WEBVTT 00:00:00.540 --> 00:00:06.600 Heavenly Father, we come before you this morning as a congregation in order to bring worship and glory to your name, 00:00:07.400 --> 00:00:11.859 in order to be washed in the good news of the gospel, and in order to encounter you, the living God. 00:00:12.839 --> 00:00:15.179 You, O God, are the source of all true life. 00:00:15.820 --> 00:00:19.080 You, O God, are the living waters that our thirsty souls long for. 00:00:19.760 --> 00:00:23.039 You are the true bread of life that will satisfy our heart's desires. 00:00:23.039 --> 00:00:31.379 And, God, while we are tempted to look for love and affection and rest and meaning in so many places and in so many people, 00:00:32.060 --> 00:00:36.519 God, won't you open our eyes to see that all we need and all we long for is found in you. 00:00:37.280 --> 00:00:40.420 Holy Spirit, come and open the eyes of our hearts to see you. 00:00:40.519 --> 00:00:46.219 Give us spiritual revelation that we might know you and be found in you and find our rest in you, we pray. 00:00:46.219 --> 00:00:53.839 Father, as we consider prayer, we do confess that, God, we are so often busy with our own agendas, 00:00:54.619 --> 00:00:59.700 too busy working on our own lives, too self-sufficient to stop and wait on you. 00:01:00.500 --> 00:01:04.359 Father, we acknowledge that our hearts are often set on our own programs, 00:01:05.099 --> 00:01:08.799 too often approach prayer and approach you as just a means to an end, 00:01:08.799 --> 00:01:13.980 to help us achieve our agenda, to help us get through life as we desire it. 00:01:13.980 --> 00:01:19.740 God, we often come to you for assistance, not for worship or delight or satisfaction. 00:01:20.100 --> 00:01:23.320 And, God, we confess this sin and we ask you to forgive us. 00:01:24.260 --> 00:01:26.800 Forgive us for using you to build our own kingdoms. 00:01:27.100 --> 00:01:28.480 Forgive us for our prayerlessness. 00:01:29.579 --> 00:01:31.080 Forgive us for our self-sufficiency. 00:01:32.659 --> 00:01:36.700 Father, this morning we want to come and rest in you and know you deeper. 00:01:37.280 --> 00:01:38.460 We want to encounter you. 00:01:38.580 --> 00:01:41.700 We want the hope of the gospel to be written deep in our hearts. 00:01:41.700 --> 00:01:44.439 Come and do that by your spirit, we pray. 00:01:45.740 --> 00:01:47.859 And, Lord, this morning we also pray for our city. 00:01:47.960 --> 00:01:50.159 We want to pray for the various churches in Hong Kong. 00:01:50.560 --> 00:01:53.159 We bring before you the church in Hong Kong this morning, 00:01:53.340 --> 00:01:58.900 and we ask for your favor and the power of the Holy Spirit to rest upon the church of our city, God. 00:01:59.320 --> 00:02:02.540 We pray for each and every congregation that's gathered this morning. 00:02:02.700 --> 00:02:05.340 May your word be preached with power and conviction. 00:02:05.859 --> 00:02:09.699 May worship be genuine and joyful and celebratory, God. 00:02:09.699 --> 00:02:16.459 May we pray, God, for our brothers and sisters, and we pray for ourselves that your gospel will be written deeply on our hearts, 00:02:17.039 --> 00:02:21.000 that your gospel will displace insignificant idols and false gods. 00:02:21.159 --> 00:02:25.359 God, in our city, Lord, in our churches, in ourselves, come and do this, we pray. 00:02:26.539 --> 00:02:31.039 We pray, O God, that the church of Hong Kong will take your great commission seriously. 00:02:31.039 --> 00:02:38.039 We pray for unity across the churches, for English speaking, Canto speaking, Mandarin speaking, Tagali speaking. 00:02:38.159 --> 00:02:41.299 God, help us to love and serve one another together, we pray. 00:02:42.280 --> 00:02:47.259 And then, Lord, lastly, we ask for your Holy Spirit to come and revive us as a city, God. 00:02:47.299 --> 00:02:51.859 We pray for the powerful wind of the Spirit to blow through Hong Kong and through our church. 00:02:51.860 --> 00:03:03.200 God, we pray for radical conversions and testimonies of men and women getting born again, for relationships to be healed, for restoration, for prayer and adoration to grip our hearts. 00:03:03.400 --> 00:03:05.480 God, we pray, come and revive us, Lord. 00:03:06.120 --> 00:03:08.400 Send revival to Hong Kong, we pray, God. 00:03:09.340 --> 00:03:10.720 Come and do it in your name, God. 00:03:10.780 --> 00:03:12.100 Come and glorify your name. 00:03:12.180 --> 00:03:13.500 Lord, we long for revival. 00:03:13.640 --> 00:03:17.040 We long to see Hong Kong swept in a wave of your Holy Spirit, God. 00:03:17.140 --> 00:03:18.580 Come and do it, we pray, Lord. 00:03:18.580 --> 00:03:21.900 God, we pray because we cannot do it on our own. 00:03:22.640 --> 00:03:24.580 We cannot manufacture or produce it. 00:03:24.640 --> 00:03:25.680 We need you, God. 00:03:26.960 --> 00:03:31.480 And so, Father, while we so often get it wrong, our heart's desire is to see your glory. 00:03:32.620 --> 00:03:33.980 Glorify your name, we pray. 00:03:34.700 --> 00:03:39.340 May your name be exalted in our church and in our city and in our hearts, God. 00:03:39.439 --> 00:03:42.720 Not to us, O God, not to us, but to your name give the glory. 00:03:43.640 --> 00:03:44.720 Help us to live for you. 00:03:44.719 --> 00:03:48.680 In your beautiful and gracious name, we pray these things. 00:03:49.460 --> 00:03:49.719 Amen. 00:03:50.319 --> 00:03:50.620 Amen. 00:03:50.759 --> 00:03:54.400 Let's listen to God's word being read to us by Betty this morning. 00:03:59.099 --> 00:04:03.300 The scripture reading comes from Ephesians chapters 1 and 3. 00:04:03.699 --> 00:04:06.439 Please follow along in your bulletins or on the screen. 00:04:06.439 --> 00:04:14.419 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 00:04:14.840 --> 00:04:19.800 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 00:04:20.360 --> 00:04:24.240 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, 00:04:24.779 --> 00:04:29.199 may give you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation and the knowledge of him. 00:04:29.920 --> 00:04:32.180 Having the eyes of your heart enlightened, 00:04:32.180 --> 00:04:36.220 that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you. 00:04:36.860 --> 00:04:40.579 What are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints? 00:04:41.120 --> 00:04:46.079 And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe? 00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:51.079 According to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ, 00:04:51.240 --> 00:04:57.560 when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places. 00:04:57.560 --> 00:05:25.519 For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, 00:05:25.519 --> 00:05:29.659 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 00:05:30.139 --> 00:05:32.500 that according to the riches of his glory, 00:05:32.799 --> 00:05:38.479 he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his spirit in your inner being, 00:05:38.839 --> 00:05:42.859 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, 00:05:43.399 --> 00:05:46.199 that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 00:05:46.459 --> 00:05:50.139 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints 00:05:50.139 --> 00:05:54.759 what is the breadth and the length and the height and the depth, 00:05:54.759 --> 00:05:58.699 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, 00:05:59.180 --> 00:06:02.539 that you may be filled with the fullness of God. 00:06:03.279 --> 00:06:09.360 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, 00:06:09.759 --> 00:06:12.159 according to the power at work within us, 00:06:12.160 --> 00:06:18.740 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, 00:06:19.500 --> 00:06:21.320 forever and ever. Amen. 00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:23.320 This is the word of God. 00:06:23.880 --> 00:06:25.340 Great. Thank you, Betty. 00:06:26.420 --> 00:06:28.379 Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down. 00:06:28.700 --> 00:06:29.000 Okay. 00:06:29.800 --> 00:06:34.120 Well, this morning, I'm very excited to continue our series on prayer. 00:06:34.639 --> 00:06:38.860 If you are new to Watermark, let me just tell you where we are as a church. 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:41.139 We are working our way through Matthew's gospel, 00:06:41.840 --> 00:06:43.360 and we are in the Sermon on the Mount. 00:06:43.920 --> 00:06:46.199 And at various points in the Sermon on the Mount, 00:06:46.300 --> 00:06:47.959 as we come to a specific theme, 00:06:48.040 --> 00:06:52.360 we are going to pause over that theme and just consider it in a little more depth. 00:06:52.759 --> 00:06:54.280 And so we did this a few weeks ago 00:06:54.280 --> 00:06:59.139 when we heard about Jesus sending out his disciples as salt and light into the world. 00:06:59.660 --> 00:07:01.060 And so for three or four weeks, 00:07:01.060 --> 00:07:04.660 we considered what does it mean that Christ sends out his followers 00:07:04.660 --> 00:07:07.579 as ambassadors and missionaries into the city. 00:07:07.780 --> 00:07:09.980 And then we jumped back into the Sermon on the Mount, 00:07:10.040 --> 00:07:11.639 and we continued for a few more weeks. 00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:14.860 And then last week, Chris got to Matthew chapter 6, 00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:16.639 where Jesus teaches us how to pray. 00:07:17.240 --> 00:07:19.199 And because prayer is such an important theme, 00:07:19.560 --> 00:07:21.879 again, we said let's pause here for a couple of weeks 00:07:21.879 --> 00:07:23.959 and just consider this theme of prayer. 00:07:24.060 --> 00:07:25.720 And so that's where we are today. 00:07:26.180 --> 00:07:27.860 Now, next Sunday, I'm very excited. 00:07:27.980 --> 00:07:30.319 We've got a guest preacher who's going to be with us. 00:07:30.319 --> 00:07:32.620 And so I'm very excited about that 00:07:32.620 --> 00:07:35.180 and encourage you to come and listen to that. 00:07:36.920 --> 00:07:41.319 Last week, Chris started off this mini-series on prayer 00:07:41.319 --> 00:07:43.000 by looking at Matthew chapter 6. 00:07:43.759 --> 00:07:45.100 And we saw in Matthew 6, 00:07:45.240 --> 00:07:47.560 Jesus teaches us firstly how not to pray. 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:51.879 The first way not to pray is to pray as a religious act, 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:54.899 just something we do in order to be seen by others. 00:07:55.279 --> 00:07:56.759 And the second thing is Jesus says, 00:07:56.980 --> 00:07:59.259 don't pray just as a religious ritual. 00:07:59.259 --> 00:08:02.500 In other words, you say many sophisticated in words 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:04.920 and you think that God will hear you for your many words, 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:07.399 but actually you're not connecting with Him. 00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:10.000 The true biblical prayer Chris taught us 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:13.579 is to come to God in relationship as our Father. 00:08:14.180 --> 00:08:18.219 And we come to Him as the sovereign, majestic Lord of all creation. 00:08:18.459 --> 00:08:20.139 Remember, our Father who is in heaven, 00:08:20.579 --> 00:08:22.599 the one who brought all things into existence. 00:08:23.079 --> 00:08:26.920 But we also come to Him with boldness and confidence 00:08:26.920 --> 00:08:28.100 because He is our Father. 00:08:28.600 --> 00:08:32.300 And this really is the ground and the foundation of all prayer. 00:08:32.680 --> 00:08:36.320 That we come to the majestic God with awe and reverence, 00:08:36.460 --> 00:08:40.379 but we come to Him with boldness and confidence at the same time. 00:08:41.019 --> 00:08:42.379 And so that was last week, 00:08:42.440 --> 00:08:44.000 the ground and the foundation of prayer. 00:08:44.340 --> 00:08:47.480 This morning, I want to urge us and exhort us 00:08:47.480 --> 00:08:50.779 of the necessity and the importance of prayer. 00:08:50.779 --> 00:08:53.339 And so the big idea for this morning is this, 00:08:53.799 --> 00:08:57.299 that in many ways the health and the strength 00:08:57.299 --> 00:09:00.439 and the fruitfulness of Watermark Church going forward, 00:09:00.699 --> 00:09:05.799 in many ways is going to be dependent upon us being a praying church. 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:09.059 And therefore I want to urge us and exhort us 00:09:09.059 --> 00:09:11.740 to be a church which is marked by prayerfulness 00:09:11.740 --> 00:09:14.899 rather than self-sufficiency and prayerlessness. 00:09:15.279 --> 00:09:16.319 Okay, let me say that again, 00:09:16.459 --> 00:09:17.439 because this is the big idea. 00:09:17.440 --> 00:09:20.760 That in many ways the health and the steadfastness 00:09:20.760 --> 00:09:24.020 and the strength and the fruitfulness of Watermark Church going forward 00:09:24.020 --> 00:09:27.820 is going to depend on our prayerfulness as a church. 00:09:28.420 --> 00:09:30.940 And therefore I want to exhort us to be a church 00:09:30.940 --> 00:09:34.640 which is marked by much consistent, persistent prayer 00:09:34.640 --> 00:09:37.900 rather than self-sufficiency and prayerlessness. 00:09:38.340 --> 00:09:39.700 Okay, did you get that? 00:09:40.380 --> 00:09:43.800 Now, when I say we must pray as a church, 00:09:44.500 --> 00:09:47.280 I mean it in one way and not in another way. 00:09:47.440 --> 00:09:52.220 We must pray like we must breathe air or oxygen. 00:09:52.700 --> 00:09:56.260 Okay, not like we must pay our taxes. 00:09:57.300 --> 00:09:58.780 What I mean by that is this. 00:09:59.140 --> 00:10:01.320 We all know that we must pay our taxes. 00:10:01.500 --> 00:10:03.140 Paying our taxes is a good thing to do. 00:10:03.320 --> 00:10:04.320 It's the right thing to do. 00:10:04.660 --> 00:10:08.380 But my guess is that most of us do it semi-begrudgingly. 00:10:08.560 --> 00:10:10.820 We do it because it's our obligation. 00:10:11.240 --> 00:10:13.920 We do it because there are penalties if we don't do it. 00:10:14.160 --> 00:10:15.600 And it's the right thing to do. 00:10:16.300 --> 00:10:18.279 Sometimes we can approach prayer like that. 00:10:18.500 --> 00:10:20.560 It's kind of like our Christian text, right? 00:10:20.960 --> 00:10:23.200 It's like we don't really delight in doing it, 00:10:23.420 --> 00:10:24.860 but we know it's the right thing to do. 00:10:24.940 --> 00:10:26.600 It kind of comes with the territory. 00:10:27.500 --> 00:10:29.279 That's not how we must pray. 00:10:29.800 --> 00:10:35.120 We must be a church that prays like we must breathe air and breathe oxygen 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:38.980 because without it, our spiritual lives are going to suffocate. 00:10:39.420 --> 00:10:41.019 We're going to shrivel up and die. 00:10:41.019 --> 00:10:41.919 Does that make sense? 00:10:42.579 --> 00:10:43.419 Okay, great. 00:10:43.699 --> 00:10:45.500 So this is what I want to urge us. 00:10:45.579 --> 00:10:49.159 We must be a church which is marked by prayer. 00:10:49.659 --> 00:10:53.819 And to do that, I want us to consider this magnificent prayer of the Apostle Paul 00:10:53.819 --> 00:10:57.399 in Ephesians chapter 1 and Ephesians chapter 3. 00:10:58.039 --> 00:11:01.639 Now, this passage is very rich and very deep. 00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:04.779 We're going to just skim the surface because otherwise we're going to be here all day. 00:11:04.779 --> 00:11:10.720 But let's dive in and take a look at what we can learn about prayer from Ephesians chapter 1. 00:11:10.980 --> 00:11:14.919 So look at how Paul starts off this wonderful prayer. 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:17.319 He says in verse 16, he says, 00:11:17.759 --> 00:11:22.079 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 00:11:22.699 --> 00:11:25.639 Now, this is the first thing we learn about New Testament prayer. 00:11:25.740 --> 00:11:30.759 The New Testament church were persistent in their praying forever. 00:11:30.839 --> 00:11:32.480 They were just praying all the time. 00:11:32.480 --> 00:11:35.460 Paul starts off and says, I don't cease. 00:11:35.560 --> 00:11:36.879 I don't stop praying for you. 00:11:37.159 --> 00:11:39.600 And we may think that's just a nice introduction. 00:11:39.820 --> 00:11:41.659 That's kind of like the way we say hello. 00:11:42.120 --> 00:11:43.680 You know, Paul just says, I always prayed for you. 00:11:44.019 --> 00:11:45.759 But actually, when we read the New Testament, 00:11:45.960 --> 00:11:49.620 we see that the Apostles are constantly praying for the believers. 00:11:50.159 --> 00:11:52.600 Look at what Paul says in Romans chapter 1. 00:11:52.740 --> 00:11:56.159 He says, without ceasing, I mention you in my prayers always. 00:11:56.700 --> 00:11:57.960 1 Corinthians chapter 1, 00:11:57.960 --> 00:12:01.200 I always give thanks to God my Father for you. 00:12:01.200 --> 00:12:02.680 Colossians chapter 1, 00:12:03.280 --> 00:12:05.400 We have not ceased to pray for you. 00:12:05.840 --> 00:12:07.500 1 Thessalonians chapter 1, 00:12:07.900 --> 00:12:10.420 We are constantly mentioning you in our prayers. 00:12:10.879 --> 00:12:12.200 1 Thessalonians chapter 3, 00:12:12.640 --> 00:12:15.320 We pray most earnestly for you night and day. 00:12:15.780 --> 00:12:17.240 2 Thessalonians chapter 1, 00:12:17.620 --> 00:12:19.100 We always pray for you. 00:12:19.580 --> 00:12:20.920 Guess what he says in 2 Timothy? 00:12:21.360 --> 00:12:25.560 We always pray for you, remembering you in our prayers night and day. 00:12:26.020 --> 00:12:28.259 And here we see it again in Ephesians chapter 1. 00:12:28.259 --> 00:12:29.659 He starts off and he says, 00:12:29.740 --> 00:12:32.879 I do not cease to pray for you, 00:12:33.419 --> 00:12:34.480 Giving thanks for you, 00:12:34.939 --> 00:12:37.120 Remembering you in my prayers. 00:12:37.740 --> 00:12:40.700 Now, I must confess that I am not there. 00:12:40.960 --> 00:12:42.460 This doesn't describe me. 00:12:42.919 --> 00:12:45.000 But I hope that it will describe me one day. 00:12:45.059 --> 00:12:46.980 I hope that this will describe us as a church. 00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:50.019 That watermark, whatever we're known for in the future, 00:12:50.460 --> 00:12:53.139 That one of the things that will mark us as a church 00:12:53.139 --> 00:12:55.500 Is that we are a church that prays. 00:12:55.500 --> 00:12:57.580 And as we look through the New Testament, 00:12:57.720 --> 00:12:59.019 We see this isn't just Paul. 00:12:59.399 --> 00:13:01.019 In fact, all the apostles did this. 00:13:01.419 --> 00:13:02.360 Throughout the book of Acts, 00:13:02.399 --> 00:13:03.679 They're constantly praying. 00:13:04.019 --> 00:13:05.460 Every decision that they make, 00:13:05.559 --> 00:13:06.519 Everywhere they're going, 00:13:06.820 --> 00:13:09.840 They are gathering together as a group of people to pray. 00:13:10.360 --> 00:13:12.820 Let me give us just a couple of examples. 00:13:13.059 --> 00:13:14.100 Acts chapter 1, 00:13:14.519 --> 00:13:15.840 They're about to choose a new leader 00:13:15.840 --> 00:13:17.320 Because Judas has fallen away. 00:13:17.639 --> 00:13:19.299 And they get together and they pray and say, 00:13:19.340 --> 00:13:20.419 God wants you to lead us. 00:13:21.019 --> 00:13:21.899 Acts chapter 2, 00:13:22.379 --> 00:13:25.500 They are gathered together in the upper room praying. 00:13:25.939 --> 00:13:28.839 And God pours out His Holy Spirit upon them in Pentecost. 00:13:29.059 --> 00:13:30.399 And the whole church changes. 00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:32.259 Later on in Acts chapter 2, 00:13:32.319 --> 00:13:34.120 It says they gathered together daily 00:13:34.120 --> 00:13:36.559 And gave themselves to the apostles' teaching, 00:13:36.759 --> 00:13:37.279 To fellowship, 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:38.479 To breaking of bread, 00:13:38.620 --> 00:13:40.179 And to prayer. 00:13:40.860 --> 00:13:41.819 Acts chapter 3, 00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:44.159 John and Peter are on the way to the temple 00:13:44.159 --> 00:13:45.659 At the daily hour of prayer. 00:13:45.759 --> 00:13:47.059 That's just what they did every day. 00:13:47.059 --> 00:13:49.379 They would go to the temple and pray together. 00:13:49.379 --> 00:13:50.600 Acts chapter 4, 00:13:50.759 --> 00:13:51.759 They're being persecuted. 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:52.820 They get arrested. 00:13:53.019 --> 00:13:53.720 They get beaten, 00:13:54.200 --> 00:13:54.720 Flogged, 00:13:55.019 --> 00:13:55.299 Whipped. 00:13:55.559 --> 00:13:56.360 And what do they do? 00:13:56.799 --> 00:13:58.059 They come together and they pray. 00:13:58.179 --> 00:13:58.379 And say, 00:13:58.460 --> 00:14:01.360 God give us boldness not to stop preaching Your Word. 00:14:01.960 --> 00:14:02.639 I would pray, 00:14:02.799 --> 00:14:03.679 God get them. 00:14:04.059 --> 00:14:04.860 Sort them out. 00:14:05.419 --> 00:14:06.860 Or God protect us. 00:14:07.159 --> 00:14:07.939 That's not what they pray. 00:14:08.080 --> 00:14:11.439 God give us boldness to continue preaching Your Word. 00:14:11.980 --> 00:14:12.899 Acts chapter 6, 00:14:13.240 --> 00:14:14.960 They're about to appoint some more leaders. 00:14:15.220 --> 00:14:16.019 And they pray, 00:14:16.139 --> 00:14:17.379 God won't you tell us 00:14:17.379 --> 00:14:19.659 Who are the right deacons that we should appoint 00:14:19.659 --> 00:14:21.059 To serve Your Church? 00:14:21.299 --> 00:14:23.159 And the reason they need these deacons 00:14:23.159 --> 00:14:25.759 Is that the apostles can devote themselves 00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:27.960 To preaching and to prayer. 00:14:28.480 --> 00:14:29.439 So they appoint leaders 00:14:29.439 --> 00:14:30.779 So that they can pray some more. 00:14:31.299 --> 00:14:32.759 Acts chapter 7, 00:14:32.759 --> 00:14:34.399 Stephen is the first martyr. 00:14:34.939 --> 00:14:36.600 And while he's being stoned to death, 00:14:36.939 --> 00:14:37.700 He cries out, 00:14:38.080 --> 00:14:39.059 God forgive them. 00:14:39.139 --> 00:14:40.379 He prays for the very people 00:14:40.379 --> 00:14:41.600 That are busy killing him. 00:14:42.240 --> 00:14:43.000 Acts chapter 8, 00:14:43.000 --> 00:14:44.860 Peter and John go to Samaria 00:14:44.860 --> 00:14:46.120 And they meet some people. 00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:47.139 They lead them to Christ. 00:14:47.320 --> 00:14:49.440 And they pray together for the church. 00:14:49.860 --> 00:14:50.879 Acts chapter 10, 00:14:51.039 --> 00:14:51.799 Acts chapter 9, 00:14:52.220 --> 00:14:52.940 Peter prays 00:14:52.940 --> 00:14:55.519 And he sees a woman raised from the dead. 00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:56.820 Acts chapter 10, 00:14:57.240 --> 00:14:59.120 Peter is in a friend's house 00:14:59.120 --> 00:15:01.679 And he's praying at the normal hour of prayer 00:15:01.679 --> 00:15:02.840 Like he does every day. 00:15:03.340 --> 00:15:04.480 And while he's praying, 00:15:05.019 --> 00:15:06.840 Jesus confronts his prejudice 00:15:06.840 --> 00:15:08.620 Against Gentiles. 00:15:08.620 --> 00:15:09.740 Because Peter kind of thinks 00:15:09.740 --> 00:15:11.200 Gentiles are lower class. 00:15:11.200 --> 00:15:13.080 God confronts his prejudice 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:14.379 And then tells him 00:15:14.379 --> 00:15:16.200 The gospel isn't just for the Jews. 00:15:16.340 --> 00:15:17.240 It's for the whole world. 00:15:17.700 --> 00:15:19.500 And that changes the whole dynamic 00:15:19.500 --> 00:15:20.300 Of the book of Acts 00:15:20.300 --> 00:15:21.780 And the New Testament church. 00:15:22.379 --> 00:15:23.379 Acts chapter 12, 00:15:24.020 --> 00:15:25.400 Peter's in prison for preaching. 00:15:26.060 --> 00:15:27.500 The church gathers to pray for him. 00:15:28.080 --> 00:15:29.220 And he's released from jail. 00:15:29.740 --> 00:15:30.640 Acts chapter 13, 00:15:30.740 --> 00:15:32.020 The church fasts and prays 00:15:32.020 --> 00:15:33.500 As they appoint new leaders 00:15:33.500 --> 00:15:34.520 In the various churches. 00:15:35.200 --> 00:15:35.700 Acts chapter, 00:15:36.120 --> 00:15:36.840 Let me skip that one. 00:15:36.900 --> 00:15:37.720 Acts chapter 16, 00:15:38.120 --> 00:15:39.540 Paul and Silas are in jail. 00:15:40.020 --> 00:15:40.740 They've been arrested. 00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:42.240 And what do they do? 00:15:42.580 --> 00:15:43.800 They start singing songs 00:15:43.800 --> 00:15:45.020 And praising God 00:15:45.020 --> 00:15:45.940 And praying. 00:15:46.400 --> 00:15:47.920 And the result is that the jailer, 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:49.360 The guy who's locked them up in jail, 00:15:49.700 --> 00:15:51.080 He becomes a follower of Jesus 00:15:51.080 --> 00:15:52.660 And his whole household. 00:15:53.320 --> 00:15:54.200 Acts chapter 20, 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:55.759 Paul is about to leave Ephesus. 00:15:56.420 --> 00:15:57.580 He knows it's the last time 00:15:57.580 --> 00:15:58.840 He's ever going to see these men. 00:15:59.280 --> 00:16:00.140 And so he calls them 00:16:00.140 --> 00:16:00.940 And he gathers them. 00:16:01.220 --> 00:16:02.080 They get on the beach 00:16:02.080 --> 00:16:03.220 Before they get on the ship. 00:16:03.720 --> 00:16:04.520 And they get on their knees 00:16:04.520 --> 00:16:05.940 And they pray for one another. 00:16:06.820 --> 00:16:07.759 Acts chapter 22, 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:08.820 The apostles pray 00:16:08.820 --> 00:16:09.820 And receive guidance 00:16:09.820 --> 00:16:11.020 As to their future ministry. 00:16:11.460 --> 00:16:12.140 Whether they should go 00:16:12.140 --> 00:16:13.100 To Jerusalem or not. 00:16:13.920 --> 00:16:15.060 Acts chapter 28, 00:16:15.540 --> 00:16:16.760 They're on their way to Rome. 00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:18.100 They get shipwrecked 00:16:18.100 --> 00:16:19.680 On Malta, the island. 00:16:20.140 --> 00:16:21.180 Paul prays for a man 00:16:21.180 --> 00:16:22.280 Who's dying of dysentery. 00:16:22.360 --> 00:16:23.000 He gets healed. 00:16:23.080 --> 00:16:23.820 And the whole island 00:16:23.820 --> 00:16:24.760 Comes together and says, 00:16:24.860 --> 00:16:26.060 Paul, won't you pray for us 00:16:26.060 --> 00:16:26.920 As well? 00:16:27.140 --> 00:16:28.060 And I've skipped out 00:16:28.060 --> 00:16:28.760 A few others. 00:16:29.860 --> 00:16:30.820 Do you get the point? 00:16:32.220 --> 00:16:32.940 I hope so. 00:16:32.940 --> 00:16:33.220 I hope so. 00:16:33.720 --> 00:16:35.160 Otherwise we should keep going, right? 00:16:35.159 --> 00:16:38.579 Paul, when he writes 00:16:38.579 --> 00:16:39.639 The book of Ephesians, 00:16:39.740 --> 00:16:40.699 He's in jail. 00:16:41.740 --> 00:16:43.379 And he writes these brothers 00:16:43.379 --> 00:16:44.779 And he says, 00:16:45.339 --> 00:16:46.579 I do not cease 00:16:46.579 --> 00:16:48.120 To pray for you. 00:16:48.759 --> 00:16:49.480 Every day 00:16:49.480 --> 00:16:50.879 I'm crying out to God 00:16:50.879 --> 00:16:51.799 For you. 00:16:52.539 --> 00:16:53.579 This was his life. 00:16:53.759 --> 00:16:54.699 This is what they did. 00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:56.199 The early church, 00:16:56.319 --> 00:16:57.199 Whatever else they did, 00:16:57.299 --> 00:16:58.480 Gospel centered, sure. 00:16:58.639 --> 00:16:59.600 Missional, sure. 00:16:59.779 --> 00:17:01.299 Community orientated, sure. 00:17:01.480 --> 00:17:03.159 There were men and women 00:17:03.159 --> 00:17:04.579 That knew how to pray. 00:17:05.579 --> 00:17:07.339 Persistent, consistent prayer. 00:17:08.099 --> 00:17:09.279 Watermark, I want to encourage this. 00:17:09.339 --> 00:17:10.659 We must be a church 00:17:10.659 --> 00:17:12.419 That learns how to pray. 00:17:13.079 --> 00:17:13.939 That's the first thing. 00:17:14.460 --> 00:17:16.059 Second thing we see is this. 00:17:16.179 --> 00:17:18.039 Prayer is the key to knowing God. 00:17:18.759 --> 00:17:20.500 Now, in this book of Ephesians, 00:17:20.559 --> 00:17:21.619 I want us just to consider 00:17:21.619 --> 00:17:22.859 The background a little bit. 00:17:23.179 --> 00:17:24.439 We're going to dive in in a second. 00:17:24.579 --> 00:17:26.859 But when we read the book of Acts, 00:17:27.059 --> 00:17:29.139 Paul travels to lots of different cities 00:17:29.139 --> 00:17:29.960 In the known world. 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:32.439 He goes to Ephesus and Philippi 00:17:32.439 --> 00:17:33.359 And all over. 00:17:33.359 --> 00:17:34.719 And wherever he goes, 00:17:34.799 --> 00:17:35.879 He starts these churches, 00:17:36.059 --> 00:17:36.899 Preaches the Gospels, 00:17:37.059 --> 00:17:38.079 Establishes churches, 00:17:38.199 --> 00:17:39.059 And then he moves on. 00:17:39.539 --> 00:17:41.119 Sometimes he goes for three weeks, 00:17:41.519 --> 00:17:42.439 Sometimes three months, 00:17:42.559 --> 00:17:43.539 Sometimes a little longer. 00:17:44.179 --> 00:17:46.099 Now, in almost every city 00:17:46.099 --> 00:17:47.079 That Paul visited, 00:17:47.699 --> 00:17:48.819 Out of all of them, 00:17:48.959 --> 00:17:49.979 The city of Ephesus 00:17:49.979 --> 00:17:51.379 Is the city that he spends 00:17:51.379 --> 00:17:53.019 Probably the most time in. 00:17:53.399 --> 00:17:53.539 Okay? 00:17:53.799 --> 00:17:54.579 He goes there, 00:17:54.639 --> 00:17:55.259 And he stays there 00:17:55.259 --> 00:17:57.079 For almost three and a half years. 00:17:57.199 --> 00:17:58.000 Preaching the Gospel, 00:17:58.539 --> 00:17:59.500 Starts this church, 00:17:59.500 --> 00:18:01.680 And then he disciples 00:18:01.680 --> 00:18:03.140 And trains those disciples 00:18:03.140 --> 00:18:03.880 In the Gospel. 00:18:04.359 --> 00:18:05.759 So for two and a half years, 00:18:05.839 --> 00:18:06.799 He stays in Ephesus, 00:18:07.460 --> 00:18:09.180 Really grounds them in the Gospel 00:18:09.180 --> 00:18:10.180 Before he moves on. 00:18:10.519 --> 00:18:11.500 He then comes back 00:18:11.500 --> 00:18:12.319 And visits them. 00:18:12.579 --> 00:18:13.680 And then on another trip, 00:18:13.740 --> 00:18:14.319 He comes back 00:18:14.319 --> 00:18:15.599 And he visits the leaders again. 00:18:16.279 --> 00:18:17.140 But what's more, 00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:18.539 Is once he leaves, 00:18:18.599 --> 00:18:19.579 And he's no longer there, 00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:21.700 He then sends his protege, 00:18:21.880 --> 00:18:23.200 This young man called Timothy, 00:18:23.420 --> 00:18:25.640 To go and lead the church in Ephesus. 00:18:26.180 --> 00:18:27.840 So they've had the great apostle Paul 00:18:27.840 --> 00:18:28.500 As their founder, 00:18:28.880 --> 00:18:30.259 Now their senior pastor 00:18:30.259 --> 00:18:31.780 Is his protege Timothy. 00:18:32.420 --> 00:18:33.860 But then in addition to that, 00:18:34.300 --> 00:18:35.860 Paul writes three letters 00:18:35.860 --> 00:18:37.140 To this church in Ephesus 00:18:37.140 --> 00:18:39.140 That are all in the New Testament. 00:18:39.620 --> 00:18:41.180 One is the book of Ephesians 00:18:41.180 --> 00:18:42.220 That we were reading this morning. 00:18:42.640 --> 00:18:43.460 And the other two 00:18:43.460 --> 00:18:45.400 Are personal letters to Timothy, 00:18:45.540 --> 00:18:46.280 One and two Timothy. 00:18:46.880 --> 00:18:48.140 So here's this church 00:18:48.140 --> 00:18:51.259 That has had amazing apostolic foundations. 00:18:51.620 --> 00:18:52.280 Paul and Timothy 00:18:52.280 --> 00:18:54.080 Are kind of their founding leaders, right? 00:18:54.079 --> 00:18:55.919 Then they've got three letters 00:18:55.919 --> 00:18:57.240 That are all now found 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:58.059 In our New Testament 00:18:58.059 --> 00:18:58.779 Written to them. 00:18:59.139 --> 00:19:00.439 If there's one church 00:19:00.439 --> 00:19:01.259 In the New Testament 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:02.579 Which is established 00:19:02.579 --> 00:19:03.899 That is rock solid 00:19:03.899 --> 00:19:05.019 That doesn't need 00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:06.019 Any more assistance, 00:19:06.339 --> 00:19:07.720 It's the church in Ephesus. 00:19:08.079 --> 00:19:09.419 What could this church 00:19:09.419 --> 00:19:10.759 Possibly need 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:12.819 That they didn't already have? 00:19:14.359 --> 00:19:14.599 Okay? 00:19:15.960 --> 00:19:16.519 Now, 00:19:17.299 --> 00:19:18.500 For everything that they have 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:19.059 Going for them, 00:19:19.159 --> 00:19:20.720 For all the apostolic input, 00:19:21.099 --> 00:19:22.259 For all the foundations 00:19:22.259 --> 00:19:23.019 That they've laid, 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:24.660 Paul seems to know 00:19:24.660 --> 00:19:25.379 That in addition 00:19:25.379 --> 00:19:26.579 To their great theology, 00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:28.639 In addition to great leaders, 00:19:29.240 --> 00:19:31.079 In addition to great discipleship, 00:19:31.440 --> 00:19:33.420 What this church really needs 00:19:33.420 --> 00:19:34.819 If it's going to remain faithful 00:19:34.819 --> 00:19:35.500 To the gospel 00:19:35.500 --> 00:19:37.079 In not just three years' time, 00:19:37.160 --> 00:19:38.299 But in 30 years' time, 00:19:38.440 --> 00:19:41.559 Is an ongoing spiritual encounter 00:19:41.559 --> 00:19:43.019 With the living God. 00:19:43.960 --> 00:19:45.160 And for that reason, 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:46.639 What does Paul do? 00:19:47.160 --> 00:19:48.579 He doesn't just send them a letter, 00:19:49.180 --> 00:19:50.680 He doesn't just send a delegation, 00:19:50.680 --> 00:19:52.400 He prays. 00:19:53.100 --> 00:19:53.920 He prays, 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:54.759 And he prays, 00:19:54.880 --> 00:19:55.539 And he prays. 00:19:55.620 --> 00:19:55.840 Friends, 00:19:55.880 --> 00:19:57.100 You see the significance of this? 00:19:58.039 --> 00:20:00.259 This church has got everything going for it. 00:20:00.480 --> 00:20:01.940 Everything you could possibly want. 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:03.480 But the one thing they need, 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:04.940 Is they need prayer. 00:20:05.460 --> 00:20:06.759 And so Paul gets on his knees, 00:20:07.100 --> 00:20:07.820 And he prays. 00:20:07.840 --> 00:20:08.120 And friends, 00:20:08.180 --> 00:20:09.080 How many of us think 00:20:09.080 --> 00:20:10.880 That the key to growing spiritually 00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:12.380 Is greater knowledge? 00:20:12.519 --> 00:20:13.720 If we just knew more, 00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:14.960 Or understood more, 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:16.160 About the Bible, 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:17.660 That would transform us, 00:20:17.740 --> 00:20:18.920 And make us mature Christians. 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:20.120 How many of us, 00:20:20.180 --> 00:20:21.420 When we want to grow spiritually, 00:20:21.519 --> 00:20:22.940 We sign up for another course, 00:20:23.380 --> 00:20:24.920 Thinking that the greater understanding, 00:20:25.060 --> 00:20:26.060 Is going to make us the people, 00:20:26.180 --> 00:20:27.180 That God's called us to be. 00:20:27.700 --> 00:20:29.340 And though those things are good, 00:20:29.700 --> 00:20:31.060 The Bible says that transformation, 00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:32.800 Actually happens in our hearts, 00:20:33.019 --> 00:20:34.220 Not just in our heads. 00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:35.380 And therefore, 00:20:35.380 --> 00:20:37.019 We need to be people who pray. 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:39.160 And what's true for us individually, 00:20:39.320 --> 00:20:41.160 Is actually also true for us as a church. 00:20:41.560 --> 00:20:43.220 If we're going to become the kind of church, 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:44.840 That we want to be, 00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:46.200 That we dream about being, 00:20:46.600 --> 00:20:47.840 If we're going to be the kind of church, 00:20:47.839 --> 00:20:49.419 That makes a difference in Hong Kong, 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:51.339 And turns Hong Kong upside down, 00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:53.000 If we're going to be the kind of church, 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:55.179 That sees the upside down kingdom culture, 00:20:55.379 --> 00:20:56.959 Of heaven coming to our city, 00:20:57.399 --> 00:20:58.679 If we're going to be the kind of church, 00:20:58.859 --> 00:21:00.720 That we're rich and poor, 00:21:00.859 --> 00:21:02.559 And educated and uneducated, 00:21:02.659 --> 00:21:04.179 And wealthy and not so wealthy, 00:21:04.599 --> 00:21:06.439 And come together and worship together, 00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:07.919 If we're going to be the kind of church, 00:21:08.079 --> 00:21:10.220 Where those that have got it all together, 00:21:10.359 --> 00:21:12.019 And those that are struggling and hurting, 00:21:12.139 --> 00:21:13.539 Can come and worship together, 00:21:13.980 --> 00:21:15.139 If we're going to be the kind of church, 00:21:15.140 --> 00:21:17.680 That sees tens and hundreds of people, 00:21:17.680 --> 00:21:18.920 Coming to know Christ, 00:21:19.480 --> 00:21:21.660 We're not just going to need more programs, 00:21:22.620 --> 00:21:23.800 And more events, 00:21:24.520 --> 00:21:25.660 We're going to need to be the church, 00:21:25.720 --> 00:21:26.520 That gets on our knees, 00:21:26.580 --> 00:21:28.780 And is marked by prayerfulness, 00:21:29.780 --> 00:21:31.360 And we see this in the prayer, 00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:33.080 That Paul prays for these Ephesians, 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:35.580 He prays and the reason that he prays, 00:21:35.660 --> 00:21:37.500 Because the things that he wants for them, 00:21:37.540 --> 00:21:39.460 And the things that we want for ourselves, 00:21:39.880 --> 00:21:41.780 Are the things that only come, 00:21:42.300 --> 00:21:43.060 Through prayer, 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:45.039 And so what does Paul pray? 00:21:45.839 --> 00:21:46.639 What does he pray? 00:21:46.720 --> 00:21:47.639 Well one of the first things, 00:21:47.679 --> 00:21:48.659 That should strike us, 00:21:48.659 --> 00:21:49.759 Is what he doesn't pray, 00:21:50.759 --> 00:21:52.359 Out of all the prayers that Paul prays, 00:21:52.379 --> 00:21:53.039 In the New Testament, 00:21:53.179 --> 00:21:55.079 Every one of them that he prays for his friends, 00:21:55.480 --> 00:21:57.779 You'd think you'd pray for a change of circumstances, 00:21:58.460 --> 00:21:59.099 But he doesn't, 00:21:59.099 --> 00:22:00.419 He doesn't pray once for, 00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:03.639 God's protection against the emperor, 00:22:03.879 --> 00:22:04.980 Or oppressive armies, 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:07.240 Or separation and persecution, 00:22:07.940 --> 00:22:09.740 Their lives were lived, 00:22:09.980 --> 00:22:11.839 In far more dangerous circumstances, 00:22:12.039 --> 00:22:12.659 Than our lives, 00:22:12.660 --> 00:22:14.460 And he doesn't pray once, 00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:15.740 For a change of circumstances, 00:22:15.880 --> 00:22:16.800 So what does he pray for? 00:22:16.880 --> 00:22:17.060 Well, 00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:19.040 Look at verse 17, 00:22:19.320 --> 00:22:20.140 Look at what he prays, 00:22:20.160 --> 00:22:20.759 He says here, 00:22:21.779 --> 00:22:22.519 He says, 00:22:22.600 --> 00:22:24.120 I have not ceased to pray for you, 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:27.180 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:22:27.740 --> 00:22:29.100 The Father of glory, 00:22:29.100 --> 00:22:30.940 May give you the spirit of wisdom, 00:22:31.380 --> 00:22:32.160 And revelation, 00:22:32.740 --> 00:22:33.740 In the knowledge of him, 00:22:33.880 --> 00:22:35.400 So Paul's praying, 00:22:35.580 --> 00:22:37.320 That God, 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:38.880 Through the work of his Holy Spirit, 00:22:38.980 --> 00:22:41.060 Will reveal more of himself to them, 00:22:41.059 --> 00:22:42.480 So that they'll know him, 00:22:42.519 --> 00:22:43.879 And not just know about him, 00:22:44.179 --> 00:22:46.579 Not just understand intellectually more about him, 00:22:46.779 --> 00:22:48.240 But that they'll know him, 00:22:48.720 --> 00:22:49.720 Know him deeply, 00:22:50.419 --> 00:22:51.799 That who God is, 00:22:51.819 --> 00:22:52.980 Will be written deeply, 00:22:52.980 --> 00:22:54.119 On their hearts, 00:22:54.399 --> 00:22:55.440 It's like Paul knows, 00:22:55.500 --> 00:22:56.819 That the most important thing, 00:22:56.859 --> 00:22:57.859 In the whole world, 00:22:58.220 --> 00:22:59.559 More than job security, 00:22:59.859 --> 00:23:01.159 More than financial blessing, 00:23:01.519 --> 00:23:02.940 More than romantic love, 00:23:03.319 --> 00:23:04.579 More than comfort and convenience, 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:04.859 More, 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:06.259 The most important thing, 00:23:06.319 --> 00:23:07.419 In the entire world, 00:23:07.420 --> 00:23:09.360 Is that they'll know God, 00:23:09.980 --> 00:23:11.019 And they'll know him deeply, 00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:12.980 And Paul knows, 00:23:13.060 --> 00:23:14.440 That this kind of intimacy, 00:23:15.019 --> 00:23:16.100 You cannot attain, 00:23:16.180 --> 00:23:17.019 Just through studying, 00:23:17.620 --> 00:23:18.420 And more information, 00:23:18.779 --> 00:23:19.840 And going on more courses, 00:23:20.220 --> 00:23:21.960 It's a spiritual revelation, 00:23:21.960 --> 00:23:22.759 That is given, 00:23:22.880 --> 00:23:24.220 It's a spiritual relationship, 00:23:24.400 --> 00:23:25.300 That is cultivated, 00:23:26.019 --> 00:23:27.220 Through a life of prayer, 00:23:28.100 --> 00:23:29.019 And so Paul does, 00:23:29.080 --> 00:23:30.000 Is he writes to them, 00:23:30.140 --> 00:23:31.180 But in addition to writing, 00:23:31.300 --> 00:23:31.660 He says, 00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:32.519 I'm praying for you, 00:23:32.880 --> 00:23:33.779 And I'm praying, 00:23:33.880 --> 00:23:35.160 That God through his spirit, 00:23:35.200 --> 00:23:36.160 Will give you a revelation, 00:23:36.160 --> 00:23:37.120 Of who he is, 00:23:37.160 --> 00:23:38.240 That you'll know him, 00:23:38.779 --> 00:23:39.840 And know him deeply, 00:23:40.980 --> 00:23:41.980 Friends, 00:23:42.060 --> 00:23:42.940 Isn't this what we want, 00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:43.560 For our church, 00:23:44.920 --> 00:23:45.800 Isn't this what we want, 00:23:45.860 --> 00:23:46.500 For our children, 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:48.620 Isn't this what we want, 00:23:48.680 --> 00:23:49.380 For our youth, 00:23:50.140 --> 00:23:50.740 That our youth, 00:23:50.740 --> 00:23:51.900 Won't be buffeted, 00:23:52.100 --> 00:23:52.680 Here and there, 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:53.940 By every wind of teaching, 00:23:54.060 --> 00:23:55.560 By all the things, 00:23:55.660 --> 00:23:56.279 In our culture, 00:23:57.000 --> 00:23:57.800 Isn't this what we want, 00:23:57.860 --> 00:23:58.340 For our city, 00:23:58.480 --> 00:23:59.060 For our brothers, 00:23:59.200 --> 00:23:59.759 And our sisters, 00:23:59.900 --> 00:24:00.519 And our siblings, 00:24:01.560 --> 00:24:01.840 Friends, 00:24:01.900 --> 00:24:02.800 Isn't this what we want, 00:24:02.860 --> 00:24:04.019 For the crowds of people, 00:24:04.100 --> 00:24:04.920 That walk the streets, 00:24:04.940 --> 00:24:05.540 Of Hong Kong, 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:06.920 Looking for meaning, 00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:07.700 And validation, 00:24:07.879 --> 00:24:08.960 And purpose in life, 00:24:09.379 --> 00:24:10.180 Looking at one, 00:24:10.420 --> 00:24:11.659 After one shop, 00:24:11.720 --> 00:24:12.319 After another, 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:13.200 Going and thinking, 00:24:13.339 --> 00:24:13.960 This thing is going, 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:14.659 To satisfy me, 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:15.920 Isn't this what we want, 00:24:15.920 --> 00:24:16.700 For them to know, 00:24:16.819 --> 00:24:17.740 The deep reality, 00:24:17.740 --> 00:24:18.799 Of who God is, 00:24:19.539 --> 00:24:20.980 To know that, 00:24:21.119 --> 00:24:21.879 The greatest privilege, 00:24:21.879 --> 00:24:22.420 In the world, 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:23.379 Is to come to the God, 00:24:23.420 --> 00:24:24.619 Who made us for himself, 00:24:24.700 --> 00:24:25.659 And to call him father, 00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:26.200 And to be, 00:24:26.579 --> 00:24:27.879 In relationship with him, 00:24:28.839 --> 00:24:30.119 And so what does Paul do, 00:24:30.240 --> 00:24:31.159 He prays, 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:32.839 He prays, 00:24:32.879 --> 00:24:33.720 And he prays, 00:24:33.720 --> 00:24:35.180 And he prays, 00:24:35.180 --> 00:24:36.860 And Chris read this quote, 00:24:36.940 --> 00:24:37.380 Last week, 00:24:37.440 --> 00:24:38.579 But I want to read it to us again, 00:24:38.640 --> 00:24:39.940 It's from Tim Keller's book, 00:24:40.180 --> 00:24:42.039 And Tim Keller says this, 00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:44.579 Prayer is the only entryway, 00:24:44.640 --> 00:24:46.420 Into genuine self-knowledge, 00:24:46.920 --> 00:24:47.600 It's the only way, 00:24:47.680 --> 00:24:48.480 That we actually know, 00:24:48.620 --> 00:24:49.460 Who we really are, 00:24:50.000 --> 00:24:51.420 But it's also the main way, 00:24:51.500 --> 00:24:52.360 That we experience, 00:24:52.460 --> 00:24:53.100 Deep change, 00:24:53.220 --> 00:24:54.579 The reordering of our loves, 00:24:55.440 --> 00:24:56.740 Prayer is how God gives us, 00:24:56.799 --> 00:24:58.640 So many of the unimaginable things, 00:24:58.720 --> 00:24:59.600 That he has for us, 00:25:00.019 --> 00:25:00.319 Indeed, 00:25:00.319 --> 00:25:01.579 Prayer makes it safe, 00:25:01.579 --> 00:25:02.519 For God to give us, 00:25:02.579 --> 00:25:03.460 So many of the things, 00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:04.579 That we deeply desire, 00:25:05.379 --> 00:25:06.599 Prayer makes it safe, 00:25:06.919 --> 00:25:07.220 Sorry, 00:25:07.939 --> 00:25:08.659 It is the way, 00:25:08.779 --> 00:25:09.700 That we know God, 00:25:10.119 --> 00:25:10.639 It's the way, 00:25:10.720 --> 00:25:12.059 That we finally treat God, 00:25:12.119 --> 00:25:12.559 As God, 00:25:13.200 --> 00:25:14.500 Prayer is simply the key, 00:25:14.639 --> 00:25:16.259 To everything we need to do, 00:25:16.619 --> 00:25:17.639 And be in life, 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:19.460 We must learn, 00:25:20.000 --> 00:25:20.679 To pray, 00:25:21.500 --> 00:25:22.220 And so prayer, 00:25:22.939 --> 00:25:23.740 The New Testament church, 00:25:23.899 --> 00:25:24.679 Consistent, 00:25:24.939 --> 00:25:25.859 Persistent prayer, 00:25:26.399 --> 00:25:27.220 Second thing we learn, 00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:28.299 Is that prayer is the key, 00:25:28.299 --> 00:25:29.559 To knowing God, 00:25:29.559 --> 00:25:31.179 But the third thing is this, 00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:32.099 Prayer is the key, 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:33.679 To knowing all the riches, 00:25:33.819 --> 00:25:34.759 Of the Christian life, 00:25:35.159 --> 00:25:35.440 Okay, 00:25:35.819 --> 00:25:36.659 Look at what Paul, 00:25:37.200 --> 00:25:38.159 Goes on to pray, 00:25:38.259 --> 00:25:38.399 He says, 00:25:38.519 --> 00:25:38.919 I pray, 00:25:39.419 --> 00:25:40.200 That God will give you, 00:25:40.379 --> 00:25:41.700 The spirit of revelation, 00:25:41.839 --> 00:25:42.779 That you will know him, 00:25:43.500 --> 00:25:44.700 But what does that actually mean, 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:46.019 What does it mean to know him, 00:25:46.059 --> 00:25:47.119 Well look at what he says, 00:25:47.179 --> 00:25:47.500 He says, 00:25:48.240 --> 00:25:48.819 I pray, 00:25:49.399 --> 00:25:51.059 That the eyes of your heart, 00:25:51.119 --> 00:25:51.960 Will be enlightened, 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:54.379 Such a beautiful picture, 00:25:54.940 --> 00:25:55.339 He's saying, 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:57.019 The heart is the deepest, 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:58.220 Control center of our lives, 00:25:58.279 --> 00:25:58.480 He says, 00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:59.539 I pray that the deepest, 00:25:59.700 --> 00:26:00.839 Most fundamental part, 00:26:00.860 --> 00:26:01.519 Of who you are, 00:26:01.860 --> 00:26:03.440 That the lights will go on, 00:26:03.860 --> 00:26:04.900 That you will see, 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:06.039 Who you are, 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:07.180 And who God is, 00:26:07.279 --> 00:26:08.620 And yet you'll get proper perspective, 00:26:08.700 --> 00:26:09.079 In the world, 00:26:09.420 --> 00:26:11.120 I pray that the eyes of your heart, 00:26:11.460 --> 00:26:12.400 Will be enlightened, 00:26:13.400 --> 00:26:15.220 In order that you may know, 00:26:15.759 --> 00:26:16.660 What is the hope, 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:17.700 To which he has called you, 00:26:18.380 --> 00:26:19.579 And what is the greatness, 00:26:19.579 --> 00:26:20.680 Of his power, 00:26:21.240 --> 00:26:21.980 Towards us, 00:26:22.380 --> 00:26:23.059 Who believe, 00:26:23.759 --> 00:26:23.920 Okay, 00:26:23.940 --> 00:26:25.039 So Paul in a few minutes, 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:25.720 Is going to write, 00:26:25.720 --> 00:26:26.559 In the next chapter, 00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:28.019 About the great hope, 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:28.600 Of the gospel, 00:26:29.100 --> 00:26:29.700 How the hope, 00:26:29.700 --> 00:26:30.220 Of the gospel, 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:31.200 Reaches down, 00:26:31.319 --> 00:26:32.740 To the most hopeless situations, 00:26:32.940 --> 00:26:33.700 And gives us hope, 00:26:34.059 --> 00:26:34.620 How the gospel, 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:35.279 Reaches down, 00:26:35.400 --> 00:26:36.140 To our deepest, 00:26:36.360 --> 00:26:37.360 Darkest circumstances, 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:38.180 And says, 00:26:38.299 --> 00:26:40.039 This isn't the sum total of life, 00:26:40.279 --> 00:26:41.480 There is hope for you yet, 00:26:41.720 --> 00:26:42.480 He's going to write, 00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:43.980 About this amazing hope, 00:26:44.039 --> 00:26:44.920 But Paul doesn't just, 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:45.740 Write about it, 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:46.640 Or explain it, 00:26:47.160 --> 00:26:48.079 He prays it, 00:26:48.660 --> 00:26:49.079 And he says, 00:26:49.079 --> 00:27:03.699 You see, 00:27:03.819 --> 00:27:04.699 Most people, 00:27:06.159 --> 00:27:07.139 Base our hope, 00:27:07.139 --> 00:27:08.639 On our outward circumstances, 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:09.740 Don't us? 00:27:09.859 --> 00:27:10.899 Most people in Hong Kong, 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:11.559 That's what we do, 00:27:12.039 --> 00:27:13.079 Our inner peace, 00:27:13.159 --> 00:27:13.899 Is based on, 00:27:14.099 --> 00:27:14.919 Outer circumstances, 00:27:15.119 --> 00:27:16.220 How successful we are, 00:27:16.659 --> 00:27:17.579 Who loves us, 00:27:17.919 --> 00:27:19.039 Who doesn't love us, 00:27:19.399 --> 00:27:20.319 Our image, 00:27:20.759 --> 00:27:21.859 How accepted we are, 00:27:22.279 --> 00:27:23.419 People's valuation, 00:27:23.720 --> 00:27:24.220 Of us, 00:27:24.619 --> 00:27:25.740 But Paul is praying, 00:27:25.799 --> 00:27:26.419 Because he knows, 00:27:26.539 --> 00:27:27.619 That spiritual formation, 00:27:27.619 --> 00:27:28.099 Is needed, 00:27:28.220 --> 00:27:28.960 And so he's praying, 00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:30.480 That for these Christians, 00:27:30.599 --> 00:27:31.519 It will be the other way around, 00:27:31.939 --> 00:27:33.279 That their inner peace, 00:27:33.319 --> 00:27:34.279 Won't be based on, 00:27:34.339 --> 00:27:35.439 Outer circumstances, 00:27:35.439 --> 00:27:36.299 Who likes them, 00:27:36.339 --> 00:27:37.220 Or doesn't like them, 00:27:37.259 --> 00:27:38.299 How successful they are, 00:27:38.339 --> 00:27:38.619 Or not, 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:40.000 But their inner peace, 00:27:40.119 --> 00:27:40.980 Will be rooted, 00:27:41.119 --> 00:27:42.699 On the unshakable hope, 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:43.319 Of the gospel, 00:27:43.740 --> 00:27:45.099 On the steadfast love, 00:27:45.139 --> 00:27:46.159 Of who Christ is, 00:27:46.439 --> 00:27:47.379 And on the greatness, 00:27:47.899 --> 00:27:48.639 Of Christ, 00:27:48.640 --> 00:27:49.960 He's praying, 00:27:50.040 --> 00:27:51.060 That they'll come to know, 00:27:51.140 --> 00:27:51.800 And understand, 00:27:51.920 --> 00:27:52.860 Who they are in Christ, 00:27:53.060 --> 00:27:54.420 The unbelievable hope, 00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:55.500 And the victory in Christ, 00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:57.320 Over even the worst circumstances, 00:27:57.460 --> 00:27:57.780 In the world, 00:27:58.140 --> 00:27:59.759 And that that will be their fortress, 00:27:59.860 --> 00:28:00.500 And their rock, 00:28:00.820 --> 00:28:01.400 And friends, 00:28:01.440 --> 00:28:02.320 That's what we need, 00:28:02.880 --> 00:28:03.640 And that's why, 00:28:03.640 --> 00:28:05.100 We must be a church, 00:28:05.640 --> 00:28:06.640 That prays, 00:28:06.640 --> 00:28:08.620 Otherwise, 00:28:08.740 --> 00:28:09.100 Our two, 00:28:09.220 --> 00:28:09.960 Our inner peace, 00:28:10.020 --> 00:28:11.380 Will depend on the circumstances, 00:28:11.380 --> 00:28:12.100 Around us, 00:28:12.460 --> 00:28:13.820 You get that job offer, 00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:14.840 And you'll feel elated, 00:28:15.259 --> 00:28:16.920 You don't get that job offer, 00:28:17.000 --> 00:28:17.860 And you'll feel crushed, 00:28:17.980 --> 00:28:18.600 And despaired, 00:28:19.020 --> 00:28:20.820 Things go well for you, 00:28:21.040 --> 00:28:22.400 In a romantic situation, 00:28:22.580 --> 00:28:24.120 You'll feel on top of the world, 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:25.500 They don't, 00:28:25.540 --> 00:28:26.259 And you'll feel like, 00:28:26.320 --> 00:28:27.880 Your world is crushing in on you, 00:28:27.880 --> 00:28:29.960 And yet there is a way, 00:28:30.080 --> 00:28:32.440 To be rooted on the unshakable hope of Christ, 00:28:33.160 --> 00:28:34.140 Is to be a people, 00:28:34.860 --> 00:28:35.500 Of prayer, 00:28:38.380 --> 00:28:39.660 Remember a few weeks ago, 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:40.440 We looked at, 00:28:40.440 --> 00:28:42.720 Ezekiel chapter 37, 00:28:43.400 --> 00:28:44.820 And in this passage, 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:45.260 God, 00:28:45.460 --> 00:28:47.660 Gives Ezekiel, 00:28:47.760 --> 00:28:48.960 An impossible assignment, 00:28:49.560 --> 00:28:50.940 He tells him to speak, 00:28:51.040 --> 00:28:52.880 To a valley of dry bones, 00:28:52.960 --> 00:28:54.760 And to tell these bones to live, 00:28:55.420 --> 00:28:56.940 It's an impossible task, 00:28:56.980 --> 00:28:57.820 And the point is, 00:28:58.280 --> 00:28:59.380 That the spiritual life, 00:28:59.460 --> 00:29:00.560 That God calls us to, 00:29:00.920 --> 00:29:02.880 And the mission that God sends us on, 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:04.540 To be ambassadors into our city, 00:29:04.880 --> 00:29:05.940 Is an impossible one, 00:29:06.480 --> 00:29:07.980 It's like speaking to a graveyard, 00:29:08.520 --> 00:29:10.600 There's no hope of us accomplishing it, 00:29:10.940 --> 00:29:11.560 On our own, 00:29:11.640 --> 00:29:13.120 And yet he calls us to do it, 00:29:13.540 --> 00:29:14.880 He asks us to do that, 00:29:14.920 --> 00:29:15.260 He says, 00:29:15.600 --> 00:29:16.920 I know that you can't do it, 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:18.440 But I'm asking you to do it anyway, 00:29:19.100 --> 00:29:20.380 And so how are we to do it, 00:29:20.380 --> 00:29:21.600 How are we to do the things, 00:29:21.680 --> 00:29:22.680 That God has called us to, 00:29:23.040 --> 00:29:24.580 How are we to speak to our neighbors, 00:29:24.780 --> 00:29:26.400 And to see our mothers-in-law, 00:29:26.740 --> 00:29:27.780 Coming to know Christ, 00:29:27.880 --> 00:29:30.140 Well this is how, 00:29:30.880 --> 00:29:32.460 It seems like a pointless task, 00:29:32.560 --> 00:29:33.540 But in God's economy, 00:29:33.800 --> 00:29:35.840 Prayer is a power that accomplishes, 00:29:36.200 --> 00:29:37.580 That which we cannot accomplish, 00:29:37.700 --> 00:29:38.540 In our own strength, 00:29:39.100 --> 00:29:40.420 But we desperately need, 00:29:41.080 --> 00:29:42.020 And so we need to pray, 00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:44.019 We pray that the eyes of our hearts, 00:29:44.099 --> 00:29:46.079 And we pray that the eyes of the hearts of our city, 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:47.400 Will be enlightened, 00:29:48.059 --> 00:29:49.599 In order that they will come to know, 00:29:49.700 --> 00:29:50.740 The hope of the gospel, 00:29:51.339 --> 00:29:52.599 In order that they'll come to know, 00:29:52.660 --> 00:29:53.500 Who Christ is, 00:29:53.539 --> 00:29:54.960 And be moved and changed, 00:29:55.480 --> 00:29:56.400 By his greatness, 00:29:56.599 --> 00:29:58.059 And the greatness of his power, 00:29:58.059 --> 00:30:00.099 And so Paul writes and he says, 00:30:00.179 --> 00:30:01.319 I'm praying for you Ephesians, 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:02.980 And this is my prayer, 00:30:03.079 --> 00:30:04.859 And my prayer that your hearts will be opened, 00:30:05.579 --> 00:30:07.119 To know the hope of the gospel, 00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:09.139 To know the power of the gospel, 00:30:09.139 --> 00:30:10.480 That accomplishes even that, 00:30:10.579 --> 00:30:11.519 Which you can't accomplish, 00:30:11.919 --> 00:30:12.919 In your own strength, 00:30:13.419 --> 00:30:13.879 And Watermark, 00:30:14.000 --> 00:30:15.940 That's why we must be a praying church, 00:30:15.940 --> 00:30:19.059 All this is theory, 00:30:19.200 --> 00:30:20.400 And so let me tell you a story, 00:30:20.620 --> 00:30:21.580 That highlights, 00:30:22.100 --> 00:30:23.360 Some of the realities of this, 00:30:23.400 --> 00:30:25.240 It's a bit of an unusual story in some ways, 00:30:25.299 --> 00:30:26.700 So this doesn't happen every day, 00:30:27.140 --> 00:30:28.019 But this does happen, 00:30:28.580 --> 00:30:31.640 In just off the coast of Scotland, 00:30:31.799 --> 00:30:32.960 There are a bunch of islands, 00:30:33.059 --> 00:30:34.440 Called the Hebrides Islands, 00:30:34.600 --> 00:30:34.840 Okay, 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:37.000 And in the years, 00:30:37.400 --> 00:30:38.460 For about four years, 00:30:38.580 --> 00:30:41.080 Between 1948 and 1952, 00:30:41.220 --> 00:30:43.360 There was this incredible revival, 00:30:43.360 --> 00:30:45.320 That took place in the Hebrides Islands, 00:30:45.319 --> 00:30:47.240 Just unbelievable stuff, 00:30:47.379 --> 00:30:49.179 But the way that it all started, 00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:51.099 Was there were these two old ladies, 00:30:51.379 --> 00:30:53.059 One of them was 84 years old, 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:54.859 And one of them was 82 years old, 00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:55.919 And one of them, 00:30:55.960 --> 00:30:56.899 I don't know which one of them, 00:30:56.980 --> 00:30:58.980 But one of them was as blind as a bat, 00:30:59.200 --> 00:30:59.419 Okay, 00:31:00.000 --> 00:31:00.240 And, 00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:03.000 But these two ladies were convinced, 00:31:03.579 --> 00:31:06.039 That their villages and their towns, 00:31:06.259 --> 00:31:07.480 Desperately needed God, 00:31:07.899 --> 00:31:09.099 And so they would pray, 00:31:09.639 --> 00:31:10.779 And so every week, 00:31:10.819 --> 00:31:11.740 On a Tuesday night, 00:31:11.740 --> 00:31:12.720 They would get together, 00:31:13.119 --> 00:31:14.299 And they would get on their knees, 00:31:14.399 --> 00:31:14.939 And they would pray, 00:31:14.940 --> 00:31:16.440 From 10 p.m. at night, 00:31:16.539 --> 00:31:18.200 Until the early hours of the morning, 00:31:18.440 --> 00:31:18.660 2, 00:31:18.820 --> 00:31:19.080 3, 00:31:19.220 --> 00:31:20.180 4 a.m. in the morning, 00:31:20.620 --> 00:31:21.460 Praying for their village, 00:31:21.580 --> 00:31:22.440 Praying for their city, 00:31:23.039 --> 00:31:23.360 Not, 00:31:23.620 --> 00:31:24.600 I don't think there are any cities, 00:31:24.680 --> 00:31:25.080 In the Hebrides, 00:31:25.200 --> 00:31:26.059 Praying for their towns, 00:31:26.140 --> 00:31:26.360 Right? 00:31:27.059 --> 00:31:28.360 And one night, 00:31:28.420 --> 00:31:28.980 They're praying, 00:31:29.299 --> 00:31:30.640 And the one old lady, 00:31:31.220 --> 00:31:31.960 Has this vision, 00:31:32.100 --> 00:31:32.759 And she has a vision, 00:31:32.880 --> 00:31:33.880 Of the old church, 00:31:33.980 --> 00:31:34.500 Stone church, 00:31:34.600 --> 00:31:35.940 Filled with young people, 00:31:36.480 --> 00:31:36.840 And so, 00:31:36.920 --> 00:31:38.480 She's so consumed with this vision, 00:31:38.900 --> 00:31:40.120 That she calls the minister, 00:31:40.320 --> 00:31:40.620 And says, 00:31:40.720 --> 00:31:40.940 Listen, 00:31:40.940 --> 00:31:41.019 Listen, 00:31:41.140 --> 00:31:41.980 You and your elders, 00:31:42.120 --> 00:31:43.779 Better pray with us as well, 00:31:44.320 --> 00:31:45.920 God wants to fill the church again, 00:31:46.539 --> 00:31:48.000 And so they decide to join them, 00:31:48.480 --> 00:31:49.920 And so for the next couple of weeks, 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:50.960 Every Tuesday night, 00:31:51.019 --> 00:31:52.019 And every Friday night, 00:31:52.360 --> 00:31:53.440 These seven men, 00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:54.940 And these two old ladies, 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:56.640 Pray at 10 p.m. 00:31:57.000 --> 00:31:58.500 Until the early hours of the morning, 00:31:58.600 --> 00:31:59.779 And they're crying out to God, 00:31:59.880 --> 00:32:00.120 God, 00:32:00.200 --> 00:32:01.740 You've got to save our towns, 00:32:01.799 --> 00:32:02.340 And our villages, 00:32:02.820 --> 00:32:03.039 God, 00:32:03.080 --> 00:32:04.039 You can't abandon us, 00:32:04.039 --> 00:32:04.779 We need you, 00:32:04.879 --> 00:32:05.859 Pour out your spirit, 00:32:06.500 --> 00:32:06.839 Anyway, 00:32:06.940 --> 00:32:07.519 The one night, 00:32:07.599 --> 00:32:08.139 They're praying, 00:32:08.779 --> 00:32:09.759 And this one man, 00:32:09.759 --> 00:32:10.539 Starts praying, 00:32:10.819 --> 00:32:12.259 And it's about just after midnight, 00:32:13.099 --> 00:32:15.119 And as he prays, 00:32:15.460 --> 00:32:16.519 The power of God, 00:32:16.599 --> 00:32:18.079 Is unleashed in the room, 00:32:18.779 --> 00:32:20.119 And listen to, 00:32:20.799 --> 00:32:22.500 How one historian wrote it, 00:32:22.779 --> 00:32:23.680 She said this, 00:32:24.420 --> 00:32:26.159 There are those in the village, 00:32:26.159 --> 00:32:27.500 Of Arnall still today, 00:32:27.599 --> 00:32:29.019 Who will verify the fact, 00:32:29.559 --> 00:32:31.159 That while this brother prayed, 00:32:31.559 --> 00:32:33.480 The dishes on the dresser, 00:32:33.480 --> 00:32:35.000 Started to rattle, 00:32:35.539 --> 00:32:36.759 As God turned loose, 00:32:36.799 --> 00:32:37.759 His mighty power, 00:32:38.319 --> 00:32:40.140 And then wave after wave, 00:32:40.200 --> 00:32:41.160 Of divine power, 00:32:41.299 --> 00:32:42.339 Sweat through the room, 00:32:42.819 --> 00:32:43.680 At the same time, 00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:44.500 The spirit of God, 00:32:44.599 --> 00:32:45.839 Sweat through our whole village, 00:32:46.360 --> 00:32:47.799 People suddenly woke up, 00:32:48.220 --> 00:32:49.339 Houses were lit alight, 00:32:49.400 --> 00:32:49.900 All night, 00:32:50.420 --> 00:32:51.700 People walked into the streets, 00:32:51.740 --> 00:32:53.200 With great conviction of sin, 00:32:53.819 --> 00:32:55.440 Others knelt down by their beds, 00:32:55.440 --> 00:32:57.140 Crying out for God's mercy, 00:32:57.579 --> 00:32:58.759 As these people, 00:32:58.839 --> 00:32:59.980 Left the prayer meeting, 00:33:00.279 --> 00:33:01.819 One of them walked into a house, 00:33:01.900 --> 00:33:03.240 And asked for a glass of milk, 00:33:03.480 --> 00:33:05.400 And he found the lady of the house, 00:33:05.620 --> 00:33:06.440 On her knees, 00:33:06.500 --> 00:33:07.420 With seven others, 00:33:07.799 --> 00:33:09.019 Crying out to God, 00:33:09.099 --> 00:33:09.740 For his mercy, 00:33:09.839 --> 00:33:11.220 This is like three o'clock in the morning, 00:33:11.819 --> 00:33:13.200 Within 48 hours, 00:33:13.660 --> 00:33:14.220 The pub, 00:33:14.420 --> 00:33:15.579 Which is normally crowded, 00:33:16.120 --> 00:33:17.779 Had closed its doors, 00:33:18.500 --> 00:33:19.559 And so what happens is, 00:33:19.920 --> 00:33:20.559 There's this like, 00:33:20.759 --> 00:33:22.279 Just wave of God's power, 00:33:22.380 --> 00:33:23.440 Through the towns and villages, 00:33:23.819 --> 00:33:25.019 And so these ministers, 00:33:25.200 --> 00:33:25.819 Go to Scotland, 00:33:25.940 --> 00:33:26.860 And they call a man, 00:33:26.940 --> 00:33:27.779 To come and help them, 00:33:27.880 --> 00:33:29.140 Because they don't know what to do, 00:33:29.200 --> 00:33:29.860 With all these people, 00:33:30.479 --> 00:33:31.059 And so this man, 00:33:31.139 --> 00:33:31.859 Duncan Campbell, 00:33:31.979 --> 00:33:32.299 Comes, 00:33:32.819 --> 00:33:34.019 And he arrives on this, 00:33:34.079 --> 00:33:34.879 Mail ship, 00:33:34.979 --> 00:33:36.119 At 8.31 night, 00:33:36.219 --> 00:33:37.659 In the port of Hebrides, 00:33:38.039 --> 00:33:38.819 The one town, 00:33:39.379 --> 00:33:40.859 And the minister meets him, 00:33:40.939 --> 00:33:41.299 And says, 00:33:41.379 --> 00:33:41.579 Listen, 00:33:41.679 --> 00:33:43.119 We're going to have a short church service, 00:33:43.240 --> 00:33:44.059 Now at 9pm, 00:33:44.139 --> 00:33:44.699 And then we'll, 00:33:44.939 --> 00:33:46.059 Take you to get some dinner, 00:33:46.179 --> 00:33:46.959 Is that alright with you? 00:33:46.960 --> 00:33:47.240 He says, 00:33:47.240 --> 00:33:47.779 No problem, 00:33:48.299 --> 00:33:49.279 As they go to this church, 00:33:49.360 --> 00:33:50.380 And they have this church service, 00:33:50.460 --> 00:33:51.120 At 9pm, 00:33:51.700 --> 00:33:52.360 And he says, 00:33:52.400 --> 00:33:53.620 It's a pretty ordinary service, 00:33:53.779 --> 00:33:54.840 Nothing too spectacular, 00:33:55.559 --> 00:33:56.600 And as he's leaving, 00:33:56.700 --> 00:33:58.079 He's walking down the aisle, 00:33:58.559 --> 00:34:00.000 This young person in the church, 00:34:00.279 --> 00:34:01.039 Gets on his knees, 00:34:01.120 --> 00:34:01.759 And cries out, 00:34:01.819 --> 00:34:02.059 And he says, 00:34:02.220 --> 00:34:02.519 God, 00:34:02.579 --> 00:34:03.700 You can't abandon us, 00:34:04.279 --> 00:34:04.559 God, 00:34:04.640 --> 00:34:05.460 We need you, 00:34:05.620 --> 00:34:06.620 Pour out your spirit, 00:34:07.059 --> 00:34:07.940 We are thirsty, 00:34:08.079 --> 00:34:08.760 And we are hungry, 00:34:09.000 --> 00:34:09.340 God, 00:34:09.460 --> 00:34:10.260 Give us your spirit, 00:34:10.619 --> 00:34:11.519 And this young man, 00:34:11.519 --> 00:34:12.820 Falls into a trance, 00:34:13.139 --> 00:34:13.900 And suddenly, 00:34:14.019 --> 00:34:15.119 The whole room changes, 00:34:15.119 --> 00:34:16.639 And so this minister, 00:34:16.759 --> 00:34:17.380 Duncan Campbell, 00:34:17.480 --> 00:34:18.079 Turns around, 00:34:18.199 --> 00:34:19.119 And he tells the organist, 00:34:19.279 --> 00:34:19.420 Listen, 00:34:19.559 --> 00:34:20.440 Play another song, 00:34:20.960 --> 00:34:22.359 And suddenly people, 00:34:22.599 --> 00:34:24.039 There are about 200 people in the church, 00:34:24.380 --> 00:34:25.799 They start just coming to the front, 00:34:25.880 --> 00:34:27.059 And they start confessing their sins, 00:34:27.139 --> 00:34:27.380 They say, 00:34:27.480 --> 00:34:27.739 God, 00:34:27.779 --> 00:34:28.420 We need you, 00:34:28.739 --> 00:34:29.880 And at that moment, 00:34:29.980 --> 00:34:31.779 The church doors in the back open, 00:34:32.219 --> 00:34:34.440 And there are 600 people outside, 00:34:34.579 --> 00:34:36.420 That come flooding into the church, 00:34:36.839 --> 00:34:37.119 Saying, 00:34:37.319 --> 00:34:38.139 We need God, 00:34:38.420 --> 00:34:39.259 We need God, 00:34:39.539 --> 00:34:40.739 How can we know God, 00:34:40.739 --> 00:34:42.019 How can we have our sins forgiven? 00:34:42.759 --> 00:34:44.799 And so they spend the next couple of hours, 00:34:44.800 --> 00:34:46.400 It's just people lying on the floor, 00:34:46.760 --> 00:34:48.039 People running up to the front, 00:34:48.100 --> 00:34:49.580 Until three o'clock in the morning, 00:34:50.000 --> 00:34:52.340 This church is packed with 800 people, 00:34:52.800 --> 00:34:53.660 Crying out to God, 00:34:54.160 --> 00:34:54.600 Anyway, 00:34:54.700 --> 00:34:55.000 Eventually, 00:34:55.060 --> 00:34:56.160 At four o'clock in the morning, 00:34:56.420 --> 00:34:56.960 They decide, 00:34:57.060 --> 00:34:57.980 It's time to go home, 00:34:58.340 --> 00:34:59.240 And they leave, 00:34:59.460 --> 00:35:01.440 And as Duncan Campbell goes outside, 00:35:02.180 --> 00:35:03.120 One of the elders says, 00:35:03.760 --> 00:35:04.280 Mr. Campbell, 00:35:04.340 --> 00:35:04.840 Mr. Campbell, 00:35:04.900 --> 00:35:06.320 You have to come to the police station, 00:35:06.680 --> 00:35:06.960 So he says, 00:35:06.980 --> 00:35:08.160 What's happening at the police station? 00:35:08.620 --> 00:35:08.820 He says, 00:35:08.820 --> 00:35:09.160 I don't know, 00:35:09.200 --> 00:35:10.260 But there are 400 people, 00:35:10.260 --> 00:35:11.320 That are asking for you, 00:35:11.440 --> 00:35:12.800 And so he goes to the police station, 00:35:12.880 --> 00:35:13.980 And there are 400 people, 00:35:13.980 --> 00:35:14.260 And saying, 00:35:14.539 --> 00:35:15.500 How can we know God? 00:35:15.559 --> 00:35:16.559 How can we know God? 00:35:16.920 --> 00:35:18.039 And they cry out to God, 00:35:18.340 --> 00:35:19.099 For mercy, 00:35:19.360 --> 00:35:20.539 And this continues, 00:35:20.659 --> 00:35:22.059 For the next three years, 00:35:22.659 --> 00:35:23.360 At one stage, 00:35:23.659 --> 00:35:24.480 They have a church service, 00:35:24.579 --> 00:35:25.960 At 11 o'clock at night, 00:35:26.380 --> 00:35:28.159 It finishes at about 2 a.m. 00:35:28.179 --> 00:35:28.639 In the morning, 00:35:29.199 --> 00:35:30.659 And they get in a car, 00:35:30.699 --> 00:35:32.260 And they drive 15 miles away, 00:35:32.320 --> 00:35:33.119 To another parish, 00:35:33.440 --> 00:35:34.679 And there's a church packed, 00:35:34.719 --> 00:35:36.000 With 600 people there, 00:35:36.400 --> 00:35:38.119 And they go until about 4 o'clock, 00:35:38.119 --> 00:35:38.559 In the morning, 00:35:38.940 --> 00:35:40.059 And as they leave, 00:35:40.360 --> 00:35:41.699 They come across a field, 00:35:41.699 --> 00:35:43.000 And there's 400 people, 00:35:43.039 --> 00:35:44.079 In the field outside, 00:35:44.179 --> 00:35:45.419 That couldn't get into the church, 00:35:45.799 --> 00:35:46.719 That are just on their knees, 00:35:46.779 --> 00:35:46.960 Saying, 00:35:47.079 --> 00:35:47.399 God, 00:35:47.480 --> 00:35:48.119 We need you, 00:35:48.179 --> 00:35:49.019 Have mercy on us, 00:35:49.599 --> 00:35:50.239 Forgive us, 00:35:50.819 --> 00:35:52.199 And so the next three years, 00:35:52.299 --> 00:35:53.899 The whole village, 00:35:53.980 --> 00:35:54.719 The whole island, 00:35:54.819 --> 00:35:56.339 Just absolutely turns around, 00:35:56.399 --> 00:35:58.219 As God pours out his spirit, 00:35:58.679 --> 00:35:59.579 On the Hebrides, 00:36:00.219 --> 00:36:01.480 Pubs close, 00:36:02.000 --> 00:36:02.759 Dr. Campbell says, 00:36:02.799 --> 00:36:04.119 He was walking in the streets one day, 00:36:04.179 --> 00:36:05.239 And he hears this noise, 00:36:05.239 --> 00:36:06.239 And he looks around, 00:36:06.359 --> 00:36:07.439 And there's a man in the bushes, 00:36:07.539 --> 00:36:08.339 That is on his knees, 00:36:08.419 --> 00:36:08.559 Saying, 00:36:08.679 --> 00:36:08.940 God, 00:36:09.039 --> 00:36:09.599 Forgive me, 00:36:09.880 --> 00:36:10.679 I'm so sorry, 00:36:11.279 --> 00:36:11.920 There's one man, 00:36:12.000 --> 00:36:13.119 That said to his sister, 00:36:13.460 --> 00:36:14.860 I'll never come to your church, 00:36:14.940 --> 00:36:15.900 I don't care what you do, 00:36:16.039 --> 00:36:17.000 Everyone else may go, 00:36:17.279 --> 00:36:18.400 I'll never come, 00:36:19.119 --> 00:36:19.980 Six weeks later, 00:36:20.099 --> 00:36:20.739 He's in the church, 00:36:20.820 --> 00:36:20.980 Saying, 00:36:21.059 --> 00:36:21.299 God, 00:36:21.360 --> 00:36:22.059 I'm so sorry, 00:36:22.500 --> 00:36:23.579 Have mercy on me, 00:36:24.259 --> 00:36:25.179 Now, 00:36:25.900 --> 00:36:26.960 I'll tell you that story, 00:36:27.039 --> 00:36:27.460 Because, 00:36:29.079 --> 00:36:30.039 That revival, 00:36:30.199 --> 00:36:31.579 Like every other revival, 00:36:31.579 --> 00:36:32.759 In the history of the world, 00:36:33.539 --> 00:36:34.400 Read the history books, 00:36:34.519 --> 00:36:35.719 Every single revival, 00:36:35.719 --> 00:36:38.639 Started with one common denominator, 00:36:39.839 --> 00:36:41.319 It started with two old ladies, 00:36:41.439 --> 00:36:42.199 That we don't even know, 00:36:42.299 --> 00:36:43.000 What their names is, 00:36:43.359 --> 00:36:44.779 No one can remember their names, 00:36:45.500 --> 00:36:46.819 One of them 82 years old, 00:36:46.879 --> 00:36:48.179 One of them 84 years old, 00:36:48.739 --> 00:36:49.899 They got on their knees, 00:36:50.339 --> 00:36:51.259 And they prayed, 00:36:51.899 --> 00:36:53.259 And they cried out to God, 00:36:53.319 --> 00:36:53.879 For their city, 00:36:54.480 --> 00:36:55.459 And they cried out, 00:36:55.919 --> 00:36:57.159 That their towns and villages, 00:36:57.339 --> 00:36:58.379 That God would give them, 00:36:58.379 --> 00:36:59.399 A spirit of wisdom, 00:36:59.399 --> 00:37:00.139 And revelation, 00:37:00.500 --> 00:37:02.019 That the eyes of their hearts, 00:37:02.159 --> 00:37:02.679 Would be opened, 00:37:03.219 --> 00:37:04.919 That God would so infuse them, 00:37:04.920 --> 00:37:05.599 With power, 00:37:05.720 --> 00:37:06.500 That they would know, 00:37:06.599 --> 00:37:08.760 The great riches of Christ's, 00:37:08.760 --> 00:37:09.659 Inheritance and saints, 00:37:09.700 --> 00:37:10.500 That they would know, 00:37:10.599 --> 00:37:11.860 The great power of Christ, 00:37:11.920 --> 00:37:13.300 That raised Jesus from the dead, 00:37:13.639 --> 00:37:14.599 That they would know, 00:37:14.760 --> 00:37:16.400 That people would have a revelation, 00:37:16.519 --> 00:37:17.300 Of who God is, 00:37:17.360 --> 00:37:18.139 And they would know the riches, 00:37:18.680 --> 00:37:19.539 Of the gospel, 00:37:20.780 --> 00:37:21.960 Watermark, 00:37:22.840 --> 00:37:24.579 Oh that we would be a praying church, 00:37:25.240 --> 00:37:27.099 Oh that I would be a praying person, 00:37:28.380 --> 00:37:28.820 Friends, 00:37:29.300 --> 00:37:30.180 Can I ask this, 00:37:30.240 --> 00:37:31.880 Can we repent of our prayerlessness, 00:37:32.900 --> 00:37:34.400 Can we ask God to forgive us, 00:37:34.400 --> 00:37:35.700 Of the fact that we generally, 00:37:36.119 --> 00:37:37.300 Are so self sufficient, 00:37:38.380 --> 00:37:38.680 Friends, 00:37:38.720 --> 00:37:40.079 I want to be like that old lady, 00:37:40.760 --> 00:37:43.019 Never said that before, 00:37:43.139 --> 00:37:44.019 But when I'm older, 00:37:44.099 --> 00:37:46.079 I want to be like an 84 year old old lady, 00:37:46.340 --> 00:37:47.500 When I grow up, 00:37:47.559 --> 00:37:48.639 That's what I want to be like, 00:37:49.039 --> 00:37:51.720 I want to be someone that prays, 00:37:51.760 --> 00:37:52.200 And friends, 00:37:52.619 --> 00:37:53.480 I want to ask us, 00:37:53.559 --> 00:37:53.880 Watermark, 00:37:53.980 --> 00:37:54.880 Can we be a church, 00:37:55.500 --> 00:37:56.260 That prays, 00:37:56.900 --> 00:37:57.420 Now, 00:37:58.340 --> 00:38:00.200 We're going to come into land soon, 00:38:01.160 --> 00:38:01.500 But, 00:38:01.820 --> 00:38:02.420 Briefly, 00:38:02.420 --> 00:38:03.280 Let's consider this, 00:38:03.380 --> 00:38:04.420 There is a problem, 00:38:04.700 --> 00:38:04.980 In fact, 00:38:05.019 --> 00:38:05.780 There's two problems, 00:38:06.280 --> 00:38:07.599 The one problem, 00:38:07.700 --> 00:38:08.820 Is that prayer is hard, 00:38:09.519 --> 00:38:10.880 It's just difficult, 00:38:11.599 --> 00:38:12.300 And it's difficult, 00:38:12.300 --> 00:38:13.500 For a whole bunch of reasons, 00:38:13.559 --> 00:38:14.139 It's difficult, 00:38:14.139 --> 00:38:15.280 Because we get distracted, 00:38:15.400 --> 00:38:15.619 Right, 00:38:16.000 --> 00:38:17.500 It's easier to watch YouTube, 00:38:17.599 --> 00:38:18.420 As Chris said last week, 00:38:18.460 --> 00:38:18.960 Than to pray, 00:38:19.420 --> 00:38:20.280 It's easier to do, 00:38:20.340 --> 00:38:21.460 30 minutes of emails, 00:38:21.619 --> 00:38:22.079 And admin, 00:38:22.200 --> 00:38:22.840 And organizing, 00:38:22.980 --> 00:38:24.039 Than 30 minutes of prayer, 00:38:24.599 --> 00:38:25.519 It's easier to, 00:38:25.619 --> 00:38:26.700 Talk to somebody, 00:38:27.039 --> 00:38:28.200 Than to talk to God, 00:38:28.400 --> 00:38:29.579 Prayer is hard work, 00:38:29.579 --> 00:38:30.559 It's hard, 00:38:30.559 --> 00:38:32.340 Because prayer is spiritual warfare, 00:38:32.840 --> 00:38:33.699 And it's tiring, 00:38:33.840 --> 00:38:34.599 And it's exhausting, 00:38:34.739 --> 00:38:36.199 It demands everything from you, 00:38:36.639 --> 00:38:37.239 It's hard, 00:38:37.299 --> 00:38:39.299 Because we are self-sufficient, 00:38:39.480 --> 00:38:40.420 And self-reliant, 00:38:40.799 --> 00:38:41.340 And it's hard, 00:38:41.460 --> 00:38:42.400 Because like Kristen said, 00:38:42.480 --> 00:38:43.319 Sometimes we doubt, 00:38:43.400 --> 00:38:44.559 Whether prayer actually works, 00:38:45.099 --> 00:38:46.500 Prayer is just hard, 00:38:47.139 --> 00:38:48.299 But there's a second reason, 00:38:48.460 --> 00:38:49.440 There's a second problem, 00:38:49.880 --> 00:38:50.900 And the problem is that, 00:38:51.000 --> 00:38:52.799 Even though you may be convinced, 00:38:53.139 --> 00:38:53.880 By the scriptures, 00:38:54.099 --> 00:38:55.119 That prayer is important, 00:38:55.779 --> 00:38:56.920 When you are told, 00:38:57.039 --> 00:38:57.599 By anyone, 00:38:57.739 --> 00:38:58.659 Including your pastor, 00:38:58.659 --> 00:39:00.339 We must pray, 00:39:01.339 --> 00:39:04.599 Being told that we must do something, 00:39:04.699 --> 00:39:06.079 Doesn't actually empower us, 00:39:06.119 --> 00:39:06.619 To do it, 00:39:06.659 --> 00:39:06.899 Right? 00:39:07.399 --> 00:39:08.319 You might be inspired, 00:39:08.319 --> 00:39:09.199 For a week or two, 00:39:09.319 --> 00:39:10.719 But inspiration fades, 00:39:11.179 --> 00:39:12.480 In two or three weeks time, 00:39:12.659 --> 00:39:14.079 We're no longer inspired, 00:39:14.179 --> 00:39:14.960 And we just drift back, 00:39:15.019 --> 00:39:15.779 To our normal things, 00:39:16.159 --> 00:39:16.839 In other words, 00:39:17.000 --> 00:39:18.299 You can't just be inspired, 00:39:18.420 --> 00:39:19.319 That doesn't change us, 00:39:19.339 --> 00:39:20.719 We actually need a change of heart, 00:39:21.299 --> 00:39:22.339 So I come to you and say, 00:39:22.420 --> 00:39:23.559 We must pray, 00:39:23.920 --> 00:39:24.500 You may say, 00:39:24.579 --> 00:39:25.960 Yes I'm convinced I must pray, 00:39:26.099 --> 00:39:27.359 But that doesn't empower me, 00:39:27.420 --> 00:39:28.279 To actually pray, 00:39:28.659 --> 00:39:30.500 So is there any hope, 00:39:30.500 --> 00:39:31.599 For a prayerless people, 00:39:31.779 --> 00:39:32.659 Is there any hope, 00:39:32.739 --> 00:39:34.460 For people like you and I, 00:39:34.940 --> 00:39:36.500 Well thankfully there is, 00:39:36.960 --> 00:39:38.179 And the hope that we need, 00:39:38.239 --> 00:39:40.079 Is found in Ephesians chapter 3, 00:39:40.219 --> 00:39:42.139 In the second part of the scripture, 00:39:42.279 --> 00:39:43.119 That is on our bulletin, 00:39:43.699 --> 00:39:44.799 And so let's look at that, 00:39:45.339 --> 00:39:46.119 Really briefly, 00:39:46.879 --> 00:39:48.539 Paul in Ephesians chapter 3, 00:39:48.940 --> 00:39:50.399 Kind of continues the prayer, 00:39:50.480 --> 00:39:51.940 That he starts in Ephesians chapter 1, 00:39:52.519 --> 00:39:54.039 He starts praying in Ephesians 1, 00:39:54.099 --> 00:39:55.119 And he gets sidetracked, 00:39:55.240 --> 00:39:56.559 By describing the gospel, 00:39:56.720 --> 00:39:57.320 In chapter 2, 00:39:57.400 --> 00:39:59.119 He describes the wonder of the gospel, 00:39:59.599 --> 00:40:00.559 He gets distracted, 00:40:00.920 --> 00:40:02.539 And then he comes back in chapter 3, 00:40:02.579 --> 00:40:02.840 And says, 00:40:02.920 --> 00:40:03.240 Oh yes, 00:40:03.300 --> 00:40:03.840 Where was I? 00:40:03.880 --> 00:40:04.039 Sorry, 00:40:04.099 --> 00:40:05.900 Let me continue with my prayer, 00:40:06.220 --> 00:40:07.579 And he finishes off the prayer, 00:40:07.659 --> 00:40:09.559 That he started in chapter 1, 00:40:09.960 --> 00:40:11.280 And so look at how he prays, 00:40:11.280 --> 00:40:11.960 He says this, 00:40:12.440 --> 00:40:13.460 For this reason, 00:40:13.599 --> 00:40:14.559 And what is the reason? 00:40:15.079 --> 00:40:17.000 The reason is the wonder of the gospel, 00:40:17.679 --> 00:40:19.159 The reason is the fact that, 00:40:19.340 --> 00:40:20.900 Though we were dead in our sins, 00:40:21.400 --> 00:40:21.699 God, 00:40:21.860 --> 00:40:23.599 Because of his incredible love for us, 00:40:23.679 --> 00:40:26.440 Because of his indescribable mercy, 00:40:26.820 --> 00:40:29.360 Reached out and made us alive with Christ, 00:40:29.460 --> 00:40:30.659 He raised us up with him, 00:40:30.699 --> 00:40:32.320 And seated us in the heavenly places, 00:40:32.679 --> 00:40:34.239 By grace you have been saved, 00:40:34.500 --> 00:40:35.659 Not by good works, 00:40:35.699 --> 00:40:37.019 This is a gift from God, 00:40:37.440 --> 00:40:38.259 Because of this, 00:40:38.340 --> 00:40:39.360 For this reason, 00:40:39.460 --> 00:40:40.019 He says, 00:40:40.400 --> 00:40:43.380 I bow my knees before the Father, 00:40:44.559 --> 00:40:47.360 I bow my knees before the Father, 00:40:48.259 --> 00:40:50.820 I don't bow my knees before a taskmaster in heaven, 00:40:50.900 --> 00:40:51.320 Who's saying, 00:40:51.759 --> 00:40:53.880 Let me see how long this church really prays, 00:40:54.659 --> 00:40:56.799 I don't bow my knees before a Lord, 00:40:57.239 --> 00:41:00.380 Or some boss that's checking when a clock in and clock out, 00:41:01.039 --> 00:41:03.059 I don't bow my knees before the pastor, 00:41:03.059 --> 00:41:05.299 That's seeing who came to the prayer meeting, 00:41:05.299 --> 00:41:06.039 And who didn't, 00:41:06.900 --> 00:41:09.639 I bow my knees before my Father, 00:41:10.719 --> 00:41:13.599 My Father who loves me even more than I love myself, 00:41:13.599 --> 00:41:16.199 I bow my knees before the Father, 00:41:16.299 --> 00:41:18.279 Who sent the Son to die on the cross for me, 00:41:19.319 --> 00:41:20.500 I come before the Father, 00:41:20.579 --> 00:41:21.079 And he says, 00:41:21.839 --> 00:41:23.319 I bow my knees before the Father, 00:41:23.799 --> 00:41:27.699 From whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 00:41:28.500 --> 00:41:29.039 In other words, 00:41:29.079 --> 00:41:29.480 He's saying, 00:41:30.019 --> 00:41:31.559 I bow my knees before the Father, 00:41:32.000 --> 00:41:34.119 The one in whom I find my identity, 00:41:34.779 --> 00:41:35.639 My validation, 00:41:35.940 --> 00:41:36.839 And my self-worth, 00:41:37.759 --> 00:41:38.219 You see friends, 00:41:38.259 --> 00:41:38.819 In our city, 00:41:39.279 --> 00:41:41.360 There are all sorts of things that are trying to name you, 00:41:41.360 --> 00:41:42.820 Your boss is trying to name you, 00:41:42.880 --> 00:41:44.760 Either a good employee or you're a bad employee, 00:41:45.800 --> 00:41:47.160 The market's trying to name you, 00:41:47.360 --> 00:41:48.420 Either good at what you do, 00:41:48.460 --> 00:41:49.539 Or you're bad at what you do, 00:41:50.320 --> 00:41:51.620 Your family's trying to name you, 00:41:51.680 --> 00:41:52.680 You're an honorable son, 00:41:52.760 --> 00:41:53.900 You're a dishonorable son, 00:41:54.640 --> 00:41:55.820 Everyone's trying to name us, 00:41:55.840 --> 00:41:56.099 And he says, 00:41:56.180 --> 00:41:58.099 I come and I bow my knees before the Father, 00:41:58.680 --> 00:42:00.519 The one who gives me validation, 00:42:00.900 --> 00:42:01.579 The one with whom, 00:42:01.660 --> 00:42:03.059 Before whom I get a name, 00:42:03.680 --> 00:42:05.420 A name that says I'm his beloved son, 00:42:05.599 --> 00:42:06.740 I'm his beloved daughter, 00:42:06.739 --> 00:42:08.219 For this reason, 00:42:08.319 --> 00:42:10.219 I bow my knees before this Father, 00:42:10.979 --> 00:42:12.319 The Father who accepts me, 00:42:12.339 --> 00:42:14.679 Because Jesus died on the cross for me, 00:42:14.879 --> 00:42:18.079 And I ask that according to the riches of his glory, 00:42:18.839 --> 00:42:23.899 He may grant me to be strengthened with power in my inner being, 00:42:24.000 --> 00:42:24.259 Friends, 00:42:24.339 --> 00:42:25.519 Do you feel exhausted? 00:42:26.279 --> 00:42:27.159 Do you feel weary? 00:42:27.299 --> 00:42:28.319 Do you feel burnt out? 00:42:28.899 --> 00:42:29.919 Do you feel finished? 00:42:30.959 --> 00:42:31.439 Paul says, 00:42:31.519 --> 00:42:34.319 I'm praying for you that you may be strengthened in your inner being, 00:42:34.320 --> 00:42:36.080 Paul says, 00:42:36.140 --> 00:42:37.340 I'm asking you to pray, 00:42:37.539 --> 00:42:37.740 Because, 00:42:37.840 --> 00:42:40.120 Not because that's another duty that you must do, 00:42:40.820 --> 00:42:41.740 I'm asking you to pray, 00:42:41.800 --> 00:42:43.080 I want you to be a people of prayer, 00:42:43.140 --> 00:42:45.200 Because I want you to be strengthened in your inner being, 00:42:46.380 --> 00:42:46.680 He says, 00:42:46.720 --> 00:42:48.680 I pray that according to the riches of his glory, 00:42:48.800 --> 00:42:50.920 He'll grant you to be strengthened in your inner being, 00:42:51.019 --> 00:42:51.340 Why? 00:42:51.880 --> 00:42:54.420 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts, 00:42:54.860 --> 00:42:58.180 That you being rooted and grounded in his love, 00:42:58.800 --> 00:42:59.580 May comprehend, 00:42:59.580 --> 00:43:01.240 What is the breadth, 00:43:01.660 --> 00:43:02.420 And the length, 00:43:02.700 --> 00:43:03.559 And the height, 00:43:03.559 --> 00:43:06.420 And the depth of Christ's incredible love, 00:43:06.860 --> 00:43:08.059 And to know this love, 00:43:08.119 --> 00:43:09.420 That surpasses knowledge, 00:43:09.759 --> 00:43:14.019 That you may be filled with all the fullness of God, 00:43:14.639 --> 00:43:15.099 See friends, 00:43:15.159 --> 00:43:15.719 On one hand, 00:43:15.799 --> 00:43:16.799 God is saying to us, 00:43:16.920 --> 00:43:17.279 Watermark, 00:43:17.360 --> 00:43:18.960 I want you to be a church that prays, 00:43:19.360 --> 00:43:20.960 I want you to embrace the cost, 00:43:21.239 --> 00:43:22.599 And I want you to stay up late, 00:43:22.960 --> 00:43:24.699 And I want you to get up early and pray, 00:43:24.779 --> 00:43:26.500 And I want you to fight spiritual battles, 00:43:26.820 --> 00:43:29.099 And I want you to get out of your comfort zones, 00:43:29.099 --> 00:43:30.880 And I want you to be a church that prays, 00:43:31.219 --> 00:43:31.619 On one hand, 00:43:31.619 --> 00:43:32.880 God's calling us and say, 00:43:32.960 --> 00:43:33.259 Watermark, 00:43:33.339 --> 00:43:34.779 Let's be a church that prays, 00:43:35.400 --> 00:43:36.219 But on the other hand, 00:43:36.319 --> 00:43:38.400 Can't you see how God is inviting us, 00:43:38.440 --> 00:43:39.119 To come home, 00:43:39.179 --> 00:43:40.500 And find our rest in him, 00:43:41.199 --> 00:43:41.559 You're saying, 00:43:41.639 --> 00:43:43.059 I want you to be a church that prays, 00:43:43.059 --> 00:43:44.039 Because I'm your father, 00:43:44.079 --> 00:43:44.799 And I love you, 00:43:45.179 --> 00:43:46.579 Because I want you to be rooted, 00:43:46.739 --> 00:43:47.900 And grounded in love, 00:43:48.139 --> 00:43:50.239 Because everything that the Bible says, 00:43:50.239 --> 00:43:51.559 About my incredible love, 00:43:51.619 --> 00:43:53.039 I don't just want it to be in your head, 00:43:53.279 --> 00:43:54.659 I want it to be in your hearts, 00:43:55.339 --> 00:43:56.940 I want the reality of my love, 00:43:57.019 --> 00:43:57.239 To be, 00:43:57.480 --> 00:43:58.779 To flood your hearts, 00:43:58.780 --> 00:44:00.780 So that in the best times of life, 00:44:00.820 --> 00:44:02.340 And in the worst times of life, 00:44:02.519 --> 00:44:04.440 You are on a rock solid foundation, 00:44:04.560 --> 00:44:05.580 Which is my love, 00:44:05.880 --> 00:44:09.760 I'm inviting you to come and find your rest in me, 00:44:10.620 --> 00:44:11.519 Come home, 00:44:12.460 --> 00:44:13.420 Come home, 00:44:14.720 --> 00:44:17.200 Come and be filled with all the fullness of God, 00:44:18.660 --> 00:44:20.680 Come and be filled with the depth, 00:44:20.820 --> 00:44:21.760 And the profundity, 00:44:21.860 --> 00:44:22.460 And the breadth, 00:44:22.580 --> 00:44:23.200 And the length, 00:44:23.300 --> 00:44:23.940 And the height, 00:44:24.340 --> 00:44:26.140 And the depth of my love for you, 00:44:26.139 --> 00:44:28.859 Come and be a people of prayer, 00:44:29.739 --> 00:44:30.079 Friends, 00:44:30.159 --> 00:44:31.839 To devote yourselves to prayers, 00:44:31.920 --> 00:44:32.819 To be fully human, 00:44:33.319 --> 00:44:34.859 Because prayer is an invitation, 00:44:35.000 --> 00:44:36.539 To be filled with the love of God, 00:44:36.599 --> 00:44:37.960 That surpasses all knowledge, 00:44:38.420 --> 00:44:39.679 Surpasses all anxiety, 00:44:40.179 --> 00:44:41.440 Surpasses all stress, 00:44:41.879 --> 00:44:43.259 Surpasses the greatest moments, 00:44:43.299 --> 00:44:44.639 And the worst moments of our lives, 00:44:45.920 --> 00:44:46.940 It's an invitation, 00:44:47.159 --> 00:44:48.179 To anchor our souls, 00:44:48.259 --> 00:44:50.420 Into the unshakable grip of his love, 00:44:50.920 --> 00:44:52.980 And to be filled with all the fullness of who he is, 00:44:53.359 --> 00:44:54.259 And therefore, 00:44:54.260 --> 00:44:57.460 We must be a church that prays, 00:44:58.120 --> 00:44:58.700 Friends, 00:44:58.740 --> 00:44:59.900 This morning I've tried to urge us, 00:44:59.960 --> 00:45:01.720 That we must be a church that prays, 00:45:02.360 --> 00:45:03.680 We must be a church that prays, 00:45:03.700 --> 00:45:05.020 Because the New Testament pattern, 00:45:05.120 --> 00:45:06.020 Is consistent, 00:45:06.680 --> 00:45:07.980 Persistent prayer, 00:45:08.680 --> 00:45:10.160 We must be a church that prays, 00:45:10.180 --> 00:45:11.900 Because it's the only way to know God, 00:45:11.960 --> 00:45:12.780 And to know him deeply, 00:45:13.260 --> 00:45:14.920 We must be a church that prays, 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:16.920 Because it's the way to know the deep riches, 00:45:16.920 --> 00:45:17.780 Of the Christian life, 00:45:17.840 --> 00:45:19.380 To know the hope of God, 00:45:19.680 --> 00:45:21.220 And the greatness of who he is, 00:45:21.219 --> 00:45:24.079 But also we must be a church that prays, 00:45:24.079 --> 00:45:25.299 Because it's God's invitation, 00:45:25.439 --> 00:45:26.199 To come and know, 00:45:26.619 --> 00:45:28.559 And experience his profound love, 00:45:29.079 --> 00:45:30.119 And to build our lives, 00:45:30.179 --> 00:45:31.679 On an unshakable foundation, 00:45:32.480 --> 00:45:33.500 And therefore, 00:45:34.199 --> 00:45:35.899 Can we be a church that is marked, 00:45:36.079 --> 00:45:36.899 By great prayer, 00:45:37.739 --> 00:45:38.399 And so therefore, 00:45:39.119 --> 00:45:39.899 Let's pray now, 00:45:40.579 --> 00:45:41.859 Let's come before him, 00:45:42.459 --> 00:45:42.939 In prayer, 00:45:42.940 --> 00:46:00.340 Great and glorious God, 00:46:00.340 --> 00:46:00.460 Father, 00:46:02.599 --> 00:46:03.740 Father, 00:46:03.840 --> 00:46:05.000 Some of us are exhausted, 00:46:05.780 --> 00:46:07.920 Some of us are utterly worn out, 00:46:09.059 --> 00:46:10.200 God, 00:46:10.280 --> 00:46:11.019 We come to you, 00:46:11.019 --> 00:46:13.219 Because you are the source of all life, 00:46:13.780 --> 00:46:16.119 You are water for our thirsty souls, 00:46:16.940 --> 00:46:18.199 God, 00:46:18.259 --> 00:46:19.300 We come before you, 00:46:19.340 --> 00:46:20.259 Because you are gracious, 00:46:20.559 --> 00:46:21.159 And tender, 00:46:21.759 --> 00:46:23.679 You are forgiving of our sins, 00:46:24.280 --> 00:46:26.239 We find our validation, 00:46:26.500 --> 00:46:27.139 And our identity, 00:46:27.340 --> 00:46:28.219 And our meaning in you, 00:46:28.280 --> 00:46:29.139 And we ask you, 00:46:29.199 --> 00:46:29.400 God, 00:46:29.460 --> 00:46:30.659 To come wash over us, 00:46:30.679 --> 00:46:31.259 In your love, 00:46:32.960 --> 00:46:33.980 Father, 00:46:34.079 --> 00:46:34.800 Some of us here, 00:46:34.800 --> 00:46:36.340 Have been running so hard, 00:46:36.440 --> 00:46:37.980 We've either been running away from you, 00:46:38.519 --> 00:46:40.340 Or we've been running to earn your love, 00:46:40.340 --> 00:46:41.019 And your acceptance, 00:46:41.820 --> 00:46:42.140 Christ, 00:46:42.700 --> 00:46:45.160 We want to give up running from you, 00:46:45.200 --> 00:46:45.420 God, 00:46:45.559 --> 00:46:46.440 We want to surrender, 00:46:46.579 --> 00:46:47.740 And we want to come before you, 00:46:47.740 --> 00:46:50.240 Father, 00:46:50.340 --> 00:46:51.240 Some of us this morning, 00:46:51.300 --> 00:46:53.220 Are petrified at the thought of surrender, 00:46:54.100 --> 00:46:55.200 Opening up our hearts, 00:46:55.300 --> 00:46:55.920 To your love, 00:46:56.039 --> 00:46:56.220 God, 00:46:56.280 --> 00:46:57.019 Because we don't know, 00:46:57.220 --> 00:46:58.000 What that will mean, 00:46:58.120 --> 00:46:58.880 What you'll do, 00:46:59.440 --> 00:47:01.180 When we do surrender our lives to you, 00:47:01.360 --> 00:47:01.559 God, 00:47:01.620 --> 00:47:02.019 Won't you, 00:47:02.840 --> 00:47:03.960 Come and join you, 00:47:04.019 --> 00:47:04.780 And give us faith, 00:47:06.200 --> 00:47:07.019 Won't you help us, 00:47:07.100 --> 00:47:07.180 Lord, 00:47:07.220 --> 00:47:07.960 To trust you, 00:47:07.960 --> 00:47:10.179 Father, 00:47:10.280 --> 00:47:11.740 I pray for us as a church, 00:47:11.820 --> 00:47:11.960 God, 00:47:11.980 --> 00:47:13.599 I pray that you will open the eyes, 00:47:13.619 --> 00:47:14.179 Of our hearts, 00:47:14.280 --> 00:47:14.440 Lord, 00:47:15.039 --> 00:47:15.800 We pray, 00:47:15.940 --> 00:47:16.099 God, 00:47:16.119 --> 00:47:16.820 That we will know, 00:47:16.920 --> 00:47:18.519 The great hope to which you've called us, 00:47:18.599 --> 00:47:18.780 God, 00:47:18.940 --> 00:47:20.240 God, 00:47:20.280 --> 00:47:21.720 When we feel utterly hopeless, 00:47:21.900 --> 00:47:22.720 When we feel like, 00:47:23.699 --> 00:47:24.800 We have no hope, 00:47:24.900 --> 00:47:25.199 God, 00:47:25.260 --> 00:47:26.440 Won't you flatter our hearts, 00:47:26.500 --> 00:47:27.039 With your hope, 00:47:27.139 --> 00:47:27.360 God, 00:47:28.039 --> 00:47:28.960 Open our eyes, 00:47:29.019 --> 00:47:29.720 To see it, 00:47:29.760 --> 00:47:29.900 God, 00:47:29.980 --> 00:47:30.920 Enlighten our eyes, 00:47:30.980 --> 00:47:32.280 To see the hope of the gospel, 00:47:32.440 --> 00:47:32.659 God, 00:47:33.380 --> 00:47:34.559 God, 00:47:34.619 --> 00:47:35.760 I pray you'll open our eyes, 00:47:35.760 --> 00:47:37.780 To see the great power of God, 00:47:37.860 --> 00:47:38.760 That you, 00:47:38.860 --> 00:47:38.960 God, 00:47:39.000 --> 00:47:40.280 Who raised Jesus from the dead, 00:47:40.320 --> 00:47:41.520 Are at work within us, 00:47:41.840 --> 00:47:43.480 And therefore, 00:47:43.600 --> 00:47:44.580 We can trust you, 00:47:44.580 --> 00:47:46.580 God, 00:47:49.160 --> 00:47:50.180 I pray that you bring us, 00:47:50.260 --> 00:47:51.260 To the end of ourselves, 00:47:52.140 --> 00:47:53.560 That we won't be a church, 00:47:53.600 --> 00:47:55.320 Which is marked by self-sufficiency, 00:47:55.900 --> 00:47:58.740 We won't try and do things, 00:47:58.780 --> 00:47:59.640 In our own strength, 00:47:59.639 --> 00:48:02.299 But that Lord God, 00:48:02.339 --> 00:48:03.319 We'll get on our knees, 00:48:03.400 --> 00:48:03.839 And we'll, 00:48:03.839 --> 00:48:06.299 Cry out to you, 00:48:06.819 --> 00:48:08.960 God, 00:48:09.039 --> 00:48:09.759 Come and have your way, 00:48:09.859 --> 00:48:10.019 God, 00:48:10.079 --> 00:48:10.359 I pray, 00:48:10.500 --> 00:48:10.659 Lord, 00:48:11.139 --> 00:48:12.420 In your gentleness, 00:48:12.539 --> 00:48:13.440 Won't you break us, 00:48:13.579 --> 00:48:13.739 Lord, 00:48:14.619 --> 00:48:16.079 Won't you break our pride, 00:48:17.460 --> 00:48:20.019 God, 00:48:20.099 --> 00:48:21.000 Be gentle with us, 00:48:21.019 --> 00:48:21.400 I pray, 00:48:22.799 --> 00:48:23.759 And yet God, 00:48:25.119 --> 00:48:26.059 Rid us of ourselves, 00:48:26.179 --> 00:48:27.319 And bring us to the end of ourselves, 00:48:27.420 --> 00:48:28.359 That we may find you, 00:48:28.360 --> 00:48:35.599 Come and wash us, 00:48:35.680 --> 00:48:36.280 In your tenderness, 00:48:36.360 --> 00:48:37.200 In your love we pray, 00:48:38.539 --> 00:48:40.180 We pray these things, 00:48:40.280 --> 00:48:40.660 In your name, 00:48:42.340 --> 00:48:42.680 Amen,