04:26.279 Father, in particular today we ask that You would give us a desire to pray. 00:04:26.759 --> 00:04:31.539 Not just to read Your Word, but to talk to You. 00:04:32.599 --> 00:04:33.099 Amen. 00:04:34.259 --> 00:04:36.959 We're going to start in that passage that Nick read for us 00:04:36.959 --> 00:04:41.339 as we seek to go from a dry relationship to a nourishing relationship. 00:04:41.639 --> 00:04:44.439 So please have your Bibles open at Ephesians 1. 00:04:46.799 --> 00:04:47.919 From verse 15. 00:04:47.920 --> 00:04:54.120 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus 00:04:54.120 --> 00:04:56.199 and your love for all God's people, 00:04:56.600 --> 00:04:58.879 I have not stopped giving thanks for You, 00:04:59.319 --> 00:05:00.759 remembering You in my prayers. 00:05:01.600 --> 00:05:05.120 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:05:05.200 --> 00:05:06.040 the glorious Father, 00:05:06.379 --> 00:05:08.740 may give You the spirit of wisdom and revelation 00:05:08.740 --> 00:05:11.080 so that You may know Him better. 00:05:11.780 --> 00:05:14.280 I pray that the eyes of Your heart may be enlightened 00:05:14.279 --> 00:05:17.779 in order that You may know the hope to which He has called you, 00:05:18.279 --> 00:05:21.979 the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people. 00:05:22.619 --> 00:05:25.379 This is Paul's prayer for the people of Ephesus. 00:05:26.319 --> 00:05:30.099 And what stands out is what he keeps asking God for. 00:05:30.099 --> 00:05:31.079 Verse 17. 00:05:31.079 --> 00:05:35.359 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:05:35.439 --> 00:05:36.219 the glorious Father, 00:05:36.579 --> 00:05:38.339 may give You the spirit of wisdom and revelation 00:05:38.339 --> 00:05:42.139 so that You may know Him better. 00:05:43.180 --> 00:05:47.419 He keeps asking God that they would know God better. 00:05:48.120 --> 00:05:50.240 It is the heart of this prayer. 00:05:51.599 --> 00:05:54.219 He's not asking that they would have new spiritual blessings, 00:05:54.439 --> 00:05:56.860 that they would have a better condition in life, 00:05:56.939 --> 00:05:59.079 that they would avoid suffering. 00:05:59.079 --> 00:06:01.639 Although in this church, like many of the early churches, 00:06:01.979 --> 00:06:04.139 it would have been great for them to avoid suffering, 00:06:05.019 --> 00:06:07.719 but he is praying that they would know God better. 00:06:08.800 --> 00:06:12.839 This is a really important thing to be praying. 00:06:13.539 --> 00:06:16.419 In the midst of whatever is going on for the Ephesians, 00:06:16.659 --> 00:06:18.479 whatever is going on for us, 00:06:19.000 --> 00:06:21.819 to pray that we would know God better, 00:06:21.939 --> 00:06:26.039 to know the God that has blessed us very richly. 00:06:26.040 --> 00:06:33.020 You only have to glance over the first 14 verses of Ephesians 00:06:33.020 --> 00:06:35.680 to see how God has blessed them. 00:06:36.340 --> 00:06:39.200 He's a God who has blessed them with every spiritual blessing. 00:06:39.860 --> 00:06:41.800 He's chosen and adopted them. 00:06:42.280 --> 00:06:43.360 They're redeemed through His blood. 00:06:43.460 --> 00:06:44.000 They're forgiven. 00:06:44.160 --> 00:06:45.560 They're marked with the Holy Spirit. 00:06:47.120 --> 00:06:50.200 And so this is who the God that they worship is, 00:06:50.240 --> 00:06:50.960 that we worship. 00:06:51.060 --> 00:06:52.540 We see Him through His actions. 00:06:52.540 --> 00:06:55.939 He is a generous and loving God, 00:06:56.120 --> 00:06:58.640 and Paul prays that they would know Him better. 00:06:59.580 --> 00:07:01.080 And Paul uses an expression. 00:07:01.920 --> 00:07:05.700 He prays that they would have the eyes of their hearts enlightened. 00:07:06.700 --> 00:07:09.780 Now, our hearts don't have eyes, 00:07:10.140 --> 00:07:14.560 but the eyes is an expression used to describe a doorway. 00:07:14.560 --> 00:07:16.939 So we would still use the saying, 00:07:17.240 --> 00:07:20.800 the eyes are a doorway to the soul. 00:07:21.920 --> 00:07:25.439 But here, the eyes are a doorway to the heart, 00:07:26.019 --> 00:07:27.980 which in the biblical sense, 00:07:28.160 --> 00:07:31.019 it's the seat of the body, the spirit, 00:07:31.379 --> 00:07:32.459 and even the mind. 00:07:32.540 --> 00:07:33.899 The mind isn't in the head, 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:34.899 it's in the heart. 00:07:35.040 --> 00:07:35.980 It's in here. 00:07:36.840 --> 00:07:38.699 We would still use a similar expression. 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:41.379 What is the way to a man's heart? 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:45.620 It is through his stomach. 00:07:46.240 --> 00:07:46.899 That's right. 00:07:47.980 --> 00:07:49.759 And I can't wait for food next week. 00:07:50.839 --> 00:07:54.060 But the heart here is the affections. 00:07:54.620 --> 00:07:55.759 It's the desires. 00:07:56.699 --> 00:07:58.120 And so knowing God better 00:07:58.120 --> 00:08:01.899 is not just about knowing things about God. 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:03.899 It is about the whole being, 00:08:03.980 --> 00:08:05.560 the whole physical life, 00:08:05.659 --> 00:08:07.659 the emotions and the inner life. 00:08:07.660 --> 00:08:11.660 Paul is praying that the way to their entire life, 00:08:11.740 --> 00:08:12.480 to their heart, 00:08:12.860 --> 00:08:16.660 might be opened to know this God better. 00:08:17.520 --> 00:08:19.880 And so when we come to God in prayer, 00:08:20.100 --> 00:08:22.020 it is so important that we know 00:08:22.020 --> 00:08:23.680 the God that we're talking to. 00:08:23.879 --> 00:08:25.800 That's why we said the creed before. 00:08:26.020 --> 00:08:30.760 We're not just talking about some kind of vague God. 00:08:30.840 --> 00:08:34.639 No, we have a description of who our God is. 00:08:34.639 --> 00:08:39.159 And so the better we know him, 00:08:39.679 --> 00:08:41.559 the better our prayer will be, 00:08:41.659 --> 00:08:44.240 the better our relationship with God will be. 00:08:44.939 --> 00:08:47.299 We can know things about God. 00:08:47.399 --> 00:08:48.860 We can know things about him. 00:08:49.580 --> 00:08:53.179 But when we know who his character is, 00:08:53.299 --> 00:08:55.240 when it has gotten into our heart, 00:08:55.539 --> 00:08:58.399 it can turn a dry and formal relationship 00:08:58.399 --> 00:09:01.100 into one that nourishes the soul. 00:09:01.659 --> 00:09:04.399 Now, I've used that word nourish a couple of times now. 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:07.699 There are just some relationships that we have, 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:09.539 some friendships that just, 00:09:10.159 --> 00:09:11.659 they're just really nourishing. 00:09:12.439 --> 00:09:14.240 Maybe you know people that, you know, 00:09:14.620 --> 00:09:16.379 drain you and make you feel exhausted. 00:09:16.799 --> 00:09:18.159 But there are just some people, 00:09:18.360 --> 00:09:19.679 some friendships that we have 00:09:19.679 --> 00:09:22.740 that just leave you feeling vibrant and excited 00:09:22.740 --> 00:09:24.000 and just pumped up. 00:09:24.080 --> 00:09:25.539 Do you have those kinds of friends? 00:09:26.299 --> 00:09:26.639 Yes? 00:09:26.819 --> 00:09:27.559 Some of you are nodding. 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:27.980 That's good. 00:09:27.980 --> 00:09:30.580 One of those people to me is my good wife, Alyssa. 00:09:31.659 --> 00:09:33.420 But as parents of a busy family, 00:09:33.639 --> 00:09:36.279 it's not always nourishing. 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:37.960 Often it's task-focused. 00:09:38.399 --> 00:09:40.960 Deal with this child, feed them, clean that. 00:09:41.039 --> 00:09:41.879 We talk about money. 00:09:42.100 --> 00:09:43.259 We talk about calendars. 00:09:43.259 --> 00:09:46.159 I don't get excited about calendars. 00:09:47.120 --> 00:09:48.639 It's not always nourishing. 00:09:49.519 --> 00:09:51.600 But date day, date lunches, 00:09:51.740 --> 00:09:53.919 that's usually a Monday lunch for us, 00:09:54.000 --> 00:09:54.580 my day off. 00:09:54.960 --> 00:09:57.360 I could take Alyssa out, 00:09:57.439 --> 00:10:00.620 maybe eat some dumplings anywhere in Chatswood. 00:10:00.639 --> 00:10:01.360 It doesn't bother me. 00:10:02.100 --> 00:10:04.500 And I could sit and stare into Alyssa's eyes. 00:10:04.840 --> 00:10:06.200 And we don't even need to talk. 00:10:06.200 --> 00:10:09.780 And it is just nourishing for the soul. 00:10:10.259 --> 00:10:11.700 But we don't need to talk 00:10:11.700 --> 00:10:13.700 because of our long, shared history. 00:10:14.759 --> 00:10:16.420 We can just spend time, 00:10:17.360 --> 00:10:18.879 and I can spend time with Alyssa 00:10:18.879 --> 00:10:20.379 because of our history together. 00:10:20.920 --> 00:10:21.940 And it's nourishing. 00:10:23.040 --> 00:10:25.060 But imagine if I did that on the first date. 00:10:26.020 --> 00:10:27.840 I don't know if you've dated a person 00:10:27.840 --> 00:10:28.960 for the first time recently. 00:10:29.220 --> 00:10:30.420 Imagine on the first date, 00:10:30.500 --> 00:10:31.620 they're just sitting there, 00:10:31.620 --> 00:10:36.259 staring at you. 00:10:37.200 --> 00:10:38.980 I don't think you'd get to a second date, 00:10:39.039 --> 00:10:39.320 do you? 00:10:41.080 --> 00:10:41.740 Thanks, Nick. 00:10:41.919 --> 00:10:43.940 Obviously, it's not what Sam did. 00:10:44.000 --> 00:10:44.659 I'm glad for you. 00:10:46.899 --> 00:10:48.639 Knowing God, like Paul prayed, 00:10:48.779 --> 00:10:50.539 for this church is so important. 00:10:51.440 --> 00:10:53.320 Dwelling on what he has done, 00:10:53.779 --> 00:10:55.700 on how he has blessed us, 00:10:55.700 --> 00:10:57.519 on who our God is, 00:10:58.519 --> 00:10:59.759 it nourishes the soul. 00:10:59.759 --> 00:11:02.620 It takes us from talking to God, 00:11:02.679 --> 00:11:04.620 like a servant to a master, 00:11:05.259 --> 00:11:08.600 to a child talking to a God, 00:11:08.720 --> 00:11:09.519 who is a father. 00:11:10.580 --> 00:11:12.500 This is one of the real distinctives 00:11:12.500 --> 00:11:13.299 about Christianity. 00:11:14.080 --> 00:11:16.659 We don't have a master-servant relationship, 00:11:17.179 --> 00:11:18.919 but it's a child to a father. 00:11:20.019 --> 00:11:22.100 And yet, so often, 00:11:22.740 --> 00:11:24.500 prayer can feel like we're trying 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:27.200 to twist God's arm into giving us things. 00:11:27.799 --> 00:11:29.200 You know, getting the parking spot, 00:11:29.200 --> 00:11:29.920 getting the job, 00:11:30.020 --> 00:11:31.160 getting the grades at school, 00:11:31.640 --> 00:11:33.020 getting mum and dad off your back, 00:11:33.100 --> 00:11:33.740 whatever it is. 00:11:34.800 --> 00:11:36.700 And God is a generous father, 00:11:36.700 --> 00:11:38.020 and he loves to give us things. 00:11:38.900 --> 00:11:41.040 But if we only pray to God 00:11:41.040 --> 00:11:42.420 to get things, 00:11:42.480 --> 00:11:44.379 it's like that 2D movie picture. 00:11:44.600 --> 00:11:47.180 We can miss out on the 3D picture. 00:11:47.300 --> 00:11:49.560 That prayer is not just about 00:11:49.560 --> 00:11:51.040 getting things from God. 00:11:51.540 --> 00:11:53.740 It's about getting more of God. 00:11:53.740 --> 00:11:56.659 Romans 8, verse 15. 00:11:56.659 --> 00:11:58.560 The Spirit you receive 00:11:58.560 --> 00:11:59.960 does not make you slaves, 00:12:00.220 --> 00:12:02.680 so that you live in fear again. 00:12:02.820 --> 00:12:04.899 Rather, the Spirit you received 00:12:04.899 --> 00:12:07.320 brought about your adoption to sonship. 00:12:08.080 --> 00:12:09.180 And by Him we cry, 00:12:09.379 --> 00:12:10.139 Abba, Father. 00:12:10.960 --> 00:12:13.200 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit 00:12:13.200 --> 00:12:15.259 that we are God's children. 00:12:16.240 --> 00:12:17.700 Now, if we are children, 00:12:17.840 --> 00:12:18.799 then we are heirs, 00:12:19.000 --> 00:12:19.919 heirs of God, 00:12:19.919 --> 00:12:21.439 and co-heirs with Christ. 00:12:22.419 --> 00:12:24.159 Paul, again here in Romans, 00:12:24.259 --> 00:12:25.500 he's encouraging people, 00:12:26.019 --> 00:12:26.779 they're not slaves, 00:12:27.740 --> 00:12:28.919 but they're made children 00:12:28.919 --> 00:12:30.339 adopted into this family 00:12:30.339 --> 00:12:31.839 who can cry out, 00:12:31.979 --> 00:12:32.279 Father. 00:12:33.339 --> 00:12:34.679 But to be able to cry out, 00:12:34.839 --> 00:12:35.120 Father, 00:12:35.199 --> 00:12:36.399 means that we have to be 00:12:36.399 --> 00:12:37.740 sitting under His roof. 00:12:38.360 --> 00:12:40.120 Imagine the picture of, 00:12:41.240 --> 00:12:42.439 from many movies, 00:12:42.539 --> 00:12:43.819 of an unruly teenager 00:12:43.819 --> 00:12:46.259 adopted into a new family. 00:12:47.620 --> 00:12:48.980 For that family to work, 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:49.860 He's going to have to 00:12:49.860 --> 00:12:53.000 sit under that roof 00:12:53.000 --> 00:12:54.180 and under that authority. 00:12:55.560 --> 00:12:56.360 And so for us, 00:12:56.580 --> 00:12:58.420 as children before our Father, 00:12:59.639 --> 00:13:02.519 we need to submit to Him. 00:13:03.080 --> 00:13:04.460 To draw near to God 00:13:04.460 --> 00:13:05.759 is to acknowledge that 00:13:05.759 --> 00:13:08.720 God is God with a big capital G, 00:13:09.680 --> 00:13:11.019 and that we are the child. 00:13:12.940 --> 00:13:13.659 And so it looks like 00:13:13.659 --> 00:13:15.340 not rebelling against 00:13:15.340 --> 00:13:16.159 our Heavenly Father, 00:13:16.259 --> 00:13:17.759 but choosing obedience, 00:13:17.759 --> 00:13:19.259 choosing to follow, 00:13:20.059 --> 00:13:21.460 to come before God 00:13:21.460 --> 00:13:23.139 in a posture of trust, 00:13:23.840 --> 00:13:24.639 like the chick 00:13:24.639 --> 00:13:26.939 under the chicken's wing, 00:13:27.019 --> 00:13:27.679 the hen's wing. 00:13:28.799 --> 00:13:30.419 Because God is the one 00:13:30.419 --> 00:13:31.279 who is in control 00:13:31.279 --> 00:13:32.319 of all situations. 00:13:33.039 --> 00:13:34.059 And it's that posture 00:13:34.059 --> 00:13:34.939 we come to Him 00:13:34.939 --> 00:13:35.980 when we pray. 00:13:37.179 --> 00:13:38.480 And so when we know 00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:39.600 who God is, 00:13:40.600 --> 00:13:41.779 and dwell on that, 00:13:41.860 --> 00:13:43.879 it leads to trusting in God. 00:13:43.879 --> 00:13:45.720 And when we trust in Him, 00:13:45.799 --> 00:13:47.779 we can draw close, 00:13:48.259 --> 00:13:49.200 submitting to Him, 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:51.519 and it leads to intimacy. 00:13:53.439 --> 00:13:54.659 And to be God's child, 00:13:54.759 --> 00:13:56.019 like Romans 8 says, 00:13:56.379 --> 00:13:58.759 means that we are His heirs, 00:13:59.100 --> 00:14:00.840 and the heir has an inheritance 00:14:00.840 --> 00:14:01.700 from the Father. 00:14:02.279 --> 00:14:04.299 So we don't just come to God 00:14:04.299 --> 00:14:06.080 to get things from God. 00:14:06.759 --> 00:14:08.399 We come to God in prayer 00:14:08.399 --> 00:14:10.639 because we trust Him to be God. 00:14:10.639 --> 00:14:13.720 And that way we get more 00:14:13.720 --> 00:14:14.379 of God Himself 00:14:14.379 --> 00:14:16.480 by submitting and drawing near. 00:14:17.600 --> 00:14:19.460 We pray to get God. 00:14:19.559 --> 00:14:21.600 We pray to be close to Him, 00:14:21.720 --> 00:14:22.460 to be intimate, 00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:23.819 and in relationship with Him. 00:14:24.679 --> 00:14:26.199 And God loves to give us 00:14:26.199 --> 00:14:27.419 the things that we need. 00:14:28.899 --> 00:14:30.299 As I've gotten older, 00:14:30.559 --> 00:14:31.960 the more my preference 00:14:31.960 --> 00:14:32.960 for birthday presents 00:14:32.960 --> 00:14:33.980 and Christmas presents 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:35.039 has changed. 00:14:35.700 --> 00:14:36.639 They used to be about 00:14:36.639 --> 00:14:37.919 getting the things I want, 00:14:37.919 --> 00:14:39.879 but the best presents, 00:14:40.500 --> 00:14:41.579 it turns out, 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:43.459 aren't things, 00:14:43.879 --> 00:14:44.979 although things are good, 00:14:45.559 --> 00:14:47.019 it's the people giving them. 00:14:48.219 --> 00:14:50.419 It's the reason my kids' craft 00:14:50.419 --> 00:14:51.939 is so special and meaningful. 00:14:52.279 --> 00:14:52.699 And, you know, 00:14:53.039 --> 00:14:54.459 if you're a leader of my kids, 00:14:54.559 --> 00:14:56.459 thank you for doing craft 00:14:56.459 --> 00:14:57.199 with them this morning. 00:14:57.740 --> 00:14:58.799 If you go into my, 00:14:58.879 --> 00:14:59.979 into the church office 00:14:59.979 --> 00:15:00.799 and go to my desk, 00:15:00.860 --> 00:15:03.019 you will see my kids' art 00:15:03.019 --> 00:15:04.179 all around my desk. 00:15:04.179 --> 00:15:06.159 Not because it's particularly good, 00:15:06.159 --> 00:15:08.879 but because my children 00:15:08.879 --> 00:15:09.679 are special 00:15:09.679 --> 00:15:11.579 and because they're important to me. 00:15:12.980 --> 00:15:14.360 When we just expect God 00:15:14.360 --> 00:15:17.819 to be a prayer-answering piñata, 00:15:18.039 --> 00:15:19.659 when we use prayer as a stick 00:15:19.659 --> 00:15:20.939 to get things from Him, 00:15:21.699 --> 00:15:24.159 we miss out on an intimate relationship 00:15:24.159 --> 00:15:25.860 with a Father who loves us. 00:15:27.319 --> 00:15:28.139 Prayer isn't just about 00:15:28.139 --> 00:15:29.100 getting things from God, 00:15:29.179 --> 00:15:30.899 it is about drawing near to Him 00:15:30.899 --> 00:15:33.480 in submission to His will, 00:15:34.139 --> 00:15:35.480 knowing that He is in control. 00:15:36.779 --> 00:15:38.219 Maybe you're thinking at this point, 00:15:38.419 --> 00:15:39.699 okay, okay, 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:41.319 you've convinced me, sure, 00:15:41.620 --> 00:15:42.860 I need to pray more, 00:15:42.939 --> 00:15:43.799 that sounds good, 00:15:44.059 --> 00:15:45.759 drawing near to God through prayer, 00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:48.799 but I just don't want to. 00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:51.079 Prayer is hard 00:15:51.079 --> 00:15:52.519 when it's not intimate, 00:15:53.100 --> 00:15:54.100 when it's not nourishing. 00:15:54.879 --> 00:15:56.360 It can just feel like a duty 00:15:56.360 --> 00:15:57.719 that we just have to do. 00:15:59.259 --> 00:16:00.819 Maybe even today, 00:16:01.199 --> 00:16:02.039 at the prayers 00:16:02.039 --> 00:16:03.299 that have been said up the front, 00:16:04.120 --> 00:16:05.860 you've just said amen at the end. 00:16:07.100 --> 00:16:08.759 Maybe we just go through the motions 00:16:08.759 --> 00:16:09.419 at church, 00:16:09.899 --> 00:16:10.299 at me, 00:16:10.339 --> 00:16:10.899 even at home. 00:16:12.120 --> 00:16:14.120 How can prayer go from duty 00:16:14.120 --> 00:16:15.319 to delight? 00:16:16.579 --> 00:16:17.980 Jesus has a warning for us 00:16:17.980 --> 00:16:18.879 when it comes to prayer 00:16:18.879 --> 00:16:19.819 from Matthew 6. 00:16:19.820 --> 00:16:22.140 When you pray, 00:16:22.420 --> 00:16:24.040 do not be like the hypocrites, 00:16:24.740 --> 00:16:26.100 for they love to pray 00:16:26.100 --> 00:16:27.800 standing in the synagogues 00:16:27.800 --> 00:16:29.160 and on the street corners 00:16:29.160 --> 00:16:30.379 to be seen by others. 00:16:31.340 --> 00:16:32.260 Truly, I tell you, 00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:34.520 they have received their reward in full. 00:16:35.040 --> 00:16:36.080 But when you pray, 00:16:36.640 --> 00:16:37.500 go into your room, 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:38.240 close the door, 00:16:38.340 --> 00:16:39.360 and pray to your Father 00:16:39.360 --> 00:16:40.240 who is unseen. 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:41.800 Then your Father, 00:16:41.900 --> 00:16:43.420 who sees what He's done in secret, 00:16:43.560 --> 00:16:44.420 will reward you. 00:16:45.079 --> 00:16:45.879 And when you pray, 00:16:45.979 --> 00:16:47.240 do not keep on babbling 00:16:47.240 --> 00:16:48.099 like pagans, 00:16:48.399 --> 00:16:49.019 for they think 00:16:49.019 --> 00:16:49.679 they will be heard 00:16:49.679 --> 00:16:50.899 because of their many words. 00:16:51.919 --> 00:16:52.919 Do not be like them 00:16:52.919 --> 00:16:54.259 if your Father knows 00:16:54.259 --> 00:16:54.860 what you need 00:16:54.860 --> 00:16:55.839 before you ask Him. 00:16:56.719 --> 00:16:57.360 The hypocrites, 00:16:57.479 --> 00:16:58.779 most likely the Pharisees, 00:16:59.179 --> 00:17:00.860 they saw it 00:17:00.860 --> 00:17:02.379 as something they had to do 00:17:02.379 --> 00:17:03.139 to pray to God. 00:17:03.299 --> 00:17:04.339 And so they would do it 00:17:04.339 --> 00:17:05.480 so that they could get a reward. 00:17:05.579 --> 00:17:06.799 They would do it out in public. 00:17:07.039 --> 00:17:08.000 And people would see them 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:08.319 and go, 00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:09.599 oh, these are Pharisees. 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:11.079 They're praying for us. 00:17:11.079 --> 00:17:13.179 Aren't they so pious and wonderful? 00:17:13.819 --> 00:17:15.799 And they would get their reward. 00:17:16.899 --> 00:17:18.279 They weren't praying 00:17:18.279 --> 00:17:19.240 out of relationship. 00:17:19.379 --> 00:17:20.539 They were praying out of duty. 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:22.139 The pagans, 00:17:22.279 --> 00:17:22.460 well, 00:17:22.879 --> 00:17:25.439 they prayed for long periods of time 00:17:25.439 --> 00:17:28.240 to try to get their God to hear them. 00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:30.059 Maybe God will hear me 00:17:30.059 --> 00:17:31.839 if I pray for long periods of time. 00:17:32.399 --> 00:17:34.119 But that's not an intimate relationship. 00:17:35.699 --> 00:17:37.919 Jesus says something radically different. 00:17:38.740 --> 00:17:39.759 Go and pray in secret. 00:17:41.079 --> 00:17:42.139 Don't babble. 00:17:42.639 --> 00:17:43.579 Your Father sees you. 00:17:43.639 --> 00:17:44.299 He hears you. 00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:46.220 He knows what you're going to pray for. 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:48.679 And so Jesus shows 00:17:48.679 --> 00:17:49.379 that the test 00:17:49.379 --> 00:17:51.480 of a person's spiritual life 00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:53.960 is not what we do in public. 00:17:54.199 --> 00:17:55.740 It's not how we go 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:57.359 and how we look on a Sunday, 00:17:58.259 --> 00:17:59.460 whether we can say amen 00:17:59.460 --> 00:18:01.059 or whether we sing in church, 00:18:01.059 --> 00:18:02.779 but it is about 00:18:02.779 --> 00:18:04.619 whether we are praying in private. 00:18:05.579 --> 00:18:07.099 It's in those hidden moments 00:18:07.099 --> 00:18:07.740 that will show 00:18:07.740 --> 00:18:08.720 whether we have a 00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:09.699 nourishing, 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:11.039 intimate relationship 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:11.559 with God 00:18:11.559 --> 00:18:12.259 or not. 00:18:13.460 --> 00:18:14.819 You might be feeling guilty 00:18:14.819 --> 00:18:15.480 right now. 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:17.620 That's not my intention. 00:18:18.620 --> 00:18:20.240 And over the five weeks 00:18:20.240 --> 00:18:21.539 of this series, 00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:23.500 we hope to grow 00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:24.880 in prayer together. 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:26.259 But right now, 00:18:26.299 --> 00:18:26.940 I just want to show 00:18:26.940 --> 00:18:27.940 that we can delight 00:18:27.940 --> 00:18:28.759 in prayer 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:29.720 in all seasons. 00:18:30.920 --> 00:18:32.000 In the Old Testament 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:32.680 prophetic book, 00:18:32.779 --> 00:18:33.279 Habakkuk, 00:18:33.279 --> 00:18:35.519 they were under 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:38.480 a lot of stress. 00:18:38.660 --> 00:18:39.079 There was 00:18:39.079 --> 00:18:40.899 a lot of 00:18:40.899 --> 00:18:42.399 heartache going on. 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:44.099 Let me read from Habakkuk 3. 00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:45.539 Though the fig tree 00:18:45.539 --> 00:18:46.440 should not blossom, 00:18:47.039 --> 00:18:48.579 nor fruit be on the vines, 00:18:49.059 --> 00:18:51.299 the produce of the olive fail, 00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:52.460 and the fields 00:18:52.460 --> 00:18:54.839 yield no food, 00:18:54.839 --> 00:18:56.200 the flock be cut off 00:18:56.200 --> 00:18:56.839 from the fold, 00:18:57.059 --> 00:18:58.200 and there be no herd 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:58.859 in the stalls. 00:18:58.859 --> 00:19:01.559 That paints a terrible 00:19:01.559 --> 00:19:02.619 picture of famine 00:19:02.619 --> 00:19:03.519 and starvation. 00:19:04.639 --> 00:19:04.919 Yet, 00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:06.359 I will rejoice 00:19:06.359 --> 00:19:07.599 in the Lord. 00:19:07.879 --> 00:19:09.179 I will take joy 00:19:09.179 --> 00:19:10.059 in the God 00:19:10.059 --> 00:19:11.259 of my salvation. 00:19:12.019 --> 00:19:12.959 Because Habakkuk 00:19:12.959 --> 00:19:14.279 knows who his God is, 00:19:14.839 --> 00:19:16.279 that he is a God 00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:17.119 of salvation, 00:19:17.500 --> 00:19:18.119 even though 00:19:18.119 --> 00:19:19.679 everything around him 00:19:19.679 --> 00:19:21.519 looks terrible, 00:19:22.319 --> 00:19:23.519 he can still 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:24.799 rejoice 00:19:24.799 --> 00:19:26.139 in his God 00:19:26.139 --> 00:19:27.199 and delight in him. 00:19:27.200 --> 00:19:29.480 And so when we know 00:19:29.480 --> 00:19:30.500 every blessing 00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:31.880 that we have received, 00:19:32.559 --> 00:19:34.279 because God loves us, 00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:36.100 we can rejoice. 00:19:37.140 --> 00:19:38.920 We can come to God 00:19:38.920 --> 00:19:40.019 as his child 00:19:40.019 --> 00:19:42.180 because we know 00:19:42.180 --> 00:19:43.200 that he has saved us 00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:44.480 through his son's death 00:19:44.480 --> 00:19:45.380 and resurrection. 00:19:45.940 --> 00:19:47.220 It means our prayers 00:19:47.220 --> 00:19:48.460 can go from duty 00:19:48.460 --> 00:19:49.900 to delight. 00:19:50.240 --> 00:19:51.360 We don't have to pray 00:19:51.360 --> 00:19:52.500 to twist God's arm. 00:19:52.720 --> 00:19:53.660 We don't have to pray 00:19:53.660 --> 00:19:54.319 long prayers 00:19:54.319 --> 00:19:55.500 just so he'll hear us. 00:19:55.500 --> 00:19:58.059 Take something 00:19:58.059 --> 00:19:59.079 like the Lord's Prayer 00:19:59.079 --> 00:20:00.180 from Matthew 6. 00:20:01.220 --> 00:20:02.259 Has anybody ever 00:20:02.259 --> 00:20:02.900 prayed this prayer 00:20:02.900 --> 00:20:03.700 before the Lord's Prayer? 00:20:05.359 --> 00:20:06.460 How many times 00:20:06.460 --> 00:20:06.920 do you think 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:07.220 he would have 00:20:07.220 --> 00:20:07.920 prayed this prayer? 00:20:08.839 --> 00:20:09.500 A lot? 00:20:10.500 --> 00:20:11.079 I wonder 00:20:11.079 --> 00:20:12.920 how many times 00:20:12.920 --> 00:20:13.420 it's been 00:20:13.420 --> 00:20:15.119 prayed in the church. 00:20:15.579 --> 00:20:15.980 Did anybody 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:17.000 that was here this morning 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:18.019 try and crunch 00:20:18.019 --> 00:20:18.559 those numbers 00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:19.740 for how many times 00:20:19.740 --> 00:20:20.079 we've prayed 00:20:20.079 --> 00:20:20.660 the Lord's Prayer 00:20:20.660 --> 00:20:21.259 in this church? 00:20:22.940 --> 00:20:23.660 Steve's just doing 00:20:23.660 --> 00:20:24.619 some quick calculations 00:20:24.619 --> 00:20:25.279 in his mind. 00:20:26.559 --> 00:20:27.259 I wonder 00:20:27.259 --> 00:20:28.139 how many times 00:20:28.139 --> 00:20:29.659 has the Lord's Prayer 00:20:29.659 --> 00:20:30.699 been prayed here? 00:20:32.399 --> 00:20:33.819 How many times 00:20:33.819 --> 00:20:36.059 has it just been done 00:20:36.059 --> 00:20:36.739 by a rote 00:20:36.739 --> 00:20:37.500 by the people 00:20:37.500 --> 00:20:38.239 in the church? 00:20:38.579 --> 00:20:39.119 When we have 00:20:39.119 --> 00:20:40.500 a dry relationship 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:41.219 with God 00:20:41.219 --> 00:20:42.759 when we don't 00:20:42.759 --> 00:20:44.059 have his blessings 00:20:44.059 --> 00:20:44.659 in Christ 00:20:44.659 --> 00:20:46.039 in front of our eyes 00:20:46.039 --> 00:20:48.339 saying the Lord's Prayer 00:20:48.339 --> 00:20:49.139 can just be something 00:20:49.139 --> 00:20:50.119 we do from memory 00:20:50.119 --> 00:20:50.859 something we just 00:20:50.859 --> 00:20:51.779 read off the screen 00:20:51.779 --> 00:20:52.899 and it can have 00:20:52.899 --> 00:20:53.500 no meaning 00:20:53.500 --> 00:20:54.779 no joy 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:56.240 and no delight 00:20:56.240 --> 00:20:56.899 in God. 00:20:57.779 --> 00:20:58.480 But when you're 00:20:58.480 --> 00:20:59.059 holding on to 00:20:59.059 --> 00:20:59.940 God's promises 00:20:59.940 --> 00:21:01.680 it means this 00:21:01.680 --> 00:21:02.920 simple prayer 00:21:02.920 --> 00:21:03.440 that Jesus 00:21:03.440 --> 00:21:04.279 taught his disciples 00:21:04.279 --> 00:21:04.720 to pray 00:21:04.720 --> 00:21:05.619 can be a delight. 00:21:07.059 --> 00:21:08.220 Knowing how much 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:09.200 God loves us 00:21:09.200 --> 00:21:10.420 and his graciousness 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:10.779 to us 00:21:10.779 --> 00:21:12.000 even though we sin 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:13.759 makes his forgiveness 00:21:13.759 --> 00:21:15.379 so much more delightful. 00:21:16.539 --> 00:21:17.420 And so it can take 00:21:17.420 --> 00:21:18.859 some simple words 00:21:18.859 --> 00:21:21.159 forgive us our sins 00:21:21.159 --> 00:21:22.719 have so much more 00:21:22.719 --> 00:21:24.240 meaning and significance 00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:25.699 when we know 00:21:25.699 --> 00:21:27.039 how depraved we are. 00:21:28.359 --> 00:21:30.379 Even when I'm well fed 00:21:30.379 --> 00:21:31.740 and I'm physically 00:21:31.740 --> 00:21:33.939 nourished 00:21:33.939 --> 00:21:36.099 I can rejoice 00:21:36.099 --> 00:21:36.859 and delight 00:21:36.859 --> 00:21:37.519 in the God 00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:39.059 who provides 00:21:39.059 --> 00:21:40.919 not just my food 00:21:40.919 --> 00:21:43.279 but all things for me. 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.259 And so I can pray 00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:45.039 give us today 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:45.899 our daily bread 00:21:45.899 --> 00:21:46.759 and these words 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:47.740 can have so much 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:48.339 more meaning 00:21:48.339 --> 00:21:49.299 and delight. 00:21:52.180 --> 00:21:52.579 Again 00:21:52.579 --> 00:21:53.420 I'm talking a lot 00:21:53.420 --> 00:21:54.380 about my wife tonight 00:21:54.380 --> 00:21:55.799 that's okay. 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:57.759 In my relationship 00:21:57.759 --> 00:21:58.279 with Alyssa 00:21:58.279 --> 00:22:00.299 I can walk out the door 00:22:00.299 --> 00:22:01.799 and just say 00:22:01.799 --> 00:22:02.819 I love you 00:22:02.819 --> 00:22:03.120 goodbye 00:22:03.120 --> 00:22:04.599 and it can just be 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.339 something I say. 00:22:05.460 --> 00:22:05.859 I've said that 00:22:05.859 --> 00:22:07.039 a thousand times before 00:22:07.039 --> 00:22:07.799 and it can just be 00:22:07.799 --> 00:22:08.599 something I say. 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:10.440 I can even say it 00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:11.519 in the midst of conflict 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:12.000 you know 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:12.660 if we 00:22:12.660 --> 00:22:14.480 if we went to bed 00:22:14.480 --> 00:22:14.940 fighting 00:22:14.940 --> 00:22:15.519 you know 00:22:15.519 --> 00:22:17.180 just say those words. 00:22:17.740 --> 00:22:19.059 I can say it 00:22:19.059 --> 00:22:19.859 half-heartedly 00:22:19.859 --> 00:22:21.940 but I can also say 00:22:21.940 --> 00:22:23.240 those three little words 00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:25.000 with all of the weight 00:22:25.000 --> 00:22:27.240 of our nearly 12 years 00:22:27.240 --> 00:22:27.720 of marriage 00:22:27.720 --> 00:22:28.460 behind them. 00:22:29.460 --> 00:22:30.500 Our prayer 00:22:30.500 --> 00:22:31.319 can be something 00:22:31.319 --> 00:22:32.420 we just do 00:22:32.420 --> 00:22:33.259 out of duty 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:35.160 or it can be 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:35.880 a delight 00:22:35.880 --> 00:22:37.180 to rejoice 00:22:37.180 --> 00:22:38.200 with a God 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:40.319 who delights in us 00:22:40.319 --> 00:22:41.700 that despite our sin 00:22:41.700 --> 00:22:43.259 despite our depravity 00:22:43.259 --> 00:22:45.160 he has showed us 00:22:45.160 --> 00:22:46.400 grace and love. 00:22:46.400 --> 00:22:48.320 I wonder 00:22:48.320 --> 00:22:49.100 how differently 00:22:49.100 --> 00:22:49.820 we would be 00:22:49.820 --> 00:22:50.380 as a church 00:22:50.380 --> 00:22:51.620 if we prayed 00:22:51.620 --> 00:22:52.500 like this. 00:22:53.120 --> 00:22:54.000 If we were people 00:22:54.000 --> 00:22:54.800 who delighted 00:22:54.800 --> 00:22:55.820 to pray 00:22:55.820 --> 00:22:57.920 not just to get 00:22:57.920 --> 00:22:58.840 things from God 00:22:58.840 --> 00:23:00.019 but because we've 00:23:00.019 --> 00:23:00.900 already got him 00:23:00.900 --> 00:23:02.700 because we've got 00:23:02.700 --> 00:23:03.720 every blessing 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:05.580 and we are his children 00:23:05.580 --> 00:23:06.320 and we want to 00:23:06.320 --> 00:23:07.240 draw near to him. 00:23:07.680 --> 00:23:09.240 What would we be like 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:10.019 as a church 00:23:10.019 --> 00:23:11.280 if we had that third D 00:23:11.280 --> 00:23:12.280 the devotion 00:23:12.280 --> 00:23:12.820 to prayer? 00:23:12.819 --> 00:23:15.639 Would we delight 00:23:15.639 --> 00:23:16.119 in the people 00:23:16.119 --> 00:23:16.899 that God places 00:23:16.899 --> 00:23:17.720 around us 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:19.799 because of us 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:20.740 delighting in God? 00:23:21.480 --> 00:23:22.460 Would we extend 00:23:22.460 --> 00:23:23.399 the hand of friendship 00:23:23.399 --> 00:23:24.139 to others 00:23:24.139 --> 00:23:25.559 because we have 00:23:25.559 --> 00:23:26.740 an intimate friendship 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:27.539 with God? 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:29.579 Would we just 00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:30.980 pray prayers 00:23:30.980 --> 00:23:33.379 appreciating the things 00:23:33.379 --> 00:23:34.399 around us 00:23:34.399 --> 00:23:36.099 and not always 00:23:36.099 --> 00:23:36.859 thinking about 00:23:36.859 --> 00:23:37.659 how much better 00:23:37.659 --> 00:23:38.740 life could be? 00:23:38.740 --> 00:23:41.599 Would we pray prayers 00:23:41.599 --> 00:23:43.039 appreciating who God 00:23:43.039 --> 00:23:43.620 is 00:23:43.620 --> 00:23:44.880 instead of to 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:45.839 get things from God? 00:23:47.220 --> 00:23:48.220 You may not feel 00:23:48.220 --> 00:23:49.460 particularly equipped 00:23:49.460 --> 00:23:50.859 for prayer 00:23:50.859 --> 00:23:51.620 at this point 00:23:51.620 --> 00:23:52.819 but my desire 00:23:52.819 --> 00:23:53.779 is that we would 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:54.900 just want 00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:56.220 to talk to God. 00:23:57.859 --> 00:23:58.339 And so 00:23:58.339 --> 00:23:59.759 I've just recently 00:23:59.759 --> 00:24:00.380 started reading 00:24:00.380 --> 00:24:01.140 through the Psalms 00:24:01.140 --> 00:24:01.920 and I've been 00:24:01.920 --> 00:24:02.720 summarizing them 00:24:02.720 --> 00:24:03.480 and praying them 00:24:03.480 --> 00:24:04.039 every night. 00:24:04.279 --> 00:24:05.240 I think I've done 00:24:05.240 --> 00:24:06.440 five days in a row 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:07.620 and they have been 00:24:07.620 --> 00:24:08.099 wonderful. 00:24:09.140 --> 00:24:09.799 I'm not sure 00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:10.220 if you've ever 00:24:10.220 --> 00:24:11.400 tried to read 00:24:11.400 --> 00:24:12.180 the Bible at night. 00:24:12.539 --> 00:24:13.759 I've always failed 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:14.400 at reading the Bible 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:14.720 at night. 00:24:14.799 --> 00:24:15.460 I don't know why. 00:24:15.620 --> 00:24:16.380 I get into bed 00:24:16.380 --> 00:24:17.160 and I fall asleep. 00:24:17.940 --> 00:24:18.859 I go to bed 00:24:18.859 --> 00:24:19.700 regardless of the time 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:19.980 and I go, 00:24:20.099 --> 00:24:20.339 great! 00:24:20.680 --> 00:24:21.559 Time to read the Psalms 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:22.079 and pray. 00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:23.900 It has been wonderful. 00:24:25.079 --> 00:24:25.620 And so I'm going 00:24:25.620 --> 00:24:26.359 to be doing something 00:24:26.359 --> 00:24:27.460 for the next four weeks, 00:24:27.579 --> 00:24:28.839 the next four Wednesdays. 00:24:29.059 --> 00:24:29.880 I'm going to be down 00:24:29.880 --> 00:24:30.480 at a cafe 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:31.839 that looks like this. 00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:33.220 It's called Pichon. 00:24:33.819 --> 00:24:34.640 Does anybody know 00:24:34.640 --> 00:24:35.440 where Pichon is? 00:24:36.539 --> 00:24:36.920 Yes? 00:24:37.480 --> 00:24:38.059 Where is it? 00:24:38.740 --> 00:24:40.640 Near the station. 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:42.319 Just down that way, 00:24:42.400 --> 00:24:43.160 near the train station, 00:24:43.220 --> 00:24:44.039 next to Woolworths. 00:24:44.180 --> 00:24:45.200 You've got the train station, 00:24:45.299 --> 00:24:46.140 you go up the escalator, 00:24:46.220 --> 00:24:46.740 you turn left, 00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:47.420 you kind of go around 00:24:47.420 --> 00:24:47.799 a little bit 00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:48.400 and it's right there. 00:24:48.940 --> 00:24:49.460 I don't know 00:24:49.460 --> 00:24:50.240 if it's the best coffee. 00:24:50.880 --> 00:24:51.740 It's got a good cafe, 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:52.839 a good coffee machine, 00:24:53.079 --> 00:24:54.299 a Lamazocca, 00:24:54.440 --> 00:24:55.000 so it's good. 00:24:55.900 --> 00:24:56.680 But I like it 00:24:56.680 --> 00:24:57.880 because there's space inside. 00:24:58.700 --> 00:24:59.359 And so I'm going 00:24:59.359 --> 00:24:59.880 to be there 00:24:59.880 --> 00:25:00.519 every Wednesday 00:25:00.519 --> 00:25:01.380 for the next four weeks 00:25:01.380 --> 00:25:02.380 from 7am 00:25:02.380 --> 00:25:03.039 till 8am. 00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:03.759 I'm going to probably 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:04.599 go to the gym after that, 00:25:04.639 --> 00:25:05.139 you can join me 00:25:05.139 --> 00:25:05.659 for that too. 00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:08.440 Please come and pray with me. 00:25:09.019 --> 00:25:09.720 If you don't feel 00:25:09.720 --> 00:25:10.639 particularly equipped 00:25:10.639 --> 00:25:11.180 to pray, 00:25:11.700 --> 00:25:13.500 come and let's figure 00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:14.019 it out together. 00:25:15.440 --> 00:25:16.000 I'm going to be 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:16.700 reading my Bible, 00:25:16.940 --> 00:25:18.420 praying every Wednesday 00:25:18.420 --> 00:25:19.440 for the next four weeks 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:20.460 at this cafe. 00:25:21.240 --> 00:25:22.039 If you don't have 00:25:22.039 --> 00:25:22.599 anything to do 00:25:22.599 --> 00:25:23.559 because uni hasn't started, 00:25:23.720 --> 00:25:24.599 you can get up early 00:25:24.599 --> 00:25:25.859 and come and pray 00:25:25.859 --> 00:25:26.480 and then go home 00:25:26.480 --> 00:25:27.180 and go back to sleep. 00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:27.720 That's okay. 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:31.259 And so what we're 00:25:31.259 --> 00:25:31.880 going to do now 00:25:31.880 --> 00:25:34.460 is Sarah is going 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:36.380 to click through 00:25:36.380 --> 00:25:37.279 the Lord's Prayer 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:38.500 slowly for us. 00:25:38.839 --> 00:25:39.600 And what I want 00:25:39.600 --> 00:25:40.620 to do as a church 00:25:40.620 --> 00:25:41.620 is just to spend 00:25:41.620 --> 00:25:42.519 some time 00:25:42.519 --> 00:25:44.079 praying through 00:25:44.079 --> 00:25:44.860 the Lord's Prayer 00:25:44.860 --> 00:25:45.480 individually. 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.299 And so as these 00:25:47.299 --> 00:25:48.160 different slides come up, 00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:48.779 instead of just 00:25:48.779 --> 00:25:49.860 praying it, 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.380 spend a moment 00:25:51.380 --> 00:25:53.600 delighting in the truth 00:25:53.600 --> 00:25:54.880 that this has for us. 00:25:55.860 --> 00:25:56.400 We'll spend 00:25:56.400 --> 00:25:57.380 a couple of minutes 00:25:57.380 --> 00:25:58.000 doing this 00:25:58.000 --> 00:25:58.760 and then I'm going 00:25:58.760 --> 00:25:59.440 to pray through 00:25:59.440 --> 00:26:00.280 the Lord's Prayer 00:26:00.280 --> 00:26:01.600 for us together. 00:26:01.960 --> 00:26:02.740 So please take 00:26:02.740 --> 00:26:03.340 a couple of moments 00:26:03.340 --> 00:26:03.900 to pray 00:26:03.900 --> 00:26:05.220 and I'll pray 00:26:05.220 --> 00:26:06.500 for us in a couple of minutes. 00:26:27.380 --> 00:26:44.760 to pray 00:26:44.760 --> 00:26:45.360 in calcs. 00:26:45.359 --> 00:27:15.339 Thank you. 00:27:15.359 --> 00:27:45.339 Thank you. 00:27:45.359 --> 00:28:15.339 Thank you. 00:28:16.199 --> 00:28:24.639 Lord, help us to not miss out on the privilege of being able to come to the foot of your throne and to talk to you. 00:28:25.140 --> 00:28:29.000 Help us to delight in you, Lord. 00:28:30.200 --> 00:28:31.740 Hallowed be your name. 00:28:31.920 --> 00:28:37.259 Father, we ask that we would praise and glorify you. 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:43.079 That we would treasure Jesus above all other things in our lives. 00:28:43.619 --> 00:28:46.559 And that all the glory would go to you, Lord. 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:49.819 Your kingdom come. 00:28:50.359 --> 00:28:59.179 Heavenly Father, we ask that we would see your kingdom come into our lives. 00:28:59.180 --> 00:29:09.380 That we personally would seek to see the gospel expressed in our lives so that people around us would see it. 00:29:09.519 --> 00:29:14.960 So that it would spread forth from this church into Chatswood and all across Sydney. 00:29:14.960 --> 00:29:19.819 So that your kingdom would spread here and across the world, Lord. 00:29:21.100 --> 00:29:24.660 Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 00:29:25.980 --> 00:29:31.559 Heavenly Father, we ask that you would help us to come before you in submission. 00:29:31.559 --> 00:29:38.339 That we would choose to do your will so that we could draw close to you, Lord. 00:29:38.339 --> 00:29:42.220 Father, we thank you that we call you Father. 00:29:43.199 --> 00:29:47.819 Help us to come before you and not to flee and run away. 00:29:49.439 --> 00:29:51.819 Give us today our daily bread. 00:29:52.899 --> 00:29:57.359 God, I thank you again so much for how you have richly provided for us. 00:29:58.459 --> 00:30:04.099 Physically, spiritually, emotionally, through our Lord Jesus. 00:30:04.099 --> 00:30:08.359 Father, but it is easy to take the things we have for granted. 00:30:08.480 --> 00:30:11.719 To take the food for granted that we have. 00:30:12.519 --> 00:30:16.000 And to take our financial wealth for granted. 00:30:16.839 --> 00:30:21.799 Father, again I ask that we would not treasure anything above Jesus. 00:30:23.359 --> 00:30:28.459 But help us to come before you daily in dependence upon you, Lord. 00:30:29.619 --> 00:30:33.919 Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. 00:30:34.719 --> 00:30:40.019 Lord, that you would forgive even people like us. 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:45.139 Just speaks to your graciousness to us, Lord. 00:30:45.839 --> 00:30:47.939 Father, help us to be like you. 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:50.179 To forgive others, Lord. 00:30:50.859 --> 00:30:54.359 And we ask that we would not be led into temptation. 00:30:55.319 --> 00:30:56.699 Deliver us from evil, Lord. 00:30:56.799 --> 00:30:59.119 Deliver us from the world and from the devil. 00:30:59.119 --> 00:31:04.519 Help us not make you sad or grieved by the things we do. 00:31:05.139 --> 00:31:10.500 But we ask that you would help us to bring honor and glory to you. 00:31:10.500 --> 00:31:14.759 Lord, the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours. 00:31:14.759 --> 00:31:16.059 Now and forever. 00:31:16.720 --> 00:31:17.119 Amen. 00:31:17.119 --> 00:31:17.220 Amen. 00:31:17.220 --> 00:31:17.279 Amen.