WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.439 Well, we can turn back to our reading in 1 Timothy, chapter 2. 1 Timothy, chapter 2. 00:00:09.480 --> 00:00:12.919 ! We can read again at the beginning of the chapter, verse 1. 00:00:12.919 --> 00:00:26.240 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, and so on. 00:00:27.679 --> 00:00:35.140 I'm going to look at the beginning of this chapter, verse 1, down to verse 6 this evening. 00:00:36.439 --> 00:00:40.100 There's so many things happening in the world today. 00:00:40.100 --> 00:00:53.800 When we look at our screens, whether it's online or on television, we see again and again just reminders to us as we were hearing this morning of the fallen world in which we live. 00:00:54.620 --> 00:00:56.939 We see so much devastation. 00:00:57.620 --> 00:01:02.840 You think of Jamaica and the hurricane that hit there this week. 00:01:02.840 --> 00:01:15.380 So many people lost their lives, and when you see before and after pictures taken from above the land, you see just the vast destruction that's happened in that place. 00:01:15.480 --> 00:01:17.540 Places have been just wiped out. 00:01:18.060 --> 00:01:18.840 So much devastation. 00:01:18.840 --> 00:01:30.340 We see it, too, where there's war going on, whether it's the Middle East or the Russian-Ukraine conflict and other parts of the world as well. 00:01:30.380 --> 00:01:39.820 And you see very often before and after pictures of how places were prospering and thriving with people and buildings, and now they're just raised to the ground. 00:01:39.920 --> 00:01:42.300 They're just devastation every way they look. 00:01:42.299 --> 00:01:46.700 We see it in so many places throughout the world. 00:01:46.840 --> 00:01:57.280 We think of things even happening in our own nation, sad events like the attack on the train in these last 24 hours, as we've seen. 00:01:58.340 --> 00:02:01.000 And we wonder just what's going on. 00:02:01.500 --> 00:02:07.920 There's so much persecution, so much violence, so much disorder, so much godlessness. 00:02:08.639 --> 00:02:10.060 The list goes on. 00:02:10.060 --> 00:02:15.080 We are living in days when there are so many challenges all around us. 00:02:15.120 --> 00:02:20.300 And that's just thinking of things that we see in many ways away from ourselves. 00:02:21.939 --> 00:02:32.580 But there's so many other things going on for ourselves, whether it's personally and individually in our homes and our families, as collectively, as congregations or as communities. 00:02:33.400 --> 00:02:37.199 There's so many challenges, so many uncertainties for us. 00:02:37.199 --> 00:02:47.519 And as we survey the world in which we live in, it does not strike us that so many people, so many nations, they're looking for answers. 00:02:47.520 --> 00:02:51.900 But the answers are being looked for without God. 00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:56.439 When there's so little thought towards God. 00:02:56.540 --> 00:02:58.800 It's a sign of our day and the time in which we live. 00:02:58.840 --> 00:03:07.219 When all the talk about what is best for us as a people, what we need as a people, what we need going forward as a people, 00:03:07.219 --> 00:03:13.620 is all about what we can do and not what God can do. 00:03:14.719 --> 00:03:17.060 We lose sight of that. 00:03:17.180 --> 00:03:22.800 We lose sight of the God who created the world, who sustains the world. 00:03:22.879 --> 00:03:26.280 And we begin to think that it is our strength, our power. 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:31.140 The very warnings that God gave many, many years ago in the Old Testament. 00:03:31.319 --> 00:03:33.960 You go back to the likes of Deuteronomy and you read, 00:03:34.039 --> 00:03:39.500 When you go into the land that I have prepared for you, a land flowing with milk and honey, 00:03:39.580 --> 00:03:43.719 the warning that God gave was, Do not forget the Lord. 00:03:45.199 --> 00:03:47.659 And yet the Lord is forgotten. 00:03:47.659 --> 00:03:53.740 So as God's people, as those who trust God, what are we to do? 00:03:54.759 --> 00:04:00.879 Well, as we look here in 1 Timothy, Paul is writing here to Timothy. 00:04:01.419 --> 00:04:07.000 And he's writing to him with a great reminder to him of just what we have as God's people. 00:04:07.699 --> 00:04:13.199 And he's writing at a time when there were many challenges, many persecutions, 00:04:13.379 --> 00:04:16.399 much violence and disorder going on all around them. 00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:21.620 Many challenges and uncertainties, but he's writing to them with confidence. 00:04:22.359 --> 00:04:25.419 And saying, This is what you can do. 00:04:26.019 --> 00:04:30.279 We often ask ourselves, Where do we start? 00:04:31.159 --> 00:04:35.219 We feel so helpless, maybe for ourselves or for others. 00:04:36.379 --> 00:04:38.019 But we have a great God. 00:04:38.919 --> 00:04:44.199 We have a great God who is speaking to us, who is reminding us again and again 00:04:44.199 --> 00:04:48.899 that in the midst of all that is going on, in the midst of all of the chaos, 00:04:49.420 --> 00:04:55.079 that God is a God who desires, as we've read here, a people to be saved. 00:04:56.039 --> 00:04:59.279 That that is his desire towards his people. 00:04:59.620 --> 00:05:01.719 A people to be saved. 00:05:02.419 --> 00:05:08.399 And so where does Paul direct Timothy and ourselves in this passage that we're looking at? 00:05:08.399 --> 00:05:09.879 Where does he direct us to? 00:05:10.279 --> 00:05:11.839 He directs us to prayer. 00:05:13.919 --> 00:05:16.359 And then first of all, he says in verse 1, 00:05:16.359 --> 00:05:24.379 I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for all people. 00:05:25.239 --> 00:05:27.719 He directs us to pray. 00:05:27.720 --> 00:05:30.300 And that's what we know. 00:05:30.940 --> 00:05:34.000 That's what's maybe obvious to us, isn't it? 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:38.820 So many of us, we know that we have to pray, but it does no harm to think, 00:05:39.060 --> 00:05:39.860 How are we praying? 00:05:40.660 --> 00:05:43.320 Are we praying as the Bible commands us to? 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:45.040 Are we praying as a people of faith? 00:05:45.100 --> 00:05:47.620 Or are we a people who have lost our faith? 00:05:47.700 --> 00:05:50.300 Who have maybe started to wane in prayer and think, 00:05:50.380 --> 00:05:52.520 Well, what's the point in prayer? 00:05:53.040 --> 00:05:56.960 Paul here isn't saying that you have to start praying to the people. 00:05:56.959 --> 00:05:59.099 He's saying that you have to keep praying. 00:05:59.779 --> 00:06:02.819 And that is so often the lesson for ourselves as well, 00:06:02.839 --> 00:06:07.099 That we are to be a people who always pray and do not give up. 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:14.259 And so in every circumstance, we are to keep praying and to be encouraged to do so. 00:06:15.560 --> 00:06:18.179 The church has a place. 00:06:18.859 --> 00:06:21.019 The church has a role in the world, 00:06:21.120 --> 00:06:25.339 Despite so many who will say that the future is apart from the church, 00:06:25.339 --> 00:06:26.539 It's away from the church. 00:06:26.599 --> 00:06:28.619 So the church has had its day. 00:06:29.339 --> 00:06:35.899 And we think of Friday and marking the anniversary of the Reformation all these years ago. 00:06:36.699 --> 00:06:41.439 We see so many almost being ignorant to what that actually meant. 00:06:42.199 --> 00:06:48.399 And now understanding the importance, the significance of that event over 500 years ago. 00:06:48.399 --> 00:06:52.159 And yet here we are today just needing that reminder again. 00:06:52.859 --> 00:06:55.899 It is by the grace of God that we go on. 00:06:56.379 --> 00:07:01.599 But that God, as we pray to him, has that grace to give to us. 00:07:01.979 --> 00:07:04.419 And to give it to us in abundance. 00:07:04.739 --> 00:07:06.419 And so Paul is writing to Timothy, 00:07:06.560 --> 00:07:10.259 Outlining the importance of the church for the people. 00:07:10.799 --> 00:07:12.219 People then and people today. 00:07:12.339 --> 00:07:15.179 He's really outlining the importance of worship. 00:07:15.180 --> 00:07:20.319 Just as we sang there in Psalm 5, in verse 7. 00:07:20.480 --> 00:07:24.240 There's a reminder of just the precious nature of worship in verse 7. 00:07:24.939 --> 00:07:29.220 But I into thy house will come in thine abundant grace. 00:07:29.819 --> 00:07:34.579 And I will worship in thy fear toward thy holy place. 00:07:34.620 --> 00:07:37.259 We are reminded there of what worship is. 00:07:37.300 --> 00:07:41.800 How we come to God by his abundant grace. 00:07:41.800 --> 00:07:48.100 And then this idea that we will come and worship in thy fear. 00:07:48.100 --> 00:07:53.360 In that dependence upon him towards his holy place. 00:07:53.379 --> 00:07:57.520 So it's all about coming in dependence on God. 00:07:57.600 --> 00:07:59.220 And that is what prayer is. 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:03.560 Prayer takes us to that place of dependence. 00:08:03.560 --> 00:08:11.839 But also to that place where it's possible for God to do all things well. 00:08:12.339 --> 00:08:16.519 And so Paul is giving us this invitation to prayer. 00:08:17.180 --> 00:08:23.680 And then he outlines for us that we ought to pray for all kinds of people. 00:08:23.819 --> 00:08:26.519 Prayer be made for all people. 00:08:26.519 --> 00:08:30.939 And then he goes on to speak about the implications, if you like, of this. 00:08:31.339 --> 00:08:33.600 In terms of the Christian mission. 00:08:33.720 --> 00:08:35.559 The church's mission. 00:08:36.720 --> 00:08:39.159 And so as we approach God in prayer. 00:08:39.919 --> 00:08:44.319 We begin to see there the greatness of God. 00:08:44.419 --> 00:08:46.179 The more we lift up our eyes to him. 00:08:46.259 --> 00:08:49.559 The more we see beyond ourselves our own ability. 00:08:49.779 --> 00:08:52.899 To the ability of the grace of God. 00:08:52.899 --> 00:08:54.779 And what he can do. 00:08:54.860 --> 00:08:56.319 As one commentator puts it. 00:08:56.779 --> 00:08:58.860 The wider the subjects for prayer. 00:08:59.480 --> 00:09:02.919 The larger becomes the vision of the soul that prays. 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:07.240 In other words, when we come to God in this dependence. 00:09:07.480 --> 00:09:09.799 And the wider we see the subjects of prayer. 00:09:10.259 --> 00:09:13.159 The enormity of all that we can pray for. 00:09:13.360 --> 00:09:14.779 To God who is able. 00:09:15.379 --> 00:09:16.500 The more becomes. 00:09:17.000 --> 00:09:19.079 The greater our vision becomes. 00:09:19.179 --> 00:09:20.759 As a praying people. 00:09:20.759 --> 00:09:24.059 Both of God and of his church. 00:09:25.100 --> 00:09:28.960 And so we look at three things in these verses together this evening. 00:09:29.059 --> 00:09:32.139 The first is a directive to pray. 00:09:32.860 --> 00:09:36.360 And the second is a direction from prayer. 00:09:36.819 --> 00:09:40.620 And then thirdly, the desired outcome of prayer. 00:09:41.080 --> 00:09:44.360 So the first thing we have is a directive to pray. 00:09:45.059 --> 00:09:47.299 There is a command here to us. 00:09:47.299 --> 00:09:51.679 First of all, it says in verse 1 here in chapter 2. 00:09:51.839 --> 00:09:59.699 I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for all people. 00:10:01.039 --> 00:10:04.019 So you have here, I urge. 00:10:04.859 --> 00:10:09.839 Paul is using this word to convey encouragement to the people. 00:10:09.840 --> 00:10:18.660 And it's of a stronger sense than just saying, well, here's something you can try. 00:10:19.700 --> 00:10:23.139 It's far more important than that. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:26.080 Instead, it's a command. 00:10:27.600 --> 00:10:30.259 It's a command to the church. 00:10:31.139 --> 00:10:32.580 I urge. 00:10:33.000 --> 00:10:38.340 It's not just, this is what you should do, but this is what you must do. 00:10:38.340 --> 00:10:41.620 And this is not just Paul speaking. 00:10:42.580 --> 00:10:45.680 This is Paul speaking by the Holy Spirit. 00:10:45.820 --> 00:10:48.720 So this is the word of the Lord to the church. 00:10:49.740 --> 00:10:51.759 I urge that prayer be made. 00:10:52.220 --> 00:10:54.560 I command that prayer be made. 00:10:54.620 --> 00:10:58.519 And when you look at the way God speaks through his word, 00:10:59.340 --> 00:11:02.040 and you look at many cases in the Old Testament, 00:11:02.180 --> 00:11:06.620 when you have Moses or Joshua or David or so many others in the Old Testament, 00:11:06.620 --> 00:11:08.659 and the word of the Lord came to them. 00:11:09.700 --> 00:11:14.060 And that's God speaking and giving directives and direction to them, 00:11:14.159 --> 00:11:15.500 commands to them. 00:11:15.539 --> 00:11:18.620 When God speaks, the people are to go. 00:11:20.700 --> 00:11:25.580 When people are disobedient, God often just brings them back to the way that he wants them. 00:11:25.580 --> 00:11:33.240 You think of Jonah, who says they don't deserve salvation in the great city of Nineveh 00:11:33.240 --> 00:11:34.480 because of what they have done. 00:11:34.860 --> 00:11:36.720 The Lord brings them to his senses. 00:11:37.280 --> 00:11:42.420 The Lord speaks, and he urges his people to be a people of prayer, 00:11:42.820 --> 00:11:47.240 a people of listening to his commands, of doing as he says. 00:11:47.240 --> 00:11:54.039 You think of Paul himself and how he's been directed by the Lord throughout his life. 00:11:54.659 --> 00:11:57.320 He's been saved by that amazing grace. 00:11:58.019 --> 00:12:01.120 And he's been turned in a completely different direction, 00:12:01.240 --> 00:12:04.340 but going in dependence on the Lord. 00:12:05.860 --> 00:12:07.320 And so we go too. 00:12:08.399 --> 00:12:11.940 Paul is here giving instruction to the church, to the people of God. 00:12:12.320 --> 00:12:14.560 It is the word of God to us today. 00:12:14.559 --> 00:12:20.099 And so I urge you, me, all of us together, 00:12:20.959 --> 00:12:24.059 that prayer be central to all that we are doing. 00:12:25.779 --> 00:12:27.919 That is the command that is here, 00:12:28.139 --> 00:12:31.839 to be engaged in the work of prayer. 00:12:33.179 --> 00:12:35.119 And we say, but it's obvious. 00:12:36.159 --> 00:12:37.019 We know it. 00:12:38.059 --> 00:12:40.899 But do we make it our priority? 00:12:40.899 --> 00:12:46.379 And do we make it this prayer that has this great vision, 00:12:46.919 --> 00:12:51.159 this broad nature of all that we're seeing that God can do? 00:12:51.240 --> 00:12:54.559 You can imagine the people here being urged to pray. 00:12:56.059 --> 00:12:58.779 Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving 00:12:58.779 --> 00:13:00.679 be made for all people. 00:13:00.679 --> 00:13:02.240 What would they focus on first? 00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:05.560 If this is you being told tonight, 00:13:06.159 --> 00:13:09.539 I urge supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving 00:13:09.539 --> 00:13:11.519 be made for all people. 00:13:12.560 --> 00:13:15.680 You can imagine some saying, 00:13:15.860 --> 00:13:18.139 but who are all the people? 00:13:19.080 --> 00:13:22.560 Are there some that are undeserving of prayer, 00:13:23.259 --> 00:13:27.340 that our focus is on that second part and not the first? 00:13:27.340 --> 00:13:30.519 Because that's what we do so often by nature. 00:13:30.940 --> 00:13:32.759 How can we pray for so-and-so? 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:36.060 They don't deserve the Lord. 00:13:36.139 --> 00:13:37.700 And that's the attitude of Jonah. 00:13:39.360 --> 00:13:40.100 When he said, 00:13:40.200 --> 00:13:42.759 they don't deserve, Mershi, this great city of Nineveh, 00:13:43.000 --> 00:13:44.500 because of what they have done. 00:13:45.560 --> 00:13:46.879 But the Lord reminds Jonah, 00:13:47.019 --> 00:13:49.899 who are you to say that they don't deserve it? 00:13:51.460 --> 00:13:53.200 And so we shouldn't end up looking at, 00:13:53.400 --> 00:13:54.460 well, who are we to pray for? 00:13:54.519 --> 00:13:55.060 Who are we not? 00:13:55.059 --> 00:13:56.839 It's all people, 00:13:57.459 --> 00:14:00.000 and it's supplications, prayers, intercessions, 00:14:00.099 --> 00:14:03.159 and thanksgivings be made for all people. 00:14:04.579 --> 00:14:07.859 And who would Paul have been asking the people to pray for? 00:14:08.959 --> 00:14:11.519 Well, when you look at Paul's day and Timothy's day, 00:14:11.619 --> 00:14:13.639 the people that he was asking them to pray for, 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:15.399 as he goes on to say in verse 2, 00:14:15.500 --> 00:14:18.539 the kings and all who are in high positions, 00:14:19.299 --> 00:14:21.459 who was he asking them to pray for? 00:14:23.459 --> 00:14:24.839 The Emperor Nero. 00:14:25.059 --> 00:14:30.000 The one who was wicked beyond anything we could imagine. 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:34.819 Or the Roman Empire as it was, 00:14:35.439 --> 00:14:39.159 who were breathing out cruelties in all kinds of different ways. 00:14:39.159 --> 00:14:44.219 Even to the authorities that were ruling over them and being, 00:14:44.219 --> 00:14:45.699 persecuting them. 00:14:46.559 --> 00:14:48.679 Pray for all people, he's saying. 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:50.699 And you can imagine them saying, 00:14:50.779 --> 00:14:51.719 but how? 00:14:52.079 --> 00:14:53.699 How can I pray for him? 00:14:54.019 --> 00:14:58.719 For Nero or for an emperor or for a ruler that's over us who's so cruel? 00:14:58.720 --> 00:15:00.100 But he's saying, pray. 00:15:00.100 --> 00:15:00.180 Pray. 00:15:01.960 --> 00:15:06.379 Because that is where it might lead to a peaceful and quiet life, 00:15:06.960 --> 00:15:08.820 godly and dignified in every way, 00:15:08.940 --> 00:15:10.639 as verse 2 goes on to say. 00:15:10.639 --> 00:15:15.679 And so we are to pray for all people. 00:15:17.679 --> 00:15:22.699 Why was Paul keeping emphasizing this need for prayer? 00:15:22.799 --> 00:15:28.519 You see it in most of his letters where he's asking for prayer for all kinds of people. 00:15:28.659 --> 00:15:31.639 For himself, for those who are missionaries, 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:34.100 for those who are working in the gospel, 00:15:34.220 --> 00:15:36.960 but for those who are opposed to the gospel as well. 00:15:38.100 --> 00:15:40.819 Because we are dependent on God. 00:15:42.779 --> 00:15:46.399 Because God has promised to hear and answer. 00:15:47.519 --> 00:15:52.240 God has said that he will do abundantly more than all that we ask or imagine. 00:15:53.279 --> 00:15:55.159 When you go back to the Old Testament, 00:15:55.399 --> 00:15:57.779 Jeremiah 33, verse 3, 00:15:57.980 --> 00:15:58.659 God says, 00:15:58.960 --> 00:16:01.480 Call to me and I will answer you. 00:16:01.639 --> 00:16:06.179 And will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. 00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:07.919 God is saying, 00:16:08.080 --> 00:16:10.799 Just come to me in prayer. 00:16:12.159 --> 00:16:13.939 And so Paul is here saying, 00:16:14.100 --> 00:16:19.139 I urge you to make these prayers to God. 00:16:19.980 --> 00:16:23.240 Because he is the one who is able. 00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:28.860 And so how can we not take hold of this resource of prayer? 00:16:28.860 --> 00:16:32.460 How can we not call upon the name of the Lord? 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:33.720 When we can come, 00:16:33.820 --> 00:16:35.620 as I said in Psalm 5, 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:39.220 Come into his house in his abundant grace. 00:16:39.779 --> 00:16:42.820 And we'll worship in fear towards his holy place. 00:16:43.240 --> 00:16:46.740 All of which is coming to him in prayer. 00:16:46.800 --> 00:16:48.639 There is the command to pray. 00:16:48.639 --> 00:16:51.059 But there is also a challenge here in prayer. 00:16:52.799 --> 00:16:53.500 He says, 00:16:54.179 --> 00:16:55.960 First of all, 00:16:57.319 --> 00:16:59.439 Prayer is a priority. 00:17:00.600 --> 00:17:01.539 First of all, 00:17:01.600 --> 00:17:02.720 And I urge prayer. 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:05.900 It's our starting place. 00:17:05.900 --> 00:17:07.940 Billy Graham, 00:17:08.180 --> 00:17:09.240 The evangelist said, 00:17:09.380 --> 00:17:13.340 The three secrets of successful ministry are prayer, 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:14.019 Prayer, 00:17:14.620 --> 00:17:15.580 And more prayer. 00:17:17.900 --> 00:17:21.880 The importance of prayer is there for us all to see. 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:26.620 It's not just something that fills part of our service. 00:17:26.680 --> 00:17:28.360 It's not just an add-on. 00:17:28.939 --> 00:17:30.979 It's not something that in our daily lives, 00:17:31.059 --> 00:17:33.139 That we can just pick and choose whether to do. 00:17:33.659 --> 00:17:36.000 It's there for us all the time. 00:17:36.899 --> 00:17:40.079 Our relationship with God is through prayer. 00:17:41.619 --> 00:17:43.799 And we have it not just on our Lord's Day, 00:17:43.859 --> 00:17:46.740 When we come and pray publicly here, 00:17:46.839 --> 00:17:49.119 But we have it in the midweek, 00:17:49.599 --> 00:17:50.979 To make that our priority. 00:17:50.980 --> 00:17:54.599 And even when we think if it's a prayer meeting, 00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:57.140 And there's no sermon, as it were. 00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:58.660 It's no less important. 00:17:59.640 --> 00:18:02.799 Just because it's only a prayer meeting. 00:18:04.019 --> 00:18:07.759 It's still as significant as any act of worship we do, 00:18:07.819 --> 00:18:09.640 As we're praying to God. 00:18:10.839 --> 00:18:13.880 Even if we think of Bible studies together. 00:18:14.599 --> 00:18:18.380 No less important when that's crouched in prayer as well. 00:18:18.380 --> 00:18:23.980 Our life, our breath, our all, 00:18:24.460 --> 00:18:27.740 Is in that relationship with God in prayer. 00:18:29.600 --> 00:18:33.180 If we want to be what God would have us to be, 00:18:33.760 --> 00:18:35.840 Whether it's individually, collectively, 00:18:35.940 --> 00:18:37.380 As a nation, as a world, 00:18:37.840 --> 00:18:41.660 It is in our dependence on Him in prayer. 00:18:43.160 --> 00:18:46.140 2 Chronicles 7, verse 13. 00:18:46.140 --> 00:18:48.700 Words I'm sure many of you know well. 00:18:50.060 --> 00:18:51.460 When I shut up the heavens, 00:18:51.680 --> 00:18:52.960 So that there is no rain, 00:18:53.040 --> 00:18:55.660 Or command the locusts to devour the land, 00:18:55.920 --> 00:18:58.460 Or send pestilence among my people, 00:18:59.100 --> 00:19:02.580 If my people, who are called by my name, 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:04.400 Humble themselves and pray, 00:19:04.840 --> 00:19:06.140 And seek my face, 00:19:06.220 --> 00:19:07.880 And turn from their wicked ways, 00:19:08.180 --> 00:19:09.880 Then I will hear from heaven, 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:11.820 And forgive their sin, 00:19:12.400 --> 00:19:14.380 And heal their land. 00:19:14.380 --> 00:19:17.060 Is prayer important? 00:19:17.940 --> 00:19:19.980 Well, there's the answer. 00:19:21.080 --> 00:19:22.680 If we will turn, 00:19:23.300 --> 00:19:24.580 He will forgive sin, 00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:27.060 And heal our land. 00:19:28.460 --> 00:19:30.480 So there is the command, 00:19:30.940 --> 00:19:33.160 I urge you to pray. 00:19:34.260 --> 00:19:35.800 The second thing we see is, 00:19:36.300 --> 00:19:38.600 A direction from prayer. 00:19:38.599 --> 00:19:42.219 As Paul is writing to Timothy, 00:19:42.379 --> 00:19:43.939 He's writing really in terms of, 00:19:44.279 --> 00:19:46.079 The conduct of the church. 00:19:46.139 --> 00:19:47.299 How they are a church. 00:19:47.399 --> 00:19:50.740 How they are a people of worshipping the Lord, 00:19:51.139 --> 00:19:53.559 In fear and by His abundant grace. 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:54.799 All of these things. 00:19:55.959 --> 00:19:56.859 And what he sees is, 00:19:56.959 --> 00:19:58.819 It's not a selfish church. 00:19:58.879 --> 00:20:00.599 It's not to be a selfish people. 00:20:00.599 --> 00:20:03.959 That can easily be our attitude, 00:20:03.959 --> 00:20:05.179 In prayer. 00:20:05.259 --> 00:20:06.039 When we look just, 00:20:06.579 --> 00:20:07.319 To ourselves, 00:20:07.599 --> 00:20:09.359 To our own situations, 00:20:09.719 --> 00:20:11.079 To our own needs, 00:20:11.339 --> 00:20:12.359 And we don't look beyond. 00:20:13.719 --> 00:20:15.199 But that's why we see here, 00:20:16.079 --> 00:20:17.740 This urge to pray, 00:20:18.359 --> 00:20:19.240 Supplications, 00:20:19.419 --> 00:20:20.500 Prayers, intercessions, 00:20:20.599 --> 00:20:21.519 And thanksgivings. 00:20:22.579 --> 00:20:23.179 He says, 00:20:23.639 --> 00:20:25.240 For all people. 00:20:25.240 --> 00:20:28.500 So our prayers go beyond, 00:20:28.500 --> 00:20:29.900 Ourselves. 00:20:31.059 --> 00:20:32.259 And that's why we see, 00:20:32.400 --> 00:20:34.700 The importance of prayer. 00:20:36.680 --> 00:20:39.099 We hear the phrase used, 00:20:39.660 --> 00:20:41.400 Our moral compass. 00:20:42.579 --> 00:20:44.019 What does it mean? 00:20:45.500 --> 00:20:46.319 Well it means, 00:20:46.539 --> 00:20:47.980 How we are living. 00:20:48.519 --> 00:20:49.259 One definition, 00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:50.319 Put it like this, 00:20:50.380 --> 00:20:51.480 Is a natural feeling, 00:20:51.620 --> 00:20:52.680 That makes people know, 00:20:53.079 --> 00:20:54.440 What is right and wrong, 00:20:54.440 --> 00:20:56.320 And how they should behave. 00:20:56.440 --> 00:20:58.559 That's a moral compass. 00:20:58.840 --> 00:20:59.580 How we know, 00:20:59.900 --> 00:21:01.180 What is right and wrong, 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:03.660 And how we should behave. 00:21:05.500 --> 00:21:06.519 And for some people, 00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:07.140 They would say, 00:21:07.279 --> 00:21:07.440 Well, 00:21:07.660 --> 00:21:09.400 We've started to lose, 00:21:09.480 --> 00:21:10.680 Our moral compass, 00:21:11.220 --> 00:21:13.460 Because of rising crime, 00:21:13.600 --> 00:21:14.920 Or all that's going on, 00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:15.519 In our world, 00:21:15.600 --> 00:21:16.220 In our nation. 00:21:17.320 --> 00:21:19.600 But what is it based on? 00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:21.559 What is the moral compass, 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:22.640 Based on? 00:21:22.640 --> 00:21:24.039 What is right and wrong, 00:21:24.039 --> 00:21:25.379 Based on? 00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:27.180 It has to have, 00:21:27.180 --> 00:21:28.720 A standard. 00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:32.000 And prayer, 00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:34.379 Directs us in that standard. 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:36.460 Because it directs us, 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:37.420 To God, 00:21:38.379 --> 00:21:39.579 And to his ways, 00:21:40.119 --> 00:21:41.740 And to his standards. 00:21:43.079 --> 00:21:44.059 And if we need, 00:21:44.139 --> 00:21:45.339 A right compass, 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:46.700 As the Amurda, 00:21:46.779 --> 00:21:47.819 Was preaching this morning, 00:21:47.879 --> 00:21:48.379 We were hearing, 00:21:48.779 --> 00:21:49.960 About how we lost, 00:21:49.960 --> 00:21:51.660 That moral compass, 00:21:51.660 --> 00:21:52.500 In the fall. 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:54.259 But to get right, 00:21:54.420 --> 00:21:55.200 We have to come, 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:55.880 By faith, 00:21:56.299 --> 00:21:57.480 To Jesus Christ. 00:21:57.579 --> 00:21:57.720 Well, 00:21:57.740 --> 00:21:58.680 That is what the word, 00:21:58.759 --> 00:21:59.900 Of God does. 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:02.180 It is our direction. 00:22:03.960 --> 00:22:04.700 And direction, 00:22:04.700 --> 00:22:06.480 Comes from prayer, 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:08.100 You think of Psalm 25, 00:22:08.680 --> 00:22:10.480 A psalm you can easily pray, 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:12.460 Show me thy ways, 00:22:12.559 --> 00:22:12.900 O Lord, 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:13.740 Thy paths, 00:22:14.259 --> 00:22:15.240 O teach thou me. 00:22:15.319 --> 00:22:16.180 There is a prayer, 00:22:16.539 --> 00:22:17.039 In that, 00:22:17.100 --> 00:22:17.559 And it's a prayer, 00:22:17.660 --> 00:22:18.960 Asking for direction. 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:21.360 Show me your ways, 00:22:21.920 --> 00:22:22.600 O Lord. 00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:25.299 We need that compass, 00:22:25.420 --> 00:22:26.759 It is our guide to God, 00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:27.660 And to salvation, 00:22:28.120 --> 00:22:29.279 That comes through, 00:22:29.279 --> 00:22:30.380 Jesus Christ. 00:22:30.380 --> 00:22:32.440 And so, 00:22:33.220 --> 00:22:34.840 This direction comes, 00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:36.480 Even as we see in prayer here. 00:22:37.580 --> 00:22:39.420 Paul uses four words, 00:22:39.480 --> 00:22:40.300 For praying. 00:22:40.600 --> 00:22:41.600 Some people would say, 00:22:42.000 --> 00:22:43.640 That they all mean the same thing, 00:22:43.740 --> 00:22:43.860 But, 00:22:44.220 --> 00:22:44.360 Well, 00:22:44.400 --> 00:22:45.160 There's four words, 00:22:45.240 --> 00:22:45.880 For a reason. 00:22:46.780 --> 00:22:48.020 When he says in verse one, 00:22:48.480 --> 00:22:50.360 I urge that supplications, 00:22:50.700 --> 00:22:51.260 Prayers, 00:22:51.860 --> 00:22:52.780 Intercessions, 00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:54.100 And thanksgivings, 00:22:54.580 --> 00:22:55.880 Be made for all people. 00:22:55.880 --> 00:22:57.520 They are all prayer. 00:22:58.960 --> 00:22:59.940 But there must be, 00:22:59.940 --> 00:23:01.220 A difference in them. 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:03.580 And when you take each word, 00:23:03.660 --> 00:23:04.120 And look at it, 00:23:04.180 --> 00:23:04.279 Well, 00:23:04.340 --> 00:23:06.220 It reminds us of the direction, 00:23:06.620 --> 00:23:07.799 Our prayers go, 00:23:07.880 --> 00:23:09.039 And the direction that prayer, 00:23:09.620 --> 00:23:10.100 Gives. 00:23:11.920 --> 00:23:12.480 Supplications, 00:23:12.820 --> 00:23:13.640 There firstly. 00:23:14.400 --> 00:23:15.519 It refers to, 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:19.000 A focus on specific needs. 00:23:21.320 --> 00:23:22.920 The idea is of bringing, 00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:23.920 A deep, 00:23:24.920 --> 00:23:25.539 And a heavy, 00:23:25.960 --> 00:23:26.420 Burden, 00:23:26.940 --> 00:23:27.600 To the Lord. 00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:30.740 Because we cannot, 00:23:30.740 --> 00:23:31.779 Deal with it, 00:23:31.779 --> 00:23:32.959 Ourselves. 00:23:34.599 --> 00:23:35.259 And so, 00:23:35.359 --> 00:23:36.799 Supplications can be made, 00:23:36.879 --> 00:23:37.579 In so many, 00:23:37.579 --> 00:23:39.159 Different ways. 00:23:40.759 --> 00:23:41.859 When we see, 00:23:42.339 --> 00:23:43.879 The needs in our lives, 00:23:44.379 --> 00:23:46.159 The needs of our nation, 00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:47.279 The needs of the world, 00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:48.879 These are burdens, 00:23:49.039 --> 00:23:50.179 That we cannot carry. 00:23:50.579 --> 00:23:51.919 These are many things, 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:53.899 That we cannot change. 00:23:53.900 --> 00:23:55.740 And yet, 00:23:56.060 --> 00:23:57.620 We are able to bring them, 00:23:57.620 --> 00:23:59.180 To the very throne of grace. 00:24:00.180 --> 00:24:01.019 And we can bring, 00:24:01.080 --> 00:24:02.420 Our supplications, 00:24:02.820 --> 00:24:03.840 To the Lord. 00:24:04.800 --> 00:24:05.800 We can cast, 00:24:06.180 --> 00:24:07.580 Our cares on him, 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:09.480 Who cares for us. 00:24:10.880 --> 00:24:12.259 And so we see there, 00:24:12.740 --> 00:24:14.500 The urging of prayer, 00:24:15.100 --> 00:24:15.960 Part of it is, 00:24:16.040 --> 00:24:17.259 Supplications. 00:24:18.300 --> 00:24:19.240 Part of it is just, 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:20.279 Recognizing, 00:24:20.279 --> 00:24:21.279 That dependence, 00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:23.120 On him. 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:25.440 I can't do it. 00:24:25.920 --> 00:24:27.319 I cannot change, 00:24:27.660 --> 00:24:28.559 This situation. 00:24:28.740 --> 00:24:29.259 But Lord, 00:24:29.660 --> 00:24:30.700 We are pleading, 00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:31.839 With you. 00:24:33.359 --> 00:24:34.279 So you have supplications, 00:24:35.220 --> 00:24:36.019 You have prayers, 00:24:36.200 --> 00:24:37.279 Mentioned as well. 00:24:38.079 --> 00:24:39.039 And prayers here, 00:24:39.120 --> 00:24:39.759 Really means, 00:24:39.900 --> 00:24:41.099 Coming into the Lord's, 00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:41.880 Presence, 00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:43.200 In worship. 00:24:44.420 --> 00:24:45.440 Coming in that, 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:46.279 Abundant grace, 00:24:47.400 --> 00:24:49.220 That he has given to us. 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:50.220 When you think of, 00:24:50.579 --> 00:24:51.759 The disciples asking, 00:24:51.960 --> 00:24:52.120 Lord, 00:24:52.360 --> 00:24:53.920 Teach us to pray. 00:24:54.000 --> 00:24:55.720 How does the Lord's prayer start? 00:24:56.600 --> 00:24:57.480 Our Father, 00:24:57.860 --> 00:24:58.920 Who art in heaven. 00:24:59.900 --> 00:25:01.000 So it begins, 00:25:01.140 --> 00:25:02.559 By recognizing, 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:04.059 Who we are coming to. 00:25:04.660 --> 00:25:05.519 That our prayer, 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:07.240 Is to the Lord. 00:25:08.259 --> 00:25:09.299 And that we have this, 00:25:09.559 --> 00:25:11.360 Relationship with him. 00:25:12.160 --> 00:25:12.900 That we have, 00:25:13.380 --> 00:25:14.640 A father in heaven, 00:25:15.039 --> 00:25:16.440 Who we can call upon. 00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:18.059 One who sees, 00:25:18.059 --> 00:25:18.960 His people, 00:25:18.960 --> 00:25:19.700 As their, 00:25:19.899 --> 00:25:20.839 His children. 00:25:22.200 --> 00:25:23.480 And one who loves, 00:25:23.799 --> 00:25:24.779 His children. 00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:28.099 And so we can come, 00:25:28.480 --> 00:25:29.700 With our prayers, 00:25:30.179 --> 00:25:31.179 To worship him, 00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:32.419 To adore him, 00:25:32.659 --> 00:25:33.740 To praise him, 00:25:34.399 --> 00:25:35.639 To give him the glory, 00:25:36.059 --> 00:25:37.000 That he is due. 00:25:38.579 --> 00:25:40.200 Then you have intercessions, 00:25:40.299 --> 00:25:41.559 Mentioned there as well. 00:25:42.480 --> 00:25:43.179 And again, 00:25:43.279 --> 00:25:44.319 You think of that word, 00:25:44.319 --> 00:25:44.539 Well, 00:25:44.919 --> 00:25:46.119 It very often remains, 00:25:46.599 --> 00:25:49.059 Interceding for somebody else. 00:25:50.619 --> 00:25:52.619 So that even when we come in prayer, 00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:55.419 There is one who is interceding for us. 00:25:55.519 --> 00:25:56.799 The Lord Jesus Christ, 00:25:57.240 --> 00:25:58.619 Our great high priest. 00:25:59.220 --> 00:26:00.779 We pray in his name. 00:26:02.379 --> 00:26:03.700 And so he is for us. 00:26:04.399 --> 00:26:07.220 But we can intercede for others as well. 00:26:07.220 --> 00:26:09.400 When you think of him saying here, 00:26:09.559 --> 00:26:12.680 That prayer and intercession and thanksgiving and supplications, 00:26:12.860 --> 00:26:14.819 Are made for all people. 00:26:15.500 --> 00:26:15.620 Well, 00:26:15.660 --> 00:26:16.539 Part of that is because, 00:26:17.100 --> 00:26:19.200 All people don't want to pray. 00:26:20.259 --> 00:26:21.740 There are many who cannot pray, 00:26:21.819 --> 00:26:22.819 Who will not pray, 00:26:23.440 --> 00:26:24.559 Who don't know how to pray. 00:26:24.660 --> 00:26:24.819 And yet, 00:26:24.900 --> 00:26:25.940 It is our privilege, 00:26:26.380 --> 00:26:27.860 To intercede for them. 00:26:28.880 --> 00:26:30.019 And it is our command, 00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:31.740 To pray in that way. 00:26:31.740 --> 00:26:35.160 That intercessions be made. 00:26:35.859 --> 00:26:38.740 That we stand in the gap for others. 00:26:40.900 --> 00:26:44.359 And what a wonderful privilege that is. 00:26:45.599 --> 00:26:47.380 And is it a neglected privilege? 00:26:48.660 --> 00:26:52.120 Do you pray for others on a regular basis? 00:26:52.119 --> 00:26:55.959 Do you only pray for those you know? 00:26:56.699 --> 00:26:58.359 Those you are comfortable with? 00:26:59.219 --> 00:27:02.539 Or do you pray for all people in that way? 00:27:03.739 --> 00:27:06.299 The people who cannot pray for themselves. 00:27:07.679 --> 00:27:10.379 The people who maybe you think don't deserve prayer. 00:27:11.939 --> 00:27:13.599 Well, why not pray for them? 00:27:14.859 --> 00:27:18.419 That the Lord would intercede in their lives. 00:27:18.420 --> 00:27:21.400 And you see also here, 00:27:22.120 --> 00:27:25.240 Thanksgivings be made for all people. 00:27:27.240 --> 00:27:27.800 And again, 00:27:27.900 --> 00:27:29.500 The challenges there when you feel it. 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:33.440 I don't got nothing to be thankful about that person for. 00:27:35.080 --> 00:27:38.100 And yet they still deserve our prayers. 00:27:38.180 --> 00:27:41.340 And we have so much to thank God for. 00:27:42.320 --> 00:27:46.700 And all our prayers include that sense of thanksgiving. 00:27:46.700 --> 00:27:49.460 Who are we to pray for? 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:54.180 Well, we are to pray for all people. 00:27:55.100 --> 00:27:56.980 And he goes on to mention for kings. 00:27:57.220 --> 00:27:58.819 For those in high positions. 00:28:00.319 --> 00:28:01.240 And you think, 00:28:01.400 --> 00:28:03.440 Well, that deserves attention too. 00:28:04.160 --> 00:28:08.200 All those who we feel may be losing sight of what's important. 00:28:08.319 --> 00:28:09.960 Or leading us in the wrong direction. 00:28:10.580 --> 00:28:14.360 The importance of praying for all people. 00:28:14.359 --> 00:28:17.879 So we seek a direction in prayer. 00:28:17.959 --> 00:28:20.559 Now a little takeaway for prayer for this evening. 00:28:21.740 --> 00:28:23.819 What do you do with your bulletin sheet? 00:28:25.699 --> 00:28:27.759 When you go into the week ahead. 00:28:28.519 --> 00:28:30.979 Do you leave it tucked in your Bible? 00:28:32.219 --> 00:28:33.899 Just maybe go into the recycling bin. 00:28:34.799 --> 00:28:36.019 What do you do with it? 00:28:36.019 --> 00:28:43.759 Well, why not try using this as a prayer encourager if you like. 00:28:44.539 --> 00:28:46.980 Because everything in there can be prayed about. 00:28:48.119 --> 00:28:49.519 If you look at the front page. 00:28:50.099 --> 00:28:52.980 You've got three sermons outlined there. 00:28:54.299 --> 00:28:56.440 Well, why not pray in this coming week. 00:28:57.139 --> 00:28:59.480 That the word preached bears fruit. 00:28:59.480 --> 00:29:03.860 There's three sermon outlines there for you. 00:29:04.400 --> 00:29:06.120 You look in the middle pages. 00:29:07.120 --> 00:29:11.240 You've got a number of various activities going on in this coming week. 00:29:11.980 --> 00:29:13.180 Prayer meetings. 00:29:13.980 --> 00:29:14.880 Meetings with Muriel. 00:29:15.620 --> 00:29:16.799 The vacancy committee. 00:29:17.900 --> 00:29:19.640 You've got the explorers. 00:29:19.980 --> 00:29:20.839 The Friday the Free. 00:29:21.519 --> 00:29:23.220 The holiday club planning meeting. 00:29:24.279 --> 00:29:26.579 There's a list of things to pray for. 00:29:26.579 --> 00:29:28.819 The mission of the church. 00:29:29.699 --> 00:29:30.599 Both locally. 00:29:31.259 --> 00:29:31.859 Nationally. 00:29:32.599 --> 00:29:33.199 Internationally. 00:29:33.619 --> 00:29:34.720 It's there before you. 00:29:34.859 --> 00:29:37.179 And what the beauty of the bulletin sheet is. 00:29:37.720 --> 00:29:39.279 You can know when to pray. 00:29:40.460 --> 00:29:41.500 So for example. 00:29:42.179 --> 00:29:44.319 Tuesday evening at 7pm. 00:29:44.720 --> 00:29:46.519 If you're not on the vacancy committee. 00:29:47.399 --> 00:29:48.919 Take time to pray. 00:29:49.439 --> 00:29:50.480 For those who are. 00:29:51.419 --> 00:29:52.599 Take time to pray. 00:29:52.599 --> 00:29:55.419 For a sense of the Lord's guiding hand. 00:29:55.420 --> 00:29:56.620 And wisdom. 00:29:57.300 --> 00:29:57.840 In it all. 00:29:58.840 --> 00:30:00.680 And so you have all of these things. 00:30:01.340 --> 00:30:02.200 You go through. 00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:04.840 The rest of the sheet as well. 00:30:05.720 --> 00:30:06.259 You've got. 00:30:06.700 --> 00:30:08.220 Remembrance Day coming up. 00:30:08.740 --> 00:30:09.500 As we remember. 00:30:09.960 --> 00:30:11.480 What has been done for us. 00:30:11.680 --> 00:30:12.420 In the past. 00:30:13.259 --> 00:30:14.360 You've got other services. 00:30:14.560 --> 00:30:15.900 And praise nights going on. 00:30:15.960 --> 00:30:16.440 In the back. 00:30:16.539 --> 00:30:17.400 You've got Thanksgiving. 00:30:17.880 --> 00:30:19.100 For Ivor Martin's. 00:30:19.100 --> 00:30:20.360 30 years in ministry. 00:30:20.480 --> 00:30:22.200 The 55 plus fellowship. 00:30:22.200 --> 00:30:25.440 Every item on this bulletin sheet. 00:30:25.740 --> 00:30:27.680 You can use for prayer. 00:30:28.819 --> 00:30:29.519 So why not. 00:30:29.660 --> 00:30:31.380 Instead of just throwing it in your Bible. 00:30:31.920 --> 00:30:33.660 Or putting it in the recycling bin. 00:30:33.880 --> 00:30:35.120 Have it before you. 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:36.500 In this coming week. 00:30:36.539 --> 00:30:37.500 And just use it. 00:30:37.819 --> 00:30:39.360 As a means of guiding. 00:30:39.620 --> 00:30:40.840 You in prayer. 00:30:41.980 --> 00:30:43.299 Because there we see. 00:30:43.680 --> 00:30:45.880 The vision and mission of the church. 00:30:45.880 --> 00:30:48.680 It is to proclaim. 00:30:49.140 --> 00:30:50.600 The glorious gospel. 00:30:51.040 --> 00:30:52.280 Of Jesus Christ. 00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:53.940 To all people. 00:30:55.480 --> 00:30:57.380 And that's what we see thirdly here then. 00:30:58.080 --> 00:30:59.800 A desired outcome. 00:31:00.240 --> 00:31:00.980 Of prayer. 00:31:01.860 --> 00:31:03.980 What is the desired outcome of prayer. 00:31:04.220 --> 00:31:06.260 That Paul has here. 00:31:08.740 --> 00:31:10.600 Well it's that when we pray. 00:31:11.160 --> 00:31:12.620 We will see the blessing. 00:31:13.200 --> 00:31:13.940 Of God. 00:31:13.940 --> 00:31:16.299 And there are three things. 00:31:16.299 --> 00:31:18.259 That we can just highlight briefly here. 00:31:18.840 --> 00:31:19.600 The first is. 00:31:19.720 --> 00:31:20.480 That this would lead. 00:31:20.700 --> 00:31:22.700 To a peaceful life. 00:31:24.039 --> 00:31:24.799 That it would lead. 00:31:25.039 --> 00:31:27.220 To a peaceful life. 00:31:28.840 --> 00:31:30.799 You see that in verse 2. 00:31:30.880 --> 00:31:32.320 When we are praying for kings. 00:31:32.460 --> 00:31:33.700 And those in high positions. 00:31:33.700 --> 00:31:34.620 That we may lead. 00:31:34.799 --> 00:31:35.519 A peaceful. 00:31:36.039 --> 00:31:36.840 And quiet. 00:31:37.279 --> 00:31:37.720 Life. 00:31:40.019 --> 00:31:41.160 One of the reasons. 00:31:41.360 --> 00:31:42.779 To pray for those in our heart. 00:31:42.840 --> 00:31:43.920 Is that we might have. 00:31:43.940 --> 00:31:45.740 A sense of God. 00:31:45.740 --> 00:31:46.620 With us. 00:31:47.180 --> 00:31:48.299 Being governed. 00:31:48.759 --> 00:31:49.400 Wisely. 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:51.100 In a godly way. 00:31:52.160 --> 00:31:53.220 And this is not a prayer. 00:31:53.720 --> 00:31:55.080 That we would please. 00:31:55.559 --> 00:31:56.080 Everybody. 00:31:57.420 --> 00:31:59.220 But that we would see God. 00:31:59.420 --> 00:31:59.860 Guiding. 00:32:00.299 --> 00:32:01.019 Our nation. 00:32:01.820 --> 00:32:02.480 That we would be living. 00:32:02.660 --> 00:32:03.840 A peaceful life. 00:32:04.460 --> 00:32:06.000 For the glory of God. 00:32:07.120 --> 00:32:08.620 So our prayers are. 00:32:08.779 --> 00:32:09.720 For those in authority. 00:32:09.880 --> 00:32:10.880 That they might rule us. 00:32:11.380 --> 00:32:12.420 In wisdom. 00:32:12.420 --> 00:32:13.779 In this way. 00:32:13.779 --> 00:32:16.480 But we also see that. 00:32:16.579 --> 00:32:17.920 Our prayers would lead. 00:32:18.480 --> 00:32:19.599 To the saviour. 00:32:19.940 --> 00:32:21.240 Being exalted. 00:32:22.119 --> 00:32:22.759 In verses. 00:32:23.099 --> 00:32:24.059 Three and four. 00:32:24.059 --> 00:32:24.420 It says. 00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:25.180 This is good. 00:32:25.240 --> 00:32:26.160 And it is pleasing. 00:32:26.660 --> 00:32:28.000 In the sight of God. 00:32:28.059 --> 00:32:28.700 Our saviour. 00:32:28.700 --> 00:32:29.359 Who desires. 00:32:29.460 --> 00:32:30.160 All people. 00:32:30.160 --> 00:32:31.000 To be saved. 00:32:31.519 --> 00:32:32.559 And to come to a knowledge. 00:32:32.559 --> 00:32:33.379 Of the truth. 00:32:34.079 --> 00:32:35.220 And here we see. 00:32:35.519 --> 00:32:36.799 Well that is our prayer. 00:32:36.799 --> 00:32:38.899 That is our prayer. 00:32:38.899 --> 00:32:40.019 For all people. 00:32:41.220 --> 00:32:42.200 That they would see. 00:32:42.419 --> 00:32:43.099 The saviour. 00:32:43.680 --> 00:32:44.460 Who desires. 00:32:44.960 --> 00:32:46.259 All to be saved. 00:32:46.859 --> 00:32:47.680 And to come. 00:32:48.099 --> 00:32:49.079 To that knowledge. 00:32:49.619 --> 00:32:50.720 Of the truth. 00:32:52.019 --> 00:32:53.419 That our saviour. 00:32:53.700 --> 00:32:54.819 Would be exalted. 00:32:54.980 --> 00:32:55.579 That God. 00:32:56.039 --> 00:32:57.379 Would be glorified. 00:32:58.079 --> 00:32:58.779 When you look at. 00:32:59.319 --> 00:33:00.299 The old testament. 00:33:00.440 --> 00:33:00.919 You see really. 00:33:01.039 --> 00:33:02.460 Paul is expressing here. 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:03.359 What you see running. 00:33:03.759 --> 00:33:05.019 Through the old testament. 00:33:05.019 --> 00:33:05.960 To the prophets. 00:33:06.119 --> 00:33:06.900 The psalms. 00:33:07.960 --> 00:33:09.000 Think of Habakkuk. 00:33:09.799 --> 00:33:11.059 And what he desires. 00:33:11.059 --> 00:33:12.279 That as the Lord. 00:33:12.279 --> 00:33:13.519 Is speaking to him. 00:33:14.039 --> 00:33:14.579 That the day. 00:33:14.579 --> 00:33:15.160 Would come. 00:33:15.259 --> 00:33:15.740 When the earth. 00:33:15.819 --> 00:33:16.319 Would be filled. 00:33:16.400 --> 00:33:16.920 With the knowledge. 00:33:16.960 --> 00:33:17.440 Of the Lord. 00:33:17.500 --> 00:33:18.139 As the waters. 00:33:18.279 --> 00:33:19.059 Cover the sea. 00:33:19.900 --> 00:33:21.039 That is exactly. 00:33:21.039 --> 00:33:22.119 What we are seeing here. 00:33:22.379 --> 00:33:23.519 That all people. 00:33:23.519 --> 00:33:24.119 Would know. 00:33:24.480 --> 00:33:25.359 A saviour. 00:33:25.460 --> 00:33:26.819 Who is Jesus Christ. 00:33:28.500 --> 00:33:29.559 That they would come. 00:33:29.660 --> 00:33:30.559 To that knowledge. 00:33:30.859 --> 00:33:31.900 Of truth. 00:33:32.519 --> 00:33:33.160 Or as so many. 00:33:33.160 --> 00:33:34.019 Of the psalms. 00:33:34.019 --> 00:33:35.539 Speak of coming. 00:33:36.059 --> 00:33:36.940 To Mount Zion. 00:33:37.079 --> 00:33:38.200 To the place of worship. 00:33:38.339 --> 00:33:39.319 To worship who? 00:33:39.920 --> 00:33:40.740 A messiah. 00:33:40.940 --> 00:33:41.680 A saviour. 00:33:42.379 --> 00:33:43.940 Who is Jesus Christ. 00:33:45.240 --> 00:33:45.799 And again. 00:33:45.900 --> 00:33:46.819 That is desire. 00:33:47.200 --> 00:33:48.240 That we see here. 00:33:48.319 --> 00:33:49.019 As Paul writes. 00:33:49.099 --> 00:33:50.619 And it should be our desire too. 00:33:51.240 --> 00:33:52.200 That the saviour. 00:33:52.559 --> 00:33:53.740 Would be exalted. 00:33:55.079 --> 00:33:56.039 And then thirdly. 00:33:56.079 --> 00:33:56.480 And finally. 00:33:56.539 --> 00:33:57.180 We see here. 00:33:57.539 --> 00:33:58.480 That the sinner. 00:33:58.700 --> 00:34:00.379 Would be evangelised. 00:34:00.379 --> 00:34:01.359 When you look at. 00:34:01.879 --> 00:34:03.379 Verses five and six. 00:34:04.019 --> 00:34:05.319 And again. 00:34:05.460 --> 00:34:07.200 You think of what it says here. 00:34:08.099 --> 00:34:08.960 It's almost something. 00:34:09.059 --> 00:34:09.780 That doesn't seem. 00:34:10.280 --> 00:34:10.739 Politically. 00:34:10.739 --> 00:34:11.900 Politically correct. 00:34:12.059 --> 00:34:12.500 For many. 00:34:13.320 --> 00:34:13.579 And yet. 00:34:13.659 --> 00:34:14.639 Here is the truth. 00:34:15.000 --> 00:34:16.599 That people need to hear. 00:34:17.320 --> 00:34:18.920 What it says in verse five. 00:34:19.039 --> 00:34:19.559 For there is. 00:34:20.199 --> 00:34:20.980 One God. 00:34:21.659 --> 00:34:23.159 And there is one mediator. 00:34:23.360 --> 00:34:24.579 Between God and men. 00:34:25.119 --> 00:34:25.880 The man. 00:34:26.360 --> 00:34:26.840 Christ. 00:34:27.099 --> 00:34:27.480 Jesus. 00:34:27.480 --> 00:34:27.599 Jesus. 00:34:28.599 --> 00:34:29.980 Why do we pray? 00:34:31.119 --> 00:34:32.219 Because the people. 00:34:32.740 --> 00:34:33.659 Need to know. 00:34:34.199 --> 00:34:35.000 The saviour. 00:34:35.740 --> 00:34:37.199 There is no other way. 00:34:37.699 --> 00:34:38.500 To salvation. 00:34:39.260 --> 00:34:40.460 But through him. 00:34:41.840 --> 00:34:43.440 And then he says in verse six. 00:34:44.159 --> 00:34:45.320 This Christ Jesus. 00:34:45.659 --> 00:34:47.079 Who gave himself. 00:34:47.740 --> 00:34:48.760 As a ransom. 00:34:49.460 --> 00:34:50.460 For all. 00:34:51.840 --> 00:34:53.099 He has come. 00:34:53.539 --> 00:34:54.740 That we might find. 00:34:54.739 --> 00:34:55.859 Salvation. 00:34:55.859 --> 00:34:57.179 In him. 00:34:58.619 --> 00:35:01.019 Paul is urging us. 00:35:01.519 --> 00:35:02.059 To pray. 00:35:03.199 --> 00:35:04.599 Urging us to pray. 00:35:05.159 --> 00:35:05.879 That sinners. 00:35:06.259 --> 00:35:06.819 Would come. 00:35:07.299 --> 00:35:08.739 To a saving knowledge. 00:35:09.379 --> 00:35:10.759 Through Jesus Christ. 00:35:12.359 --> 00:35:14.500 Is that our prayer. 00:35:15.199 --> 00:35:15.559 Today. 00:35:16.719 --> 00:35:17.879 So we see. 00:35:18.219 --> 00:35:18.479 Here. 00:35:19.119 --> 00:35:20.259 That there is a command. 00:35:20.659 --> 00:35:21.299 To pray. 00:35:21.399 --> 00:35:22.039 A directive. 00:35:22.039 --> 00:35:23.239 Given. 00:35:23.239 --> 00:35:24.279 To pray. 00:35:25.079 --> 00:35:25.779 We see. 00:35:25.880 --> 00:35:26.779 That there is a direction. 00:35:26.779 --> 00:35:27.739 That comes. 00:35:28.340 --> 00:35:29.039 From prayer. 00:35:30.279 --> 00:35:30.739 That the. 00:35:30.739 --> 00:35:31.719 The prayer. 00:35:31.860 --> 00:35:32.719 We offer up to God. 00:35:32.880 --> 00:35:33.719 Guides us. 00:35:34.119 --> 00:35:34.980 As a people. 00:35:35.099 --> 00:35:36.239 In all ways. 00:35:37.360 --> 00:35:37.900 And that we see. 00:35:38.000 --> 00:35:38.579 A desired. 00:35:39.099 --> 00:35:39.619 Outcome. 00:35:41.119 --> 00:35:42.239 That Jesus Christ. 00:35:42.980 --> 00:35:43.960 Be lifted up. 00:35:44.480 --> 00:35:45.539 And made known. 00:35:46.019 --> 00:35:46.659 To many. 00:35:48.099 --> 00:35:48.500 Pray. 00:35:49.179 --> 00:35:50.179 For all. 00:35:50.679 --> 00:35:51.119 People. 00:35:51.119 --> 00:35:52.819 As I mentioned. 00:35:52.819 --> 00:35:53.199 Earlier. 00:35:53.199 --> 00:35:53.960 The one who said. 00:35:54.139 --> 00:35:54.519 The wider. 00:35:54.659 --> 00:35:55.299 The subjects. 00:35:55.480 --> 00:35:56.019 For prayer. 00:35:56.519 --> 00:35:57.179 The larger. 00:35:57.319 --> 00:35:57.799 Becomes. 00:35:57.900 --> 00:35:58.319 The vision. 00:35:58.400 --> 00:35:59.119 Of the soul. 00:35:59.539 --> 00:36:00.380 That praise. 00:36:01.420 --> 00:36:02.159 May the vision. 00:36:02.279 --> 00:36:03.679 Of all our souls. 00:36:03.799 --> 00:36:04.839 As we pray. 00:36:05.480 --> 00:36:06.000 Begin. 00:36:06.119 --> 00:36:07.000 With a great. 00:36:07.099 --> 00:36:07.940 And an awesome. 00:36:08.179 --> 00:36:08.519 God. 00:36:09.039 --> 00:36:10.179 Because there is no other. 00:36:10.279 --> 00:36:10.659 God. 00:36:11.000 --> 00:36:11.719 Like him. 00:36:12.619 --> 00:36:13.539 And may it bring us. 00:36:13.619 --> 00:36:14.059 To see. 00:36:14.139 --> 00:36:14.819 The desire. 00:36:15.139 --> 00:36:15.900 That God. 00:36:15.960 --> 00:36:16.480 Has. 00:36:17.179 --> 00:36:17.900 That people. 00:36:18.159 --> 00:36:19.079 Would come. 00:36:19.079 --> 00:36:20.179 And live. 00:36:20.340 --> 00:36:21.519 In a peaceful way. 00:36:21.599 --> 00:36:22.239 That we would be led. 00:36:22.400 --> 00:36:23.539 Well as a people. 00:36:23.739 --> 00:36:24.739 Ruled wisely. 00:36:25.360 --> 00:36:25.840 And live. 00:36:26.039 --> 00:36:26.599 Peaceably. 00:36:27.639 --> 00:36:28.579 But above all. 00:36:28.679 --> 00:36:29.360 That we would come. 00:36:29.480 --> 00:36:29.940 To know. 00:36:30.480 --> 00:36:31.159 The knowledge. 00:36:31.219 --> 00:36:32.039 Of a savior. 00:36:32.179 --> 00:36:32.639 The knowledge. 00:36:32.639 --> 00:36:33.539 Of the truth. 00:36:34.619 --> 00:36:35.579 That Christ. 00:36:35.779 --> 00:36:36.159 Jesus. 00:36:36.860 --> 00:36:37.400 Came. 00:36:37.779 --> 00:36:38.599 To save. 00:36:38.599 --> 00:36:39.239 Sinners. 00:36:40.239 --> 00:36:41.699 May our prayer. 00:36:42.159 --> 00:36:43.179 Have that vision. 00:36:43.619 --> 00:36:45.000 In every aspect. 00:36:45.679 --> 00:36:46.559 From God. 00:36:46.559 --> 00:36:48.059 To ourselves. 00:36:48.980 --> 00:36:50.059 And out with all. 00:36:50.460 --> 00:36:51.659 Of these walls. 00:36:52.000 --> 00:36:52.920 Let us pray. 00:36:55.320 --> 00:36:57.099 Lord our gracious God. 00:36:57.179 --> 00:36:58.079 We do thank you. 00:36:58.179 --> 00:36:59.559 For the great privilege. 00:36:59.699 --> 00:37:00.980 That is ours in prayer. 00:37:01.079 --> 00:37:01.739 That we come. 00:37:02.159 --> 00:37:03.380 To you as our father. 00:37:03.559 --> 00:37:04.199 In heaven. 00:37:04.799 --> 00:37:06.159 And we do plead with you. 00:37:06.219 --> 00:37:06.440 Lord. 00:37:06.519 --> 00:37:07.799 That we would be encouraged. 00:37:07.960 --> 00:37:08.840 In our prayers. 00:37:09.360 --> 00:37:10.519 To always pray. 00:37:10.639 --> 00:37:11.900 And to not lose heart. 00:37:12.539 --> 00:37:13.400 Even when we see. 00:37:13.400 --> 00:37:14.400 The mess. 00:37:15.279 --> 00:37:15.779 As it were. 00:37:15.780 --> 00:37:16.580 Around us. 00:37:16.680 --> 00:37:17.800 Even when we see the sin. 00:37:18.160 --> 00:37:19.400 In our own heart. 00:37:19.920 --> 00:37:20.340 Lord. 00:37:20.500 --> 00:37:21.420 We thank you. 00:37:21.800 --> 00:37:22.780 That we can come. 00:37:22.900 --> 00:37:23.320 To you. 00:37:23.880 --> 00:37:24.640 That in you. 00:37:24.760 --> 00:37:25.519 We have one. 00:37:25.960 --> 00:37:27.400 Who cares for us. 00:37:27.620 --> 00:37:28.440 Who desires. 00:37:29.200 --> 00:37:29.680 Salvation. 00:37:29.680 --> 00:37:30.780 For his people. 00:37:30.780 --> 00:37:31.800 And who has provided. 00:37:32.400 --> 00:37:33.360 Even through that. 00:37:33.480 --> 00:37:34.260 Great ransom. 00:37:34.480 --> 00:37:35.660 That price paid. 00:37:36.060 --> 00:37:37.300 By Jesus Christ. 00:37:37.400 --> 00:37:38.019 Your son. 00:37:38.600 --> 00:37:39.340 That we would know. 00:37:39.460 --> 00:37:40.660 His saving grace. 00:37:40.720 --> 00:37:41.660 And that many others. 00:37:42.080 --> 00:37:43.200 Would know it too. 00:37:43.200 --> 00:37:43.940 So Lord. 00:37:43.940 --> 00:37:45.380 May we have our eyes. 00:37:45.500 --> 00:37:46.460 Fixed on him. 00:37:46.960 --> 00:37:47.360 Lord. 00:37:47.519 --> 00:37:48.880 Teach us to pray. 00:37:49.300 --> 00:37:50.220 And keep us. 00:37:50.420 --> 00:37:51.179 In prayer. 00:37:51.720 --> 00:37:52.480 For all we ask. 00:37:52.579 --> 00:37:53.800 We ask for your glory. 00:37:54.340 --> 00:37:54.720 Amen. 00:37:54.719 --> 00:38:00.159 We are going to conclude. 00:38:00.159 --> 00:38:00.939 By singing. 00:38:01.319 --> 00:38:02.379 To God's praise. 00:38:05.739 --> 00:38:07.699 Psalm 106. 00:38:08.819 --> 00:38:11.399 On page 382. 00:38:11.399 --> 00:38:12.319 Of the psalm books. 00:38:12.939 --> 00:38:14.139 The last. 00:38:14.399 --> 00:38:15.619 Two verses there. 00:38:16.500 --> 00:38:17.759 Psalm 106. 00:38:17.839 --> 00:38:19.059 Verse 47. 00:38:19.059 --> 00:38:23.139 The tune is. 00:38:23.239 --> 00:38:24.380 Prince Edward Island. 00:38:25.019 --> 00:38:26.119 O Lord our God. 00:38:26.500 --> 00:38:27.820 As save and gather. 00:38:28.340 --> 00:38:29.619 The heathen from among. 00:38:30.099 --> 00:38:32.320 That we thy holy name may praise. 00:38:32.920 --> 00:38:33.539 And in. 00:38:33.719 --> 00:38:35.759 In a triumphant song. 00:38:35.920 --> 00:38:37.440 We'll sing these last two verses. 00:38:37.980 --> 00:38:38.940 To God's praise. 00:38:38.940 --> 00:39:08.940 And holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy holy 00:39:08.940 --> 00:39:30.440 In a triumphant song, in a triumphant song, that we thy holy name be praised in a triumphant song. 00:39:30.440 --> 00:39:41.940 Let me to hold my angels, God, to all eternity. 00:39:43.619 --> 00:39:54.320 Let all the people say, Amen, praise to the Lord, give me. 00:39:54.320 --> 00:40:01.059 Praise to the Lord, give me. 00:40:01.860 --> 00:40:07.440 Praise to the Lord, give me. 00:40:07.940 --> 00:40:19.200 Let all the people say, Amen, praise to the Lord, give me. 00:40:19.199 --> 00:40:19.599 Amen. 00:40:21.119 --> 00:40:23.579 After the benediction, I'll go to the door to my left. 00:40:23.699 --> 00:40:25.000 We'll close with a benediction. 00:40:25.739 --> 00:40:34.519 Now may grace, mercy, and peace from God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit rest upon and abide with you all now and forevermore. 00:40:34.899 --> 00:40:35.279 Amen. 00:40:35.279 --> 00:40:35.419 Amen. 00:40:49.199 --> 00:40:50.199 Amen. 00:40:50.199 --> 00:40:50.199