WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.219 Hey, good morning. Guys, how are you? How are you doing so far? 00:00:08.279 --> 00:00:17.859 Okay, so I guess none of you actually heard myself teaching the Bible because I never actually stand in front to preach. 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:23.420 But I want to share a little bit on my view on prayer. 00:00:25.640 --> 00:00:28.780 So I hope that your group discussion will be helpful. 00:00:28.780 --> 00:00:36.880 Any group has, this question is not applicable to them, meaning that they already pray as often as they should. 00:00:37.880 --> 00:00:45.900 Any group? Okay, so the question actually is, you're trying to identify what are the things that hinder our prayer. 00:00:46.719 --> 00:00:51.900 Okay, so I asked many Christian friends about the same question. 00:00:52.520 --> 00:00:55.920 Why do we not pray as often as we should? 00:00:55.920 --> 00:00:59.500 And the response fell into two categories. 00:01:00.300 --> 00:01:07.960 The first category is that they tend to handle things in their own ways, meaning that there is very little consciousness of God in their own lives. 00:01:08.640 --> 00:01:16.379 The second category falls into the fact that they are very skeptical whether prayer works in their situation in their lives. 00:01:16.379 --> 00:01:32.060 So these two categories of response, I want you to take the next maybe 15 to 20 minutes to really let you to be convinced and convicted by the Holy Spirit 00:01:32.060 --> 00:01:43.680 that the actual prayer is essential to our spiritual lives as water is essential to our physical lives. 00:01:44.500 --> 00:01:49.980 Okay, let's put that into our main theme of this discussion. 00:01:49.980 --> 00:01:56.480 So before I start, I want to briefly define what prayer is. 00:01:57.620 --> 00:02:03.359 Okay, prayer simply is as us having an intentional communion with God. 00:02:04.219 --> 00:02:07.460 Intentional communion with God, not a casual chat. 00:02:07.960 --> 00:02:09.500 Intentional communion with God. 00:02:10.500 --> 00:02:17.939 Some truth about Christian prayer that we may easily overlook and the implication worth to highlight here. 00:02:17.939 --> 00:02:22.039 So let's consider the main passage. 00:02:22.199 --> 00:02:24.840 If you have the Bible, you can turn to Matthew 6. 00:02:27.219 --> 00:02:30.699 So this is where Jesus taught the disciples how to pray. 00:02:31.579 --> 00:02:33.060 It is also called the Lord's Prayer. 00:02:33.199 --> 00:02:37.639 I think everyone of us, most of us actually are familiar with the passage. 00:02:38.159 --> 00:02:42.419 But we will refer to this passage with different references. 00:02:42.419 --> 00:02:45.379 So Matthew 6.9. 00:02:45.699 --> 00:02:48.679 Your fathers know what you need before you ask them. 00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:50.479 Pray then like this. 00:02:51.139 --> 00:02:53.219 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 00:02:53.759 --> 00:02:58.139 Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 00:02:58.779 --> 00:03:00.739 Give us this day our daily bread. 00:03:01.779 --> 00:03:06.159 And forgive our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. 00:03:06.699 --> 00:03:10.919 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 00:03:10.919 --> 00:03:16.839 First and foremost, I want to stress one important point. 00:03:17.019 --> 00:03:23.659 It is that our prayer assumes a father and children relationship between us and God. 00:03:24.779 --> 00:03:35.239 So as a father, God wants to hear from us just as a good earthly father wants to hear from their children. 00:03:35.240 --> 00:03:42.120 So I still remember how I love to hear my daughter's story in her high school. 00:03:44.280 --> 00:03:47.420 I want to know what makes her motivated. 00:03:48.379 --> 00:03:52.120 I want to know what makes her happier. 00:03:52.120 --> 00:04:01.860 So, me as a sinful and imperfect father, my desire is to provide her with whatever I can. 00:04:02.539 --> 00:04:02.800 Right? 00:04:02.900 --> 00:04:03.800 To make her happier. 00:04:04.420 --> 00:04:08.000 So by the way, I did not tell my daughter about this. 00:04:08.159 --> 00:04:10.520 So, if you know my daughter, don't tell her. 00:04:10.520 --> 00:04:18.180 But how much more so our heavenly father is to us. 00:04:18.879 --> 00:04:19.560 Think about it. 00:04:19.939 --> 00:04:20.100 Right? 00:04:20.439 --> 00:04:22.540 I am a sinful and imperfect father. 00:04:23.400 --> 00:04:25.500 And our father in heaven is perfect. 00:04:25.500 --> 00:04:32.800 So, in other words, non-Christian do not have this relationship with God. 00:04:33.139 --> 00:04:39.259 It also means that whatever we talk about here may not be applicable to non-Christian. 00:04:40.500 --> 00:04:40.680 Okay? 00:04:42.240 --> 00:04:47.620 Second, prayer is being made according to our knowledge of who God is. 00:04:47.620 --> 00:04:56.180 Unlike the Gentile God, Jesus told us in this passage, our father knows what we need before we ask of him. 00:04:57.220 --> 00:04:57.439 Okay? 00:04:57.920 --> 00:05:06.160 So, our goal of our prayer is then not to tell God about what we need as if he doesn't know. 00:05:06.759 --> 00:05:07.420 He knows. 00:05:08.439 --> 00:05:08.720 Okay? 00:05:08.720 --> 00:05:17.960 So, instead, we present our needs to God because we know that God is pleased to hear our prayers and answer our prayers. 00:05:18.420 --> 00:05:20.360 That's the essence of our prayer. 00:05:21.880 --> 00:05:22.140 Okay. 00:05:22.220 --> 00:05:30.680 We would like to take the discussion into three reasons why prayer is essential to our spiritual lives. 00:05:31.500 --> 00:05:31.700 Okay? 00:05:31.699 --> 00:05:36.139 The first reason, I noticed that you all have an iPad. 00:05:39.139 --> 00:05:51.519 When we address God as our father, we are reminded that Jesus Christ is the one and what he has done on the cross to make this relationship possible. 00:05:52.199 --> 00:05:52.279 Okay? 00:05:53.319 --> 00:05:53.779 Correct? 00:05:53.779 --> 00:06:00.859 And it is the work of the Holy Spirit within us, convince us that we are his children. 00:06:02.039 --> 00:06:04.179 Sometimes we, why God is my father? 00:06:04.419 --> 00:06:05.579 Why I am his children. 00:06:06.119 --> 00:06:06.259 Right? 00:06:06.319 --> 00:06:07.759 It's the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:06:08.339 --> 00:06:17.759 In Romans 8.15, Paul told us, you have received the spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba, Father. 00:06:17.759 --> 00:06:23.779 The Holy Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. 00:06:24.420 --> 00:06:30.279 So, the work of the Holy Spirit within us actually validate our status with our father. 00:06:32.519 --> 00:06:40.959 Second, our father wants to hear exactly or really hear from us from our hearts what we really need. 00:06:41.920 --> 00:06:42.060 Okay? 00:06:42.879 --> 00:06:46.399 It's not what we should ask for God. 00:06:46.399 --> 00:06:47.639 Okay? 00:06:47.739 --> 00:06:50.919 Sometimes we're just trying to frame our prayer into something. 00:06:51.019 --> 00:06:53.359 Oh, let's ask God for whatever he wants. 00:06:54.039 --> 00:06:54.259 No. 00:06:54.519 --> 00:06:59.459 God wants us to tell her or tell him what exactly we want. 00:07:00.539 --> 00:07:00.819 Okay? 00:07:01.259 --> 00:07:08.099 In Hebrew 10.22, let us come near God with a sincere heart and a sure faith. 00:07:09.319 --> 00:07:13.079 So, God really opened a safe space for all of us. 00:07:13.079 --> 00:07:16.859 For us to pray for anything and everything. 00:07:17.599 --> 00:07:20.439 As long as it is a sincere desire from our hearts. 00:07:21.399 --> 00:07:21.560 Right? 00:07:22.879 --> 00:07:25.579 In our prayer, we also express our gratitude to God. 00:07:26.399 --> 00:07:26.659 Okay? 00:07:26.759 --> 00:07:28.180 If you look at the Lord's Prayer, 00:07:29.180 --> 00:07:32.219 we hallow his name. 00:07:33.599 --> 00:07:33.899 Okay? 00:07:33.899 --> 00:07:39.799 We think about how he treats us with his goodness and faithfulness. 00:07:40.339 --> 00:07:42.919 We are counting the faithfulness and goodness of God. 00:07:43.500 --> 00:07:46.019 We are hallowing his name for his holy character. 00:07:47.199 --> 00:07:48.359 I don't know about you. 00:07:48.360 --> 00:07:54.400 I think there are many facets of God's holiness that we can praise him with. 00:07:55.080 --> 00:07:55.240 Right? 00:07:55.420 --> 00:07:57.819 For me, I'm always amazed by this fact. 00:07:58.480 --> 00:07:59.800 That God is just. 00:08:00.699 --> 00:08:06.220 But he justified the wicked by paying the penalty of their sins. 00:08:06.900 --> 00:08:07.900 Who are the wicked? 00:08:08.379 --> 00:08:08.960 We are the wicked. 00:08:08.959 --> 00:08:13.339 What area of God's holiness do you want to praise him with? 00:08:13.859 --> 00:08:15.459 That's the question I pose to you. 00:08:15.680 --> 00:08:16.419 Think about this. 00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:16.979 Right? 00:08:17.319 --> 00:08:22.599 God has a lot of attributes that demonstrate his holiness. 00:08:24.120 --> 00:08:28.319 In our prayer, we also align our requests to God's desire. 00:08:29.839 --> 00:08:34.240 Mainly, what is God's desire or Jesus' desire? 00:08:34.240 --> 00:08:39.740 God's desire is the coming of his kingdom and the doing of his will. 00:08:40.680 --> 00:08:42.560 So this is in the Lord's Prayer as well. 00:08:43.980 --> 00:08:47.419 Have you ever thought of God's providing us three meals a day? 00:08:48.080 --> 00:08:53.860 And a job to live and be part of his will as well? 00:08:55.060 --> 00:08:55.740 It is true. 00:08:55.940 --> 00:09:01.039 Yes, this is also part of his will to provide us the necessity of our lives. 00:09:01.039 --> 00:09:06.679 And it is glorifying God when God provides us those needs. 00:09:09.179 --> 00:09:14.299 Through prayer, God wants to build a trusting relationship with us. 00:09:14.899 --> 00:09:18.339 So when we think about prayer, it's to offer, to ask for something. 00:09:18.480 --> 00:09:23.019 But actually, God wants to build a trusting relationship with him. 00:09:25.259 --> 00:09:29.899 The more we pray, the more we see God answer our prayer. 00:09:29.899 --> 00:09:32.319 And the more we can trust God. 00:09:33.679 --> 00:09:38.299 And in turn, this increase of trust will cause us to pray more. 00:09:40.860 --> 00:09:43.019 And not only for our petitions. 00:09:44.120 --> 00:09:50.059 God also wants us to draw close to him in a time of our difficulties. 00:09:50.059 --> 00:09:59.299 So the difficulties may come with different forms from your job, from your family, you know, the passing of loved ones. 00:09:59.559 --> 00:10:00.559 A lot of those things. 00:10:01.719 --> 00:10:05.500 God wants us to put our hope into the right place. 00:10:06.439 --> 00:10:08.719 Namely, his grace and his mercy. 00:10:08.720 --> 00:10:11.259 Hebrews 4.16 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:13.399 The author encourages us this. 00:10:14.060 --> 00:10:22.320 Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in times of deep. 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:29.259 So we talk about prayer deepening our relationship with God. 00:10:29.259 --> 00:10:37.919 The second reason why prayer is essential is that we cannot do anything apart from God. 00:10:38.860 --> 00:10:42.159 We desperately need to depend on him all the time. 00:10:43.759 --> 00:10:48.919 The reason is Jesus himself expressed his total dependency to God. 00:10:50.039 --> 00:10:51.319 John 5.19 00:10:51.320 --> 00:10:52.200 Jesus said, 00:10:52.300 --> 00:10:56.460 Truthfully, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord. 00:10:57.620 --> 00:10:57.800 Okay? 00:10:58.200 --> 00:11:01.920 And Jesus also later applied the same truth to his disciples. 00:11:03.240 --> 00:11:05.920 So which, I think, Kevin mentioned it. 00:11:06.100 --> 00:11:07.360 John 15.5 00:11:07.360 --> 00:11:08.260 Jesus said, 00:11:08.680 --> 00:11:12.260 Whoever abides in me and I in him, he bear much fruit. 00:11:12.780 --> 00:11:15.160 For apart from me, you can do nothing. 00:11:16.020 --> 00:11:20.380 So if Jesus totally depends on his Father to live his earthly life, 00:11:20.379 --> 00:11:26.600 how much more that we should depend on Jesus to live our own lives. 00:11:28.200 --> 00:11:29.879 Also, according to the Lord's Prayer, 00:11:30.939 --> 00:11:36.220 Jesus alluded to a total dependence on God for all our needs. 00:11:37.080 --> 00:11:38.720 We depend on God for all our needs. 00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:43.759 Our emotional needs, our physical needs, as well as our spiritual needs. 00:11:44.620 --> 00:11:46.379 When Jesus asked us to pray, 00:11:47.960 --> 00:11:49.759 Give us this day our daily bread. 00:11:50.379 --> 00:11:57.379 It speaks to the fact that we depend on him for every spiritual or physical needs. 00:11:58.259 --> 00:11:58.340 Right? 00:11:58.860 --> 00:12:00.139 Every breath we take. 00:12:00.679 --> 00:12:01.879 Everything we eat. 00:12:02.820 --> 00:12:03.019 Okay? 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:04.240 So when my, 00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:07.559 I think my son asked me when I pray before a meal, 00:12:08.340 --> 00:12:09.820 Why do you pray that for, 00:12:10.600 --> 00:12:11.779 You know, give thanks to the meal? 00:12:11.779 --> 00:12:12.779 Because you make money, 00:12:12.939 --> 00:12:15.299 You cost the food on the table, 00:12:15.399 --> 00:12:16.980 You pay for everything, 00:12:17.339 --> 00:12:18.860 And shrimp my wife cooked. 00:12:19.519 --> 00:12:19.659 Right? 00:12:19.720 --> 00:12:21.120 Nothing God is involved. 00:12:21.579 --> 00:12:22.179 But actually, 00:12:22.919 --> 00:12:23.980 In the Lord's Prayer, 00:12:24.679 --> 00:12:25.799 God is saying the opposite. 00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:28.579 Give us this day our daily bread. 00:12:29.220 --> 00:12:31.000 Because everything behind it, 00:12:31.480 --> 00:12:33.240 Is what is God providing us. 00:12:33.240 --> 00:12:34.419 The health of us. 00:12:35.159 --> 00:12:35.299 Right? 00:12:35.340 --> 00:12:35.899 The resources. 00:12:37.019 --> 00:12:37.259 Right? 00:12:37.320 --> 00:12:37.860 The friends. 00:12:38.120 --> 00:12:38.659 The wife. 00:12:39.340 --> 00:12:41.200 Or people who share the meal with me. 00:12:41.659 --> 00:12:42.500 So all God's. 00:12:42.500 --> 00:12:48.340 So asking God to forgive our debts, 00:12:49.080 --> 00:12:53.419 Points to our desperate need of his constant forgiveness. 00:12:53.960 --> 00:12:57.960 Do you know how difficult it is when you have a relationship with a friend, 00:12:58.340 --> 00:12:59.600 That you hate him, 00:12:59.879 --> 00:13:00.480 Or hate her. 00:13:00.879 --> 00:13:01.559 It's very difficult, 00:13:01.679 --> 00:13:01.759 Right? 00:13:01.840 --> 00:13:02.139 You keep, 00:13:02.580 --> 00:13:05.179 So we need to keep that peace, 00:13:05.740 --> 00:13:06.279 Between the, 00:13:06.500 --> 00:13:08.759 In the relationship between us and God. 00:13:08.759 --> 00:13:11.159 And this requires constant forgiveness. 00:13:12.500 --> 00:13:14.980 Jesus also asked us to pray, 00:13:15.340 --> 00:13:16.980 Lead us not into temptation, 00:13:17.720 --> 00:13:19.220 And deliver us from evil. 00:13:21.559 --> 00:13:23.000 He reminded us, 00:13:23.139 --> 00:13:25.179 God is the only powerful person, 00:13:25.580 --> 00:13:26.340 In this universe, 00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:27.919 That can help us, 00:13:28.460 --> 00:13:30.240 To fight spiritual attacks. 00:13:30.919 --> 00:13:31.580 It's not us. 00:13:31.860 --> 00:13:33.240 It's not anything else. 00:13:33.299 --> 00:13:33.659 It's God. 00:13:34.840 --> 00:13:35.059 Okay? 00:13:35.200 --> 00:13:36.860 So we are totally dependent, 00:13:37.340 --> 00:13:38.120 On God in, 00:13:38.620 --> 00:13:39.539 Many, many aspects. 00:13:39.759 --> 00:13:41.860 Or all aspects of our lives. 00:13:42.500 --> 00:13:42.879 Now, 00:13:43.279 --> 00:13:44.759 Dependence on God is not, 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:46.059 Just an event, 00:13:46.659 --> 00:13:47.879 Or something happens, 00:13:48.080 --> 00:13:49.340 In your family, 00:13:49.460 --> 00:13:50.620 Then you depend on God. 00:13:51.480 --> 00:13:52.360 Dependence on God, 00:13:52.440 --> 00:13:53.779 Is a heart disposition, 00:13:54.120 --> 00:13:55.259 A heart disposition, 00:13:56.059 --> 00:13:57.279 That expresses itself, 00:13:57.460 --> 00:13:58.600 In our continuous prayer. 00:13:59.759 --> 00:14:00.000 Okay? 00:14:00.279 --> 00:14:02.039 So when Paul had the idea, 00:14:02.360 --> 00:14:03.600 With the church of Bethsaida, 00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:05.240 He mentioned, 00:14:05.240 --> 00:14:06.639 Pray unceasingly. 00:14:07.139 --> 00:14:08.779 What does it really mean, 00:14:09.460 --> 00:14:10.659 By pray unceasingly? 00:14:11.659 --> 00:14:12.800 Praying unceasingly, 00:14:12.860 --> 00:14:13.440 Means that, 00:14:13.700 --> 00:14:14.600 We pray regularly. 00:14:15.519 --> 00:14:16.420 We have an attitude, 00:14:16.420 --> 00:14:17.759 Of God's consciousness, 00:14:18.360 --> 00:14:19.279 And God's surrender, 00:14:19.480 --> 00:14:20.300 At all times. 00:14:21.139 --> 00:14:21.320 So, 00:14:21.860 --> 00:14:22.540 Prayer also, 00:14:22.960 --> 00:14:23.120 So, 00:14:23.720 --> 00:14:25.580 A heart disposition, 00:14:25.580 --> 00:14:26.759 Disposition of, 00:14:27.600 --> 00:14:31.900 Persistent prayer, 00:14:32.240 --> 00:14:32.940 Also means that, 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:34.560 Prayer should be our first response, 00:14:35.320 --> 00:14:36.920 To every fearful situation, 00:14:37.060 --> 00:14:37.500 We are in. 00:14:38.180 --> 00:14:38.460 Right? 00:14:38.700 --> 00:14:40.500 To every anxious thought, 00:14:40.600 --> 00:14:41.720 We develop in ourselves. 00:14:42.340 --> 00:14:43.580 And to every hatred, 00:14:43.740 --> 00:14:44.180 We hold, 00:14:44.520 --> 00:14:45.840 Or we harbor against each other. 00:14:46.940 --> 00:14:47.139 Right? 00:14:47.240 --> 00:14:48.100 So this is what, 00:14:49.139 --> 00:14:50.580 Persist or unceasing prayer, 00:14:50.759 --> 00:14:51.040 Is about. 00:14:51.039 --> 00:14:54.480 So we talk about, 00:14:55.740 --> 00:14:57.199 Prayer deepening our relationship, 00:14:57.379 --> 00:14:58.039 We talk about, 00:14:58.399 --> 00:14:59.339 We can't do anything, 00:14:59.379 --> 00:15:00.240 Apart from God. 00:15:00.779 --> 00:15:01.259 We need, 00:15:02.159 --> 00:15:02.860 Full dependence, 00:15:03.860 --> 00:15:04.819 On God himself. 00:15:07.339 --> 00:15:08.319 Prayer is also, 00:15:08.620 --> 00:15:09.699 It's essential also, 00:15:09.860 --> 00:15:11.120 Because God answered our prayer. 00:15:11.879 --> 00:15:12.559 You don't know how, 00:15:12.919 --> 00:15:14.000 So God answered our prayer. 00:15:14.860 --> 00:15:15.219 Agree? 00:15:15.699 --> 00:15:16.179 Disagree? 00:15:16.459 --> 00:15:16.659 Okay. 00:15:17.579 --> 00:15:17.799 So, 00:15:19.099 --> 00:15:20.319 And we need to experience, 00:15:20.320 --> 00:15:21.700 God answering our prayer, 00:15:22.320 --> 00:15:23.680 In order to actually, 00:15:24.320 --> 00:15:26.240 Help us to have a spiritual life. 00:15:26.379 --> 00:15:26.500 Right? 00:15:26.960 --> 00:15:27.980 Otherwise God is just, 00:15:28.100 --> 00:15:28.840 A remote person. 00:15:30.300 --> 00:15:30.580 So, 00:15:30.900 --> 00:15:31.900 Let's be honest now, 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:33.740 Prayer is not, 00:15:34.120 --> 00:15:35.440 It's often our last resort, 00:15:35.879 --> 00:15:36.980 Instead of the first resort, 00:15:37.420 --> 00:15:39.000 As we talk about it. 00:15:40.140 --> 00:15:40.660 And, 00:15:40.900 --> 00:15:42.280 We try everything on our own. 00:15:43.120 --> 00:15:43.300 Right? 00:15:43.560 --> 00:15:44.260 In the end, 00:15:45.220 --> 00:15:46.160 We cannot, 00:15:46.380 --> 00:15:47.140 We solve it. 00:15:47.380 --> 00:15:48.020 We come to God, 00:15:48.140 --> 00:15:49.180 And we pray to God. 00:15:50.320 --> 00:15:50.960 So, 00:15:51.180 --> 00:15:52.100 In the book of James, 00:15:52.720 --> 00:15:54.160 We see the same problem, 00:15:54.320 --> 00:15:54.940 Of the disciple, 00:15:55.100 --> 00:15:55.700 At that church. 00:15:56.560 --> 00:15:56.680 Okay? 00:15:56.800 --> 00:15:57.600 James 4.2, 00:15:58.220 --> 00:15:59.040 You do not have, 00:15:59.160 --> 00:16:00.540 Because you do not ask. 00:16:01.220 --> 00:16:02.300 You never ask. 00:16:03.020 --> 00:16:03.280 So, 00:16:03.480 --> 00:16:04.780 What James seems to be saying, 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:06.080 God has the answer, 00:16:06.180 --> 00:16:07.240 Of our prayers ready. 00:16:07.900 --> 00:16:08.980 It is up to us, 00:16:09.160 --> 00:16:10.180 To ask it, 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:11.840 And pray for it. 00:16:12.879 --> 00:16:13.140 Okay? 00:16:13.780 --> 00:16:14.500 Apostle John, 00:16:14.560 --> 00:16:15.340 Even told us, 00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:16.720 To expect God, 00:16:17.780 --> 00:16:18.880 Has already answered, 00:16:18.879 --> 00:16:19.259 Our prayer, 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:19.820 When we pray. 00:16:20.679 --> 00:16:20.919 So, 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:22.860 In 1 John 5.14, 00:16:23.659 --> 00:16:24.379 John told us, 00:16:24.519 --> 00:16:25.820 If we ask anything, 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:27.019 According to his will, 00:16:27.439 --> 00:16:28.200 He hear us, 00:16:28.320 --> 00:16:29.379 And if we know, 00:16:29.779 --> 00:16:30.439 He hear us, 00:16:30.639 --> 00:16:31.559 Whatever we ask, 00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:32.419 We know that, 00:16:32.539 --> 00:16:33.879 We have what we ask of him. 00:16:34.659 --> 00:16:34.879 Right? 00:16:34.980 --> 00:16:35.799 We already have it. 00:16:36.200 --> 00:16:36.759 Think about it. 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:37.200 Expect. 00:16:37.759 --> 00:16:38.019 Now, 00:16:38.139 --> 00:16:39.480 You may ask a question, 00:16:39.779 --> 00:16:40.840 A lot of times we pray, 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:42.340 God did not answer our prayer. 00:16:42.820 --> 00:16:43.179 Is it? 00:16:44.100 --> 00:16:44.539 True? 00:16:44.799 --> 00:16:44.960 Yeah. 00:16:44.960 --> 00:16:45.720 So, 00:16:45.900 --> 00:16:47.060 Does God always give us, 00:16:47.100 --> 00:16:48.000 Everything we ask? 00:16:48.800 --> 00:16:49.840 And the answer is, 00:16:50.220 --> 00:16:50.420 No. 00:16:51.580 --> 00:16:52.019 Unfortunately. 00:16:52.700 --> 00:16:52.900 And, 00:16:53.080 --> 00:16:54.040 I think it's a blessing. 00:16:54.680 --> 00:16:55.320 Because sometimes, 00:16:55.400 --> 00:16:56.940 We ask for stupid things. 00:16:57.500 --> 00:16:59.200 And God will give you stupid things, 00:16:59.300 --> 00:17:00.139 You will become stupid. 00:17:02.740 --> 00:17:03.180 So, 00:17:03.379 --> 00:17:04.220 I'm glad that, 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:04.680 This, 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:05.000 This, 00:17:05.079 --> 00:17:05.100 This, 00:17:05.100 --> 00:17:07.640 This truth is here. 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:09.299 God is sovereign, 00:17:09.579 --> 00:17:10.460 Of all things. 00:17:11.059 --> 00:17:11.980 And God is sovereign, 00:17:12.120 --> 00:17:12.759 For all people. 00:17:13.120 --> 00:17:14.340 He will do whatever he wants. 00:17:14.740 --> 00:17:14.900 Right? 00:17:15.960 --> 00:17:16.900 His will, 00:17:17.079 --> 00:17:18.420 Does not depend on our prayer. 00:17:18.880 --> 00:17:19.079 Okay? 00:17:19.380 --> 00:17:19.559 True? 00:17:20.160 --> 00:17:20.600 Otherwise, 00:17:20.720 --> 00:17:21.480 It will be a horrible, 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:22.259 You know, 00:17:22.440 --> 00:17:23.160 The universe, 00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:24.220 Becoming a very horrible, 00:17:24.759 --> 00:17:25.220 Universe. 00:17:26.960 --> 00:17:28.660 God may say no to us, 00:17:29.160 --> 00:17:30.180 Because we are asking, 00:17:30.600 --> 00:17:31.519 With a wrong motive. 00:17:32.360 --> 00:17:33.539 Or a wrong reason. 00:17:34.860 --> 00:17:36.440 And God is not going to give, 00:17:37.680 --> 00:17:39.759 Us things that will hurt us. 00:17:40.279 --> 00:17:40.539 You know, 00:17:40.579 --> 00:17:41.660 Sometimes we pray for things, 00:17:41.660 --> 00:17:43.120 That actually hurt ourselves. 00:17:44.200 --> 00:17:44.460 Okay? 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:46.680 If you don't know, 00:17:46.920 --> 00:17:48.140 Just try to find out. 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:48.420 So, 00:17:48.539 --> 00:17:49.460 You will find something. 00:17:50.900 --> 00:17:51.980 Sometimes we ask, 00:17:52.380 --> 00:17:53.200 For the right thing. 00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:54.740 With the right motive. 00:17:55.279 --> 00:17:56.319 But God seems to, 00:17:57.259 --> 00:17:58.420 Still not, 00:17:58.759 --> 00:17:59.539 Answering our prayer. 00:18:00.360 --> 00:18:01.180 God seems to be, 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:01.840 Very silent. 00:18:04.160 --> 00:18:05.299 I don't know if you have, 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:06.319 That kind of experience. 00:18:06.880 --> 00:18:07.960 If you have that kind of, 00:18:08.039 --> 00:18:08.700 Experience. 00:18:08.700 --> 00:18:08.940 Experience. 00:18:09.779 --> 00:18:10.360 We are, 00:18:10.440 --> 00:18:10.980 We are in, 00:18:11.059 --> 00:18:11.519 No argue. 00:18:12.640 --> 00:18:13.080 But, 00:18:13.559 --> 00:18:14.500 You are not alone, 00:18:14.580 --> 00:18:15.539 If you look at the scripture. 00:18:17.000 --> 00:18:18.100 There are many saints, 00:18:18.279 --> 00:18:18.720 In the Bible, 00:18:19.480 --> 00:18:19.880 Actually, 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:21.380 Experience the same thing. 00:18:22.380 --> 00:18:23.240 They pray, 00:18:23.720 --> 00:18:24.700 With the right motive, 00:18:24.840 --> 00:18:25.559 For the right thing. 00:18:26.299 --> 00:18:26.759 But still, 00:18:26.920 --> 00:18:27.880 God is not answering. 00:18:29.380 --> 00:18:30.080 I take a, 00:18:30.080 --> 00:18:31.080 Good example of, 00:18:31.220 --> 00:18:31.420 Paul. 00:18:32.160 --> 00:18:33.120 Paul prayed for, 00:18:33.119 --> 00:18:35.659 God to remove, 00:18:35.739 --> 00:18:36.879 The thorn of the flesh, 00:18:37.699 --> 00:18:38.639 From his body. 00:18:39.839 --> 00:18:40.539 And God, 00:18:41.219 --> 00:18:42.479 Say no three times to him. 00:18:43.919 --> 00:18:44.439 Basically, 00:18:44.839 --> 00:18:45.339 The reason, 00:18:45.919 --> 00:18:47.139 Is that God wants to, 00:18:48.299 --> 00:18:50.339 Make Paul more reliance on him, 00:18:50.679 --> 00:18:51.659 In his ministry, 00:18:51.939 --> 00:18:53.239 In spite of his weakness. 00:18:54.819 --> 00:18:55.339 Second, 00:18:55.339 --> 00:18:56.579 Very good example, 00:18:56.899 --> 00:18:58.219 Is when Jesus prayed, 00:18:58.839 --> 00:19:00.599 The cup to remove from me. 00:19:01.399 --> 00:19:02.539 God did not answer. 00:19:03.119 --> 00:19:04.059 So, 00:19:09.239 --> 00:19:10.299 God's ways is higher, 00:19:10.879 --> 00:19:11.939 And his plan is higher. 00:19:13.439 --> 00:19:13.819 And, 00:19:13.979 --> 00:19:15.599 I am very comfortable with it. 00:19:16.039 --> 00:19:17.000 But when we pray, 00:19:17.199 --> 00:19:17.459 We are, 00:19:17.719 --> 00:19:18.579 We can assure that, 00:19:18.639 --> 00:19:19.559 God always, 00:19:19.739 --> 00:19:20.339 Gives the best, 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:21.559 For us. 00:19:23.539 --> 00:19:23.799 He, 00:19:24.599 --> 00:19:25.419 In, 00:19:25.419 --> 00:19:26.299 In Romans 8, 00:19:26.299 --> 00:19:26.779 28, 00:19:27.319 --> 00:19:27.619 It will, 00:19:27.879 --> 00:19:28.779 We affirm us, 00:19:29.039 --> 00:19:30.339 That God calls all things, 00:19:30.459 --> 00:19:31.139 To work for good, 00:19:31.459 --> 00:19:32.419 For those who love him. 00:19:32.420 --> 00:19:33.259 Right? 00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:33.840 This, 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:34.600 We affirm, 00:19:35.660 --> 00:19:37.320 That God is going to, 00:19:37.460 --> 00:19:38.759 Have the best interest, 00:19:38.940 --> 00:19:39.420 For ourselves, 00:19:39.539 --> 00:19:40.100 When we pray, 00:19:40.180 --> 00:19:41.000 Pray to him. 00:19:41.000 --> 00:19:44.880 I hope you find comfort, 00:19:45.000 --> 00:19:45.599 As I do, 00:19:46.539 --> 00:19:46.779 That, 00:19:47.359 --> 00:19:48.480 Knowing that God is, 00:19:48.619 --> 00:19:50.480 In control of our lives, 00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:51.400 Not ourselves. 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:52.460 Right? 00:19:52.740 --> 00:19:54.299 If you are not comfortable with it, 00:19:54.660 --> 00:19:55.400 You can ask, 00:19:56.140 --> 00:19:56.460 Niels, 00:19:56.660 --> 00:19:57.319 Niels, 00:19:57.579 --> 00:19:58.019 Or Kevin, 00:19:58.660 --> 00:20:00.039 They may be able to provide you, 00:20:00.099 --> 00:20:00.759 A better answer. 00:20:01.359 --> 00:20:02.700 But I am very comfortable. 00:20:02.700 --> 00:20:03.099 Okay, 00:20:03.099 --> 00:20:03.380 So, 00:20:03.380 --> 00:20:09.019 Let's get a little bit practical. 00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:12.299 What does it look like, 00:20:12.339 --> 00:20:13.400 To be a man of prayer? 00:20:14.259 --> 00:20:14.779 Or, 00:20:14.980 --> 00:20:16.299 A woman of prayer? 00:20:17.200 --> 00:20:17.420 Okay, 00:20:17.819 --> 00:20:18.779 A good way of looking, 00:20:19.359 --> 00:20:19.859 At prayer, 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:20.440 Is that, 00:20:21.119 --> 00:20:22.740 It is more of a Christian lifestyle, 00:20:22.859 --> 00:20:23.180 We adopt. 00:20:23.879 --> 00:20:24.539 When we pray, 00:20:24.619 --> 00:20:25.319 As an individual, 00:20:26.440 --> 00:20:27.900 First of all, 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:28.839 We set aside, 00:20:29.379 --> 00:20:30.220 Quality time, 00:20:30.559 --> 00:20:31.440 To pray with God. 00:20:32.400 --> 00:20:32.720 Okay, 00:20:33.019 --> 00:20:34.059 This is important, 00:20:34.119 --> 00:20:35.279 Because Jesus asks us, 00:20:36.059 --> 00:20:36.339 To, 00:20:36.519 --> 00:20:36.799 You know, 00:20:36.799 --> 00:20:38.119 Go to a private room, 00:20:38.299 --> 00:20:38.859 And pray, 00:20:39.960 --> 00:20:41.460 Or have a devotion time with him. 00:20:43.200 --> 00:20:43.599 So, 00:20:43.720 --> 00:20:44.399 Starting the day, 00:20:44.460 --> 00:20:45.779 With a devotion time with prayer, 00:20:46.539 --> 00:20:47.859 Really put a lot of things, 00:20:48.079 --> 00:20:49.359 Into a proper perspective, 00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:49.919 For the day. 00:20:50.460 --> 00:20:50.940 Try it, 00:20:51.079 --> 00:20:51.539 In the morning. 00:20:52.240 --> 00:20:52.579 I try, 00:20:52.960 --> 00:20:53.200 You know, 00:20:53.319 --> 00:20:53.740 I've been, 00:20:54.180 --> 00:20:55.359 Doing this for a long time. 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:56.839 But it is really helpful. 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:02.639 Pray unceasingly, 00:21:03.440 --> 00:21:04.299 During the day. 00:21:05.000 --> 00:21:05.259 Okay, 00:21:05.299 --> 00:21:06.299 We mentioned about this. 00:21:06.799 --> 00:21:08.159 But how does it look like, 00:21:08.299 --> 00:21:08.899 In real life? 00:21:09.879 --> 00:21:11.299 I'll give you some examples. 00:21:11.859 --> 00:21:12.539 When I wake up, 00:21:13.139 --> 00:21:14.700 We pray for God's mercy, 00:21:14.839 --> 00:21:15.720 To cover my day. 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:18.180 When we go to work, 00:21:18.940 --> 00:21:19.619 We ask, 00:21:20.200 --> 00:21:21.099 God's wisdom, 00:21:21.259 --> 00:21:21.899 To handle, 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:23.259 The task at hand. 00:21:24.379 --> 00:21:26.279 When we take care of our homes, 00:21:26.899 --> 00:21:28.319 We ask God for patience, 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:29.879 With our children. 00:21:31.039 --> 00:21:32.659 When we engage friends, 00:21:33.559 --> 00:21:35.240 We ask for graciousness, 00:21:35.240 --> 00:21:36.019 In our words. 00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:38.339 To build up one another. 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:40.899 And when we go to bed, 00:21:41.379 --> 00:21:41.980 What we do, 00:21:42.099 --> 00:21:42.759 What we are doing, 00:21:43.099 --> 00:21:44.240 We give thanks to God, 00:21:44.299 --> 00:21:44.819 For everything, 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:46.579 That he has provided us. 00:21:47.279 --> 00:21:47.919 So I, 00:21:47.919 --> 00:21:49.379 I hope you get the idea. 00:21:50.539 --> 00:21:51.559 And we should, 00:21:52.599 --> 00:21:53.240 Another thing, 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:54.579 I sometimes notice, 00:21:54.579 --> 00:21:55.200 I sometimes notice, 00:21:55.200 --> 00:21:55.880 When we pray, 00:21:56.319 --> 00:21:56.920 We pray, 00:21:57.680 --> 00:21:59.240 Without a specific request. 00:22:00.339 --> 00:22:00.519 Okay, 00:22:01.140 --> 00:22:02.700 So you simply pray God, 00:22:02.819 --> 00:22:03.640 To bless you, 00:22:03.880 --> 00:22:04.960 Without specifying, 00:22:05.680 --> 00:22:06.400 What you want God, 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:07.200 To bless you for. 00:22:08.019 --> 00:22:08.700 That's a problem. 00:22:08.920 --> 00:22:09.980 How would you expect, 00:22:10.420 --> 00:22:11.120 God to answer you? 00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:12.460 Alright, 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:12.940 So, 00:22:13.660 --> 00:22:15.440 Make sure you put your request, 00:22:15.700 --> 00:22:17.000 Specific request, 00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:17.819 In your prayer. 00:22:18.779 --> 00:22:20.259 So in Philippians 4, 6, 00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:21.819 Paul told us, 00:22:21.940 --> 00:22:23.559 Do not be anxious about anything, 00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:24.819 But in everything, 00:22:24.940 --> 00:22:26.039 By prayer and supplication, 00:22:26.140 --> 00:22:26.799 With thanksgiving, 00:22:27.279 --> 00:22:28.960 Let your specific request, 00:22:29.559 --> 00:22:30.460 Be known to God. 00:22:30.980 --> 00:22:31.980 Your specific request. 00:22:33.120 --> 00:22:33.940 It is through, 00:22:34.259 --> 00:22:34.960 Persistent, 00:22:35.299 --> 00:22:35.799 Asking, 00:22:35.920 --> 00:22:37.140 Of specific requests, 00:22:37.140 --> 00:22:38.320 God show us, 00:22:38.620 --> 00:22:39.660 How he operates, 00:22:40.020 --> 00:22:41.500 And how he provides to us. 00:22:42.180 --> 00:22:43.900 It is a wonderful experience. 00:22:45.040 --> 00:22:45.860 I just want to share, 00:22:45.940 --> 00:22:46.480 A little bit on, 00:22:47.520 --> 00:22:48.540 The fact that sometimes, 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:48.900 We do, 00:22:49.020 --> 00:22:50.820 We really do not want to pray. 00:22:51.980 --> 00:22:52.200 Okay, 00:22:52.320 --> 00:22:52.759 Sometimes, 00:22:52.960 --> 00:22:54.840 I experience that, 00:22:54.880 --> 00:22:55.820 I don't know if you want, 00:22:56.220 --> 00:22:57.740 You guys have that experience. 00:22:58.300 --> 00:22:58.759 Sometimes, 00:22:59.000 --> 00:23:00.259 We do not want to pray, 00:23:00.560 --> 00:23:01.620 And we do not know, 00:23:01.940 --> 00:23:02.400 What to pray. 00:23:03.759 --> 00:23:04.800 Especially in the time, 00:23:04.980 --> 00:23:05.420 When we are, 00:23:06.140 --> 00:23:06.380 You know, 00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:07.300 Far away from God. 00:23:08.360 --> 00:23:08.620 Okay, 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:10.840 But be sure that, 00:23:11.340 --> 00:23:13.000 Even during those times, 00:23:13.360 --> 00:23:13.920 The Holy Spirit, 00:23:14.080 --> 00:23:14.860 Is praying for us. 00:23:15.900 --> 00:23:16.080 Right? 00:23:17.140 --> 00:23:17.960 Roman 8, 00:23:18.060 --> 00:23:18.600 26, 00:23:19.100 --> 00:23:20.120 Paul made this point, 00:23:20.220 --> 00:23:20.800 Very clear. 00:23:21.020 --> 00:23:21.760 In the same way, 00:23:21.820 --> 00:23:22.520 The Spirit, 00:23:22.860 --> 00:23:24.160 Also help our witness. 00:23:24.800 --> 00:23:25.680 For we do not know, 00:23:25.780 --> 00:23:26.940 How to pray as we should, 00:23:27.300 --> 00:23:28.540 But the Spirit himself, 00:23:28.680 --> 00:23:29.720 In the seat for us, 00:23:29.820 --> 00:23:30.520 With groaning, 00:23:30.740 --> 00:23:31.800 Two deeps of words. 00:23:32.560 --> 00:23:33.880 So what does it really mean? 00:23:34.320 --> 00:23:35.080 I have an experience, 00:23:35.180 --> 00:23:36.160 I want to share with you. 00:23:36.380 --> 00:23:37.360 I recall, 00:23:37.920 --> 00:23:39.500 During the COVID outbreak, 00:23:40.240 --> 00:23:40.500 Okay? 00:23:41.620 --> 00:23:42.480 Where travel, 00:23:42.680 --> 00:23:43.880 Travel restriction, 00:23:44.180 --> 00:23:44.740 Is in place. 00:23:45.400 --> 00:23:46.760 I was so anxious, 00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:48.540 About my son, 00:23:48.780 --> 00:23:49.120 Jeremy, 00:23:49.840 --> 00:23:50.960 His first trip, 00:23:51.040 --> 00:23:51.720 Going to Canada, 00:23:52.440 --> 00:23:53.480 But all by himself, 00:23:54.700 --> 00:23:56.120 To start his college life. 00:23:57.120 --> 00:23:58.280 And I want to think, 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.700 All the things, 00:24:00.040 --> 00:24:00.900 In my own hands. 00:24:00.900 --> 00:24:03.519 If I'll be honest, 00:24:03.700 --> 00:24:04.860 I really did not want, 00:24:04.940 --> 00:24:06.000 To pray to God, 00:24:07.220 --> 00:24:08.700 Because I did not want, 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:09.320 To surrender, 00:24:09.920 --> 00:24:11.100 My view to his will. 00:24:11.800 --> 00:24:13.519 So I am kind of struggling, 00:24:14.820 --> 00:24:15.440 Suffering, 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:17.240 In our anxieties. 00:24:18.400 --> 00:24:19.460 But at that time, 00:24:20.160 --> 00:24:20.820 The Holy Spirit, 00:24:21.000 --> 00:24:21.420 In past, 00:24:21.640 --> 00:24:21.860 Appoint, 00:24:22.519 --> 00:24:22.960 My heart, 00:24:23.180 --> 00:24:24.720 A question from God. 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:27.740 So let me just try to read it, 00:24:28.039 --> 00:24:28.680 So that I won't. 00:24:31.259 --> 00:24:32.400 So God is, 00:24:32.880 --> 00:24:34.740 Basically asking me this question, 00:24:35.559 --> 00:24:36.299 Where were you, 00:24:36.400 --> 00:24:38.059 When I took care of Jeremy, 00:24:38.200 --> 00:24:38.660 All along, 00:24:39.180 --> 00:24:40.000 In his life? 00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:41.900 When you were, 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:43.339 Completely unaware. 00:24:43.339 --> 00:24:46.779 So it really opened my eyes, 00:24:47.519 --> 00:24:48.959 To see the comprehensiveness, 00:24:49.179 --> 00:24:49.879 Of God's love. 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:51.539 And I was, 00:24:53.199 --> 00:24:53.939 Of course, 00:24:54.759 --> 00:24:55.220 God, 00:24:55.859 --> 00:24:56.759 Brought me to, 00:24:57.240 --> 00:24:57.959 On my knees, 00:24:58.480 --> 00:24:59.019 For repentance, 00:24:59.339 --> 00:24:59.779 And also, 00:25:00.179 --> 00:25:00.959 My understanding, 00:25:01.199 --> 00:25:01.699 Of the, 00:25:02.199 --> 00:25:03.559 Death and breath of God, 00:25:04.179 --> 00:25:04.720 Is in a, 00:25:04.740 --> 00:25:05.539 In a different level. 00:25:06.539 --> 00:25:06.799 So, 00:25:07.159 --> 00:25:07.659 Sometimes, 00:25:08.179 --> 00:25:08.740 Holy Spirit, 00:25:08.859 --> 00:25:10.159 Will do things like this. 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:12.399 I still remember, 00:25:12.399 --> 00:25:13.240 Fast forward, 00:25:14.139 --> 00:25:15.059 To a few weeks ago, 00:25:15.899 --> 00:25:17.419 A similar worry came, 00:25:18.240 --> 00:25:18.859 I prayed, 00:25:19.559 --> 00:25:21.099 And was immediately reminded, 00:25:21.699 --> 00:25:22.919 Of my previous experience. 00:25:24.379 --> 00:25:25.539 The Spirit recalled, 00:25:25.639 --> 00:25:26.439 The same question, 00:25:26.599 --> 00:25:27.339 From God to me. 00:25:31.819 --> 00:25:32.379 And, 00:25:32.659 --> 00:25:33.299 In this time, 00:25:33.879 --> 00:25:35.319 I'm much better, 00:25:35.419 --> 00:25:35.959 Than last time. 00:25:36.699 --> 00:25:37.399 The worry, 00:25:37.740 --> 00:25:38.619 Did not bear, 00:25:38.740 --> 00:25:39.539 Any food in me. 00:25:40.099 --> 00:25:40.919 I slept, 00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:42.099 Like a pig. 00:25:43.339 --> 00:25:46.639 You see, 00:25:46.740 --> 00:25:47.339 The Holy Spirit, 00:25:47.579 --> 00:25:48.159 Is at work, 00:25:48.699 --> 00:25:49.759 In us all the time. 00:25:50.619 --> 00:25:51.619 When you are sensitive, 00:25:51.839 --> 00:25:53.159 To the leading of the Holy Spirit, 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:53.939 In your prayers, 00:25:54.439 --> 00:25:55.379 He will surprise you, 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:56.059 With how much, 00:25:56.139 --> 00:25:56.639 God loves, 00:25:56.720 --> 00:25:57.379 And cares for you. 00:25:57.380 --> 00:26:01.960 A man of prayer, 00:26:02.020 --> 00:26:02.760 A woman of prayer, 00:26:02.860 --> 00:26:03.680 Also participate, 00:26:03.820 --> 00:26:04.620 In a corporate prayer. 00:26:06.200 --> 00:26:06.600 Okay, 00:26:06.720 --> 00:26:07.440 We talk about, 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:07.980 Corporate prayer. 00:26:08.260 --> 00:26:09.060 We talk about, 00:26:09.180 --> 00:26:09.580 Watermark, 00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:10.320 Monthly, 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.180 Prayer Meeting. 00:26:12.540 --> 00:26:13.640 And I want to, 00:26:13.900 --> 00:26:14.760 Make sure that, 00:26:14.840 --> 00:26:15.480 You understand that, 00:26:15.560 --> 00:26:15.760 Jesus, 00:26:16.400 --> 00:26:17.180 In the Lord's prayer, 00:26:17.600 --> 00:26:17.920 Also, 00:26:18.060 --> 00:26:18.720 Has in mind, 00:26:19.020 --> 00:26:19.800 Of a community, 00:26:19.940 --> 00:26:20.440 Of believers. 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:22.600 When he asks us, 00:26:22.600 --> 00:26:23.180 To pray, 00:26:23.180 --> 00:26:26.680 Forgive us sins. 00:26:27.779 --> 00:26:28.519 Give us, 00:26:29.160 --> 00:26:29.940 A daily bread. 00:26:30.940 --> 00:26:31.120 Right? 00:26:31.400 --> 00:26:32.080 Lead us, 00:26:32.440 --> 00:26:33.400 Not into temptation. 00:26:34.759 --> 00:26:35.019 Jesus, 00:26:35.279 --> 00:26:36.220 Always has a, 00:26:36.340 --> 00:26:37.840 Community of believers, 00:26:38.120 --> 00:26:38.860 In his mind, 00:26:39.440 --> 00:26:40.420 When he taught, 00:26:40.660 --> 00:26:41.240 The believers, 00:26:41.880 --> 00:26:42.360 How to pray. 00:26:43.600 --> 00:26:43.860 Okay, 00:26:44.080 --> 00:26:44.279 So, 00:26:45.440 --> 00:26:46.400 In other words, 00:26:46.779 --> 00:26:47.420 Praying together, 00:26:47.420 --> 00:26:48.180 With brothers and sisters, 00:26:48.180 --> 00:26:49.000 Is very important. 00:26:49.539 --> 00:26:50.240 And this is what, 00:26:51.019 --> 00:26:52.160 Is in Jesus' mind, 00:26:52.160 --> 00:26:52.840 All the time. 00:26:54.140 --> 00:26:55.040 We could learn, 00:26:55.140 --> 00:26:56.160 How to engage, 00:26:56.740 --> 00:26:57.779 God from each other, 00:26:58.060 --> 00:26:58.900 Through corporate prayers. 00:27:00.140 --> 00:27:01.519 We can pray for each other, 00:27:01.740 --> 00:27:02.019 We can, 00:27:02.100 --> 00:27:03.040 Confess sins, 00:27:03.120 --> 00:27:03.700 With each other. 00:27:04.080 --> 00:27:04.300 You know, 00:27:04.340 --> 00:27:05.400 When you confess sins, 00:27:05.900 --> 00:27:06.580 Your prayer, 00:27:06.680 --> 00:27:07.900 Becomes much more effective. 00:27:08.840 --> 00:27:09.040 Okay, 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:10.019 James 5, 00:27:10.100 --> 00:27:10.519 16. 00:27:11.060 --> 00:27:12.200 James told the church, 00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:12.660 Therefore, 00:27:12.860 --> 00:27:13.880 Confess your sins, 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:14.700 To one another. 00:27:15.100 --> 00:27:16.440 And pray for one another, 00:27:16.440 --> 00:27:16.759 So, 00:27:16.759 --> 00:27:18.300 You may be healed. 00:27:19.320 --> 00:27:20.300 The effective prayer, 00:27:20.540 --> 00:27:21.460 Of a righteous man, 00:27:21.460 --> 00:27:22.960 Can accomplish much. 00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:24.460 So, 00:27:24.700 --> 00:27:26.019 I hope that you believe this. 00:27:26.700 --> 00:27:27.279 I hope that, 00:27:27.519 --> 00:27:28.640 When we confess sins, 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:29.259 With each other, 00:27:29.579 --> 00:27:30.600 We actually produce, 00:27:30.900 --> 00:27:31.579 Effective prayer. 00:27:33.539 --> 00:27:34.840 When we pray together, 00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:35.880 We also experience, 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:36.920 The power of prayer, 00:27:38.019 --> 00:27:38.600 In unity. 00:27:39.840 --> 00:27:40.100 So, 00:27:40.500 --> 00:27:41.480 We see this play out, 00:27:41.559 --> 00:27:42.120 In Acts 4, 00:27:42.579 --> 00:27:43.240 When the apostle, 00:27:43.240 --> 00:27:44.519 Was warned by the authority, 00:27:44.519 --> 00:27:45.799 Not to preach the gospel. 00:27:46.440 --> 00:27:47.620 And they came to the room, 00:27:48.059 --> 00:27:49.360 Praying with the brothers and sisters, 00:27:49.359 --> 00:27:50.479 And later on, 00:27:50.539 --> 00:27:51.819 God give them boldness, 00:27:51.939 --> 00:27:53.419 Including the brothers and sisters, 00:27:53.579 --> 00:27:54.859 That they invited to pray for. 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:56.500 To proclaim, 00:27:56.639 --> 00:27:57.639 The God gospel, 00:27:58.279 --> 00:27:59.679 Even in those circumstances. 00:28:00.179 --> 00:28:00.379 So, 00:28:00.439 --> 00:28:01.240 There's a power, 00:28:01.979 --> 00:28:03.179 In corporate prayer, 00:28:03.740 --> 00:28:04.539 When we pray, 00:28:04.679 --> 00:28:05.240 In unity. 00:28:05.240 --> 00:28:09.859 Of course, 00:28:10.259 --> 00:28:11.480 We also want to encourage you, 00:28:11.519 --> 00:28:12.740 To form some prayer partners, 00:28:13.420 --> 00:28:13.740 Because, 00:28:14.339 --> 00:28:15.099 Monthly prayer meeting, 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:16.160 Is not frequent enough, 00:28:16.460 --> 00:28:16.640 Kevin. 00:28:17.599 --> 00:28:18.019 And, 00:28:18.160 --> 00:28:20.900 And, 00:28:20.900 --> 00:28:22.220 And we need some prayer partners, 00:28:22.299 --> 00:28:23.599 So that when we need somebody, 00:28:23.680 --> 00:28:24.259 To pray with, 00:28:24.620 --> 00:28:25.319 We have somebody. 00:28:26.059 --> 00:28:26.299 Right, 00:28:26.299 --> 00:28:27.380 We can pray as often, 00:28:27.380 --> 00:28:28.299 As we need to. 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:29.420 Okay, 00:28:29.620 --> 00:28:30.519 It's very important. 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:31.779 So, 00:28:31.879 --> 00:28:32.200 I think, 00:28:32.299 --> 00:28:33.019 I'm all right. 00:28:34.720 --> 00:28:35.180 So, 00:28:35.299 --> 00:28:36.339 I just want to leave you, 00:28:36.539 --> 00:28:37.240 One more thoughts, 00:28:37.480 --> 00:28:38.079 One more thoughts, 00:28:38.460 --> 00:28:39.920 On the practicality of prayer. 00:28:40.960 --> 00:28:41.839 If I'm honest, 00:28:42.220 --> 00:28:42.819 How often, 00:28:43.139 --> 00:28:43.680 Do our prayer, 00:28:44.460 --> 00:28:45.579 Like lip service, 00:28:45.819 --> 00:28:48.039 I don't know if you feel like, 00:28:48.379 --> 00:28:49.279 We pray, 00:28:50.160 --> 00:28:50.700 For example, 00:28:51.139 --> 00:28:51.559 Oh God, 00:28:51.559 --> 00:28:52.920 May you bless the church, 00:28:53.139 --> 00:28:54.000 With care and love. 00:28:55.200 --> 00:28:56.079 And in our mind, 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:57.160 We actually are saying, 00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:57.680 God, 00:28:58.320 --> 00:28:59.880 Please let Kevin and News, 00:29:00.420 --> 00:29:01.360 Or someone else, 00:29:01.460 --> 00:29:02.220 In Watermark church, 00:29:02.320 --> 00:29:03.360 To love and care well, 00:29:03.420 --> 00:29:03.940 For the church. 00:29:06.259 --> 00:29:06.779 What, 00:29:06.960 --> 00:29:07.519 My point is, 00:29:07.640 --> 00:29:09.100 Apart from asking God, 00:29:09.620 --> 00:29:10.200 Our needs, 00:29:11.000 --> 00:29:11.680 Prayer is also, 00:29:11.759 --> 00:29:12.820 Responding to God, 00:29:12.920 --> 00:29:14.539 With our participation, 00:29:15.380 --> 00:29:16.740 To address the needs. 00:29:17.940 --> 00:29:18.200 Okay, 00:29:18.200 --> 00:29:18.820 So, 00:29:18.980 --> 00:29:19.820 When we pray, 00:29:20.519 --> 00:29:23.220 For his kingdom to come, 00:29:23.720 --> 00:29:25.019 We are also telling God, 00:29:25.420 --> 00:29:26.560 That we are offering ourselves, 00:29:26.559 --> 00:29:27.879 As a living sacrifice, 00:29:28.639 --> 00:29:29.960 To facilitate the coming, 00:29:30.039 --> 00:29:30.819 Of his kingdom, 00:29:31.819 --> 00:29:32.700 When we pray, 00:29:33.000 --> 00:29:34.419 For his will to be done, 00:29:35.159 --> 00:29:36.159 We are telling God, 00:29:36.240 --> 00:29:37.220 That we are surrender, 00:29:37.440 --> 00:29:38.659 Our will to your will, 00:29:38.919 --> 00:29:40.240 Our desire to your desire, 00:29:41.119 --> 00:29:41.399 So, 00:29:41.599 --> 00:29:42.519 If we are praying, 00:29:43.299 --> 00:29:43.879 Like this, 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:44.500 As a church, 00:29:44.619 --> 00:29:45.539 I'm sure our prayer, 00:29:45.940 --> 00:29:46.659 Will change us, 00:29:47.039 --> 00:29:48.059 And change the church, 00:29:48.859 --> 00:29:49.220 So, 00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:50.960 I want to stop here, 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:51.599 Because, 00:29:52.200 --> 00:29:52.720 Of time, 00:29:52.819 --> 00:29:54.179 But I want to leave you with, 00:29:54.799 --> 00:29:55.579 Maybe late, 00:29:55.579 --> 00:29:56.099 Next time, 00:29:56.759 --> 00:29:59.220 I still have a, 00:30:00.419 --> 00:30:01.779 So, 00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:03.980 Let's do a five minutes, 00:30:04.099 --> 00:30:04.639 Reflection, 00:30:05.460 --> 00:30:05.679 Okay, 00:30:05.799 --> 00:30:05.939 So, 00:30:06.039 --> 00:30:07.259 The reflection question, 00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:08.619 Is in your, 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:09.559 Hands out, 00:30:10.119 --> 00:30:12.899 And I put down some points, 00:30:13.319 --> 00:30:13.859 Some questions, 00:30:14.019 --> 00:30:14.599 To help you to, 00:30:14.599 --> 00:30:16.919 To help you to reflect on, 00:30:17.919 --> 00:30:18.439 You know, 00:30:18.519 --> 00:30:20.799 The importance of prayer, 00:30:20.980 --> 00:30:21.960 And how and why, 00:30:22.039 --> 00:30:22.699 It is essential, 00:30:22.819 --> 00:30:23.720 To our spiritual lives, 00:30:23.720 --> 00:30:24.680 So, 00:30:25.240 --> 00:30:26.559 Keep that five minutes, 00:30:26.759 --> 00:30:27.279 And our, 00:30:27.279 --> 00:30:29.319 News is going to come, 00:30:29.440 --> 00:30:30.440 And wrap this up, 00:30:30.440 --> 00:30:33.200 Great, 00:30:33.299 --> 00:30:34.440 Why don't we get back together, 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:35.519 And say, 00:30:35.620 --> 00:30:36.360 If you have a Bible, 00:30:36.900 --> 00:30:37.640 Turn or scroll, 00:30:37.799 --> 00:30:38.680 To Ephesians 3, 00:30:39.680 --> 00:30:40.600 I just want to, 00:30:40.940 --> 00:30:41.900 Close us with some, 00:30:41.980 --> 00:30:43.500 Final encouragement, 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:44.700 So, 00:30:44.700 --> 00:30:45.000 We've, 00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:45.019 We've, 00:30:45.019 --> 00:30:48.000 We've seen our mission impossible, 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:48.440 Right, 00:30:48.500 --> 00:30:49.059 We've seen, 00:30:49.160 --> 00:30:50.319 How difficult this is, 00:30:50.380 --> 00:30:51.299 Something we can never, 00:30:51.539 --> 00:30:52.500 Do by ourselves, 00:30:52.619 --> 00:30:53.819 We need the Holy Spirit's power, 00:30:54.819 --> 00:30:55.359 And, 00:30:55.539 --> 00:30:55.779 Well, 00:30:55.839 --> 00:30:56.539 We will only have, 00:30:56.619 --> 00:30:57.319 Holy Spirit's power, 00:30:57.420 --> 00:30:57.920 If we pray, 00:30:58.019 --> 00:30:58.980 And we will only pray, 00:30:59.059 --> 00:30:59.920 If we have faith, 00:31:00.079 --> 00:31:00.279 We, 00:31:00.279 --> 00:31:01.579 We really need to grow, 00:31:01.680 --> 00:31:02.440 In these things, 00:31:02.819 --> 00:31:04.420 But will God answer, 00:31:05.240 --> 00:31:07.079 Will he do this work in us, 00:31:07.920 --> 00:31:08.220 Well, 00:31:08.319 --> 00:31:09.099 I want to look at these, 00:31:09.099 --> 00:31:10.039 Last two verses, 00:31:10.200 --> 00:31:11.259 Of Ephesians 3, 00:31:11.980 --> 00:31:13.039 I think they're great, 00:31:13.180 --> 00:31:14.379 Verses 20 and 21, 00:31:14.660 --> 00:31:15.339 They're great, 00:31:15.399 --> 00:31:16.440 Because they come after, 00:31:16.940 --> 00:31:18.139 A prayer for the spirit, 00:31:18.259 --> 00:31:18.899 To change us, 00:31:19.079 --> 00:31:19.480 Which is, 00:31:19.859 --> 00:31:20.559 What we are, 00:31:21.000 --> 00:31:21.859 Talking about, 00:31:21.960 --> 00:31:22.819 And it comes before, 00:31:22.920 --> 00:31:23.700 This call to, 00:31:24.200 --> 00:31:24.859 Live a life, 00:31:24.980 --> 00:31:26.099 Worthy of our calling, 00:31:26.299 --> 00:31:27.399 Which seems so impossible, 00:31:27.400 --> 00:31:29.400 But this is what Paul, 00:31:29.960 --> 00:31:30.340 Prays, 00:31:30.460 --> 00:31:31.880 Verses 20 and 21, 00:31:32.220 --> 00:31:32.940 Ephesians 3, 00:31:33.540 --> 00:31:34.280 Now to him, 00:31:34.340 --> 00:31:35.160 Who is able, 00:31:35.420 --> 00:31:36.780 To do far more, 00:31:36.880 --> 00:31:37.680 Abundantly, 00:31:37.840 --> 00:31:39.000 Than all that we ask, 00:31:39.080 --> 00:31:39.580 Or think, 00:31:40.220 --> 00:31:41.259 According to the power, 00:31:41.440 --> 00:31:42.360 At work within us, 00:31:42.840 --> 00:31:43.759 To him be glory, 00:31:43.940 --> 00:31:44.660 In the church, 00:31:44.759 --> 00:31:45.780 And in Christ Jesus, 00:31:46.280 --> 00:31:47.640 Throughout all generations, 00:31:47.960 --> 00:31:48.720 Forever and ever, 00:31:49.320 --> 00:31:49.600 Amen, 00:31:50.440 --> 00:31:51.800 Now I just want to make, 00:31:51.920 --> 00:31:53.259 Two very simple, 00:31:53.320 --> 00:31:54.560 Encouragement from the verses, 00:31:54.880 --> 00:31:55.940 First of all, 00:31:55.940 --> 00:31:58.039 God is able, 00:31:58.519 --> 00:31:58.700 Right, 00:31:58.759 --> 00:32:00.080 That's very clearly, 00:32:00.080 --> 00:32:00.660 What it says, 00:32:00.920 --> 00:32:01.420 Now to him, 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:02.200 Who is able, 00:32:02.740 --> 00:32:03.860 God is able, 00:32:04.220 --> 00:32:04.860 To do this, 00:32:04.900 --> 00:32:05.799 He's able to do, 00:32:05.860 --> 00:32:07.000 What we ask, 00:32:07.160 --> 00:32:08.900 Not just a little bit able, 00:32:09.039 --> 00:32:09.200 Right, 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:11.340 He can do far more, 00:32:11.340 --> 00:32:12.180 Abundantly, 00:32:12.759 --> 00:32:13.900 Than all that we ask, 00:32:13.980 --> 00:32:14.480 Or think, 00:32:14.700 --> 00:32:15.500 So as we ask, 00:32:15.720 --> 00:32:17.019 To him to grow us, 00:32:17.080 --> 00:32:17.680 As he asks him, 00:32:17.720 --> 00:32:18.559 To change us, 00:32:18.920 --> 00:32:19.440 As we ask him, 00:32:19.440 --> 00:32:20.140 To work through us, 00:32:20.160 --> 00:32:21.360 He can do far more, 00:32:21.900 --> 00:32:22.420 Than we ask, 00:32:22.460 --> 00:32:22.860 Or think, 00:32:23.180 --> 00:32:23.500 And I know, 00:32:23.519 --> 00:32:24.740 These are popular verses, 00:32:24.740 --> 00:32:25.900 Of course, 00:32:25.980 --> 00:32:27.220 We can apply them, 00:32:27.299 --> 00:32:27.819 To everything, 00:32:28.059 --> 00:32:28.259 Right, 00:32:28.299 --> 00:32:29.180 A few days ago, 00:32:29.240 --> 00:32:30.339 I was praying these verses, 00:32:30.859 --> 00:32:31.880 About our venue search, 00:32:32.039 --> 00:32:32.200 Right, 00:32:32.220 --> 00:32:33.660 I can think of a great venue, 00:32:34.259 --> 00:32:34.599 You know, 00:32:34.819 --> 00:32:35.339 Well, 00:32:35.440 --> 00:32:36.460 God can do far more, 00:32:36.539 --> 00:32:37.299 Abundantly than that, 00:32:37.380 --> 00:32:38.279 God can provide, 00:32:39.279 --> 00:32:39.539 You know, 00:32:39.579 --> 00:32:40.339 He's taking his time, 00:32:40.839 --> 00:32:41.079 But, 00:32:41.259 --> 00:32:42.720 Right, 00:32:43.519 --> 00:32:44.220 But actually, 00:32:44.279 --> 00:32:45.519 That's not what's in Paul's mind, 00:32:45.599 --> 00:32:46.880 He's not thinking of venues, 00:32:47.059 --> 00:32:48.180 What is he thinking about? 00:32:48.819 --> 00:32:49.259 Well, 00:32:49.519 --> 00:32:50.980 According to the power, 00:32:51.079 --> 00:32:52.620 At work within us, 00:32:52.619 --> 00:32:54.559 Paul is thinking of, 00:32:55.179 --> 00:32:56.719 God's work inside us, 00:32:57.359 --> 00:32:58.759 God's work by the spirit, 00:32:58.959 --> 00:32:59.859 In our hearts, 00:33:00.399 --> 00:33:01.719 Changing us, 00:33:02.099 --> 00:33:03.619 Making us live a life, 00:33:03.699 --> 00:33:04.879 Worthy of his calling, 00:33:05.419 --> 00:33:05.619 Right, 00:33:05.759 --> 00:33:06.359 That is, 00:33:06.779 --> 00:33:08.099 What he is thinking of, 00:33:08.179 --> 00:33:08.699 God is, 00:33:08.979 --> 00:33:10.199 More than able, 00:33:10.399 --> 00:33:11.099 To change us, 00:33:11.159 --> 00:33:12.019 Maybe you're struggling, 00:33:12.019 --> 00:33:12.679 With love, 00:33:13.159 --> 00:33:13.819 You're struggling, 00:33:13.819 --> 00:33:14.639 With patience, 00:33:15.719 --> 00:33:16.359 And you ask, 00:33:16.539 --> 00:33:16.759 The Lord, 00:33:16.879 --> 00:33:17.559 Change me, 00:33:17.699 --> 00:33:17.839 Well, 00:33:17.859 --> 00:33:19.079 Can we pray that in faith? 00:33:19.239 --> 00:33:19.579 Yes, 00:33:19.579 --> 00:33:21.859 The God who can create, 00:33:22.000 --> 00:33:22.639 A whole universe, 00:33:22.740 --> 00:33:23.220 Out of nothing, 00:33:23.980 --> 00:33:25.480 The God who can raise the dead, 00:33:26.079 --> 00:33:27.779 That God can change your heart, 00:33:28.240 --> 00:33:29.819 Even though you can't do it yourself, 00:33:29.960 --> 00:33:30.799 God is able, 00:33:31.000 --> 00:33:32.139 He can work in our hearts, 00:33:32.500 --> 00:33:33.899 He can make us the ambassadors, 00:33:34.099 --> 00:33:34.759 We need to be, 00:33:34.980 --> 00:33:36.539 He can work in other people's hearts, 00:33:36.599 --> 00:33:37.500 To bring them to Christ, 00:33:37.599 --> 00:33:38.799 God is able, 00:33:39.799 --> 00:33:40.019 And, 00:33:40.179 --> 00:33:40.599 Second, 00:33:40.899 --> 00:33:42.000 Not just God is able, 00:33:42.919 --> 00:33:43.079 Of course, 00:33:43.099 --> 00:33:43.919 Able is one thing, 00:33:44.000 --> 00:33:44.379 But second, 00:33:44.519 --> 00:33:45.679 God is willing, 00:33:46.419 --> 00:33:47.879 God wants us to grow, 00:33:47.880 --> 00:33:48.500 And change, 00:33:48.620 --> 00:33:48.820 Right? 00:33:49.560 --> 00:33:50.400 Partially what he, 00:33:50.400 --> 00:33:51.200 He tells us to, 00:33:51.720 --> 00:33:53.020 So it must be, 00:33:53.220 --> 00:33:54.300 It must be possible, 00:33:54.760 --> 00:33:56.080 But look at what Paul prays, 00:33:56.580 --> 00:33:57.940 To him be glory, 00:33:58.440 --> 00:33:59.380 In the church, 00:33:59.660 --> 00:34:00.500 And in Christ Jesus, 00:34:01.360 --> 00:34:02.640 Now this is different from growth, 00:34:02.700 --> 00:34:03.560 But it's related, 00:34:03.700 --> 00:34:03.880 Right? 00:34:05.100 --> 00:34:06.720 God's glory is involved, 00:34:07.220 --> 00:34:08.200 When we pray, 00:34:08.380 --> 00:34:09.539 God is glorified, 00:34:09.680 --> 00:34:10.200 When we, 00:34:10.660 --> 00:34:11.000 You know, 00:34:11.099 --> 00:34:12.760 When we do good deeds, 00:34:12.940 --> 00:34:13.780 And people see that, 00:34:13.860 --> 00:34:15.300 God is glorified, 00:34:15.500 --> 00:34:15.720 So, 00:34:16.180 --> 00:34:16.539 In a way, 00:34:16.539 --> 00:34:17.360 We are asking, 00:34:18.019 --> 00:34:19.460 Things to do with God's glory, 00:34:20.380 --> 00:34:21.079 And as we all know, 00:34:21.139 --> 00:34:22.559 That's very close to God's heart, 00:34:22.639 --> 00:34:22.779 Right? 00:34:23.219 --> 00:34:24.099 God does everything, 00:34:24.219 --> 00:34:25.699 For the praise of his glory, 00:34:26.139 --> 00:34:27.019 That is ultimate, 00:34:27.739 --> 00:34:28.880 God will do everything, 00:34:29.239 --> 00:34:30.179 For his glory, 00:34:30.340 --> 00:34:31.380 And so if we ask him, 00:34:31.380 --> 00:34:32.320 To change us, 00:34:32.840 --> 00:34:33.779 Well we are asking God, 00:34:33.840 --> 00:34:34.759 To glorify himself, 00:34:35.019 --> 00:34:35.759 And he will do that, 00:34:35.820 --> 00:34:35.940 Right? 00:34:36.320 --> 00:34:37.659 That's very close to his heart, 00:34:37.739 --> 00:34:38.920 So maybe you're struggling, 00:34:39.059 --> 00:34:39.800 With some sin, 00:34:40.239 --> 00:34:41.360 Will God change me? 00:34:41.460 --> 00:34:42.279 Does God want to, 00:34:42.480 --> 00:34:43.179 Want that? 00:34:43.279 --> 00:34:43.779 Well maybe, 00:34:43.880 --> 00:34:44.320 You're not sure, 00:34:44.400 --> 00:34:44.639 But actually, 00:34:44.639 --> 00:34:46.460 Does God want to be glorified, 00:34:46.539 --> 00:34:47.119 In your life? 00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:48.739 He wants to, 00:34:48.920 --> 00:34:49.099 Right? 00:34:49.440 --> 00:34:50.219 We know that, 00:34:50.359 --> 00:34:51.159 That's what he wants, 00:34:51.239 --> 00:34:51.619 And so, 00:34:52.119 --> 00:34:52.599 We know, 00:34:52.739 --> 00:34:54.299 We will do this, 00:34:54.379 --> 00:34:54.599 Right? 00:34:55.079 --> 00:34:56.259 He wants us to be, 00:34:56.319 --> 00:34:57.839 This beautiful billboard, 00:34:58.239 --> 00:34:59.500 Advertising his plan, 00:34:59.579 --> 00:35:00.679 He wants us to be, 00:35:00.920 --> 00:35:01.539 Ambassadors, 00:35:01.859 --> 00:35:04.079 Who beautifully represent him, 00:35:04.359 --> 00:35:05.239 In all the places, 00:35:05.379 --> 00:35:05.779 In Hong Kong, 00:35:05.859 --> 00:35:06.719 Where he sends us, 00:35:07.299 --> 00:35:08.259 We know that, 00:35:08.359 --> 00:35:08.579 Right? 00:35:08.579 --> 00:35:10.059 And God, 00:35:10.159 --> 00:35:10.960 Of course doesn't, 00:35:11.500 --> 00:35:12.380 Answer directly, 00:35:12.480 --> 00:35:13.099 He doesn't make us, 00:35:13.199 --> 00:35:13.639 All perfect, 00:35:13.819 --> 00:35:15.000 He wants us to be dependent, 00:35:15.219 --> 00:35:15.400 But, 00:35:15.960 --> 00:35:16.259 You know, 00:35:16.480 --> 00:35:17.079 We are praying, 00:35:17.199 --> 00:35:18.059 For the Holy Spirit, 00:35:18.279 --> 00:35:18.900 To change us, 00:35:18.940 --> 00:35:19.059 Right? 00:35:19.099 --> 00:35:19.840 To make us holy, 00:35:20.579 --> 00:35:21.500 Will the Holy Spirit, 00:35:21.599 --> 00:35:22.059 Make us holy? 00:35:22.159 --> 00:35:22.559 Of course, 00:35:22.619 --> 00:35:22.779 Right? 00:35:23.360 --> 00:35:24.519 So God is able, 00:35:24.659 --> 00:35:25.420 And God is willing, 00:35:26.000 --> 00:35:27.400 And so don't give up hope, 00:35:27.480 --> 00:35:27.679 Right? 00:35:27.759 --> 00:35:28.980 You can change, 00:35:29.119 --> 00:35:30.239 We can change, 00:35:30.880 --> 00:35:32.199 We can grow in this, 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:33.739 And we can go, 00:35:33.860 --> 00:35:34.400 For this mission, 00:35:34.500 --> 00:35:35.219 God is able, 00:35:35.219 --> 00:35:36.059 To help us, 00:35:36.420 --> 00:35:37.099 God is willing, 00:35:37.099 --> 00:35:37.860 To help us, 00:35:37.940 --> 00:35:38.579 By the power, 00:35:38.739 --> 00:35:39.519 Of his Holy Spirit, 00:35:40.380 --> 00:35:41.139 When we pray, 00:35:41.480 --> 00:35:42.039 In faith, 00:35:42.099 --> 00:35:42.659 And then he'll do, 00:35:42.819 --> 00:35:43.599 Amazing things, 00:35:43.699 --> 00:35:44.679 In each of our hearts, 00:35:45.279 --> 00:35:46.699 And in our church, 00:35:46.940 --> 00:35:47.519 To the praise, 00:35:47.559 --> 00:35:48.239 Of his glory, 00:35:49.079 --> 00:35:49.440 Amen, 00:35:50.199 --> 00:35:51.420 Why don't I, 00:35:51.739 --> 00:35:52.519 Lead us in prayer, 00:35:53.039 --> 00:35:53.759 I think that sounds, 00:35:53.839 --> 00:35:54.799 Very appropriate, 00:35:55.420 --> 00:36:00.339 Our father, 00:36:00.460 --> 00:36:01.579 These are such big things, 00:36:01.579 --> 00:36:02.380 That we're asking, 00:36:03.159 --> 00:36:03.880 And yet we pray, 00:36:03.980 --> 00:36:04.420 To a God, 00:36:04.480 --> 00:36:05.299 Who is even bigger, 00:36:06.219 --> 00:36:06.639 A God, 00:36:06.639 --> 00:36:07.859 Who made the universe, 00:36:08.079 --> 00:36:08.480 And therefore, 00:36:08.799 --> 00:36:09.500 Has the power, 00:36:10.079 --> 00:36:10.759 To change us, 00:36:10.819 --> 00:36:11.400 To make us, 00:36:11.900 --> 00:36:12.519 The church, 00:36:12.739 --> 00:36:13.679 You want us to be, 00:36:13.739 --> 00:36:15.059 A church that fully relies, 00:36:15.119 --> 00:36:15.739 On the spirit, 00:36:15.920 --> 00:36:17.179 And by the spirit's power, 00:36:17.839 --> 00:36:18.699 Lives, 00:36:18.879 --> 00:36:19.339 And loves, 00:36:19.460 --> 00:36:20.239 Here in Hong Kong, 00:36:20.400 --> 00:36:21.539 A church that, 00:36:21.980 --> 00:36:22.480 Prays, 00:36:22.579 --> 00:36:23.900 A church that sees you, 00:36:24.379 --> 00:36:25.599 That has faith in you, 00:36:25.659 --> 00:36:26.279 And therefore, 00:36:26.659 --> 00:36:27.639 Shries out to you, 00:36:27.719 --> 00:36:28.539 Unceasingly, 00:36:28.619 --> 00:36:29.139 Constantly, 00:36:29.420 --> 00:36:29.819 Father, 00:36:29.819 --> 00:36:31.079 We can't do this ourselves, 00:36:31.779 --> 00:36:32.579 By ourselves, 00:36:32.579 --> 00:36:33.440 We can do nothing, 00:36:34.539 --> 00:36:35.279 But, 00:36:35.599 --> 00:36:36.179 You can, 00:36:36.259 --> 00:36:36.940 You are able, 00:36:37.400 --> 00:36:38.099 And you are willing, 00:36:38.259 --> 00:36:39.099 And so we lay hold, 00:36:39.239 --> 00:36:40.000 On that in faith, 00:36:40.739 --> 00:36:41.699 Make us the church, 00:36:41.799 --> 00:36:42.559 You want us to be, 00:36:43.059 --> 00:36:43.679 For your, 00:36:44.159 --> 00:36:44.900 Great glory, 00:36:45.739 --> 00:36:46.000 Amen, 00:36:46.559 --> 00:36:47.799 Amen, 00:36:47.799 --> 00:36:47.860 Amen, 00:36:47.860 --> 00:36:48.000 Amen,