WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.839 --> 00:00:09.359 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:10.500 Join us. 00:00:13.140 --> 00:00:13.820 Amen. 00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:17.019 You should hear him preach. 00:00:22.160 --> 00:00:25.260 Thank you, Derek and worship team. 00:00:26.120 --> 00:00:28.000 What a beautiful reminder. 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:32.600 That song is of what we learned just last Sunday. 00:00:33.500 --> 00:00:40.340 That God, our loving Father, listens to us. 00:00:42.039 --> 00:00:43.659 It's amazing, isn't it? 00:00:43.799 --> 00:00:54.140 That as we come to him and pray, it puts us in a posture to depend on and receive his grace. 00:00:54.140 --> 00:01:00.320 We're going to talk this morning about our speaking to God. 00:01:00.579 --> 00:01:06.859 If he's listening to us, what about what happens as we come to speak to him? 00:01:06.920 --> 00:01:11.439 Before we do that, through looking at the Lord's Prayer that Derek just sang, 00:01:11.439 --> 00:01:18.259 I want to start by noticing Jesus' pattern of prayer in his life. 00:01:19.239 --> 00:01:22.819 We did that a couple weeks ago with Jesus' use of the Bible. 00:01:23.000 --> 00:01:26.560 We saw how Jesus approaches the scripture in his life. 00:01:27.179 --> 00:01:28.219 What about prayer? 00:01:28.319 --> 00:01:30.099 Is that something we see in Jesus? 00:01:30.099 --> 00:01:31.179 Well, yeah. 00:01:31.559 --> 00:01:36.280 If you read through the gospel accounts of Jesus' life with this in mind, 00:01:36.439 --> 00:01:40.159 you will begin to see Jesus praying all over the place. 00:01:41.399 --> 00:01:47.780 It's such a priority to him that it's a regular practice for him to pull away, 00:01:48.079 --> 00:01:50.439 to spend time alone with his Father, 00:01:50.439 --> 00:01:57.920 even when the crowds around want to celebrate him or really need his help, 00:01:58.759 --> 00:02:03.299 Jesus would withdraw to pray. 00:02:04.099 --> 00:02:05.920 It's one of his typical habits. 00:02:06.039 --> 00:02:08.379 He would withdraw to pray. 00:02:09.020 --> 00:02:13.479 Luke tells us once Jesus went up on a mountain to pray 00:02:13.479 --> 00:02:17.460 and continued all night with God. 00:02:17.460 --> 00:02:24.100 Mark tells us that sometimes Jesus woke up very early and went out to pray. 00:02:24.540 --> 00:02:25.980 Just the two of them. 00:02:26.060 --> 00:02:30.300 He prays regularly that one time with his Father, 00:02:30.780 --> 00:02:33.219 just Jesus and his Father. 00:02:33.840 --> 00:02:37.439 The one time that directs all his time with everyone else. 00:02:39.260 --> 00:02:43.560 And especially during times of great significance in his life, 00:02:43.659 --> 00:02:45.180 prayer is prominent. 00:02:45.180 --> 00:02:49.040 We're told Jesus spent time in prayer before his baptism, 00:02:50.140 --> 00:02:52.900 as he prepared to call his disciples, 00:02:53.900 --> 00:02:56.640 when he was beginning his public ministry, 00:02:57.640 --> 00:03:01.300 before he told his disciples of his coming death, 00:03:02.140 --> 00:03:07.300 when crowds gathered so that he was so busy and so in demand, 00:03:08.300 --> 00:03:09.600 prayer remained a priority. 00:03:09.599 --> 00:03:15.799 In fact, before he endured betrayal and death, 00:03:16.199 --> 00:03:24.120 he prayed and he specifically asked those who were closest to him to pray for him. 00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:30.959 Do you get just a little glimpse of how vital prayer was in the life of Jesus 00:03:30.959 --> 00:03:35.219 when he walked and talked on this earth? 00:03:35.219 --> 00:03:40.259 Do you think there's a chance that we might need that time, 00:03:40.719 --> 00:03:43.159 that conversation with God too? 00:03:43.319 --> 00:03:46.000 If that was needful for Jesus, 00:03:46.159 --> 00:03:48.099 you'd think it might be important for you and me. 00:03:48.280 --> 00:03:52.659 You think maybe if we're going to live life the way God has designed us to, 00:03:52.759 --> 00:03:53.599 as he did, 00:03:53.759 --> 00:03:56.460 that we might need it even a little bit more than Jesus did? 00:03:56.460 --> 00:04:00.000 Paul Miller writes, 00:04:00.500 --> 00:04:02.500 if you are not praying, 00:04:03.240 --> 00:04:09.200 then you are quietly confident that time, money, and talent are all you need in life. 00:04:09.980 --> 00:04:11.819 You'll always be a little too tired, 00:04:12.600 --> 00:04:13.420 a little too busy. 00:04:14.420 --> 00:04:18.180 But if, like Jesus, you realize you can't do life on your own, 00:04:18.780 --> 00:04:20.000 then no matter how busy, 00:04:20.139 --> 00:04:21.759 no matter how tired you are, 00:04:22.180 --> 00:04:24.819 you will find the time to pray. 00:04:26.459 --> 00:04:32.419 God has designed humanity to flourish when we walk with him, 00:04:32.979 --> 00:04:34.620 when we talk with him, 00:04:34.699 --> 00:04:37.239 when we depend on him. 00:04:37.379 --> 00:04:40.759 And Jesus shows us that beautifully, right? 00:04:41.099 --> 00:04:44.519 And he does it so much that his disciples notice, 00:04:44.919 --> 00:04:47.159 and then when they come to him, 00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:48.000 they say, 00:04:48.599 --> 00:04:50.299 we see this pattern in your life, 00:04:50.419 --> 00:04:54.659 will you help us to learn relationship with God like this? 00:04:54.660 --> 00:04:57.180 Jesus, teach us to pray. 00:04:58.360 --> 00:04:59.939 If you need help with prayer, 00:05:01.360 --> 00:05:02.600 so did his disciples. 00:05:04.000 --> 00:05:05.500 Let's read what he told them, 00:05:06.280 --> 00:05:08.040 and then we'll talk about it together. 00:05:08.200 --> 00:05:10.420 This is Matthew chapter 6. 00:05:10.879 --> 00:05:15.060 Jesus teaches them and us how to pray on more than one occasion, 00:05:15.060 --> 00:05:19.720 but this passage we often call the Lord's Prayer. 00:05:20.860 --> 00:05:23.220 Listen to God's holy word. 00:05:23.379 --> 00:05:27.819 It's given to us to help us relate with him. 00:05:28.759 --> 00:05:31.720 Wow, what a gift that is, right? 00:05:31.899 --> 00:05:35.879 What grace that he's going to tell us how to talk to him. 00:05:37.500 --> 00:05:38.759 Pray then like this. 00:05:38.759 --> 00:05:41.599 Our Father in heaven, 00:05:42.680 --> 00:05:44.139 hallowed be your name. 00:05:45.180 --> 00:05:46.560 Your kingdom come. 00:05:46.899 --> 00:05:50.000 Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 00:05:50.980 --> 00:05:53.899 Give us this day our daily bread, 00:05:54.240 --> 00:05:55.659 and forgive us our debts 00:05:55.659 --> 00:05:58.539 as we also have forgiven our debtors. 00:05:59.319 --> 00:06:01.240 And lead us not into temptation, 00:06:02.060 --> 00:06:04.500 but deliver us from evil. 00:06:06.500 --> 00:06:07.779 Let's pray together now. 00:06:07.779 --> 00:06:11.279 Jesus, 00:06:11.959 --> 00:06:15.599 would you teach us to pray too? 00:06:17.759 --> 00:06:19.619 Not just things about prayer. 00:06:20.539 --> 00:06:22.159 Would you teach us to pray? 00:06:23.579 --> 00:06:24.799 By your spirit, 00:06:24.899 --> 00:06:26.079 would you speak to us now, 00:06:26.159 --> 00:06:28.959 and would you keep working in us? 00:06:30.479 --> 00:06:33.179 That we might come and talk to you, 00:06:33.639 --> 00:06:34.659 and know you, 00:06:34.959 --> 00:06:35.939 and live with you, 00:06:35.939 --> 00:06:37.819 and depend on you more and more. 00:06:38.540 --> 00:06:39.500 For your glory, 00:06:39.620 --> 00:06:40.259 we ask it. 00:06:41.160 --> 00:06:41.519 Amen. 00:06:45.920 --> 00:06:46.879 Earlier this week, 00:06:46.939 --> 00:06:48.019 I sat down to pray, 00:06:48.560 --> 00:06:50.860 and had a very productive time. 00:06:50.860 --> 00:06:54.180 It was only about 20 minutes later 00:06:54.180 --> 00:06:59.060 that I realized I had written a Facebook post about praying. 00:06:59.060 --> 00:07:04.939 I had texted a friend to tell him that I would pray for him. 00:07:05.939 --> 00:07:07.819 I had emailed another friend. 00:07:08.360 --> 00:07:10.480 I had completed the daily wordle, 00:07:11.340 --> 00:07:12.340 guest number three. 00:07:12.699 --> 00:07:13.639 Uh-huh, very nice. 00:07:13.639 --> 00:07:17.379 I had added some items to the grocery list. 00:07:17.759 --> 00:07:19.959 I had made my to-do list for the day. 00:07:20.219 --> 00:07:21.379 It was so productive. 00:07:21.500 --> 00:07:23.120 It is hard for me to understand 00:07:23.120 --> 00:07:25.839 why people say that setting aside time to pray 00:07:25.839 --> 00:07:27.360 could possibly be unproductive. 00:07:28.500 --> 00:07:29.500 So valuable. 00:07:29.500 --> 00:07:33.959 Maybe you've had a similar experience 00:07:33.959 --> 00:07:36.040 to that with prayer, 00:07:36.139 --> 00:07:37.459 where your mind wanders. 00:07:37.579 --> 00:07:40.120 Anybody's mind ever wandered while you were praying? 00:07:40.459 --> 00:07:42.060 That is so comforting to me. 00:07:42.060 --> 00:07:49.319 Maybe that you've actually felt a little bit ashamed 00:07:49.319 --> 00:07:51.899 or embarrassed 00:07:51.899 --> 00:07:55.759 that God, the God of the universe, 00:07:55.759 --> 00:07:57.840 is there to listen to you, 00:07:58.639 --> 00:08:00.639 and you don't even know what to say. 00:08:02.019 --> 00:08:04.980 And it makes you not want to pray again. 00:08:05.199 --> 00:08:07.300 You don't like that awkward feeling. 00:08:08.439 --> 00:08:11.060 Well, Jesus is here to help people like us. 00:08:12.060 --> 00:08:15.540 But one thing before we talk about what to say in prayer, 00:08:15.780 --> 00:08:18.060 I don't want you to get the impression this morning 00:08:18.060 --> 00:08:20.000 that you've got to get it right. 00:08:20.740 --> 00:08:24.579 I want you to know you don't have to know what to say. 00:08:25.280 --> 00:08:28.639 God isn't waiting for you to push the right button 00:08:28.639 --> 00:08:31.899 on the machine to get the right Coke that you want. 00:08:32.120 --> 00:08:35.120 There's no pressure to get it right. 00:08:35.700 --> 00:08:38.639 You remember this image from last week? 00:08:38.639 --> 00:08:42.159 I want you to remember what your Father is like. 00:08:42.659 --> 00:08:48.039 Your heavenly Father welcomes you into his presence, right? 00:08:48.759 --> 00:08:52.299 Jesus, the Son, prays for you. 00:08:53.139 --> 00:08:56.399 God, the Holy Spirit, the Bible tells us, 00:08:56.480 --> 00:08:59.819 is interceding for you with groans 00:08:59.819 --> 00:09:01.639 that words cannot express, 00:09:01.639 --> 00:09:03.699 so that when you don't know how to pray, 00:09:03.960 --> 00:09:05.259 he helps you. 00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:11.740 You just come and be with God, okay? 00:09:11.840 --> 00:09:14.319 I hope you're finding some time for that, 00:09:14.379 --> 00:09:15.580 this summer in particular, 00:09:15.639 --> 00:09:19.080 as we talk about that one time, 00:09:19.659 --> 00:09:20.819 just the two of you, 00:09:21.240 --> 00:09:24.819 that directs all your time with everyone else. 00:09:24.820 --> 00:09:31.800 the whole Trinity is eager to be with you, 00:09:32.580 --> 00:09:35.480 not to give your prayers a grade, 00:09:36.300 --> 00:09:39.780 but to give the prayer grace. 00:09:40.840 --> 00:09:42.460 Don't forget that. 00:09:42.660 --> 00:09:43.560 That is so good. 00:09:43.620 --> 00:09:45.360 Our hearts need to know that, 00:09:45.660 --> 00:09:49.060 and so as God invites us into prayer here this morning, 00:09:49.160 --> 00:09:51.080 Jesus gives us a model for prayer 00:09:51.080 --> 00:09:53.700 so that we're not stuck without help. 00:09:54.000 --> 00:09:56.340 Words that can be used directly themselves, 00:09:56.520 --> 00:09:57.620 we do that sometimes, 00:09:58.220 --> 00:10:01.020 or they can be used to direct our own words 00:10:01.020 --> 00:10:03.080 as we talk to God. 00:10:03.160 --> 00:10:04.840 So let's look at it together. 00:10:05.879 --> 00:10:07.900 Our Father in heaven. 00:10:08.240 --> 00:10:10.800 We've talked about how vital it is 00:10:10.800 --> 00:10:13.860 to relish that relationship last week. 00:10:13.920 --> 00:10:16.500 That's what brings us into prayer, right? 00:10:16.540 --> 00:10:18.259 Is that God is our Father. 00:10:18.259 --> 00:10:20.759 We can call Jesus' Father our Father. 00:10:20.759 --> 00:10:23.399 He's listening in love. 00:10:24.840 --> 00:10:28.120 Then what does Jesus teach us to talk to Him about? 00:10:29.759 --> 00:10:33.539 First, hallowed be your name. 00:10:34.559 --> 00:10:36.159 What does that mean? 00:10:36.539 --> 00:10:38.700 We don't often talk that way. 00:10:39.159 --> 00:10:41.919 It's not hollow, like empty. 00:10:43.360 --> 00:10:45.240 It's not Halloween, 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:50.340 as I thought it was for a while while I was a kid, 00:10:50.340 --> 00:10:50.899 okay? 00:10:51.080 --> 00:10:53.759 Kids, if this word confuses you 00:10:53.759 --> 00:10:55.440 when we pray the Lord's Prayer, 00:10:55.519 --> 00:10:57.080 but it makes you think of Halloween, 00:10:57.480 --> 00:10:59.500 then I want you to think about it this way. 00:10:59.899 --> 00:11:03.399 Halloween means you get candy, right? 00:11:03.700 --> 00:11:04.580 Are we clear on this? 00:11:05.080 --> 00:11:06.960 Halloween means you get candy. 00:11:07.560 --> 00:11:12.019 Hallowed means God gets glory, okay? 00:11:12.280 --> 00:11:14.420 Halloween means you get candy. 00:11:14.820 --> 00:11:17.680 Hallowed means God gets glory. 00:11:17.679 --> 00:11:19.500 That's what we're praying for. 00:11:19.500 --> 00:11:21.679 It's that He would be the one. 00:11:21.779 --> 00:11:23.679 Who He is gets the most weight, 00:11:24.279 --> 00:11:27.599 is the most worshipped in all of the world. 00:11:28.059 --> 00:11:32.279 Holy, holy, holy, we sang earlier. 00:11:32.819 --> 00:11:34.899 God, You are utterly perfect. 00:11:34.899 --> 00:11:38.259 You are completely beyond us. 00:11:38.539 --> 00:11:41.659 You are more awesome than we can imagine. 00:11:43.480 --> 00:11:45.659 See, just contemplate that for a minute, 00:11:45.840 --> 00:11:48.100 because it will remind you that you don't have to have 00:11:48.100 --> 00:11:50.919 anything particular on your list 00:11:50.919 --> 00:11:53.699 to spend time talking to God, 00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:59.379 because God Himself is more worthy of being talked about 00:11:59.379 --> 00:12:01.319 than anyone else ever. 00:12:01.320 --> 00:12:04.520 Jesus directs our hearts to start there, 00:12:04.800 --> 00:12:06.700 focusing on His greatness, 00:12:07.160 --> 00:12:09.860 His majesty, His worth, 00:12:10.300 --> 00:12:11.920 praying about that, 00:12:12.180 --> 00:12:15.680 as we often do at the start of our services, right? 00:12:15.960 --> 00:12:17.140 Praising God. 00:12:18.480 --> 00:12:23.040 Just start your prayer in praising God for who He is. 00:12:24.080 --> 00:12:26.000 You can think of part of God's character 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:29.779 to praise Him for a passage of Scripture 00:12:29.779 --> 00:12:32.820 may spark a meditation for you 00:12:32.820 --> 00:12:34.820 on an aspect of who God is 00:12:34.820 --> 00:12:37.080 or something you read about Him doing. 00:12:38.259 --> 00:12:41.059 But I want us to actually practice praying like this, 00:12:41.159 --> 00:12:42.679 the Lord's Prayer this morning. 00:12:43.820 --> 00:12:46.340 So this is gonna be a little bit awkward, 00:12:46.500 --> 00:12:48.539 maybe, because we're gonna pray several times 00:12:48.539 --> 00:12:49.960 during this sermon. 00:12:50.419 --> 00:12:51.879 You need to know if you feel awkward. 00:12:52.000 --> 00:12:53.139 I had several other ideas 00:12:53.139 --> 00:12:54.899 that would have made you feel way more awkward, 00:12:55.340 --> 00:12:57.019 and I'm not doing those. 00:12:57.120 --> 00:12:58.620 So just be thankful. 00:13:01.059 --> 00:13:01.679 Thank you. 00:13:03.199 --> 00:13:05.939 For now, why don't you pick one 00:13:05.939 --> 00:13:07.860 of the things off this list 00:13:07.860 --> 00:13:10.039 about our God? 00:13:11.279 --> 00:13:12.379 You're certainly welcome 00:13:12.379 --> 00:13:13.720 to come up with one of your own. 00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:15.559 What about who God is 00:13:15.559 --> 00:13:17.340 or what He has done 00:13:17.340 --> 00:13:19.840 do you want to celebrate Him for? 00:13:21.059 --> 00:13:21.799 Pick one of these, 00:13:21.799 --> 00:13:22.899 write down your own. 00:13:23.359 --> 00:13:24.039 Just so you know, 00:13:24.099 --> 00:13:25.719 those of you who get tightly wound, 00:13:25.859 --> 00:13:27.019 they're all right answers. 00:13:27.779 --> 00:13:28.019 Okay? 00:13:28.139 --> 00:13:29.599 You're not gonna pick the wrong one. 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:32.620 Write something down 00:13:32.620 --> 00:13:34.159 there in your bulletin 00:13:34.159 --> 00:13:35.819 if that's helpful to you. 00:13:35.899 --> 00:13:37.719 Let's practice what it feels like 00:13:37.719 --> 00:13:39.759 to pray led by 00:13:39.759 --> 00:13:41.000 the Lord's Prayer. 00:13:41.099 --> 00:13:42.779 I'll start and give you a few seconds 00:13:42.779 --> 00:13:44.559 to pray to talk to God 00:13:44.559 --> 00:13:45.379 in your heart 00:13:45.379 --> 00:13:47.359 about what you praise Him for. 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:50.700 Father, there is no God 00:13:50.700 --> 00:13:52.060 besides you 00:13:52.060 --> 00:13:54.659 who is like you, 00:13:55.000 --> 00:13:56.820 majestic in holiness, 00:13:57.300 --> 00:13:58.899 awesome in glory, 00:13:59.259 --> 00:14:00.500 working wonders. 00:14:00.800 --> 00:14:01.659 You alone, God, 00:14:01.720 --> 00:14:03.840 are worthy of our praise. 00:14:04.340 --> 00:14:05.659 May your glory fill 00:14:05.659 --> 00:14:07.139 the whole earth. 00:14:07.860 --> 00:14:08.600 May every heart 00:14:08.600 --> 00:14:10.060 in this room, 00:14:10.139 --> 00:14:10.980 in this city, 00:14:11.100 --> 00:14:12.060 in this world, 00:14:12.279 --> 00:14:14.060 praise your name. 00:14:14.240 --> 00:14:15.440 Hear your people now 00:14:15.440 --> 00:14:16.980 as we praise you. 00:14:16.980 --> 00:14:17.340 Amen. 00:14:17.340 --> 00:14:17.440 Amen. 00:14:45.440 --> 00:14:47.260 Amen. 00:14:50.180 --> 00:14:50.580 Next, 00:14:50.740 --> 00:14:51.420 as we walk through 00:14:51.420 --> 00:14:52.100 the Lord's Prayer, 00:14:52.380 --> 00:14:54.100 is yet another Godward, 00:14:54.560 --> 00:14:56.880 God-focused petition. 00:14:57.740 --> 00:14:59.240 Your kingdom come, 00:14:59.680 --> 00:15:01.180 your will be done 00:15:01.180 --> 00:15:02.100 on earth 00:15:02.100 --> 00:15:03.840 as it is in heaven. 00:15:05.060 --> 00:15:06.400 Before we turn our focus 00:15:06.400 --> 00:15:07.620 to our needs, 00:15:08.240 --> 00:15:10.140 we pray for God's 00:15:10.140 --> 00:15:12.020 kingdom priorities. 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:13.400 We seek first 00:15:13.399 --> 00:15:14.720 His kingdom 00:15:14.720 --> 00:15:15.919 as Jesus says it 00:15:15.919 --> 00:15:17.480 later in this chapter. 00:15:18.259 --> 00:15:19.620 That is part of the reason, 00:15:19.779 --> 00:15:20.120 by the way, 00:15:20.179 --> 00:15:20.899 that we structure 00:15:20.899 --> 00:15:22.740 our prayer guide each week. 00:15:23.179 --> 00:15:24.079 You can see it there 00:15:24.079 --> 00:15:24.740 in your bulletin. 00:15:24.819 --> 00:15:25.500 Many of you get it 00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:26.519 in your email. 00:15:26.939 --> 00:15:28.679 With kingdom priorities 00:15:28.679 --> 00:15:29.579 and our mission 00:15:29.579 --> 00:15:30.939 and our core commitments 00:15:30.939 --> 00:15:33.459 before our specific needs 00:15:33.459 --> 00:15:34.000 are listed. 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:36.360 Pastor Warren Wiersbe 00:15:36.360 --> 00:15:37.079 said, 00:15:37.079 --> 00:15:38.679 the purpose of prayer 00:15:38.679 --> 00:15:40.620 is not to get 00:15:40.620 --> 00:15:41.699 man's will 00:15:41.699 --> 00:15:43.179 done in heaven, 00:15:43.539 --> 00:15:45.779 but I'm so sorry, 00:15:45.899 --> 00:15:46.379 sweet girl. 00:15:46.479 --> 00:15:47.339 That hurts 00:15:47.339 --> 00:15:48.219 and those pews 00:15:48.219 --> 00:15:48.919 are hard 00:15:48.919 --> 00:15:49.899 and we love you 00:15:49.899 --> 00:15:52.019 so much. 00:15:52.359 --> 00:15:52.679 Ow, 00:15:52.739 --> 00:15:53.699 I could hear it up here. 00:15:57.000 --> 00:15:57.779 Wiersbe said, 00:15:57.899 --> 00:15:58.979 the purpose of prayer 00:15:58.979 --> 00:16:00.219 is not to get 00:16:00.219 --> 00:16:01.339 man's will 00:16:01.339 --> 00:16:02.500 done in heaven, 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:04.219 but to get 00:16:04.219 --> 00:16:05.359 God's will 00:16:05.359 --> 00:16:07.299 done on earth. 00:16:07.299 --> 00:16:08.839 For that to happen, 00:16:08.959 --> 00:16:09.740 our hearts need 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:10.599 to be reshaped, 00:16:10.719 --> 00:16:11.099 don't they? 00:16:11.159 --> 00:16:11.919 Because whose wills 00:16:11.919 --> 00:16:13.219 are we most naturally 00:16:13.219 --> 00:16:14.019 focused on? 00:16:14.439 --> 00:16:15.099 Well, mine. 00:16:15.419 --> 00:16:15.959 So we pray, 00:16:16.079 --> 00:16:16.259 God, 00:16:16.319 --> 00:16:17.259 in my heart, 00:16:17.620 --> 00:16:18.879 please reign as king 00:16:18.879 --> 00:16:20.000 that I might live 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:21.179 according to your will, 00:16:21.279 --> 00:16:22.079 not my own. 00:16:22.559 --> 00:16:22.819 God, 00:16:22.919 --> 00:16:24.059 in Huntsville, 00:16:24.240 --> 00:16:25.719 please reign as king 00:16:25.719 --> 00:16:26.699 that we might be 00:16:26.699 --> 00:16:27.979 gracious neighbors 00:16:27.979 --> 00:16:29.819 in a peaceful community. 00:16:30.579 --> 00:16:30.779 God, 00:16:30.839 --> 00:16:31.639 in this country 00:16:31.639 --> 00:16:32.699 and around the world, 00:16:33.039 --> 00:16:34.259 please reign as king 00:16:34.259 --> 00:16:35.679 so that we would cling 00:16:35.679 --> 00:16:36.699 to your truth 00:16:36.700 --> 00:16:37.660 and seek justice 00:16:37.660 --> 00:16:38.759 for the mistreated 00:16:38.759 --> 00:16:40.000 and obey your word 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:40.759 and everything. 00:16:41.379 --> 00:16:41.900 There's a lot 00:16:41.900 --> 00:16:42.780 to pray for. 00:16:44.200 --> 00:16:44.800 So yes, 00:16:44.940 --> 00:16:46.080 God is king 00:16:46.080 --> 00:16:47.120 over all 00:16:47.120 --> 00:16:47.980 for sure, 00:16:48.680 --> 00:16:49.600 but where could 00:16:49.600 --> 00:16:50.420 the evidence 00:16:50.420 --> 00:16:51.220 of his reign 00:16:51.220 --> 00:16:52.580 be increasingly 00:16:52.580 --> 00:16:54.240 true and apparent? 00:16:54.480 --> 00:16:55.340 Where do we long 00:16:55.340 --> 00:16:56.220 to see it more? 00:16:57.680 --> 00:16:58.259 Do you see how 00:16:58.259 --> 00:16:59.920 this is no passive 00:16:59.920 --> 00:17:00.780 meditation 00:17:00.780 --> 00:17:01.920 in a closet? 00:17:02.720 --> 00:17:03.840 This prayer 00:17:03.840 --> 00:17:04.900 is an act 00:17:04.900 --> 00:17:05.880 of war, 00:17:06.279 --> 00:17:06.779 isn't it? 00:17:07.920 --> 00:17:08.500 War 00:17:08.500 --> 00:17:09.559 against the kingdom 00:17:09.559 --> 00:17:10.500 of Satan, 00:17:11.319 --> 00:17:11.980 the kingdom 00:17:11.980 --> 00:17:13.500 of darkness, 00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:15.220 over any 00:17:15.220 --> 00:17:16.400 other kingdom. 00:17:16.400 --> 00:17:17.180 The devil 00:17:17.180 --> 00:17:18.120 trembles 00:17:18.120 --> 00:17:19.279 when we pray, 00:17:19.579 --> 00:17:20.299 when we battle 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:21.120 against him 00:17:21.120 --> 00:17:21.880 by appealing 00:17:21.880 --> 00:17:22.980 not to our own strength 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:23.900 but to the king 00:17:23.900 --> 00:17:24.579 of heaven 00:17:24.579 --> 00:17:25.720 to push back 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:26.600 the gates of hell 00:17:26.600 --> 00:17:27.460 in our hearts 00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:28.720 and our lives. 00:17:29.140 --> 00:17:30.180 That's why prayer 00:17:30.180 --> 00:17:31.720 is the work 00:17:31.720 --> 00:17:33.000 of the kingdom 00:17:33.000 --> 00:17:34.560 because it appeals 00:17:34.560 --> 00:17:35.299 to the king, 00:17:35.480 --> 00:17:35.660 right? 00:17:35.940 --> 00:17:37.580 To the strong one, 00:17:37.840 --> 00:17:38.840 the one whose kingdom 00:17:38.840 --> 00:17:39.560 is eternal, 00:17:39.860 --> 00:17:40.840 the one whose will 00:17:40.840 --> 00:17:41.660 is perfect. 00:17:41.779 --> 00:17:42.060 It says, 00:17:42.340 --> 00:17:43.279 that's what we want. 00:17:43.740 --> 00:17:44.420 That's what we're 00:17:44.420 --> 00:17:45.200 after, Satan. 00:17:46.240 --> 00:17:47.560 God will have his way 00:17:47.560 --> 00:17:48.500 and his will 00:17:48.500 --> 00:17:49.320 in this world. 00:17:51.080 --> 00:17:51.880 So let me ask you 00:17:51.880 --> 00:17:52.580 this question 00:17:52.580 --> 00:17:53.360 as you consider 00:17:53.360 --> 00:17:54.519 these next petitions 00:17:54.519 --> 00:17:55.460 talking to God 00:17:55.460 --> 00:17:56.039 about them. 00:17:56.820 --> 00:17:57.900 In whose life? 00:17:57.900 --> 00:18:00.980 In what place? 00:18:02.100 --> 00:18:03.519 In what situation 00:18:03.519 --> 00:18:04.700 do you long 00:18:04.700 --> 00:18:05.640 for peace 00:18:05.640 --> 00:18:06.820 and justice 00:18:06.820 --> 00:18:07.700 and Jesus 00:18:07.700 --> 00:18:09.680 to reign? 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:11.900 Maybe it's a neighbor 00:18:11.900 --> 00:18:13.300 whose heart 00:18:13.300 --> 00:18:14.180 you're praying for. 00:18:15.600 --> 00:18:16.880 Maybe it's a conflict 00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:17.560 at work 00:18:17.560 --> 00:18:18.900 that you long 00:18:18.900 --> 00:18:19.980 to see resolved 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:20.840 and fairly. 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:22.740 Maybe it's an 00:18:22.740 --> 00:18:24.100 international injustice 00:18:24.100 --> 00:18:25.740 that you want 00:18:25.740 --> 00:18:26.740 to see remedied. 00:18:27.900 --> 00:18:29.200 Write something 00:18:29.200 --> 00:18:29.740 down there. 00:18:31.320 --> 00:18:32.900 Let's pray together 00:18:32.900 --> 00:18:33.540 again. 00:18:36.440 --> 00:18:37.380 Father, 00:18:37.500 --> 00:18:38.040 I read just 00:18:38.040 --> 00:18:38.720 this week 00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:40.360 of many Christians 00:18:40.360 --> 00:18:41.720 being martyred 00:18:41.720 --> 00:18:42.800 in Nigeria. 00:18:43.620 --> 00:18:44.680 I saw videos 00:18:44.680 --> 00:18:46.060 of their 00:18:46.060 --> 00:18:47.240 worshiping you 00:18:47.240 --> 00:18:48.780 amidst the rubble 00:18:48.780 --> 00:18:50.420 of church buildings 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:51.340 burned down. 00:18:52.460 --> 00:18:53.440 I pray, 00:18:53.840 --> 00:18:53.920 Father, 00:18:54.019 --> 00:18:55.560 for your protection 00:18:55.560 --> 00:18:56.140 on them. 00:18:56.140 --> 00:18:57.140 You are the king 00:18:57.140 --> 00:18:57.780 of the nation. 00:18:57.900 --> 00:18:59.880 It is so evident 00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:00.759 that your kingdom 00:19:00.759 --> 00:19:01.440 has come 00:19:01.440 --> 00:19:02.380 in their hearts. 00:19:03.320 --> 00:19:04.000 Might it come 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:04.620 in the hearts 00:19:04.620 --> 00:19:05.500 of their enemies 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:06.400 who attack them 00:19:06.400 --> 00:19:06.920 as well? 00:19:08.240 --> 00:19:09.060 Bring peace 00:19:09.060 --> 00:19:09.700 in Israel, 00:19:10.320 --> 00:19:10.940 in Ukraine, 00:19:11.740 --> 00:19:12.480 in Sudan. 00:19:14.280 --> 00:19:14.920 Father, 00:19:15.019 --> 00:19:15.640 give your people 00:19:15.640 --> 00:19:16.300 right here 00:19:16.300 --> 00:19:17.160 at Southwood 00:19:17.160 --> 00:19:18.680 as we've talked 00:19:18.680 --> 00:19:19.660 about the Bible 00:19:19.660 --> 00:19:20.300 recently, 00:19:20.660 --> 00:19:21.980 a renewed zeal 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:23.580 not only to read 00:19:23.580 --> 00:19:24.759 but also to obey 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:26.120 your will 00:19:26.119 --> 00:19:27.500 in your word. 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:28.979 Hear us now 00:19:28.979 --> 00:19:30.059 as we pray 00:19:30.059 --> 00:19:30.719 for your kingdom 00:19:30.719 --> 00:19:31.179 to come. 00:19:31.180 --> 00:19:35.279 to be continued 00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:37.000 to be enough 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:39.120 love. 00:19:39.840 --> 00:19:40.600 Thank you. 00:19:40.599 --> 00:20:01.319 Amen. 00:20:01.319 --> 00:20:01.439 Amen. 00:20:04.399 --> 00:20:06.019 This next way to talk to God, 00:20:06.719 --> 00:20:08.319 building a little bit of a list for us here 00:20:08.319 --> 00:20:09.259 as we go to him, 00:20:09.259 --> 00:20:11.359 and it's one we know well, right? 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:14.940 Give us this day our daily bread. 00:20:15.579 --> 00:20:18.379 God, please help me pass this test. 00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:21.079 I didn't study as much as I should have. 00:20:22.559 --> 00:20:26.420 God, please help me find a job to support my family. 00:20:28.119 --> 00:20:31.140 God, please help me get out of this mess I'm in. 00:20:31.240 --> 00:20:32.359 I'll never do it again. 00:20:32.740 --> 00:20:33.960 Just help me this one time. 00:20:34.740 --> 00:20:37.740 Finally, we get to our list, right? 00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:39.859 He does want to hear it. 00:20:40.099 --> 00:20:43.740 In all of these, we're acknowledging what is always true 00:20:44.299 --> 00:20:47.039 that we don't always recognize. 00:20:48.359 --> 00:20:54.240 Our need, our dependence upon God. 00:20:55.579 --> 00:21:00.000 See, God already knows what we need before we ask him, 00:21:00.000 --> 00:21:01.940 Jesus says. 00:21:03.500 --> 00:21:05.099 But he wants to hear our hearts. 00:21:06.539 --> 00:21:07.960 Something's going on in our hearts. 00:21:08.059 --> 00:21:10.339 This is teaching our hearts to come to him, 00:21:10.579 --> 00:21:11.500 to trust him, 00:21:11.720 --> 00:21:13.500 to depend upon him 00:21:13.500 --> 00:21:19.839 because our king is on the throne of grace, right? 00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:22.799 Give us our daily bread. 00:21:22.799 --> 00:21:24.119 It's saying everything. 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:28.379 Every breath, God, is from you, 00:21:28.859 --> 00:21:32.799 which honestly may be a bit harder for us to feel today 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:35.720 in our society than in Jesus' day 00:21:35.720 --> 00:21:38.379 in a largely agrarian society. 00:21:38.380 --> 00:21:43.940 We have bread in the pantry for many days. 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:49.000 Most of us, food in the fridge for weeks. 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:53.840 Most of us feel we can eat today 00:21:53.840 --> 00:21:57.400 without consciously asking for God's help. 00:21:58.640 --> 00:22:01.960 And that's something to be thankful for. 00:22:02.620 --> 00:22:05.140 But it's also something to be careful about 00:22:05.140 --> 00:22:08.480 because Jesus reminds us that our life, 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:11.140 our breath, even our food, 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:15.140 is a gift of God's grace. 00:22:15.920 --> 00:22:17.140 We can't forget that. 00:22:17.340 --> 00:22:18.740 We dare not forget that. 00:22:19.020 --> 00:22:22.900 Kids, that is why many Christians pray before every meal. 00:22:23.560 --> 00:22:26.320 It reminds us to stop and reflect 00:22:26.320 --> 00:22:29.040 that everything we have is from God, right? 00:22:29.100 --> 00:22:30.520 So you can help us remember that. 00:22:30.840 --> 00:22:33.480 You can sometimes learn to pray right there 00:22:33.480 --> 00:22:35.579 as you thank God for your food. 00:22:36.240 --> 00:22:37.920 I want us to notice in particular 00:22:37.920 --> 00:22:39.779 one thing about this petition. 00:22:40.440 --> 00:22:43.360 It's the communal nature of this prayer. 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:51.900 Give us this day our daily bread. 00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:54.599 You may not be wondering 00:22:54.599 --> 00:22:56.720 where your next meal will come from, 00:22:57.380 --> 00:22:59.460 but some of God's children are. 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:01.960 You may not be wondering 00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:03.279 whether your church building 00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:04.799 will be burned down tomorrow, 00:23:05.799 --> 00:23:08.059 but some of God's children are. 00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:11.759 You may not be worried and anxious 00:23:11.759 --> 00:23:13.460 wondering if your loved one 00:23:13.460 --> 00:23:15.819 will go home to Jesus tomorrow, 00:23:16.700 --> 00:23:19.299 but some of God's children are. 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:25.860 And we are together dependent upon God. 00:23:25.859 --> 00:23:30.759 In fact, we should be praying together. 00:23:31.099 --> 00:23:35.179 This is words that God's people would say 00:23:35.179 --> 00:23:37.619 to give us our daily bread. 00:23:37.779 --> 00:23:40.699 We should be praying together for one another 00:23:40.699 --> 00:23:43.419 in one another's presence, 00:23:43.839 --> 00:23:45.439 in grace groups, 00:23:45.799 --> 00:23:47.479 in worship services, 00:23:47.859 --> 00:23:49.339 in hallways, 00:23:49.679 --> 00:23:50.759 wherever it is. 00:23:50.759 --> 00:23:55.279 What specific needs are you 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:57.500 or your church family 00:23:57.500 --> 00:24:00.740 or your neighbors facing? 00:24:03.039 --> 00:24:04.079 Write something down 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:05.460 that God puts on your heart now. 00:24:05.660 --> 00:24:08.720 What's the first need that comes to mind? 00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:10.240 Pick one off the prayer guide, 00:24:10.359 --> 00:24:11.339 if you'd like. 00:24:11.879 --> 00:24:14.140 These needs will change often, right? 00:24:14.140 --> 00:24:16.720 And there are some of them 00:24:16.720 --> 00:24:19.420 that may stay on your list 00:24:19.420 --> 00:24:21.160 for a long, long time. 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:24.180 God may keep putting them on your heart. 00:24:25.240 --> 00:24:27.420 Let's pray for some of them together now. 00:24:28.340 --> 00:24:30.000 Father, we are your children 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:33.160 and we need your help. 00:24:34.820 --> 00:24:37.780 Much we need thy tender care. 00:24:37.779 --> 00:24:41.740 people we love are grieving. 00:24:45.000 --> 00:24:46.160 Brothers and sisters, 00:24:46.359 --> 00:24:47.420 we miss this morning 00:24:47.420 --> 00:24:49.460 our home battling depression. 00:24:52.019 --> 00:24:54.059 Some of our family are hospitalized. 00:24:56.740 --> 00:24:58.319 Hear us now as we bring 00:24:58.319 --> 00:25:00.980 the particular needs we know about to you 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:02.279 as we admit that 00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:04.099 you know what we need 00:25:04.099 --> 00:25:06.579 better than we do ourselves. 00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:10.619 you 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:40.339 Amen. 00:25:42.899 --> 00:25:46.539 One last area to pray about that Jesus gives us here. 00:25:46.799 --> 00:25:47.420 It's a big one. 00:25:48.299 --> 00:25:50.559 A couple petitions in the same realm, 00:25:50.680 --> 00:25:51.700 in the same direction. 00:25:52.079 --> 00:25:54.279 Father, forgive our debts. 00:25:55.599 --> 00:25:57.019 Lead us not into temptation. 00:25:58.160 --> 00:26:00.339 Deliver us from evil. 00:26:00.980 --> 00:26:03.599 This is another way we pray almost every Sunday 00:26:03.599 --> 00:26:05.259 in our services, isn't it? 00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:07.119 Derek mentioned it this morning 00:26:07.119 --> 00:26:10.639 as we were confessing our sins generally, 00:26:11.179 --> 00:26:13.000 all of us together, 00:26:13.199 --> 00:26:18.019 and specifically as we did this morning. 00:26:19.479 --> 00:26:22.939 See, it's such a vital part of our relationship with God. 00:26:23.039 --> 00:26:24.379 That's what Derek was telling us 00:26:24.379 --> 00:26:25.699 as he invited us into it. 00:26:25.899 --> 00:26:27.819 This is something that we do all the time. 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:30.579 It's at the very heart, foundation, 00:26:30.879 --> 00:26:32.359 of having a relationship with God. 00:26:32.359 --> 00:26:36.939 Jesus bought our forgiveness with his blood. 00:26:37.699 --> 00:26:40.359 So he wants us to enjoy it often, 00:26:40.959 --> 00:26:43.059 to celebrate his forgiveness. 00:26:43.459 --> 00:26:48.299 It has been said that Jesus died on the cross is history. 00:26:49.559 --> 00:26:52.779 That Jesus died for sins is theology. 00:26:52.779 --> 00:26:58.599 And that Jesus died for my sins is Christianity. 00:27:00.000 --> 00:27:04.220 I like that a lot because it means that Christianity 00:27:04.220 --> 00:27:07.899 is about a relationship with God, 00:27:07.940 --> 00:27:12.099 a relationship that Jesus has restored me to 00:27:12.099 --> 00:27:15.680 so that I can be honest and loved. 00:27:15.680 --> 00:27:18.640 I can be in the worst about me, 00:27:18.640 --> 00:27:19.620 can be exposed, 00:27:20.039 --> 00:27:21.580 and I'll be embraced. 00:27:22.060 --> 00:27:23.259 I can be a failure 00:27:23.259 --> 00:27:25.539 and forgiven. 00:27:28.180 --> 00:27:29.560 We say debts 00:27:29.560 --> 00:27:32.539 here when we pray the Lord's Prayer. 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:34.519 Many of you know there are other ways 00:27:34.519 --> 00:27:35.880 to translate some of these, 00:27:35.960 --> 00:27:36.980 and they're good too. 00:27:37.240 --> 00:27:38.880 You're not better than other Christians 00:27:38.880 --> 00:27:40.440 because you say debts and debtors, 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:42.380 so let me clear that up for you. 00:27:44.299 --> 00:27:45.820 But the word debts is helpful, 00:27:45.940 --> 00:27:46.960 I think, for this reason, 00:27:47.039 --> 00:27:51.039 in thinking about what do we owe God? 00:27:52.160 --> 00:27:55.600 We owe him perfect obedience, 00:27:56.059 --> 00:28:00.140 in perfect relationship with him, 00:28:00.140 --> 00:28:03.400 from perfect motivations, 00:28:03.880 --> 00:28:05.120 all the time. 00:28:05.780 --> 00:28:10.640 So, we confess then sins we do, 00:28:11.240 --> 00:28:12.080 that we commit, 00:28:12.940 --> 00:28:15.700 and duties we fail to do, 00:28:15.780 --> 00:28:17.100 that we omit. 00:28:18.340 --> 00:28:20.600 We tell God about words 00:28:20.600 --> 00:28:22.220 that we shouldn't have spoken, 00:28:22.620 --> 00:28:24.220 and others we should have, 00:28:24.320 --> 00:28:25.080 but didn't. 00:28:26.120 --> 00:28:29.340 We are honest about the thoughts of our minds, 00:28:29.339 --> 00:28:32.559 and the desires of our hearts 00:28:32.559 --> 00:28:33.959 that no one else sees, 00:28:34.079 --> 00:28:35.779 but God knows, doesn't he? 00:28:37.279 --> 00:28:40.220 And the more we let that sink in, 00:28:40.419 --> 00:28:43.059 the more we see the seriousness of our sin, 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:46.099 and the danger that sin presents to us, 00:28:46.399 --> 00:28:48.779 we start to see how serious it is, 00:28:48.799 --> 00:28:51.299 and we realize it cost Jesus his life 00:28:51.299 --> 00:28:52.899 to offer us forgiveness. 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:56.240 We realize that sin keeps us 00:28:56.240 --> 00:28:58.099 from running to God to find life, 00:28:58.099 --> 00:29:00.299 because we're searching for it everywhere else, 00:29:00.500 --> 00:29:01.740 looking for other things 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:03.000 that will give us life. 00:29:03.579 --> 00:29:04.919 The more we pray then 00:29:04.919 --> 00:29:06.699 that God will keep us from it, 00:29:07.539 --> 00:29:09.699 that he will lead us away 00:29:09.699 --> 00:29:12.799 from even the temptation to sin, 00:29:13.359 --> 00:29:16.059 that he'll protect us from Satan 00:29:16.059 --> 00:29:17.839 and his evil forces. 00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:21.679 Again here, the posture of this prayer 00:29:21.679 --> 00:29:24.000 is that God is the leader, right? 00:29:24.299 --> 00:29:24.879 Lead me. 00:29:24.939 --> 00:29:25.980 He's gonna lead me. 00:29:25.980 --> 00:29:27.380 Where do I want him to lead me? 00:29:27.539 --> 00:29:29.519 Because I'm the follower. 00:29:29.960 --> 00:29:32.460 I'm the one who's walking after him. 00:29:33.299 --> 00:29:36.400 Here's how I'd say these petitions simply. 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:39.160 Father, help us, strengthen us, 00:29:39.579 --> 00:29:40.519 deliver us, 00:29:40.579 --> 00:29:42.279 because we are weak, 00:29:43.059 --> 00:29:44.839 life is hard, 00:29:45.400 --> 00:29:47.440 and Satan is real. 00:29:48.400 --> 00:29:49.500 We are weak, 00:29:49.940 --> 00:29:50.640 life is hard, 00:29:51.460 --> 00:29:52.200 Satan is real. 00:29:52.200 --> 00:29:55.200 That's what we're admitting to God, right? 00:29:55.299 --> 00:29:57.380 You can admit those things. 00:29:58.779 --> 00:30:00.860 The Heidelberg Catechism says the same thing 00:30:00.860 --> 00:30:02.140 just a lot more eloquently. 00:30:03.420 --> 00:30:04.340 By ourselves, 00:30:04.519 --> 00:30:06.299 we are too weak to hold our own 00:30:06.299 --> 00:30:07.460 even for a moment. 00:30:08.600 --> 00:30:09.880 And our sworn enemies, 00:30:10.019 --> 00:30:10.380 the devil, 00:30:10.660 --> 00:30:11.080 the world, 00:30:11.180 --> 00:30:12.100 and our own flesh 00:30:12.100 --> 00:30:13.960 never stop attacking us. 00:30:14.299 --> 00:30:15.279 And so, Lord, 00:30:15.380 --> 00:30:16.080 uphold us 00:30:16.080 --> 00:30:17.360 and make us strong 00:30:17.360 --> 00:30:18.299 with the strength 00:30:18.299 --> 00:30:19.660 of your Holy Spirit 00:30:19.660 --> 00:30:21.740 so that we may not go down 00:30:21.740 --> 00:30:22.360 to defeat 00:30:22.360 --> 00:30:23.800 in this spiritual warfare, 00:30:24.460 --> 00:30:26.380 but may firmly resist our enemies 00:30:26.380 --> 00:30:28.000 until we finally win 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:30.340 the complete victory. 00:30:32.279 --> 00:30:32.960 Friends, 00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:36.120 you can't handle sin 00:30:36.120 --> 00:30:37.500 on your own. 00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:40.300 Quit trying. 00:30:40.299 --> 00:30:43.759 And, 00:30:43.759 --> 00:30:45.180 Jesus 00:30:45.180 --> 00:30:46.839 can absolutely, 00:30:47.379 --> 00:30:47.940 completely, 00:30:48.460 --> 00:30:48.960 perfectly, 00:30:49.200 --> 00:30:50.019 and forever 00:30:50.019 --> 00:30:51.200 handle sin. 00:30:51.659 --> 00:30:53.200 Quit avoiding Him. 00:30:53.819 --> 00:30:54.460 Run 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:55.379 to Jesus 00:30:55.379 --> 00:30:56.779 with your sin. 00:30:57.240 --> 00:30:58.019 Delight 00:30:58.019 --> 00:30:59.319 in confessing 00:30:59.319 --> 00:31:00.099 to Him. 00:31:00.639 --> 00:31:01.599 Take your sin 00:31:01.599 --> 00:31:02.819 to your Savior 00:31:02.819 --> 00:31:03.859 and delight 00:31:03.859 --> 00:31:04.700 in what He will do 00:31:04.700 --> 00:31:05.180 with it. 00:31:06.579 --> 00:31:08.039 Think about this question 00:31:08.039 --> 00:31:08.539 for a minute. 00:31:09.440 --> 00:31:10.220 What today 00:31:10.220 --> 00:31:12.360 is keeping you 00:31:12.360 --> 00:31:13.640 from a close relationship 00:31:13.640 --> 00:31:14.259 with God 00:31:14.259 --> 00:31:15.579 or is seeking 00:31:15.579 --> 00:31:17.160 to draw you 00:31:17.160 --> 00:31:18.460 away from Him? 00:31:20.100 --> 00:31:21.420 Is it sinful desires 00:31:21.420 --> 00:31:22.380 in your heart? 00:31:23.860 --> 00:31:25.160 Good things 00:31:25.160 --> 00:31:26.180 that are tempting 00:31:26.180 --> 00:31:27.000 distractions 00:31:27.000 --> 00:31:28.799 from the best things? 00:31:30.000 --> 00:31:31.120 Is it unforgiveness 00:31:31.120 --> 00:31:32.740 towards someone else? 00:31:36.180 --> 00:31:37.380 Let's take them together 00:31:37.380 --> 00:31:37.880 to Jesus. 00:31:38.420 --> 00:31:39.000 Pray with me. 00:31:39.120 --> 00:31:39.400 Father, 00:31:39.400 --> 00:31:39.460 Father, 00:31:39.580 --> 00:31:42.060 we pray with the psalmist 00:31:42.060 --> 00:31:43.620 that you would 00:31:43.620 --> 00:31:44.519 search us 00:31:44.519 --> 00:31:45.960 and know our hearts, 00:31:47.620 --> 00:31:48.759 that you would test us 00:31:48.759 --> 00:31:50.840 and know our anxious thoughts, 00:31:51.820 --> 00:31:52.519 that you would see 00:31:52.519 --> 00:31:53.060 if there is 00:31:53.060 --> 00:31:54.480 any wicked way 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:55.560 in us, 00:31:56.560 --> 00:31:57.500 and that you would 00:31:57.500 --> 00:31:58.160 lead us 00:31:58.160 --> 00:31:59.440 in the way everlasting. 00:31:59.980 --> 00:32:01.240 Speak to our hearts 00:32:01.240 --> 00:32:02.900 even now. 00:32:03.000 --> 00:32:03.340 Let us 00:32:03.340 --> 00:32:05.019 honestly bring to you 00:32:05.019 --> 00:32:05.799 what your spirit 00:32:05.799 --> 00:32:06.480 shows us. 00:32:07.740 --> 00:32:09.319 We have an amazing 00:32:09.319 --> 00:32:09.460 day 00:32:09.460 --> 00:32:10.019 when the psalmist 00:32:10.019 --> 00:32:10.039 or 00:32:10.039 --> 00:32:11.799 ื™ yum 00:32:12.059 --> 00:32:13.500 and the psalmist 00:32:13.500 --> 00:32:14.400 are 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:14.619 welcome. 00:32:14.680 --> 00:32:15.139 แปŸ 00:32:15.139 --> 00:32:15.359 our 00:32:15.359 --> 00:32:15.940 Vasem 00:32:15.940 --> 00:32:16.279 and our 00:32:16.279 --> 00:32:16.619 hearts 00:32:17.039 --> 00:32:17.680 and our 00:32:17.700 --> 00:32:18.400 son 00:32:18.400 --> 00:32:19.259 will 00:32:19.259 --> 00:32:19.460 tomorrow 00:32:19.500 --> 00:32:19.619 ูƒ 00:32:35.019 --> 00:32:49.039 Amen. Thank you for helping through this sermon. More interactive than you expected, right? 00:32:49.599 --> 00:32:56.639 And I didn't even make you talk out loud. The prayer we use most often concludes with, 00:32:56.640 --> 00:33:05.280 for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Isn't that a beautiful reminder of where 00:33:05.280 --> 00:33:14.040 this prayer starts? With God's kingdom, God's glory. So, it is a great way to conclude praying, okay? 00:33:14.460 --> 00:33:21.340 It makes one understand why it got added to the original text, which we now know it didn't contain. 00:33:21.339 --> 00:33:31.039 But no worries. I dare say at this point, if you keep your bulletin and the things you've written down 00:33:31.039 --> 00:33:38.359 this morning and follow the Lord's Prayer each day, you've got plenty to speak to God about 00:33:38.359 --> 00:33:45.799 in your time with Him. That's my desire for you today, that you would be able, even this afternoon, 00:33:45.980 --> 00:33:51.259 tomorrow morning when you wake up, to sit down. You don't have to use the Lord's Prayer, but you can 00:33:51.259 --> 00:33:59.799 and that you'll have lots to talk to God about. Remember to slow down enough to listen to Him too. 00:34:00.960 --> 00:34:08.760 He loves to talk with you. This is why we've been providing each week resources for you to have to 00:34:08.760 --> 00:34:17.159 help you in your time with Jesus personally in these pathways of grace. This is available, 00:34:17.159 --> 00:34:22.960 of course, online on our website. The QR code is in your bulletin. For those of you like me who aren't 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:29.000 familiar with QR codes, there's some hard copies printed in the narthex, if that's more helpful to you. 00:34:30.559 --> 00:34:36.279 But there are several different books here that I love. The first one there will help you 00:34:36.279 --> 00:34:43.299 let the Bible inspire your prayers even throughout the Scripture. Other places besides the Lord's Prayer, 00:34:43.300 --> 00:34:49.180 it's been really helpful to me. Some of my favorites up there, there are guides to prayer that help our 00:34:49.180 --> 00:34:57.120 hearts be directed by God's priorities for our conversations with Him. I grew up, as I was a kid, 00:34:57.440 --> 00:35:04.660 first learned to pray using the acrostic acts. Have you ever done this one before? Adoration, 00:35:04.659 --> 00:35:15.259 that's praise, okay? Confession, thanksgiving, supplication, asking for our needs. That's a big 00:35:15.259 --> 00:35:21.359 word for that. And because some of these words are a bit unfamiliar, I've adapted a version of this for 00:35:21.359 --> 00:35:26.399 kids that hits the same key themes of the Lord's Prayer we've been talking about this morning. 00:35:26.920 --> 00:35:34.639 Kids, when you pray and when you practice talking to God, you can say some very simple, 00:35:34.659 --> 00:35:41.480 things that I think you can remember, and adults, you're welcome to use them too. Feel free. 00:35:41.859 --> 00:35:46.299 There's really these four categories, things you can remember to say when you talk to God, 00:35:46.500 --> 00:35:59.019 I love you, right? To tell God you love Him. And why? I'm sorry. For what? Tell Him for what? 00:35:59.019 --> 00:36:09.739 Thank you. Tell Him what you're thankful for. And please, tell Him what you're asking for. So if 00:36:09.739 --> 00:36:14.679 you're thinking about talking to God, you can pick any one of those, or you can think of all four of 00:36:14.679 --> 00:36:20.900 those that I hope are easy for you to remember and things that we talk to God about. I would encourage 00:36:20.900 --> 00:36:29.840 you if your prayer life, your talking to God needs a shot in the arm, and most of us, if we're honest, 00:36:29.960 --> 00:36:37.920 that's where we often live, pick just one of these resources and pray that God would use it to 00:36:37.920 --> 00:36:44.639 rekindle your desire to spend time talking with Him. He loves to do that, okay? He's not trying to run 00:36:44.639 --> 00:36:54.239 you off. He's trying to welcome you in. So ask Him to help you with that. As we close this morning, 00:36:55.279 --> 00:37:05.500 most of us close our prayers with, in Jesus' name, amen. And that's great. It's a great way to pray. 00:37:05.500 --> 00:37:12.880 I want to make sure we remember what that means. It's not just hanging up the phone. 00:37:14.800 --> 00:37:25.500 When I pray in Jesus' name, it means that you enjoy relationship with God, not because you're a good 00:37:25.500 --> 00:37:34.599 prayer, but because Jesus is a good Savior, right? His love for us, His death on the cross, 00:37:34.599 --> 00:37:43.599 His life everlasting are how we enter into relationship with God. His sacrifice alone 00:37:43.599 --> 00:37:55.059 enables us to pray to our Father. It's the only way. His grace is cause for endless praise. His costly 00:37:55.059 --> 00:38:04.079 death makes us hate our sin and confess it to God. His kind kingship is the one we long to see 00:38:04.079 --> 00:38:08.880 extended. His generous provision for His people. His generous provision for His people encourages us 00:38:08.880 --> 00:38:19.299 to ask for what we need. You see, it's about Jesus. Every time you pray in Jesus' name, I want you to rejoice, 00:38:20.460 --> 00:38:33.599 to give thanks that you stand and you live and you kneel in the grace of Jesus. Amen. Let's pray. 00:38:34.079 --> 00:38:44.319 Father, would you help us as we come to you that we would draw near to you confidently in the name of Jesus. 00:38:45.460 --> 00:38:54.900 That we would pray, amen. May it be so because of who you are. We know we can come to you. We confidently 00:38:54.900 --> 00:39:06.980 ask for you to care for us. We boldly hope in your faithfulness. You are good. And there's nothing more 00:39:06.980 --> 00:39:15.280 than that truth to encourage our hearts to come to you in prayer. So would you remind us of that? 00:39:15.280 --> 00:39:25.960 Would we find you regularly today and this week and every day the rest of our lives hearing us, 00:39:26.920 --> 00:39:32.780 giving us the joy of speaking to you. We're thankful for it in Jesus' great name. Amen. 00:39:32.780 --> 00:39:37.880 For more information, visit us online at southwood.org.