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. 00:00:12.099 --> 00:00:19.559 I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had 00:00:19.559 --> 00:00:20.660 nowhere else to go. 00:00:21.500 --> 00:00:26.800 My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day. 00:00:28.160 --> 00:00:29.500 Anybody know who said that? 00:00:30.940 --> 00:00:31.679 Anybody know? 00:00:32.740 --> 00:00:35.460 Was it me at a recent session meeting? 00:00:36.759 --> 00:00:39.320 Could have been, could have been, but no, wasn't me. 00:00:39.320 --> 00:00:50.019 It was the most powerful man in the world, surrounded by the wisest counselors in the country. 00:00:51.159 --> 00:00:52.519 Is that helping anybody yet? 00:00:54.039 --> 00:00:56.659 Abraham Lincoln, very good. 00:00:56.659 --> 00:01:02.899 Abraham Lincoln, driven to prayer. 00:01:03.119 --> 00:01:09.120 What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. 00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:15.040 We've been talking this summer about the friend that we have in Jesus. 00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:21.600 Our relationship with him, walking in the pathways of his grace. 00:01:21.600 --> 00:01:30.180 Getting to linger with him over a meal as he insists on doing this with his people and 00:01:30.180 --> 00:01:34.280 as he calls us to make a high priority in our lives. 00:01:34.280 --> 00:01:40.939 We started by saying a significant part of our relationships with God is his word. 00:01:41.060 --> 00:01:47.000 That God speaks to us and we must listen to him. 00:01:47.500 --> 00:01:48.560 Bible's open, right? 00:01:48.560 --> 00:01:51.420 God speaks to us. 00:01:51.420 --> 00:01:53.140 That is amazing, isn't it? 00:01:55.019 --> 00:02:01.100 But there's another side of that coin in relationship with God that I think may be even more remarkable 00:02:01.099 --> 00:02:08.840 than the fact that God speaks to us is that God listens to us. 00:02:09.560 --> 00:02:11.599 That's part of the conversation. 00:02:11.799 --> 00:02:19.099 See, God invites us into conversation with him so God listens to us and we speak to God himself. 00:02:19.099 --> 00:02:24.039 There are the titles of our sermons for today and next week. 00:02:24.719 --> 00:02:25.879 God listens to us. 00:02:26.500 --> 00:02:27.500 We speak to God. 00:02:27.900 --> 00:02:30.180 We're going to talk for a couple weeks about prayer. 00:02:31.219 --> 00:02:34.400 It's another classic means of grace. 00:02:34.539 --> 00:02:41.039 A pathway where we walk with Jesus, find his grace to come into our lives. 00:02:41.680 --> 00:02:46.319 See how closely the Bible and prayer are connected to one another? 00:02:46.319 --> 00:02:51.479 They feed one another in our relationship, our conversation with God. 00:02:51.659 --> 00:03:00.659 Right now, my preferred method of praying is to be reading scripture and praying along with those words. 00:03:00.859 --> 00:03:06.120 Maybe just one verse or one section at a time as I hear God's word speaking to me. 00:03:06.180 --> 00:03:10.560 The words that come into my heart to speak back to him. 00:03:10.919 --> 00:03:13.000 I even pray out loud typically. 00:03:13.159 --> 00:03:14.299 I know not everybody does. 00:03:14.300 --> 00:03:19.719 I will pray out loud to help me experience those actual conversations. 00:03:21.120 --> 00:03:27.360 I want us to ponder this morning that remarkable reality that God listens to us. 00:03:28.640 --> 00:03:35.060 And think about how prayer then is a consistent way that God brings his grace into our lives. 00:03:35.240 --> 00:03:39.020 Let's read from Hebrews chapter 4 as we begin. 00:03:39.600 --> 00:03:43.280 We've heard parts of this passage referenced already this morning. 00:03:43.280 --> 00:03:48.000 It's a wonderful call to prayer that we'll come back to later. 00:03:48.780 --> 00:03:54.219 Let's give our attention to God's voice as he speaks to us in his word. 00:03:54.879 --> 00:03:57.939 Hebrews 4 beginning at verse 14. 00:03:57.939 --> 00:04:04.439 Since then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens. 00:04:04.439 --> 00:04:06.780 Jesus, the Son of God. 00:04:07.579 --> 00:04:09.719 Let us hold fast our confession. 00:04:10.759 --> 00:04:14.860 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, 00:04:15.240 --> 00:04:19.860 but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 00:04:19.860 --> 00:04:31.879 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 00:04:32.699 --> 00:04:33.699 Pray with me. 00:04:33.699 --> 00:04:40.360 Our Father, we seek now to find your help. 00:04:41.360 --> 00:04:43.779 We've opened your word before us. 00:04:43.819 --> 00:04:47.319 It is eternal and powerful and perfect. 00:04:48.099 --> 00:04:51.300 And we want to have a relationship with you. 00:04:51.419 --> 00:04:53.079 We want to know you. 00:04:53.079 --> 00:05:00.959 And that is, honestly, Father, it's too glorious for us to, in some ways, imagine, certainly for us to make it happen. 00:05:02.060 --> 00:05:04.060 It's a relationship we don't deserve. 00:05:05.180 --> 00:05:08.279 An audience with you is one we could never earn. 00:05:10.159 --> 00:05:12.620 And so would you help us even now? 00:05:13.099 --> 00:05:14.759 We need your grace. 00:05:14.759 --> 00:05:22.000 We ask for it in the precious name of Jesus, your Son, whom you love. 00:05:23.000 --> 00:05:23.319 Amen. 00:05:27.639 --> 00:05:34.980 If you had been in the D.C. airport last week, you might have overheard my phone conversation while I waited for my connecting flight. 00:05:35.959 --> 00:05:36.800 I'll give you a sample. 00:05:38.480 --> 00:05:39.399 Speak to an agent. 00:05:41.159 --> 00:05:42.099 Speak to an agent. 00:05:42.100 --> 00:05:45.020 I would like to speak to an agent. 00:05:45.980 --> 00:05:46.580 Zero. 00:05:47.500 --> 00:05:48.060 Zero. 00:05:49.320 --> 00:05:49.760 Zero. 00:05:51.220 --> 00:05:52.040 Speak to an agent. 00:05:54.600 --> 00:05:55.160 Fine. 00:05:55.660 --> 00:05:56.460 Mortgage transfer. 00:05:58.660 --> 00:05:59.640 Back to menu. 00:06:00.480 --> 00:06:01.320 Speak to an agent. 00:06:02.780 --> 00:06:03.540 Speak to an agent. 00:06:03.939 --> 00:06:07.560 I know you want more info, but I want to speak to an agent. 00:06:09.160 --> 00:06:11.840 And this went on for quite some time. 00:06:12.100 --> 00:06:16.420 Conversation with an automated recording. 00:06:17.020 --> 00:06:24.360 And then I finally got an agent who introduced herself, who got my name and promptly said, 00:06:24.620 --> 00:06:25.720 let me put you on a brief hold. 00:06:28.660 --> 00:06:32.379 The third time I think that I said speak to an agent, 00:06:32.379 --> 00:06:38.159 a couple people sitting nearby smiled understandingly. 00:06:40.219 --> 00:06:42.659 Because I think we've all been there, right? 00:06:42.980 --> 00:06:50.339 Needing help and wanting to know that someone is listening and that they're there to help. 00:06:50.339 --> 00:06:57.560 I think all of us who have ever prayed have been there too. 00:07:00.859 --> 00:07:02.399 Some of you have told me that this morning. 00:07:04.979 --> 00:07:08.479 Hearing nothing but an automated recording, 00:07:08.859 --> 00:07:13.259 as though our prayers are hitting the ceiling and bouncing back. 00:07:13.259 --> 00:07:15.399 Getting nowhere. 00:07:16.199 --> 00:07:18.500 Wondering if I'm wasting my time. 00:07:18.599 --> 00:07:20.980 Is anyone even listening? 00:07:23.980 --> 00:07:27.759 Even biblical authors like King David have felt this tension. 00:07:27.899 --> 00:07:29.139 He says things like, 00:07:29.180 --> 00:07:32.519 God, why are you so far from my groaning? 00:07:32.899 --> 00:07:34.539 Why do you not answer me? 00:07:34.620 --> 00:07:38.259 Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 00:07:38.259 --> 00:07:41.699 Those are real feelings, right? 00:07:43.560 --> 00:07:44.779 Many of us have had them. 00:07:46.039 --> 00:07:49.560 And at the same time, the Bible teaches us over and over 00:07:49.560 --> 00:07:54.839 that while we may feel God doesn't hear an answer, 00:07:55.279 --> 00:07:58.500 while we feel that our prayers are doing absolutely nothing, 00:07:59.019 --> 00:08:03.920 the foundational reality of our relationship with God 00:08:03.920 --> 00:08:10.020 is that he is a prayer-hearing, prayer-answering God. 00:08:11.460 --> 00:08:14.220 Oh, you who hear prayer, 00:08:14.980 --> 00:08:17.580 to you shall all flesh come. 00:08:17.939 --> 00:08:19.600 Psalm 65 too. 00:08:19.939 --> 00:08:24.740 Part of God's very nature is that he hears prayer. 00:08:25.120 --> 00:08:29.139 When his people pray, God listens. 00:08:30.060 --> 00:08:30.960 It's who he is. 00:08:30.959 --> 00:08:34.340 He demonstrates that part of who he is throughout 00:08:34.340 --> 00:08:37.159 the story of his relationship with his people. 00:08:37.240 --> 00:08:39.439 Just flip through one page after another. 00:08:39.740 --> 00:08:42.059 It's the pattern of our relationship with him. 00:08:42.159 --> 00:08:45.360 All the way back to when the people of Israel cried out 00:08:45.360 --> 00:08:48.000 under unjust oppression in Egypt. 00:08:48.179 --> 00:08:48.659 What happened? 00:08:49.240 --> 00:08:53.019 Yahweh heard and he sent them a deliverer. 00:08:54.840 --> 00:08:59.240 Hannah prayed to God in her distress over not having a child 00:08:59.240 --> 00:09:01.419 and she wept bitterly. 00:09:02.220 --> 00:09:05.600 And God heard her cry and gave her Samuel. 00:09:07.200 --> 00:09:11.779 King Jehoshaphat came before the God of Israel seeking military aid 00:09:11.779 --> 00:09:13.360 to protect his people, praying, 00:09:13.720 --> 00:09:18.080 we do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. 00:09:18.720 --> 00:09:20.240 And God delivered them again. 00:09:22.240 --> 00:09:24.639 Jonah prayed to God from where? 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:27.960 Where was Jonah in his most famous prayer? 00:09:28.559 --> 00:09:30.720 In the belly of a whale. 00:09:31.399 --> 00:09:35.179 He described it as the very depths of hell. 00:09:36.860 --> 00:09:41.740 And when he prayed, his prayer went from the depths of hell 00:09:41.740 --> 00:09:46.220 all the way up into God's holy temple. 00:09:46.539 --> 00:09:48.419 The presence of God. 00:09:48.419 --> 00:09:50.219 The prayer went all the way there. 00:09:50.279 --> 00:09:51.299 God heard. 00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:56.379 And God commanded the fish to spit Jonah out. 00:09:57.339 --> 00:09:58.379 Incredible, isn't it? 00:09:58.519 --> 00:09:59.299 Can you believe it? 00:09:59.479 --> 00:10:04.399 God always hears prayer no matter how far away we feel. 00:10:04.919 --> 00:10:07.839 No matter how much we are struggling. 00:10:08.539 --> 00:10:10.959 No matter how far away from him we truly are. 00:10:10.960 --> 00:10:13.960 In the New Testament, that pattern continues. 00:10:15.019 --> 00:10:17.840 The early Christians devoted themselves to prayer 00:10:17.840 --> 00:10:22.940 and God added to their number daily those who were being saved. 00:10:23.379 --> 00:10:28.259 What amazing things happen when God's people pray, right? 00:10:28.600 --> 00:10:30.920 A church gathers to pray in Acts. 00:10:30.980 --> 00:10:33.980 Just a small congregation gathered in a home. 00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:35.160 And why are they gathered to pray? 00:10:35.440 --> 00:10:39.180 Because Peter is in prison and he's facing death. 00:10:39.179 --> 00:10:41.259 And they are gathered and praying 00:10:41.259 --> 00:10:46.799 when all of a sudden their prayer meeting is interrupted by Peter. 00:10:47.519 --> 00:10:49.620 Because God has heard their prayers, 00:10:49.939 --> 00:10:52.620 has sent an angel to set Peter free 00:10:52.620 --> 00:10:55.539 and restore him to his church family. 00:10:57.039 --> 00:10:59.620 This is why the Heidelberg Catechism says 00:10:59.620 --> 00:11:03.939 that our prayers are more assuredly heard by God 00:11:03.939 --> 00:11:08.500 than we feel we actually desire what we're asking for. 00:11:09.179 --> 00:11:12.279 That's why theologian J.I. Packer says 00:11:12.279 --> 00:11:16.979 God is always more ready to hear than we are to pray. 00:11:18.799 --> 00:11:22.899 See, when we feel prayer doesn't do anything, 00:11:23.459 --> 00:11:28.219 that assumes that we can see all the results, doesn't it? 00:11:29.019 --> 00:11:31.439 We may not even be looking in the right direction. 00:11:31.440 --> 00:11:37.120 And often it assumes that prayer is about changing God, 00:11:37.820 --> 00:11:42.220 when in reality it's about changing us. 00:11:42.800 --> 00:11:47.340 God uses prayer in our relationship with Him. 00:11:47.420 --> 00:11:49.020 It's part of the conversation. 00:11:49.500 --> 00:11:54.400 So He's using it in our relationship to bring His grace into our lives, 00:11:54.440 --> 00:11:56.440 which is impossible unless He hears. 00:11:56.440 --> 00:11:59.300 His hearing our prayers is foundational. 00:12:01.900 --> 00:12:03.740 But then how? 00:12:04.080 --> 00:12:10.820 How is prayer actually a pathway of grace where we meet Jesus? 00:12:12.460 --> 00:12:15.400 Isn't it just something where we're asking God to do some stuff for us? 00:12:16.120 --> 00:12:17.060 Giving Him the list? 00:12:17.059 --> 00:12:26.839 Before that, prayer actually helps us to see our nature rightly. 00:12:27.179 --> 00:12:32.439 It positions us appropriately in relationship to God. 00:12:32.659 --> 00:12:35.459 See, it's not just about getting something from God. 00:12:35.659 --> 00:12:38.799 In prayer, our hearts are reoriented. 00:12:39.139 --> 00:12:40.259 They're reset. 00:12:41.299 --> 00:12:44.259 Hebrews 4 talks about our weaknesses. 00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:52.139 And it tells us we should draw near to God because we need His grace. 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:57.620 See, when you pray, you are posturing yourself toward God, 00:12:57.720 --> 00:13:00.860 not as the strong one in the relationship, right? 00:13:01.279 --> 00:13:03.480 Not as the one with the answers. 00:13:04.200 --> 00:13:06.639 Not as the one calling the shots, 00:13:06.779 --> 00:13:11.120 but rather as the dependent one. 00:13:11.120 --> 00:13:17.519 That's the true nature of our relationship to God. 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:22.259 See, that happens before God answers your prayer 00:13:22.259 --> 00:13:24.840 or does anything for you, doesn't it? 00:13:25.580 --> 00:13:30.620 I'm speaking merely of the grace of having your heart shaped in humility, 00:13:30.620 --> 00:13:34.419 which is needed and not natural for very independent, 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:37.120 resourceful people like you and me. 00:13:38.080 --> 00:13:40.240 Prayer slows us down. 00:13:40.240 --> 00:13:43.980 We're doing less in that moment, 00:13:44.080 --> 00:13:45.879 so we have to trust God more. 00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:47.320 And that's right. 00:13:48.019 --> 00:13:53.220 Jude reminds us in his letter that part of building yourself up 00:13:53.220 --> 00:13:59.919 in faith in God is praying as you wait for God. 00:14:01.299 --> 00:14:03.299 Prayer teaches us even as we do it, 00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:05.379 not to rely on ourselves, 00:14:05.919 --> 00:14:07.720 but to place our trust in Him. 00:14:07.720 --> 00:14:11.940 Recognizing this deep dependence, 00:14:12.420 --> 00:14:14.580 this great need for prayer 00:14:14.580 --> 00:14:18.040 is one of our core commitments as a church. 00:14:19.220 --> 00:14:20.759 It's something we're committed to 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:22.680 because it's so vital 00:14:22.680 --> 00:14:25.560 and we so quickly forget the blessing 00:14:25.560 --> 00:14:28.320 of coming to God as we truly should, 00:14:28.460 --> 00:14:30.920 empty-handed as weak people 00:14:30.920 --> 00:14:33.019 to a strong Father. 00:14:33.300 --> 00:14:35.639 Many times we'd prefer to ignore that reality 00:14:35.639 --> 00:14:36.879 about ourselves. 00:14:38.480 --> 00:14:41.600 I really love the way theologian B.B. Warfield 00:14:41.600 --> 00:14:44.539 explained this over a hundred years ago. 00:14:45.139 --> 00:14:47.759 It's a bit long, but I think it's worth it. 00:14:48.159 --> 00:14:53.840 He's talking here about the impact of prayer on our hearts. 00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:56.720 What does it do to us as we pray? 00:14:56.840 --> 00:14:57.180 He says, 00:14:57.179 --> 00:14:59.539 No one can take this attitude, 00:14:59.779 --> 00:15:02.399 this posture of dependent prayer, 00:15:03.239 --> 00:15:06.500 even once without an effect on his character. 00:15:07.479 --> 00:15:09.659 No one can take it in a crisis of his life 00:15:09.659 --> 00:15:11.479 without his whole subsequent life 00:15:11.479 --> 00:15:13.879 feeling the influence in its sweeter, 00:15:14.359 --> 00:15:17.959 humbler, more devout, and restful course. 00:15:17.960 --> 00:15:20.980 No one can take it habitually 00:15:20.980 --> 00:15:23.280 without being made 00:15:23.280 --> 00:15:27.160 merely by its natural reflex influence 00:15:27.160 --> 00:15:28.680 a different man 00:15:28.680 --> 00:15:31.139 in a very profound sense 00:15:31.139 --> 00:15:34.320 from what he otherwise would have been. 00:15:35.960 --> 00:15:38.500 Prayer, thus, in its very nature, 00:15:38.920 --> 00:15:42.240 because it is an act of self-abnegation, 00:15:42.560 --> 00:15:44.920 meaning of humbling ourselves, 00:15:44.919 --> 00:15:48.379 a throwing of ourselves at the feet 00:15:48.379 --> 00:15:52.240 of one recognized as higher and greater than we 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:54.579 and as one on whom we depend 00:15:54.579 --> 00:15:56.599 and in whom we trust 00:15:56.599 --> 00:15:59.059 is a most beneficial influence 00:15:59.059 --> 00:16:00.979 in this hard life of ours. 00:16:01.459 --> 00:16:03.159 How? How is it? 00:16:03.699 --> 00:16:05.439 It places the soul 00:16:05.439 --> 00:16:09.099 in an attitude of less self-assertion 00:16:09.099 --> 00:16:12.419 and predisposes it to walk simply 00:16:12.419 --> 00:16:15.099 and humbly in the world. 00:16:16.839 --> 00:16:19.639 As a result, it is impossible to conceive 00:16:19.639 --> 00:16:21.599 of a praying man, therefore, 00:16:22.339 --> 00:16:25.000 as destitute of grace. 00:16:26.139 --> 00:16:27.819 There's so much there. 00:16:27.899 --> 00:16:29.120 Go back and read this later, 00:16:29.219 --> 00:16:30.899 but let me just ask you, 00:16:30.959 --> 00:16:33.519 would you benefit from walking more simply 00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:36.399 and humbly in this world? 00:16:36.399 --> 00:16:38.439 I would. 00:16:39.799 --> 00:16:42.459 Start praying regularly. 00:16:42.980 --> 00:16:45.379 Throw yourself at the feet 00:16:45.379 --> 00:16:47.679 of the strong one. 00:16:50.039 --> 00:16:51.699 But Warfield's conclusion is really 00:16:51.699 --> 00:16:53.459 where I'm pushing us this morning 00:16:53.459 --> 00:16:56.819 to realize that it is impossible 00:16:56.819 --> 00:16:59.399 because of the nature of this relationship, 00:16:59.399 --> 00:17:01.879 it is impossible to conceive 00:17:01.879 --> 00:17:03.699 of a praying man 00:17:03.699 --> 00:17:07.279 as destitute of grace. 00:17:08.180 --> 00:17:10.440 That they're inextricably connected, 00:17:10.799 --> 00:17:13.819 our prayers and God's grace coming to us. 00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:16.799 We don't merely pray for grace. 00:17:17.119 --> 00:17:17.900 In praying, 00:17:18.259 --> 00:17:21.559 we are actually experiencing grace. 00:17:21.839 --> 00:17:23.900 See, prayer is doing something. 00:17:24.220 --> 00:17:26.519 It is making a difference in you 00:17:26.519 --> 00:17:28.299 even when you don't realize it. 00:17:28.440 --> 00:17:29.980 It's making you a different person. 00:17:30.359 --> 00:17:32.139 It's shaping your heart differently. 00:17:32.400 --> 00:17:35.400 It's posturing your entire life differently. 00:17:36.500 --> 00:17:37.720 Hear it from someone else 00:17:37.720 --> 00:17:39.039 who has long been with Jesus, 00:17:39.420 --> 00:17:40.019 Andrew Murray. 00:17:41.680 --> 00:17:42.720 Though in its beginnings, 00:17:42.920 --> 00:17:44.319 prayer is so simple 00:17:44.319 --> 00:17:46.200 that the feeble child can pray, 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:48.359 yet it is at the same time 00:17:48.359 --> 00:17:50.379 the highest and holiest work 00:17:50.379 --> 00:17:51.859 to which man can rise. 00:17:52.420 --> 00:17:53.539 It is fellowship 00:17:53.539 --> 00:17:56.539 with the unseen and most holy one. 00:17:57.339 --> 00:17:59.279 The powers of the eternal world 00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:01.039 have been placed at its disposal. 00:18:01.599 --> 00:18:03.859 It is the very essence of true religion, 00:18:04.279 --> 00:18:05.960 the channel of all blessings, 00:18:06.399 --> 00:18:09.599 the secret of power and life. 00:18:10.139 --> 00:18:13.099 The very essence of true religion, 00:18:13.480 --> 00:18:15.559 relationship with God, 00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:18.220 the channel of all blessings. 00:18:18.460 --> 00:18:20.839 It is the way we walk in his grace. 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:23.500 It is the way in which they come to us, 00:18:23.859 --> 00:18:26.199 the secret of power and life. 00:18:26.299 --> 00:18:28.459 It points our hearts and our lives 00:18:28.459 --> 00:18:29.500 to true north. 00:18:29.879 --> 00:18:31.699 It orients us correctly. 00:18:32.500 --> 00:18:34.519 See, prayer is not just a lifeline 00:18:34.519 --> 00:18:37.000 to grab as a last resort in crisis 00:18:37.000 --> 00:18:39.259 when things are really spinning out of control. 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:41.939 It is to be the life-giving air 00:18:41.939 --> 00:18:45.039 that we breathe moment by moment 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:46.579 on our knees. 00:18:46.579 --> 00:18:49.519 We always, in every moment, 00:18:49.759 --> 00:18:51.099 need help. 00:18:51.919 --> 00:18:54.000 We're designed to be dependent 00:18:54.000 --> 00:18:55.819 on our God. 00:18:55.899 --> 00:18:57.559 Apart from me, 00:18:57.759 --> 00:19:00.339 you can do nothing, 00:19:01.359 --> 00:19:02.019 Jesus says. 00:19:02.659 --> 00:19:04.220 So come to me 00:19:04.220 --> 00:19:05.299 and depend on me 00:19:05.299 --> 00:19:06.419 and live this way 00:19:06.419 --> 00:19:07.839 and talk with me. 00:19:09.339 --> 00:19:11.319 Imagine if that were actually true. 00:19:13.220 --> 00:19:14.419 Imagine that every morning 00:19:14.420 --> 00:19:15.920 before you could walk 00:19:15.920 --> 00:19:17.680 or talk 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:19.759 or even drink coffee. 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:22.019 I know that some of you 00:19:22.019 --> 00:19:23.360 don't function right 00:19:23.360 --> 00:19:25.259 without your coffee, right? 00:19:25.380 --> 00:19:26.759 I won't ask for a show of hands. 00:19:27.140 --> 00:19:28.660 Many of you have confessed that to me. 00:19:29.800 --> 00:19:31.000 Imagine if in order 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:33.900 to function the way you were made, 00:19:34.759 --> 00:19:37.820 you needed to call the helpline 00:19:37.819 --> 00:19:41.980 and you needed to get reset for the day 00:19:41.980 --> 00:19:44.079 to factory settings. 00:19:46.960 --> 00:19:48.439 You had to lie in your bed, 00:19:49.879 --> 00:19:50.659 call in, 00:19:51.339 --> 00:19:52.299 punch the numbers 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:54.119 and get strength 00:19:54.119 --> 00:19:55.159 to even get started. 00:19:56.740 --> 00:19:57.759 You wouldn't forget, 00:19:58.379 --> 00:19:58.799 would you? 00:20:00.059 --> 00:20:01.439 Not with coffee on the line. 00:20:01.440 --> 00:20:05.279 You wouldn't overlook it 00:20:05.279 --> 00:20:07.420 to think you were okay 00:20:07.420 --> 00:20:08.180 on your own, 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:08.559 would you? 00:20:10.660 --> 00:20:12.120 You wouldn't skip over it 00:20:12.120 --> 00:20:14.360 to get to more productive activities, 00:20:14.559 --> 00:20:14.920 would you? 00:20:15.100 --> 00:20:16.200 You wouldn't be able to. 00:20:16.779 --> 00:20:17.400 You wouldn't be able 00:20:17.400 --> 00:20:18.580 to do anything more productive 00:20:18.580 --> 00:20:19.680 until you did it. 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:21.100 Prayer, see, 00:20:21.420 --> 00:20:24.059 sets our self-reliant hearts 00:20:24.059 --> 00:20:25.920 back in the right perspective. 00:20:26.559 --> 00:20:28.519 It's part of why we need it so much. 00:20:28.519 --> 00:20:29.640 We are dependent. 00:20:29.640 --> 00:20:31.420 We are needy. 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:32.800 We are the children. 00:20:33.120 --> 00:20:35.740 I can't do this life on my own. 00:20:36.060 --> 00:20:37.700 I have to start, God, 00:20:38.020 --> 00:20:39.300 in relationship with you, 00:20:39.740 --> 00:20:40.800 coming to you. 00:20:42.060 --> 00:20:43.460 And if that's true, 00:20:44.420 --> 00:20:46.500 then it is equally important 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:49.720 that the person who answers the helpline 00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:52.620 is actually helpful, isn't it? 00:20:52.980 --> 00:20:55.400 That they don't put us on hold. 00:20:55.400 --> 00:20:59.600 That they can effectively address our needs. 00:20:59.800 --> 00:21:00.820 I mean, it is one thing 00:21:00.820 --> 00:21:01.800 to admit our need 00:21:01.800 --> 00:21:02.680 and to call in. 00:21:04.800 --> 00:21:05.759 But it's another 00:21:05.759 --> 00:21:08.280 to find the source of grace 00:21:08.280 --> 00:21:10.400 to meet that need. 00:21:10.580 --> 00:21:12.920 To actually hear a voice 00:21:12.920 --> 00:21:14.220 on the other end. 00:21:14.580 --> 00:21:15.740 Someone who actually answers 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:17.940 and really helps. 00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:19.720 How about this? 00:21:19.820 --> 00:21:20.820 What does Hebrews tell us? 00:21:21.840 --> 00:21:22.480 Verse 16. 00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:25.299 Let us then with confidence 00:21:25.299 --> 00:21:28.079 draw near to the throne of grace 00:21:28.079 --> 00:21:30.120 that we may receive mercy 00:21:30.120 --> 00:21:32.759 and find grace to help 00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:34.720 in time of need. 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:38.579 We need to draw near to, 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:40.500 to walk closely with, 00:21:40.599 --> 00:21:43.019 to enjoy relationship with God 00:21:43.019 --> 00:21:44.480 because what is it that we need? 00:21:44.880 --> 00:21:46.059 We need grace. 00:21:46.059 --> 00:21:47.619 And he sits where? 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:50.919 On the throne of grace. 00:21:51.480 --> 00:21:54.099 He's reigning on the thing 00:21:54.099 --> 00:21:55.079 that is characterized 00:21:55.079 --> 00:21:57.279 by what we most need 00:21:57.279 --> 00:21:58.700 so we can expect 00:21:58.700 --> 00:22:00.200 to find with him 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:01.220 mercy 00:22:01.220 --> 00:22:03.519 and grace. 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:04.759 Gifts 00:22:04.759 --> 00:22:06.480 that we don't deserve 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:07.700 in all their forms 00:22:07.700 --> 00:22:10.159 that come through Jesus himself. 00:22:10.919 --> 00:22:11.539 Comfort. 00:22:12.240 --> 00:22:12.399 Right? 00:22:12.400 --> 00:22:14.140 Wisdom 00:22:14.140 --> 00:22:15.540 whenever we ask, 00:22:15.620 --> 00:22:16.080 he says. 00:22:17.280 --> 00:22:17.880 Strength 00:22:17.880 --> 00:22:19.180 when we're weak. 00:22:19.519 --> 00:22:20.040 Peace 00:22:20.040 --> 00:22:21.840 when we're anxious. 00:22:22.320 --> 00:22:24.240 All of his various 00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:26.400 undeserved gifts 00:22:26.400 --> 00:22:28.800 that come to us 00:22:28.800 --> 00:22:29.360 through prayer. 00:22:31.080 --> 00:22:32.360 Whether we get 00:22:32.360 --> 00:22:33.200 the answer 00:22:33.200 --> 00:22:34.540 that we were specifically 00:22:34.540 --> 00:22:35.620 looking for 00:22:35.620 --> 00:22:36.320 or not 00:22:36.320 --> 00:22:38.200 because prayer 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:39.240 reminds us 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:40.519 about God, 00:22:40.660 --> 00:22:41.880 about who he is, 00:22:41.880 --> 00:22:43.460 that he is naturally 00:22:43.460 --> 00:22:45.040 by his very nature 00:22:45.040 --> 00:22:45.760 gracious 00:22:45.760 --> 00:22:47.920 and caring. 00:22:48.420 --> 00:22:49.800 Even better 00:22:49.800 --> 00:22:51.240 than we sometimes 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:52.280 expect he could be. 00:22:52.760 --> 00:22:53.660 Even better 00:22:53.660 --> 00:22:54.600 than we think 00:22:54.600 --> 00:22:55.480 we're experiencing 00:22:55.480 --> 00:22:56.420 him to be. 00:22:56.680 --> 00:22:57.320 Even better 00:22:57.320 --> 00:22:58.180 than we know 00:22:58.180 --> 00:22:59.820 how to ask him 00:22:59.820 --> 00:23:00.360 to be. 00:23:01.840 --> 00:23:03.660 Cast all your anxieties 00:23:03.660 --> 00:23:04.580 on him 00:23:04.580 --> 00:23:07.020 because he 00:23:07.020 --> 00:23:07.880 cares 00:23:08.620 --> 00:23:09.760 for you. 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:11.879 he cares 00:23:11.879 --> 00:23:13.879 for you. 00:23:15.400 --> 00:23:16.420 That's the God 00:23:16.420 --> 00:23:17.539 to whom you pray. 00:23:19.039 --> 00:23:19.460 The pastor 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:20.660 doesn't feel like that. 00:23:21.660 --> 00:23:22.539 I know. 00:23:23.920 --> 00:23:25.119 But it doesn't look 00:23:25.119 --> 00:23:25.599 like he's 00:23:25.599 --> 00:23:26.559 I know. 00:23:28.019 --> 00:23:29.140 And he wants you 00:23:29.140 --> 00:23:29.539 to know 00:23:29.539 --> 00:23:31.940 he cares 00:23:31.940 --> 00:23:33.980 for you. 00:23:33.980 --> 00:23:36.160 That's why 00:23:36.160 --> 00:23:37.039 you can count 00:23:37.039 --> 00:23:37.960 when you come 00:23:37.960 --> 00:23:38.420 to him 00:23:38.420 --> 00:23:39.460 on finding 00:23:39.460 --> 00:23:40.319 grace. 00:23:40.420 --> 00:23:40.640 I don't know 00:23:40.640 --> 00:23:41.440 what the grace 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:42.500 will look like 00:23:42.500 --> 00:23:43.079 but you can 00:23:43.079 --> 00:23:44.019 count on him 00:23:44.019 --> 00:23:44.380 for that. 00:23:44.460 --> 00:23:45.019 Andrew Murray 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:45.380 again 00:23:45.380 --> 00:23:46.720 in the infinite 00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:47.680 tenderness 00:23:47.680 --> 00:23:49.620 and pity 00:23:49.620 --> 00:23:51.660 and patience 00:23:51.660 --> 00:23:53.400 of the infinite 00:23:53.400 --> 00:23:53.980 father. 00:23:54.839 --> 00:23:55.700 What is he like? 00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:57.480 Infinitely tender 00:23:57.480 --> 00:23:59.099 and pitying 00:23:59.099 --> 00:24:00.180 and patient 00:24:00.180 --> 00:24:02.279 in his loving 00:24:02.279 --> 00:24:02.860 readiness 00:24:02.860 --> 00:24:03.660 to hear 00:24:03.660 --> 00:24:04.620 and to help 00:24:04.620 --> 00:24:05.940 the life 00:24:05.940 --> 00:24:06.440 of prayer 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:07.420 has its joy. 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:09.200 That's where 00:24:09.200 --> 00:24:09.580 the joy 00:24:09.580 --> 00:24:10.320 comes from. 00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:11.860 I think 00:24:11.860 --> 00:24:12.460 this image 00:24:12.460 --> 00:24:13.860 is famous 00:24:13.860 --> 00:24:14.560 because it 00:24:14.560 --> 00:24:15.279 does such a 00:24:15.279 --> 00:24:15.840 great job 00:24:15.840 --> 00:24:17.460 of capturing 00:24:17.460 --> 00:24:18.840 that joy 00:24:18.840 --> 00:24:20.840 in our 00:24:20.840 --> 00:24:21.299 relationship 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:21.880 with God. 00:24:22.799 --> 00:24:23.240 John F. 00:24:23.320 --> 00:24:23.500 Kennedy 00:24:23.500 --> 00:24:24.279 was the most 00:24:24.279 --> 00:24:25.360 powerful man 00:24:25.360 --> 00:24:25.940 in the world. 00:24:26.860 --> 00:24:27.519 In the Oval 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:28.019 Office 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:29.860 sitting behind 00:24:29.859 --> 00:24:30.779 the Resolute 00:24:30.779 --> 00:24:31.419 desk 00:24:31.419 --> 00:24:32.500 very few 00:24:32.500 --> 00:24:33.119 people got 00:24:33.119 --> 00:24:33.719 an invitation 00:24:33.719 --> 00:24:34.339 to come in 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:34.740 there with 00:24:34.740 --> 00:24:34.979 him, 00:24:35.039 --> 00:24:35.240 right? 00:24:38.500 --> 00:24:39.139 Except 00:24:39.139 --> 00:24:39.759 John F. 00:24:39.919 --> 00:24:40.619 Kennedy Jr. 00:24:41.359 --> 00:24:41.819 pictured 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:43.699 happily playing 00:24:43.699 --> 00:24:44.799 underneath the 00:24:44.799 --> 00:24:45.099 desk. 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.199 What's going 00:24:46.199 --> 00:24:46.699 on? 00:24:46.919 --> 00:24:47.899 Why is he 00:24:47.899 --> 00:24:48.279 there? 00:24:48.439 --> 00:24:49.240 Who invited 00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:49.899 him in? 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:52.599 His father 00:24:52.599 --> 00:24:53.059 did 00:24:53.059 --> 00:24:54.379 because he 00:24:54.379 --> 00:24:55.099 was his 00:24:55.099 --> 00:24:56.339 son 00:24:56.339 --> 00:24:56.919 with 00:24:56.919 --> 00:24:58.379 unparalleled 00:24:58.379 --> 00:24:59.059 access 00:24:59.059 --> 00:25:00.399 to his 00:25:00.399 --> 00:25:00.879 father. 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:01.700 Look at 00:25:01.700 --> 00:25:02.519 how much 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:03.000 fun he's 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:03.419 having in 00:25:03.419 --> 00:25:04.259 that grand 00:25:04.259 --> 00:25:04.839 place of 00:25:04.839 --> 00:25:05.119 power. 00:25:05.339 --> 00:25:05.639 But I want 00:25:05.639 --> 00:25:05.859 you to 00:25:05.859 --> 00:25:06.240 notice he's 00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:06.519 not the 00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:06.940 only one 00:25:06.940 --> 00:25:07.599 having fun. 00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:08.039 Look at 00:25:08.039 --> 00:25:08.599 the smile 00:25:08.599 --> 00:25:10.359 on his 00:25:10.359 --> 00:25:10.839 father's 00:25:10.839 --> 00:25:11.220 face. 00:25:13.259 --> 00:25:13.819 I think 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.599 his father 00:25:14.599 --> 00:25:16.440 is enjoying 00:25:16.440 --> 00:25:18.379 his presence. 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:20.339 What a 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:21.419 beautiful picture 00:25:21.419 --> 00:25:22.259 of our 00:25:22.259 --> 00:25:22.899 relationship 00:25:22.899 --> 00:25:23.559 with God 00:25:23.559 --> 00:25:25.559 who joyfully 00:25:25.559 --> 00:25:26.139 welcomes 00:25:26.140 --> 00:25:27.140 us into 00:25:27.140 --> 00:25:28.460 his presence. 00:25:28.780 --> 00:25:29.500 The throne 00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:30.500 room of 00:25:30.500 --> 00:25:32.020 heaven to 00:25:32.020 --> 00:25:33.100 the throne 00:25:33.100 --> 00:25:34.640 of grace 00:25:34.640 --> 00:25:35.800 because Jesus 00:25:35.800 --> 00:25:37.240 makes us his 00:25:37.240 --> 00:25:38.440 sons and 00:25:38.440 --> 00:25:38.840 daughters. 00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:39.140 Amen. 00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:40.160 This is where he 00:25:40.160 --> 00:25:40.500 wants you to 00:25:40.500 --> 00:25:40.780 come. 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:42.259 This is what you 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:42.880 can expect to 00:25:42.880 --> 00:25:43.320 find on his 00:25:43.320 --> 00:25:43.860 face when you 00:25:43.860 --> 00:25:44.120 do. 00:25:47.120 --> 00:25:47.840 Just as we 00:25:47.840 --> 00:25:48.280 did for the 00:25:48.280 --> 00:25:49.160 Bible the last 00:25:49.160 --> 00:25:49.620 couple of 00:25:49.620 --> 00:25:50.800 weeks, we've 00:25:50.800 --> 00:25:51.580 put together some 00:25:51.580 --> 00:25:53.060 resources to 00:25:53.060 --> 00:25:53.920 help guide you 00:25:53.920 --> 00:25:55.620 in speaking 00:25:55.620 --> 00:25:56.800 to God. 00:25:57.140 --> 00:25:57.980 This QR code 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:58.860 is also in the 00:25:58.860 --> 00:25:59.480 bulletin so 00:25:59.480 --> 00:26:00.120 don't stress 00:26:00.120 --> 00:26:00.680 when it goes 00:26:00.680 --> 00:26:01.039 away. 00:26:02.700 --> 00:26:03.000 There are 00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:04.000 copies, hard 00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:04.720 copies if it 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:05.160 helps you to 00:26:05.160 --> 00:26:05.800 have it printed 00:26:05.800 --> 00:26:06.500 in the 00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:07.200 narthex. 00:26:08.740 --> 00:26:09.620 But books 00:26:09.620 --> 00:26:10.759 or things to 00:26:10.759 --> 00:26:11.720 listen to or 00:26:11.720 --> 00:26:12.420 models for 00:26:12.420 --> 00:26:13.400 prayer that 00:26:13.400 --> 00:26:14.000 might help you 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:14.279 if you're 00:26:14.279 --> 00:26:15.140 feeling stuck or 00:26:15.140 --> 00:26:15.960 frustrated right 00:26:15.960 --> 00:26:16.500 now in your 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:17.460 conversation with 00:26:17.460 --> 00:26:17.779 God. 00:26:18.400 --> 00:26:19.460 Kids, you 00:26:19.460 --> 00:26:20.759 often teach us 00:26:20.759 --> 00:26:21.779 so much about 00:26:21.779 --> 00:26:22.340 how to pray. 00:26:22.339 --> 00:26:24.059 It's the way 00:26:24.059 --> 00:26:24.679 we're supposed to 00:26:24.679 --> 00:26:25.240 relate to God 00:26:25.240 --> 00:26:25.839 as his children 00:26:25.839 --> 00:26:26.359 and so you 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:27.599 often teach us 00:26:27.599 --> 00:26:27.959 in that. 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:28.659 There are ideas 00:26:28.659 --> 00:26:29.500 here for you 00:26:29.500 --> 00:26:30.779 too that speak 00:26:30.779 --> 00:26:31.419 your language. 00:26:31.619 --> 00:26:31.879 I'm going to 00:26:31.879 --> 00:26:32.599 talk more about 00:26:32.599 --> 00:26:33.179 some of these 00:26:33.179 --> 00:26:35.119 next week but 00:26:35.119 --> 00:26:35.619 there are ways 00:26:35.619 --> 00:26:36.480 we can follow 00:26:36.480 --> 00:26:37.539 God's direction 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:38.480 in turning our 00:26:38.480 --> 00:26:39.259 hearts toward 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:40.699 him in regular 00:26:40.699 --> 00:26:41.579 conversation. 00:26:42.879 --> 00:26:43.619 I want to 00:26:43.619 --> 00:26:44.319 encourage you as 00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:45.119 we're thinking 00:26:45.119 --> 00:26:45.839 about this just 00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:47.779 to give some 00:26:47.779 --> 00:26:48.759 attention to your 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:49.899 prayer life, 00:26:50.559 --> 00:26:51.619 your walk with 00:26:51.619 --> 00:26:52.179 God, how you 00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:53.100 talk with him. 00:26:53.240 --> 00:26:54.279 Think about one 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:55.460 way in which you 00:26:55.460 --> 00:26:56.460 might be able to 00:26:56.460 --> 00:26:58.279 give attention to 00:26:58.279 --> 00:26:58.640 that. 00:26:58.900 --> 00:26:59.620 Maybe to change 00:26:59.620 --> 00:27:00.360 something, maybe to 00:27:00.360 --> 00:27:01.960 enrich something that 00:27:01.960 --> 00:27:03.519 you're doing even 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:04.120 this summer. 00:27:05.420 --> 00:27:06.039 We're going to talk 00:27:06.039 --> 00:27:07.080 next week through 00:27:07.080 --> 00:27:08.100 the Lord's Prayer 00:27:08.100 --> 00:27:10.279 one phrase at a 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:11.920 time about the 00:27:11.920 --> 00:27:13.100 many different ways 00:27:13.100 --> 00:27:13.799 we pray, the 00:27:13.799 --> 00:27:14.700 different things we 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:15.660 talk to God about. 00:27:15.860 --> 00:27:16.539 The way you pray 00:27:16.539 --> 00:27:17.160 doesn't need to look 00:27:17.160 --> 00:27:18.180 like the way I pray 00:27:18.180 --> 00:27:18.940 or the way someone 00:27:18.940 --> 00:27:21.360 else prays but 00:27:21.359 --> 00:27:21.740 there are a lot 00:27:21.740 --> 00:27:22.519 of different ways 00:27:22.519 --> 00:27:23.279 that God guides 00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:23.979 us, the different 00:27:23.979 --> 00:27:24.779 kinds of things 00:27:24.779 --> 00:27:25.559 we're to say when 00:27:25.559 --> 00:27:26.839 we're talking to 00:27:26.839 --> 00:27:27.079 him. 00:27:27.219 --> 00:27:28.379 So we'll talk about 00:27:28.379 --> 00:27:29.479 that next week but 00:27:29.479 --> 00:27:30.839 for today I want to 00:27:30.839 --> 00:27:31.779 focus on just the 00:27:31.779 --> 00:27:32.799 very beginning of 00:27:32.799 --> 00:27:33.459 that prayer. 00:27:33.579 --> 00:27:34.059 We prayed it 00:27:34.059 --> 00:27:34.879 together earlier. 00:27:36.879 --> 00:27:37.639 I want you to 00:27:37.639 --> 00:27:38.159 remember the way 00:27:38.159 --> 00:27:39.279 the prayer starts. 00:27:40.759 --> 00:27:41.759 That we're talking 00:27:41.759 --> 00:27:43.459 to whom when we 00:27:43.459 --> 00:27:43.759 pray? 00:27:45.139 --> 00:27:47.539 Our Father. 00:27:47.539 --> 00:27:47.619 Father. 00:27:49.879 --> 00:27:50.799 Our Father. 00:27:51.399 --> 00:27:52.440 You're talking to 00:27:52.440 --> 00:27:53.399 your Father so 00:27:53.399 --> 00:27:54.639 before we talk next 00:27:54.639 --> 00:27:55.359 week about some 00:27:55.359 --> 00:27:57.119 things to say I 00:27:57.119 --> 00:27:57.579 don't want you to 00:27:57.579 --> 00:27:58.440 get too hung up on 00:27:58.440 --> 00:27:59.019 saying the right 00:27:59.019 --> 00:27:59.339 thing. 00:28:00.920 --> 00:28:01.700 If you're a 00:28:01.700 --> 00:28:02.940 father you know 00:28:02.940 --> 00:28:04.899 how secondary that 00:28:04.899 --> 00:28:07.420 is to just getting 00:28:07.420 --> 00:28:08.839 to talk with your 00:28:08.839 --> 00:28:10.740 child to hear what's 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:11.519 on their heart. 00:28:12.720 --> 00:28:15.379 He is listening in 00:28:15.380 --> 00:28:15.920 love. 00:28:16.080 --> 00:28:16.760 He's not here to 00:28:16.760 --> 00:28:17.420 critique your 00:28:17.420 --> 00:28:17.860 prayer. 00:28:19.160 --> 00:28:21.060 He loves hearing 00:28:21.060 --> 00:28:22.100 from his child. 00:28:23.020 --> 00:28:23.760 Puritan Thomas 00:28:23.760 --> 00:28:24.260 Watson. 00:28:24.720 --> 00:28:25.460 Were a man to 00:28:25.460 --> 00:28:26.740 petition his enemy 00:28:26.740 --> 00:28:27.540 there were little 00:28:27.540 --> 00:28:27.960 hope. 00:28:28.740 --> 00:28:29.720 But when a child 00:28:29.720 --> 00:28:30.940 petitions his 00:28:30.940 --> 00:28:32.240 father he may hope 00:28:32.240 --> 00:28:33.660 with confidence to 00:28:33.660 --> 00:28:34.200 succeed. 00:28:34.560 --> 00:28:35.600 The word Father 00:28:35.600 --> 00:28:38.000 works upon God. 00:28:38.860 --> 00:28:40.280 It touches his 00:28:40.280 --> 00:28:41.760 very bowels. 00:28:42.200 --> 00:28:43.360 Right at the heart. 00:28:43.460 --> 00:28:45.340 See Jesus tells us to 00:28:45.339 --> 00:28:47.480 call God Father. 00:28:48.059 --> 00:28:50.319 Not only does he do 00:28:50.319 --> 00:28:51.459 it and do you think 00:28:51.459 --> 00:28:52.720 God hears and 00:28:52.720 --> 00:28:54.139 answers when Jesus 00:28:54.139 --> 00:28:55.359 prays to him? 00:28:55.959 --> 00:28:56.859 Most of us would say 00:28:56.859 --> 00:28:57.119 yeah. 00:28:57.119 --> 00:28:57.439 Yeah. 00:28:57.679 --> 00:28:58.599 Yeah I think so. 00:29:01.399 --> 00:29:04.299 Jesus says you call 00:29:04.299 --> 00:29:07.159 my Father your 00:29:07.159 --> 00:29:08.359 Father. 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:10.000 You come to him with 00:29:10.000 --> 00:29:11.419 the same relationship 00:29:11.419 --> 00:29:12.919 because of what I have 00:29:12.919 --> 00:29:13.559 done for you. 00:29:13.559 --> 00:29:14.960 that is why we can 00:29:14.960 --> 00:29:17.299 confidently draw near 00:29:17.299 --> 00:29:18.659 to God because he 00:29:18.659 --> 00:29:20.159 calls us to come. 00:29:20.460 --> 00:29:21.899 Let us with confidence 00:29:21.899 --> 00:29:23.139 draw near. 00:29:23.500 --> 00:29:25.220 Jesus knows our 00:29:25.220 --> 00:29:26.480 every weakness. 00:29:27.099 --> 00:29:28.819 We have a sympathetic 00:29:28.819 --> 00:29:30.519 high priest who has 00:29:30.519 --> 00:29:32.740 come down and met us 00:29:32.740 --> 00:29:34.559 and brought us back 00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:35.480 into the throne of 00:29:35.480 --> 00:29:37.339 grace confidently. 00:29:38.039 --> 00:29:38.799 Boldly. 00:29:39.079 --> 00:29:40.259 He says pick up the 00:29:40.259 --> 00:29:42.059 phone and say speak to a 00:29:42.059 --> 00:29:42.460 Father. 00:29:42.460 --> 00:29:44.220 Speak to a Father. 00:29:44.599 --> 00:29:46.059 Speak to a Father. 00:29:46.519 --> 00:29:47.779 And he answers. 00:29:50.079 --> 00:29:52.720 Oh what peace we often 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:53.359 forfeit. 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:55.359 Oh what needless pain we 00:29:55.359 --> 00:29:55.700 bear. 00:29:55.940 --> 00:29:58.179 All because we do not 00:29:58.179 --> 00:30:01.220 carry everything to God 00:30:01.220 --> 00:30:01.679 in prayer. 00:30:02.779 --> 00:30:04.019 And we can come 00:30:04.019 --> 00:30:06.200 consistently over and 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:08.519 over confidently in 00:30:08.519 --> 00:30:10.200 prayer because our 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:12.680 Father delights to give 00:30:12.680 --> 00:30:14.740 good gifts to his 00:30:14.740 --> 00:30:15.160 children. 00:30:15.299 --> 00:30:16.640 That's grace. 00:30:17.160 --> 00:30:18.380 That's who he is. 00:30:18.720 --> 00:30:20.000 And he knows that there 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:21.640 is no better gift that 00:30:21.640 --> 00:30:23.360 he can give us than his 00:30:23.360 --> 00:30:25.180 very self. 00:30:25.640 --> 00:30:27.059 Right after Jesus teaches 00:30:27.059 --> 00:30:28.200 us to pray the Lord's 00:30:28.200 --> 00:30:29.460 prayer he comes back in 00:30:29.460 --> 00:30:31.100 Luke 11 to talk about 00:30:31.100 --> 00:30:32.340 what it means that God 00:30:32.340 --> 00:30:32.980 is our Father. 00:30:33.720 --> 00:30:35.059 And what his heart is 00:30:35.059 --> 00:30:36.539 and how he loves us like 00:30:36.539 --> 00:30:36.700 that. 00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:38.120 And he tells us that 00:30:38.120 --> 00:30:39.100 what God as our Father 00:30:39.100 --> 00:30:41.080 loves to do when we pray 00:30:41.080 --> 00:30:42.840 to him is to give the 00:30:42.840 --> 00:30:44.299 Holy Spirit to those who 00:30:44.299 --> 00:30:44.700 ask him. 00:30:44.900 --> 00:30:46.160 To meet us with his 00:30:46.160 --> 00:30:47.720 very self. 00:30:48.039 --> 00:30:49.299 To walk with us. 00:30:49.700 --> 00:30:51.380 To listen to us. 00:30:51.720 --> 00:30:53.519 To remind us of his 00:30:53.519 --> 00:30:55.160 delight in our 00:30:55.160 --> 00:30:55.840 relationship. 00:30:56.120 --> 00:30:57.259 That he's so glad we're 00:30:57.259 --> 00:30:57.559 here. 00:30:58.140 --> 00:30:59.120 And talking with him 00:30:59.120 --> 00:30:59.420 again. 00:31:01.200 --> 00:31:02.259 That father-child 00:31:02.259 --> 00:31:04.019 relationship is designed 00:31:04.019 --> 00:31:05.920 even though we don't 00:31:05.920 --> 00:31:07.139 always experience it 00:31:07.139 --> 00:31:07.660 that way. 00:31:08.279 --> 00:31:09.819 It's designed to be so 00:31:09.819 --> 00:31:10.339 close. 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:12.139 So personal. 00:31:12.960 --> 00:31:13.859 That in the Old 00:31:13.859 --> 00:31:15.599 Testament you would 00:31:15.599 --> 00:31:19.139 never call God your 00:31:19.139 --> 00:31:20.460 father when you 00:31:20.460 --> 00:31:20.819 prayed. 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:22.460 It wasn't right. 00:31:22.579 --> 00:31:23.599 It wasn't okay. 00:31:23.859 --> 00:31:25.139 That was out of respect 00:31:25.139 --> 00:31:27.400 for his distinct 00:31:27.400 --> 00:31:28.579 holiness. 00:31:28.579 --> 00:31:29.680 That he was utterly 00:31:29.680 --> 00:31:31.579 beyond us. 00:31:31.579 --> 00:31:34.819 But Jesus 00:31:34.819 --> 00:31:36.740 always 00:31:36.740 --> 00:31:38.259 calls God 00:31:38.259 --> 00:31:38.699 father 00:31:38.699 --> 00:31:40.659 when he prays. 00:31:40.740 --> 00:31:41.240 Every 00:31:41.240 --> 00:31:42.159 single 00:31:42.159 --> 00:31:42.939 time. 00:31:43.299 --> 00:31:43.699 Every 00:31:43.699 --> 00:31:44.460 Father. 00:31:44.720 --> 00:31:45.639 My father. 00:31:46.039 --> 00:31:46.419 Father. 00:31:46.619 --> 00:31:48.119 Every time Jesus 00:31:48.119 --> 00:31:49.419 prays in scripture 00:31:49.419 --> 00:31:51.439 except one. 00:31:53.619 --> 00:31:54.779 Except one time. 00:31:55.980 --> 00:31:57.519 When Jesus is on the 00:31:57.519 --> 00:31:58.099 cross. 00:31:58.099 --> 00:32:00.399 and the wrath of 00:32:00.399 --> 00:32:01.699 God towards our 00:32:01.699 --> 00:32:03.439 sin is being poured 00:32:03.439 --> 00:32:04.539 out on him and 00:32:04.539 --> 00:32:05.740 Jesus cries out 00:32:05.740 --> 00:32:06.980 my God 00:32:06.980 --> 00:32:08.159 my God 00:32:08.159 --> 00:32:08.919 why 00:32:08.919 --> 00:32:09.879 have you 00:32:09.879 --> 00:32:10.939 forsaken 00:32:10.939 --> 00:32:11.699 me? 00:32:11.839 --> 00:32:13.219 The only time 00:32:13.219 --> 00:32:14.459 he doesn't feel 00:32:14.459 --> 00:32:15.559 in the same way 00:32:15.559 --> 00:32:16.459 the nearness 00:32:16.459 --> 00:32:17.759 of his father. 00:32:19.359 --> 00:32:20.119 Why? 00:32:21.119 --> 00:32:22.219 Why did the 00:32:22.219 --> 00:32:23.000 father turn his 00:32:23.000 --> 00:32:24.199 face away? 00:32:24.200 --> 00:32:26.559 so that 00:32:26.559 --> 00:32:27.740 his wounds 00:32:27.740 --> 00:32:28.960 Jesus 00:32:28.960 --> 00:32:29.580 wounds 00:32:29.580 --> 00:32:30.779 would bring 00:32:30.779 --> 00:32:31.700 many 00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:32.840 sons 00:32:32.840 --> 00:32:34.240 to glory. 00:32:34.600 --> 00:32:35.059 Sons 00:32:35.059 --> 00:32:35.920 and daughters 00:32:35.920 --> 00:32:36.799 from every tribe 00:32:36.799 --> 00:32:37.400 and tongue 00:32:37.400 --> 00:32:38.059 and people 00:32:38.059 --> 00:32:38.819 and nation 00:32:38.819 --> 00:32:40.059 sitting here 00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:40.620 this morning 00:32:40.620 --> 00:32:41.600 that we would be 00:32:41.600 --> 00:32:42.720 brought to glory 00:32:42.720 --> 00:32:43.980 so that we would 00:32:43.980 --> 00:32:44.759 be welcomed 00:32:44.759 --> 00:32:46.100 under the 00:32:46.100 --> 00:32:46.779 desk 00:32:46.779 --> 00:32:48.400 into his 00:32:48.400 --> 00:32:49.279 presence 00:32:49.279 --> 00:32:50.100 to the very 00:32:50.100 --> 00:32:50.819 throne 00:32:50.819 --> 00:32:51.700 of grace 00:32:51.700 --> 00:32:52.519 so that we 00:32:52.519 --> 00:32:53.460 would be invited 00:32:53.460 --> 00:32:54.599 to sit at 00:32:54.599 --> 00:32:55.480 this table 00:32:55.480 --> 00:32:56.279 and share 00:32:56.279 --> 00:32:57.099 this meal 00:32:57.099 --> 00:32:57.980 with a God 00:32:57.980 --> 00:32:58.539 who is so 00:32:58.539 --> 00:32:58.980 holy 00:32:58.980 --> 00:32:59.799 that apart 00:32:59.799 --> 00:33:00.259 from him 00:33:00.259 --> 00:33:00.839 dealing with 00:33:00.839 --> 00:33:01.480 our sins 00:33:01.480 --> 00:33:02.680 we could never 00:33:02.680 --> 00:33:03.339 sit and eat 00:33:03.339 --> 00:33:03.720 with him 00:33:03.720 --> 00:33:04.180 the way he 00:33:04.180 --> 00:33:04.619 made us 00:33:04.619 --> 00:33:04.900 to 00:33:04.900 --> 00:33:05.599 and he 00:33:05.599 --> 00:33:06.220 made us 00:33:06.220 --> 00:33:06.960 for himself 00:33:06.960 --> 00:33:08.099 so he 00:33:08.099 --> 00:33:08.819 had to deal 00:33:08.819 --> 00:33:09.799 with our sins 00:33:09.799 --> 00:33:10.779 to have us 00:33:10.779 --> 00:33:11.559 back with him. 00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:14.059 Jesus used 00:33:14.059 --> 00:33:14.500 this meal 00:33:14.500 --> 00:33:15.259 to explain 00:33:15.259 --> 00:33:16.200 what he was 00:33:16.200 --> 00:33:16.539 doing 00:33:16.539 --> 00:33:17.599 as he went 00:33:17.599 --> 00:33:18.299 to the cross. 00:33:18.299 --> 00:33:20.480 he sat 00:33:20.480 --> 00:33:20.819 with his 00:33:20.819 --> 00:33:21.339 disciples 00:33:21.339 --> 00:33:22.559 that night 00:33:22.559 --> 00:33:22.879 and he took 00:33:22.879 --> 00:33:23.220 bread 00:33:23.220 --> 00:33:23.519 and he 00:33:23.519 --> 00:33:24.240 broke it 00:33:24.240 --> 00:33:25.819 and he 00:33:25.819 --> 00:33:26.099 gave it 00:33:26.099 --> 00:33:26.539 to them 00:33:26.539 --> 00:33:26.940 as I 00:33:26.940 --> 00:33:27.579 ministering 00:33:27.579 --> 00:33:27.899 in his 00:33:27.899 --> 00:33:28.159 name 00:33:28.159 --> 00:33:28.659 give this 00:33:28.659 --> 00:33:28.919 bread 00:33:28.919 --> 00:33:29.440 to you 00:33:29.440 --> 00:33:29.960 he said 00:33:29.960 --> 00:33:30.379 take 00:33:30.379 --> 00:33:31.240 eat 00:33:31.240 --> 00:33:32.539 this is 00:33:32.539 --> 00:33:33.339 my body 00:33:33.339 --> 00:33:34.259 given 00:33:34.259 --> 00:33:35.019 for you 00:33:35.019 --> 00:33:36.759 do this 00:33:36.759 --> 00:33:37.779 in remembrance 00:33:37.779 --> 00:33:38.359 of me 00:33:38.359 --> 00:33:39.899 and then 00:33:39.899 --> 00:33:40.339 in the same 00:33:40.339 --> 00:33:40.859 way after 00:33:40.859 --> 00:33:41.279 supper 00:33:41.279 --> 00:33:41.759 he took 00:33:41.759 --> 00:33:42.339 the cup 00:33:42.339 --> 00:33:43.279 and he 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:43.579 said to 00:33:43.579 --> 00:33:43.720 them 00:33:43.720 --> 00:33:44.319 this cup 00:33:44.319 --> 00:33:44.680 is the 00:33:44.680 --> 00:33:45.240 new covenant 00:33:45.240 --> 00:33:45.960 and my 00:33:45.960 --> 00:33:46.339 blood 00:33:46.339 --> 00:33:47.460 which is 00:33:47.460 --> 00:33:47.700 shed 00:33:47.700 --> 00:33:48.279 for many 00:33:48.279 --> 00:33:48.940 for the 00:33:48.940 --> 00:33:49.400 forgiveness 00:33:49.400 --> 00:33:50.200 of sins 00:33:50.200 --> 00:33:50.799 drink 00:33:50.799 --> 00:33:51.180 from it 00:33:51.180 --> 00:33:51.779 all of you 00:33:51.779 --> 00:33:52.360 for as 00:33:52.360 --> 00:33:52.640 often 00:33:52.640 --> 00:33:53.039 as you 00:33:53.039 --> 00:33:53.240 eat 00:33:53.240 --> 00:33:53.480 this 00:33:53.480 --> 00:33:53.779 bread 00:33:53.779 --> 00:33:54.700 and you 00:33:54.700 --> 00:33:54.920 drink 00:33:54.920 --> 00:33:55.180 this 00:33:55.180 --> 00:33:55.480 cup 00:33:55.480 --> 00:33:55.840 you 00:33:55.840 --> 00:33:56.279 proclaim 00:33:56.279 --> 00:33:56.640 the 00:33:56.640 --> 00:33:57.140 Lord's 00:33:57.140 --> 00:33:57.580 death 00:33:57.580 --> 00:33:58.539 until he 00:33:58.539 --> 00:33:58.920 comes 00:33:58.920 --> 00:33:59.740 you say 00:33:59.740 --> 00:34:00.500 there is 00:34:00.500 --> 00:34:00.920 no other 00:34:00.920 --> 00:34:01.279 way 00:34:01.279 --> 00:34:02.220 for me 00:34:02.220 --> 00:34:02.539 to know 00:34:02.539 --> 00:34:02.759 my 00:34:02.759 --> 00:34:03.140 father 00:34:03.140 --> 00:34:04.559 than that 00:34:04.559 --> 00:34:04.759 his 00:34:04.759 --> 00:34:05.100 son 00:34:05.100 --> 00:34:06.420 would bring 00:34:06.420 --> 00:34:06.600 me 00:34:06.600 --> 00:34:07.019 into his 00:34:07.019 --> 00:34:07.519 presence 00:34:07.519 --> 00:34:10.000 if you 00:34:10.000 --> 00:34:10.320 have never 00:34:10.320 --> 00:34:10.760 trusted 00:34:10.760 --> 00:34:11.159 Jesus 00:34:11.159 --> 00:34:12.300 to pay 00:34:12.300 --> 00:34:12.840 for your 00:34:12.840 --> 00:34:13.240 sins 00:34:13.240 --> 00:34:13.860 to welcome 00:34:13.860 --> 00:34:14.340 you into 00:34:14.340 --> 00:34:15.039 relationship 00:34:15.039 --> 00:34:15.840 with your 00:34:15.840 --> 00:34:16.519 heavenly father 00:34:16.519 --> 00:34:18.179 or if 00:34:18.179 --> 00:34:18.900 you have 00:34:18.900 --> 00:34:19.360 but you're 00:34:19.360 --> 00:34:20.079 not willing 00:34:20.079 --> 00:34:20.719 today 00:34:20.719 --> 00:34:22.199 to be 00:34:22.199 --> 00:34:22.699 honest 00:34:22.699 --> 00:34:23.300 to approach 00:34:23.300 --> 00:34:23.500 him 00:34:23.500 --> 00:34:24.239 honestly 00:34:24.239 --> 00:34:25.099 about your 00:34:25.099 --> 00:34:25.440 sin 00:34:25.440 --> 00:34:26.159 to trust 00:34:26.159 --> 00:34:26.539 him 00:34:26.539 --> 00:34:26.800 to be 00:34:26.800 --> 00:34:27.300 the only 00:34:27.300 --> 00:34:27.639 one 00:34:27.639 --> 00:34:28.139 whose 00:34:28.139 --> 00:34:28.500 blood 00:34:28.500 --> 00:34:29.159 can cover 00:34:29.159 --> 00:34:29.360 you 00:34:29.360 --> 00:34:29.940 and forgive 00:34:29.940 --> 00:34:30.599 those sins 00:34:30.599 --> 00:34:31.599 then don't 00:34:31.599 --> 00:34:32.579 come eat 00:34:32.579 --> 00:34:33.300 this morning 00:34:33.300 --> 00:34:35.759 don't do 00:34:35.759 --> 00:34:36.259 something 00:34:36.259 --> 00:34:37.179 outwardly 00:34:37.179 --> 00:34:37.619 that you're 00:34:37.619 --> 00:34:38.780 not presently 00:34:38.780 --> 00:34:39.460 believing 00:34:39.460 --> 00:34:40.239 inwardly 00:34:40.239 --> 00:34:40.659 that's 00:34:40.659 --> 00:34:41.519 hypocrisy 00:34:41.519 --> 00:34:42.980 and God 00:34:42.980 --> 00:34:43.800 warns us 00:34:43.800 --> 00:34:44.139 against 00:34:44.139 --> 00:34:44.759 approaching 00:34:44.759 --> 00:34:45.099 him 00:34:45.099 --> 00:34:45.980 that way 00:34:45.980 --> 00:34:46.739 in relationship 00:34:46.739 --> 00:34:47.500 he welcomes 00:34:47.500 --> 00:34:47.880 us to 00:34:47.880 --> 00:34:48.059 come 00:34:48.059 --> 00:34:48.599 honestly 00:34:48.599 --> 00:34:51.659 we invite 00:34:51.659 --> 00:34:52.019 you this 00:34:52.019 --> 00:34:52.300 morning 00:34:52.300 --> 00:34:53.019 if you're 00:34:53.019 --> 00:34:53.380 in one 00:34:53.380 --> 00:34:53.679 of those 00:34:53.679 --> 00:34:54.119 places 00:34:54.119 --> 00:34:54.739 today 00:34:54.739 --> 00:34:56.559 not to 00:34:56.559 --> 00:34:56.800 come 00:34:56.800 --> 00:34:57.079 eat 00:34:57.079 --> 00:34:57.320 but 00:34:57.320 --> 00:34:58.539 we invite 00:34:58.539 --> 00:34:58.800 you to 00:34:58.800 --> 00:34:59.079 pray 00:34:59.079 --> 00:34:59.539 to talk 00:34:59.539 --> 00:35:00.019 with God 00:35:00.019 --> 00:35:00.559 about it 00:35:00.559 --> 00:35:01.340 to confess 00:35:01.340 --> 00:35:01.820 your sin 00:35:01.820 --> 00:35:02.659 even now 00:35:02.659 --> 00:35:03.119 to him 00:35:03.119 --> 00:35:03.820 we invite 00:35:03.820 --> 00:35:04.059 you to 00:35:04.059 --> 00:35:04.519 come let 00:35:04.519 --> 00:35:05.119 us pray 00:35:05.119 --> 00:35:05.599 with you 00:35:05.599 --> 00:35:06.440 to observe 00:35:06.440 --> 00:35:07.159 the body 00:35:07.159 --> 00:35:07.519 and blood 00:35:07.519 --> 00:35:07.940 of Jesus 00:35:07.940 --> 00:35:08.380 given 00:35:08.380 --> 00:35:09.179 for you 00:35:09.179 --> 00:35:10.000 we're so 00:35:10.000 --> 00:35:10.519 glad you're 00:35:10.519 --> 00:35:10.759 here 00:35:10.760 --> 00:35:11.360 wherever 00:35:11.360 --> 00:35:11.920 your heart 00:35:11.920 --> 00:35:12.340 is 00:35:12.340 --> 00:35:15.640 but if 00:35:15.640 --> 00:35:15.920 you are 00:35:15.920 --> 00:35:16.240 weak 00:35:16.240 --> 00:35:17.640 and needy 00:35:17.640 --> 00:35:19.140 and desperate 00:35:19.140 --> 00:35:19.900 and have 00:35:19.900 --> 00:35:20.420 no other 00:35:20.420 --> 00:35:21.060 way into 00:35:21.060 --> 00:35:21.740 relationship 00:35:21.740 --> 00:35:22.500 with God 00:35:22.500 --> 00:35:23.200 other than 00:35:23.200 --> 00:35:23.720 the blood 00:35:23.720 --> 00:35:24.300 of Jesus 00:35:24.300 --> 00:35:24.900 that you 00:35:24.900 --> 00:35:25.940 have trusted 00:35:25.940 --> 00:35:27.460 for yourself 00:35:27.460 --> 00:35:28.440 then you 00:35:28.440 --> 00:35:28.920 come 00:35:28.920 --> 00:35:30.000 confidently 00:35:30.000 --> 00:35:31.420 boldly 00:35:31.420 --> 00:35:32.180 to the throne 00:35:32.180 --> 00:35:32.820 of grace 00:35:32.820 --> 00:35:33.560 and to this 00:35:33.560 --> 00:35:34.280 table this 00:35:34.280 --> 00:35:34.600 morning 00:35:34.600 --> 00:35:35.680 because of 00:35:35.680 --> 00:35:36.000 Jesus 00:35:36.000 --> 00:35:37.060 not because 00:35:37.060 --> 00:35:37.720 you've been 00:35:37.720 --> 00:35:38.000 good 00:35:38.000 --> 00:35:40.220 not because 00:35:40.219 --> 00:35:40.539 you're a 00:35:40.539 --> 00:35:41.379 Presbyterian 00:35:41.379 --> 00:35:44.079 but because 00:35:44.079 --> 00:35:44.359 you have 00:35:44.359 --> 00:35:44.899 a father 00:35:44.899 --> 00:35:46.899 who delights 00:35:46.899 --> 00:35:47.419 in you 00:35:47.419 --> 00:35:48.099 as his 00:35:48.099 --> 00:35:48.459 child 00:35:48.459 --> 00:35:49.119 who sent 00:35:49.119 --> 00:35:49.919 his son 00:35:49.919 --> 00:35:50.619 for you 00:35:50.619 --> 00:35:51.459 so that 00:35:51.459 --> 00:35:51.759 you can 00:35:51.759 --> 00:35:52.119 confess 00:35:52.119 --> 00:35:52.659 your sins 00:35:52.659 --> 00:35:53.179 even now 00:35:53.179 --> 00:35:54.059 and receive 00:35:54.059 --> 00:35:54.839 his grace 00:35:54.839 --> 00:35:55.699 afresh 00:35:55.699 --> 00:35:56.599 as you 00:35:56.599 --> 00:35:57.000 take and 00:35:57.000 --> 00:35:57.480 eat and 00:35:57.480 --> 00:35:57.759 drink 00:35:57.759 --> 00:35:58.319 let's pray 00:35:58.319 --> 00:35:58.599 and we'll 00:35:58.599 --> 00:35:58.919 come do 00:35:58.919 --> 00:35:59.480 that together 00:35:59.480 --> 00:36:02.059 Jesus 00:36:02.059 --> 00:36:02.599 we're so 00:36:02.599 --> 00:36:03.919 humbled 00:36:03.919 --> 00:36:05.079 by your 00:36:05.079 --> 00:36:05.439 love 00:36:05.439 --> 00:36:06.679 that is 00:36:06.679 --> 00:36:07.219 so far 00:36:07.219 --> 00:36:07.579 beyond 00:36:07.579 --> 00:36:07.959 anything 00:36:07.959 --> 00:36:08.399 we could 00:36:08.399 --> 00:36:08.879 deserve 00:36:08.879 --> 00:36:10.799 that brings 00:36:10.799 --> 00:36:11.199 us into 00:36:11.199 --> 00:36:11.679 a place 00:36:11.679 --> 00:36:12.399 we never 00:36:12.399 --> 00:36:12.859 else 00:36:12.859 --> 00:36:13.579 could be 00:36:13.579 --> 00:36:15.139 except that 00:36:15.139 --> 00:36:15.659 you loved 00:36:15.659 --> 00:36:16.079 us 00:36:16.079 --> 00:36:17.059 and gave 00:36:17.059 --> 00:36:17.399 yourself 00:36:17.399 --> 00:36:18.299 for us 00:36:18.299 --> 00:36:20.179 would we 00:36:20.179 --> 00:36:22.819 come crawling 00:36:22.819 --> 00:36:24.759 would we 00:36:24.759 --> 00:36:25.299 stand 00:36:25.299 --> 00:36:26.059 on our 00:36:26.059 --> 00:36:26.759 knees 00:36:26.759 --> 00:36:28.759 boldly 00:36:28.759 --> 00:36:30.000 but humbly 00:36:30.000 --> 00:36:30.599 knowing there's 00:36:30.599 --> 00:36:31.079 no other 00:36:31.079 --> 00:36:31.539 way 00:36:31.539 --> 00:36:33.019 that we 00:36:33.019 --> 00:36:33.379 could be 00:36:33.380 --> 00:36:34.019 with you 00:36:34.019 --> 00:36:36.160 and for 00:36:36.160 --> 00:36:36.599 you 00:36:36.599 --> 00:36:38.640 to welcome 00:36:38.640 --> 00:36:39.200 us in 00:36:39.200 --> 00:36:41.019 use these 00:36:41.019 --> 00:36:41.720 very common 00:36:41.720 --> 00:36:42.320 elements 00:36:42.320 --> 00:36:44.240 to remind 00:36:44.240 --> 00:36:44.700 our 00:36:44.700 --> 00:36:45.559 doubting 00:36:45.559 --> 00:36:47.980 weak 00:36:47.980 --> 00:36:48.720 hearts 00:36:48.720 --> 00:36:50.519 that you 00:36:50.519 --> 00:36:51.160 have done 00:36:51.160 --> 00:36:51.460 it 00:36:51.460 --> 00:36:52.559 that it 00:36:52.559 --> 00:36:53.360 is finished 00:36:53.360 --> 00:36:54.539 and that we 00:36:54.539 --> 00:36:55.420 have a father 00:36:55.420 --> 00:36:56.500 who loves 00:36:56.500 --> 00:36:57.000 us 00:36:57.000 --> 00:36:58.760 do that work 00:36:58.760 --> 00:36:59.440 by your spirit 00:36:59.440 --> 00:37:00.220 we ask in the 00:37:00.220 --> 00:37:00.920 name of Jesus 00:37:00.920 --> 00:37:01.920 amen 00:37:03.380 --> 00:37:04.599 for more 00:37:04.599 --> 00:37:05.119 information 00:37:05.119 --> 00:37:05.940 visit us 00:37:05.940 --> 00:37:06.360 online 00:37:06.360 --> 00:37:06.660 at 00:37:06.660 --> 00:37:07.460 southwood.org