WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:18.179 Thank you. It's a great story of Nehemiah, of a man who was faithful with prayer and actually received so much just through honouring God in what he was asking and his faithfulness. 00:00:18.179 --> 00:00:30.359 I suppose the question is, is this, is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tyre? 00:00:32.420 --> 00:00:41.100 It's an interesting one, isn't it? Corrie Ten Boone, that wonderful, faithful person in life, asked the question and I asked the question myself. 00:00:41.100 --> 00:00:49.420 Is prayer my steering wheel or is it just there in case I need it when a crisis comes? 00:00:50.060 --> 00:01:02.960 It's a question we all have to ask ourselves because if I'm honest, and I hope you are too, there are times in my life when I've resorted to prayer only when the wheel has come off, let alone knowing that the spare wheel was there. 00:01:02.960 --> 00:01:16.659 What we're talking about here in Philippians, it says, do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, every situation, by prayer and petition, by thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 00:01:16.900 --> 00:01:22.960 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 00:01:23.680 --> 00:01:25.659 That's exactly what Nehemiah did. 00:01:26.359 --> 00:01:30.980 Nehemiah brought his requests in his heart for the people in every situation. 00:01:30.980 --> 00:01:38.320 And also we need to bring that at times not just when the wheel is about to come off, but in our times of thanksgiving as well. 00:01:39.200 --> 00:01:43.600 And in our series on Christian disciplines, we come to this point about prayer. 00:01:43.960 --> 00:01:51.060 Now, Russ last week spoke on this idea of quiet time, which made me break into a sweat. 00:01:51.740 --> 00:01:57.080 Because if you know me, you know that I struggle with quiet time. 00:01:57.079 --> 00:02:02.359 Mandy's just here to reinforce the fact that I don't stop. 00:02:02.799 --> 00:02:11.240 And if you struggle, like me, in times of stillness and quietness, let alone the idea of a silent retreat, 00:02:11.599 --> 00:02:16.659 and I've tried a few, but God speaks to me. 00:02:16.819 --> 00:02:22.819 Perhaps we need to find out what our own disciplines are in response to prayer. 00:02:22.819 --> 00:02:30.680 What is our own discipline that encourages us and empowers us more and more to pray in the everyday? 00:02:30.879 --> 00:02:42.979 Now, discipline in itself is a tricky word, because discipline rather conjures up that idea of doing something wrong and being chastised for it. 00:02:42.979 --> 00:02:49.840 But again, as any athlete or in fact anyone who is focused on their goals in life will tell you, 00:02:50.219 --> 00:02:59.219 that it is an essential element of actually achieving that which you seek to achieve, to be disciplined in what we do. 00:03:00.139 --> 00:03:01.560 And discipline can be good. 00:03:02.299 --> 00:03:07.560 If it helps you, I sense God, personally, I sense God in the busyness of life. 00:03:07.560 --> 00:03:15.719 You know, even in the busyness of life itself, maybe because I struggle to stay still. 00:03:16.539 --> 00:03:21.340 And the Lord has to speak very, very clearly to seize my attention. 00:03:22.159 --> 00:03:29.719 That burning bush of life that seizes me in the middle of the day that says, hang on, Clive, we need to chat. 00:03:29.719 --> 00:03:33.919 Very helpful, whatever our own disciplines are. 00:03:34.199 --> 00:03:40.960 And there are many myths in rituals that have grown up around prayer that you may have found helpful. 00:03:41.219 --> 00:03:46.360 But on the other hand, you may have found unhelpful and may bring guilt, 00:03:46.719 --> 00:03:50.620 which is the last thing that a discipline of prayer should bring. 00:03:50.620 --> 00:03:57.039 And when it comes to prayer and discipline, there is an element with some elements of Christian discipleship, 00:03:57.159 --> 00:04:00.280 where prayer has become a chore. 00:04:01.780 --> 00:04:07.280 And I don't say that lightly, because I recall maybe you used those Bible notes, 00:04:07.340 --> 00:04:10.599 or have used those Bible notes of every day with Jesus. 00:04:10.599 --> 00:04:17.519 And a friend of mine once said, I think I need something that says every other day with Jesus. 00:04:18.079 --> 00:04:21.500 Or maybe they could print one of every week with Jesus. 00:04:22.019 --> 00:04:24.500 Because that's where my life is. 00:04:25.100 --> 00:04:31.019 And I recall a lady telling me that her discipline was to come to an 8 a.m. communion, 00:04:31.399 --> 00:04:33.139 happened to be the Book of Common Prayer. 00:04:33.139 --> 00:04:41.719 And on the way out, I said, so what, asking her, what about this 8 o'clock enriches your life? 00:04:42.419 --> 00:04:46.319 And she looked at me in horror and said, enrich? 00:04:47.539 --> 00:04:50.959 What do you mean, young man, enrich my life? 00:04:51.539 --> 00:04:53.339 She said, this is a requirement. 00:04:54.399 --> 00:05:00.039 She said, what happens, she said, if during the week something happens to me, 00:05:00.040 --> 00:05:04.760 and I haven't been to communion at 8 o'clock, I know that I won't go to heaven. 00:05:05.819 --> 00:05:10.340 What a sadness in that understanding of theology, 00:05:10.980 --> 00:05:15.340 where her morning prayer, instead of being the joy of her life, 00:05:15.980 --> 00:05:21.879 had become a chore and a stick in which she felt her religion was there to beat her. 00:05:24.080 --> 00:05:26.980 We have to think about this discipline of prayer, 00:05:26.980 --> 00:05:32.280 how we ensure that it is enriching, empowering, engaging, life-giving, 00:05:32.780 --> 00:05:36.560 powerful part of our discipleship in our life. 00:05:36.780 --> 00:05:38.819 And that it is 24-7. 00:05:40.400 --> 00:05:43.319 I find prayer, and I hope you do too, 00:05:43.620 --> 00:05:45.960 that it is part of every part of our life. 00:05:46.080 --> 00:05:47.460 It's 24-7. 00:05:48.300 --> 00:05:53.020 And if, like me, you were brought up in the 60s and 70s, 00:05:53.019 --> 00:05:57.519 you will know that famous advert that was on for a certain alcoholic drink. 00:05:57.979 --> 00:05:59.159 It was called Martini. 00:06:00.120 --> 00:06:02.899 And it said, anytime, anyplace, anywhere, 00:06:03.500 --> 00:06:05.680 there's a wonderful world we can share. 00:06:05.799 --> 00:06:09.019 It's the right place, it's the right time, it's... 00:06:10.060 --> 00:06:11.439 Other drinks aren't available. 00:06:13.779 --> 00:06:15.819 But that's the way it has to be. 00:06:16.680 --> 00:06:18.479 Prayer is 24-7. 00:06:18.639 --> 00:06:20.859 Anytime, anyplace, anywhere, 00:06:20.860 --> 00:06:25.259 it's a wonderful world we can share with others around us. 00:06:25.560 --> 00:06:27.360 And that is what it was called to be. 00:06:27.680 --> 00:06:31.240 It's 24-7 prayer in relationship with Jesus. 00:06:31.500 --> 00:06:32.460 When it breaks, 00:06:32.939 --> 00:06:36.860 when that is not the focus of our prayer life and our discipline, 00:06:37.180 --> 00:06:39.240 in our relationship with Jesus, 00:06:39.680 --> 00:06:44.520 then it becomes about religion and a chore and ticking a box. 00:06:45.240 --> 00:06:47.280 It enriches, it builds up, 00:06:47.560 --> 00:06:48.300 it encourages, 00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:50.500 it enlivens not only us. 00:06:50.800 --> 00:06:54.340 That's why the 24-7 prayer movement is so powerful. 00:06:55.120 --> 00:06:56.600 In Scripture, witness to it. 00:06:56.680 --> 00:06:58.040 Look to the Lord and His strength 00:06:58.040 --> 00:07:00.160 and seek His face always. 00:07:00.379 --> 00:07:01.480 In 1 Chronicles. 00:07:01.939 --> 00:07:03.220 In Matthew 26, 00:07:03.340 --> 00:07:04.060 watch and pray, 00:07:04.379 --> 00:07:06.300 so that you will not fall into temptation. 00:07:06.800 --> 00:07:07.800 The spirit is willing, 00:07:07.939 --> 00:07:09.120 but the flesh is weak. 00:07:09.280 --> 00:07:09.580 Amen. 00:07:10.120 --> 00:07:11.639 Be joyful in hope, 00:07:11.860 --> 00:07:12.800 patient in affection, 00:07:13.400 --> 00:07:14.800 faithful in prayer. 00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:15.819 Romans 12. 00:07:15.819 --> 00:07:17.579 And of course Thessalonians, 00:07:17.879 --> 00:07:19.480 which is at the heart of this, 00:07:19.920 --> 00:07:21.759 pray continually. 00:07:23.360 --> 00:07:25.180 Pray continually. 00:07:25.699 --> 00:07:27.879 That's what we're encouraged to do. 00:07:29.259 --> 00:07:31.019 If you've been in industry, 00:07:31.399 --> 00:07:34.920 or as Harvey will be very shortly into the armed services, 00:07:35.420 --> 00:07:39.180 you will know that there is a thing called standing operating procedures, 00:07:39.779 --> 00:07:40.519 SOPs. 00:07:40.519 --> 00:07:44.019 The thing is with a standing operation procedure, 00:07:44.479 --> 00:07:49.459 is that you know what to do in any given circumstance. 00:07:50.180 --> 00:07:53.839 That you will know that there's a set of things that you can rely on, 00:07:54.079 --> 00:07:56.299 that almost becomes like second nature, 00:07:56.879 --> 00:07:59.000 even when you're sleeping. 00:08:00.199 --> 00:08:00.519 I mean, 00:08:00.639 --> 00:08:02.500 probably I can't do it now, 00:08:02.620 --> 00:08:03.379 but I could, 00:08:03.379 --> 00:08:06.800 is I could strip down a Glock nine millimeter gun, 00:08:07.360 --> 00:08:07.860 in my, 00:08:08.060 --> 00:08:08.240 with, 00:08:08.639 --> 00:08:08.899 with, 00:08:09.399 --> 00:08:10.540 within the darkness, 00:08:11.159 --> 00:08:11.459 whatever, 00:08:11.719 --> 00:08:12.680 to strip it down, 00:08:12.939 --> 00:08:13.839 put it back together. 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:15.579 Because when it jams, 00:08:16.639 --> 00:08:18.120 your life depends on it, 00:08:18.199 --> 00:08:19.240 but more importantly, 00:08:19.939 --> 00:08:21.659 other people's life depends on it. 00:08:22.779 --> 00:08:23.800 And that is prayer. 00:08:24.699 --> 00:08:25.699 24-7. 00:08:26.100 --> 00:08:27.560 Standing operating procedure. 00:08:27.719 --> 00:08:28.480 Where do I go? 00:08:28.659 --> 00:08:30.079 I go to prayer. 00:08:30.360 --> 00:08:31.360 That is my discipline. 00:08:31.519 --> 00:08:32.840 That is my first place. 00:08:33.580 --> 00:08:34.320 Because that, 00:08:34.600 --> 00:08:34.940 the Lord, 00:08:35.180 --> 00:08:35.960 is with me. 00:08:39.560 --> 00:08:42.920 It's being intentional about that discipline. 00:08:43.259 --> 00:08:45.780 It's about a discipline of the heart and the will, 00:08:45.940 --> 00:08:48.040 that leads to a discipline in prayer. 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:50.780 That's what I love about Nehemiah this morning. 00:08:51.100 --> 00:08:52.600 His heart was for the people. 00:08:53.259 --> 00:08:56.280 His heart was for a city that had fallen apart. 00:08:56.620 --> 00:08:59.180 His heart was for a city far away. 00:08:59.180 --> 00:09:00.340 So what did he do? 00:09:00.420 --> 00:09:01.420 Rather than conjure it up, 00:09:01.660 --> 00:09:02.320 he prayed. 00:09:03.759 --> 00:09:04.639 And amazingly, 00:09:04.860 --> 00:09:07.800 the king provided him with everything that he needed 00:09:07.800 --> 00:09:11.040 to go back and not just rebuild a city, 00:09:11.720 --> 00:09:14.519 but to rebuild the faith and worship of the people. 00:09:14.519 --> 00:09:17.539 Is that our prayer as a community? 00:09:18.539 --> 00:09:20.960 For the community that we seek to serve? 00:09:22.059 --> 00:09:24.079 To go and be that focus, 00:09:24.220 --> 00:09:28.220 to pray for a community that desperately needs it and needs rebuilding. 00:09:28.220 --> 00:09:33.440 In the film, 00:09:33.440 --> 00:09:34.340 Shadowlands, 00:09:34.340 --> 00:09:35.700 the story of C.S. 00:09:35.759 --> 00:09:36.139 Lewis, 00:09:36.879 --> 00:09:39.740 he has just found the love of his life 00:09:39.740 --> 00:09:42.860 in the form of Joy Gresham. 00:09:42.860 --> 00:09:45.220 He found it in later life. 00:09:45.879 --> 00:09:47.759 And only they had a short time together 00:09:47.759 --> 00:09:49.919 when Joy was found to have terminal cancer. 00:09:51.519 --> 00:09:53.860 And there's a little clip to show you now. 00:09:53.860 --> 00:09:57.539 And I think this is so profound 00:09:57.539 --> 00:10:00.399 and one of the most profound expressions of faith and prayer 00:10:00.399 --> 00:10:02.480 that resonates in my life 00:10:02.480 --> 00:10:06.860 and as he responds to the situation. 00:10:06.860 --> 00:10:09.820 Jack, 00:10:09.940 --> 00:10:10.519 what news? 00:10:11.080 --> 00:10:11.300 Ah, 00:10:11.300 --> 00:10:11.659 good news, 00:10:11.720 --> 00:10:11.919 I think, 00:10:11.980 --> 00:10:12.100 Harry. 00:10:12.200 --> 00:10:12.419 Yes, 00:10:12.460 --> 00:10:12.860 good news. 00:10:13.379 --> 00:10:14.100 Very glad, 00:10:14.240 --> 00:10:14.460 Jack. 00:10:14.899 --> 00:10:15.220 Thank you, 00:10:15.259 --> 00:10:15.480 Christopher. 00:10:15.899 --> 00:10:16.279 Thank you. 00:10:16.560 --> 00:10:17.700 Christopher can scoff, 00:10:17.820 --> 00:10:19.639 but I know how hard you've been praying. 00:10:20.060 --> 00:10:20.200 Huh? 00:10:20.200 --> 00:10:23.759 Now God is answering you. 00:10:23.759 --> 00:10:23.980 I pray. 00:10:25.120 --> 00:10:26.120 That's not why I pray, 00:10:26.200 --> 00:10:26.379 Harry. 00:10:26.480 --> 00:10:27.660 I pray because I can't help myself. 00:10:28.140 --> 00:10:29.040 I pray because I'm helpless. 00:10:29.240 --> 00:10:33.759 I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, 00:10:34.440 --> 00:10:35.200 waking and sleeping. 00:10:37.700 --> 00:10:38.920 It doesn't change God, 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:39.740 it changes me. 00:10:40.240 --> 00:10:40.940 He's got paid a lot. 00:10:43.500 --> 00:10:48.759 I pray because I can't help myself. 00:10:48.759 --> 00:10:50.899 I pray because I'm helpless. 00:10:51.700 --> 00:10:54.500 I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, 00:10:54.819 --> 00:10:56.019 waking and sleeping. 00:10:56.980 --> 00:10:58.539 It doesn't change God, 00:10:59.059 --> 00:11:00.120 it changes me. 00:11:02.500 --> 00:11:03.600 In our reading this morning, 00:11:03.740 --> 00:11:04.360 Nehemiah, 00:11:04.899 --> 00:11:08.620 who has survived the exile, 00:11:09.919 --> 00:11:11.899 continues to pray for his people. 00:11:12.340 --> 00:11:13.439 He never gives up. 00:11:13.740 --> 00:11:14.740 That is his heart. 00:11:14.919 --> 00:11:15.939 That is his discipline. 00:11:16.399 --> 00:11:17.799 And when he hears the news, 00:11:17.799 --> 00:11:19.179 he returns. 00:11:19.179 --> 00:11:22.059 He returns to rebuild. 00:11:23.979 --> 00:11:25.819 I taught on a week on Nehemiah, 00:11:26.419 --> 00:11:29.359 and there was a guy who was sat down near the front, 00:11:29.959 --> 00:11:31.459 and all the way through, 00:11:31.620 --> 00:11:36.039 I just knew that the Lord was impacting his life through prayer. 00:11:37.439 --> 00:11:39.740 He wrote to me two weeks after, 00:11:39.740 --> 00:11:41.120 to say, 00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:45.460 the teaching on Nehemiah and on prayer has transformed my life. 00:11:46.399 --> 00:11:47.220 And he said, 00:11:47.320 --> 00:11:53.000 I have been totally unsupportive of my church for most of the last two years. 00:11:53.000 --> 00:11:54.799 And he said, 00:11:54.879 --> 00:11:56.720 I realised that I needed to change. 00:11:56.720 --> 00:12:02.539 I realised that prayer should encourage me and empower my leadership. 00:12:02.539 --> 00:12:08.319 And then I had a letter from his church leader another week after that, 00:12:08.899 --> 00:12:10.819 to say what a difference that had made, 00:12:10.939 --> 00:12:14.139 and that he was now really focused, again, 00:12:14.419 --> 00:12:15.980 back into the life of the church. 00:12:15.980 --> 00:12:16.579 Prayer, 00:12:16.959 --> 00:12:19.240 and prayer can make such a difference. 00:12:19.240 --> 00:12:23.000 It changes from the outside in, 00:12:23.240 --> 00:12:25.840 from an excited cupbearer to the king, 00:12:26.039 --> 00:12:29.019 to a man who goes back in Nehemiah 00:12:29.019 --> 00:12:32.620 and transforms the people in his community. 00:12:34.799 --> 00:12:35.379 Open, 00:12:36.320 --> 00:12:36.960 responsive, 00:12:38.100 --> 00:12:38.840 inquisitive. 00:12:39.379 --> 00:12:41.720 That's how our disciplined prayer life should be. 00:12:42.580 --> 00:12:44.519 Are we asking God to show us 00:12:44.519 --> 00:12:45.980 the way forward? 00:12:46.299 --> 00:12:48.539 Are we asking God for a prophetic word? 00:12:48.539 --> 00:12:51.740 How can we invite him into our lives fully, 00:12:52.199 --> 00:12:52.839 more and more? 00:12:53.240 --> 00:12:54.939 Because often God is knocking, 00:12:55.299 --> 00:12:56.240 and we're not engaging. 00:12:56.919 --> 00:12:57.839 As a nine-year-old, 00:12:57.959 --> 00:12:59.579 I stood in front of this picture 00:12:59.579 --> 00:13:01.259 in St. Paul's Cathedral. 00:13:01.719 --> 00:13:02.639 It's called, 00:13:02.759 --> 00:13:04.120 it's by Holman Hunt, 00:13:04.379 --> 00:13:06.480 and it's called Lights of the World. 00:13:10.579 --> 00:13:11.699 In this picture, 00:13:12.099 --> 00:13:12.399 there is, 00:13:13.000 --> 00:13:15.079 I remember as a nine-year-old on a school trip, 00:13:15.179 --> 00:13:15.819 we stood there. 00:13:16.079 --> 00:13:17.799 I thought the man that was showing us 00:13:17.799 --> 00:13:18.459 was actually, 00:13:18.539 --> 00:13:20.539 had been there when they actually painted the picture. 00:13:21.059 --> 00:13:22.500 He was sort of seen that old. 00:13:22.659 --> 00:13:25.379 But what he told us came to light, 00:13:26.839 --> 00:13:27.399 that actually, 00:13:27.500 --> 00:13:29.059 if you notice on the door, 00:13:29.439 --> 00:13:31.919 that there is no handle on the outside of the door. 00:13:31.919 --> 00:13:37.259 that there is ivy that has been growing around the door, 00:13:37.259 --> 00:13:41.039 and clearly this door hasn't been opened for a long, long time. 00:13:41.039 --> 00:13:44.639 And yet Jesus stands there patiently, 00:13:45.139 --> 00:13:47.879 waiting to bring the light into the life, 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:50.659 whoever decides to open that door. 00:13:50.659 --> 00:13:56.679 I've used this image time and time again on Alpha courses, 00:13:56.679 --> 00:13:58.620 when we talk about prayer. 00:13:59.019 --> 00:14:00.259 So many people say, 00:14:00.799 --> 00:14:01.980 I just want to open the door. 00:14:03.219 --> 00:14:05.699 Maybe you've opened only the door a little way, 00:14:05.899 --> 00:14:06.799 in your discipline. 00:14:07.659 --> 00:14:09.000 The light still comes in. 00:14:10.259 --> 00:14:12.740 Maybe it's time for people to open the door even wider, 00:14:12.740 --> 00:14:13.860 and let the light come, 00:14:14.139 --> 00:14:16.240 and actually see that relationship, 00:14:16.460 --> 00:14:18.039 how it builds as the light comes in. 00:14:18.259 --> 00:14:19.659 Some people just maybe just, 00:14:19.779 --> 00:14:20.200 who cares, 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:21.399 just fling the door open. 00:14:21.700 --> 00:14:22.500 The one thing is, 00:14:22.580 --> 00:14:24.200 the handle isn't on the outside, 00:14:24.560 --> 00:14:26.340 because unlike I used to do, 00:14:26.480 --> 00:14:28.080 the Lord doesn't come and crash your door 00:14:28.080 --> 00:14:29.080 at three o'clock in the morning. 00:14:31.820 --> 00:14:33.759 He's waiting for us to invite him. 00:14:34.759 --> 00:14:36.360 He's waiting for that invitation, 00:14:36.360 --> 00:14:37.680 from each one of us, 00:14:37.679 --> 00:14:39.339 to open that door and say, 00:14:39.539 --> 00:14:41.079 in our own discipline of prayer, 00:14:41.379 --> 00:14:42.299 more of you, Lord. 00:14:42.939 --> 00:14:44.419 More of you in our lives. 00:14:46.679 --> 00:14:49.039 And perhaps that's where we are. 00:14:49.120 --> 00:14:50.739 We may be, in our prayer life, 00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:53.099 reticent to open the door wider, 00:14:53.279 --> 00:14:56.059 because it may mean that we have to change. 00:14:56.579 --> 00:14:58.659 Who goes from a cupbearer to the king, 00:14:58.739 --> 00:15:00.019 which was fairly comfortable, 00:15:00.019 --> 00:15:03.059 to go back to the holy city, 00:15:03.399 --> 00:15:04.559 to regather a people, 00:15:04.779 --> 00:15:07.279 with all the controversy that brings, 00:15:07.279 --> 00:15:08.919 and everything that that brought, 00:15:09.059 --> 00:15:10.159 working against him, 00:15:10.439 --> 00:15:12.039 to rebuild the city walls, 00:15:13.100 --> 00:15:14.699 to rebuild the people. 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:16.079 It means change. 00:15:16.159 --> 00:15:18.079 And maybe today we need to intentionally 00:15:18.079 --> 00:15:19.899 open the door a little further. 00:15:21.000 --> 00:15:22.000 Adrian Rogers says, 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:23.799 the prayer offered to God in the morning 00:15:23.799 --> 00:15:25.139 during the quiet time 00:15:25.139 --> 00:15:27.939 is the key that unlocks the door of the day. 00:15:28.600 --> 00:15:31.079 Any athlete knows that it is the start 00:15:31.079 --> 00:15:32.860 that ensures a good finish. 00:15:37.279 --> 00:15:41.199 It's one thing I'd encourage you to encourage you with 00:15:41.199 --> 00:15:44.100 is maybe as we pray, 00:15:44.679 --> 00:15:46.419 that you start your day in prayer. 00:15:47.159 --> 00:15:49.559 Maybe each of us have got our own way of doing that. 00:15:49.659 --> 00:15:50.639 Maybe we don't. 00:15:51.220 --> 00:15:52.360 But could I encourage you, 00:15:52.480 --> 00:15:53.939 what is your start for the day? 00:15:53.940 --> 00:15:57.480 I personally like a good breakfast. 00:15:58.440 --> 00:15:58.680 You know, 00:15:58.740 --> 00:16:01.760 I'm not talking about eggs and bacon and everything. 00:16:01.880 --> 00:16:03.860 I'm talking a good bowl of muesli. 00:16:04.680 --> 00:16:05.040 You know, 00:16:05.560 --> 00:16:08.140 keeps me regular for the day in more than one way. 00:16:09.300 --> 00:16:11.700 And the thing is, 00:16:11.820 --> 00:16:15.080 is the thing about a good start to the day 00:16:15.080 --> 00:16:17.280 is maybe your prayer at the beginning of the day 00:16:17.280 --> 00:16:17.520 is, 00:16:17.720 --> 00:16:17.860 Lord, 00:16:18.440 --> 00:16:19.840 I offer myself to you. 00:16:19.840 --> 00:16:21.180 My morning prayer is, 00:16:21.280 --> 00:16:21.380 Lord, 00:16:21.540 --> 00:16:23.280 help me not to miss the opportunities. 00:16:24.560 --> 00:16:25.600 That you lay before me. 00:16:26.340 --> 00:16:27.940 That's my daily prayer in the morning. 00:16:28.360 --> 00:16:29.780 Whatever your prayer might be. 00:16:30.380 --> 00:16:33.380 And I would encourage you to start that day. 00:16:33.700 --> 00:16:34.680 We as a team, 00:16:34.780 --> 00:16:35.700 many on the team here, 00:16:35.980 --> 00:16:37.300 use Lectio 365. 00:16:38.300 --> 00:16:41.360 And the Lectio 365 is really easy. 00:16:41.500 --> 00:16:42.880 It's a downloadable podcast. 00:16:43.520 --> 00:16:45.020 You get a scripture in the morning. 00:16:45.460 --> 00:16:46.240 And for me, 00:16:46.320 --> 00:16:47.300 I find it really helpful 00:16:47.300 --> 00:16:48.960 because you can listen to it 00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:50.480 while you have a cup of tea. 00:16:51.180 --> 00:16:53.000 And that scripture during the day 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:54.539 and that prayer for the day 00:16:54.539 --> 00:16:56.059 helps you through. 00:16:56.220 --> 00:16:57.519 A good start to the day 00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:59.000 is a good way to start. 00:16:59.000 --> 00:17:01.279 And if your discipline seems rigid 00:17:01.279 --> 00:17:03.440 and the ivy has grown over the door, 00:17:03.539 --> 00:17:05.039 the hinges seem seized, 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:07.140 God's strangely inaccessible, 00:17:07.140 --> 00:17:11.320 then perhaps Pete Gregg's words may help us 00:17:11.320 --> 00:17:14.960 as he spoke about this very issue 00:17:14.960 --> 00:17:16.560 about a discipline of prayer. 00:17:17.600 --> 00:17:18.800 Because what he said was, 00:17:19.360 --> 00:17:21.540 sometimes I miss God's presence 00:17:21.540 --> 00:17:24.040 because he no longer appears to me 00:17:24.040 --> 00:17:25.420 or speaks to me 00:17:25.420 --> 00:17:27.759 in the familiar ways of yesterday. 00:17:27.759 --> 00:17:32.160 Sometimes when I think God has gone silent, 00:17:32.879 --> 00:17:35.539 it's actually that he is speaking differently 00:17:35.539 --> 00:17:37.819 in a different dialect, 00:17:38.220 --> 00:17:41.039 more appropriate to the new landscape 00:17:41.039 --> 00:17:42.779 I'm about to enter. 00:17:43.720 --> 00:17:45.920 If I remain locked in the past 00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:48.299 by tradition, nostalgia, 00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:50.700 or a stale imagination, 00:17:50.700 --> 00:17:54.799 I will most certainly miss the new thing 00:17:54.799 --> 00:17:58.500 that the now God is forever saying. 00:18:01.620 --> 00:18:04.059 That's certainly been the story of my life, 00:18:05.059 --> 00:18:08.000 of wanting to be where the now God is, 00:18:08.940 --> 00:18:10.039 where God is at work. 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:14.200 The discipline of prayer is a relationship. 00:18:14.420 --> 00:18:15.120 I'm going to end, 00:18:15.119 --> 00:18:17.259 when I sensed, 00:18:17.919 --> 00:18:19.759 as I was thinking about this today, 00:18:19.979 --> 00:18:21.519 maybe a prophetic word 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:23.819 to bring. 00:18:25.239 --> 00:18:27.239 And we've talked about prayer. 00:18:27.319 --> 00:18:28.000 In our culture, 00:18:28.379 --> 00:18:31.199 we need a more resilient form of discipleship. 00:18:32.119 --> 00:18:33.159 Like many of you, 00:18:33.159 --> 00:18:35.000 you may have been 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:41.739 put off from praying with people 00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:45.099 because the culture around you 00:18:45.099 --> 00:18:46.279 says that you can't. 00:18:48.120 --> 00:18:49.660 Maybe you're in a setting 00:18:49.660 --> 00:18:52.859 where I better not do this 00:18:52.859 --> 00:18:55.120 because I might lose my job. 00:18:55.900 --> 00:18:57.059 I better not do this 00:18:57.059 --> 00:18:58.440 because I'm going to get disciplined. 00:18:58.980 --> 00:19:00.440 I better not do this. 00:19:01.779 --> 00:19:03.680 I would want to encourage you 00:19:03.680 --> 00:19:05.900 that there is numerous ways 00:19:05.900 --> 00:19:08.440 of praying for and with people 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:10.599 to encourage them 00:19:10.599 --> 00:19:12.159 and to build them up. 00:19:13.719 --> 00:19:15.359 And I sense this, 00:19:15.459 --> 00:19:17.579 that Jesus frees us from our sin. 00:19:17.719 --> 00:19:18.699 He can heal. 00:19:19.119 --> 00:19:20.939 He can bring new life 00:19:20.939 --> 00:19:23.279 into shattered and broken lives. 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:26.059 And I felt this word this morning 00:19:26.059 --> 00:19:26.939 would be, 00:19:27.419 --> 00:19:29.159 if we went into A&E, 00:19:30.159 --> 00:19:32.019 if we went into A&E 00:19:32.019 --> 00:19:34.099 and the person welcoming us 00:19:34.099 --> 00:19:34.599 said, 00:19:34.939 --> 00:19:36.159 oh, do you like the new decor? 00:19:37.399 --> 00:19:38.919 Do you like our new chairs? 00:19:38.920 --> 00:19:40.539 Oh, by the way, 00:19:40.640 --> 00:19:41.320 let me show you 00:19:41.320 --> 00:19:42.500 this new piece of equipment 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:43.460 we've just bought. 00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:44.420 It's over here. 00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:45.580 Isn't it nice and shiny? 00:19:47.840 --> 00:19:48.580 Now, the one reason 00:19:48.580 --> 00:19:49.660 you've walked into A&E 00:19:49.660 --> 00:19:51.000 is because you want to be healed, 00:19:51.759 --> 00:19:53.200 because you're in need. 00:19:54.140 --> 00:19:54.900 I'm just wondering 00:19:54.900 --> 00:19:56.340 how many people we meet, 00:19:56.560 --> 00:19:57.560 how many people walk 00:19:57.560 --> 00:19:58.360 into our churches, 00:19:58.360 --> 00:19:59.080 maybe us, 00:19:59.200 --> 00:20:00.039 who would walk out 00:20:00.039 --> 00:20:00.680 through that door, 00:20:00.759 --> 00:20:01.380 who would walk out 00:20:01.380 --> 00:20:02.200 in the end of the day 00:20:02.200 --> 00:20:03.279 having not met 00:20:03.279 --> 00:20:04.580 with the healing power of Jesus 00:20:04.579 --> 00:20:05.480 that we can offer 00:20:05.480 --> 00:20:06.539 in prayer 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:09.779 and the way we want to share. 00:20:11.899 --> 00:20:12.980 In our society, 00:20:13.139 --> 00:20:15.359 that's focused on idolatry. 00:20:15.899 --> 00:20:16.839 There is an opposition 00:20:16.839 --> 00:20:17.720 in our lives. 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:20.579 In John's Gospel, 00:20:20.699 --> 00:20:21.079 it says, 00:20:21.240 --> 00:20:22.720 for they loved human praise 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:24.399 more than praise from God. 00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:27.259 They loved human praise 00:20:27.259 --> 00:20:29.199 more than praise from God. 00:20:29.200 --> 00:20:30.940 I pray 00:20:30.940 --> 00:20:32.279 that as we look 00:20:32.279 --> 00:20:33.559 at our discipline in prayer, 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:34.940 we will hear that 00:20:34.940 --> 00:20:35.920 well done from God. 00:20:37.100 --> 00:20:37.660 Well done, 00:20:37.819 --> 00:20:38.920 good and faithful servant, 00:20:39.059 --> 00:20:39.720 that you responded. 00:20:40.600 --> 00:20:41.160 Well done, 00:20:41.299 --> 00:20:42.299 good and faithful servant, 00:20:42.420 --> 00:20:43.400 that you sent that word 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:43.940 that you had. 00:20:44.319 --> 00:20:45.420 Good and faithful servant, 00:20:45.539 --> 00:20:46.180 that you encouraged 00:20:46.180 --> 00:20:47.279 that person that you met. 00:20:47.620 --> 00:20:48.759 Good and faithful servant, 00:20:48.880 --> 00:20:49.580 that you responded 00:20:49.580 --> 00:20:50.460 as you've been praying, 00:20:50.559 --> 00:20:51.240 as you go around, 00:20:51.519 --> 00:20:52.519 whether you're in the market, 00:20:52.720 --> 00:20:53.420 whether you're out there, 00:20:53.480 --> 00:20:54.259 wherever we're doing, 00:20:54.600 --> 00:20:55.600 that you responded 00:20:55.600 --> 00:20:57.039 to his prompting, 00:20:57.279 --> 00:20:58.620 whatever that may be, 00:20:58.619 --> 00:21:00.239 and it may just be a smile, 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:01.719 it may just be a welcome, 00:21:01.859 --> 00:21:02.799 it may be a card, 00:21:02.959 --> 00:21:03.779 it may even, 00:21:03.959 --> 00:21:04.699 if appropriate, 00:21:05.199 --> 00:21:06.559 being to pray with somebody. 00:21:07.579 --> 00:21:09.219 What is our discipline 00:21:09.219 --> 00:21:10.599 of prayer 00:21:10.599 --> 00:21:12.159 that is 24-7? 00:21:14.839 --> 00:21:15.279 Gillian, 00:21:15.339 --> 00:21:16.339 would you like to come up 00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:16.759 with a team? 00:21:16.819 --> 00:21:17.799 We're just going to pray 00:21:17.799 --> 00:21:19.779 that God would maybe 00:21:19.779 --> 00:21:21.859 give us a fresh boldness 00:21:21.859 --> 00:21:23.699 in our discipline of prayer. 00:21:25.979 --> 00:21:27.519 Maybe you're like that person 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:28.900 who's walking into A&E 00:21:28.900 --> 00:21:29.740 and you've felt 00:21:29.740 --> 00:21:30.460 that you've walked in 00:21:30.460 --> 00:21:31.500 and out of this church 00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:33.519 time and time and time again, 00:21:34.059 --> 00:21:35.160 but you walk out the door 00:21:35.160 --> 00:21:36.819 without that healing power 00:21:36.819 --> 00:21:37.759 that you've often 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:38.879 come searching for. 00:21:39.160 --> 00:21:39.759 There'll be people 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.779 to pray with you now 00:21:40.779 --> 00:21:41.220 at the back 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:42.400 and the prayer ministry team 00:21:42.400 --> 00:21:42.960 are going to move 00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:43.500 to the back 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.680 and if that's you 00:21:44.680 --> 00:21:45.480 and you would like 00:21:45.480 --> 00:21:46.619 to pray with somebody, 00:21:47.139 --> 00:21:47.859 do that now 00:21:47.859 --> 00:21:49.400 because people are waiting 00:21:49.400 --> 00:21:50.460 to pray with you. 00:21:50.460 --> 00:21:52.920 may well be 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:53.660 there has been 00:21:53.660 --> 00:21:54.960 that undercurrent 00:21:54.960 --> 00:21:57.279 of God isn't 00:21:57.279 --> 00:21:58.240 my steering wheel 00:21:58.240 --> 00:22:00.319 and has always been 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:01.200 my spare tyre. 00:22:02.680 --> 00:22:03.819 Maybe you want to put him 00:22:03.819 --> 00:22:04.819 in the driving seat 00:22:04.819 --> 00:22:06.519 and that can be risky 00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:08.559 because it may need change. 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:10.420 Maybe we're prepared 00:22:10.420 --> 00:22:10.920 for that, 00:22:11.539 --> 00:22:11.960 that Lord, 00:22:12.079 --> 00:22:13.039 you would take me 00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:13.840 to places 00:22:13.840 --> 00:22:15.500 and to people 00:22:15.500 --> 00:22:17.779 and give me the courage 00:22:17.779 --> 00:22:18.500 and boldness 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.160 to respond 00:22:19.160 --> 00:22:19.960 when you do that, 00:22:20.819 --> 00:22:22.299 that discipline of prayer. 00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:25.779 Maybe today 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:27.660 to think, 00:22:28.200 --> 00:22:29.240 what is that discipline 00:22:29.240 --> 00:22:29.980 in my life? 00:22:30.799 --> 00:22:31.779 A good discipline 00:22:31.779 --> 00:22:32.640 that encourages 00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:33.660 and builds me up 00:22:33.660 --> 00:22:34.599 and brings joy 00:22:34.599 --> 00:22:36.220 rather than a chore 00:22:36.220 --> 00:22:38.119 or something 00:22:38.119 --> 00:22:39.059 that I can't do. 00:22:43.799 --> 00:22:45.339 As we finish, 00:22:45.500 --> 00:22:46.319 we're going to 00:22:46.319 --> 00:22:47.579 just pray a prayer 00:22:47.579 --> 00:22:49.259 that's in the Lectio 365 00:22:49.259 --> 00:22:50.740 which we pray 00:22:50.740 --> 00:22:51.299 every day. 00:22:52.159 --> 00:22:52.899 Every morning 00:22:52.899 --> 00:22:53.859 becomes part 00:22:53.859 --> 00:22:55.319 of my prayer life 00:22:55.319 --> 00:22:55.779 and maybe 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:56.639 many others 00:22:56.639 --> 00:22:57.159 of you here. 00:22:58.339 --> 00:22:59.139 Maybe you'd just like 00:22:59.139 --> 00:23:00.299 to pray that with me. 00:23:02.199 --> 00:23:02.919 Holy Spirit, 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:03.799 should we just come? 00:23:03.879 --> 00:23:04.339 Holy Spirit, 00:23:04.399 --> 00:23:04.960 would you come? 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:06.879 And instill 00:23:06.879 --> 00:23:08.099 that spirit 00:23:08.099 --> 00:23:09.919 of freshness 00:23:09.919 --> 00:23:10.619 and newness 00:23:10.619 --> 00:23:11.500 and new life 00:23:11.500 --> 00:23:12.319 that you bring 00:23:12.319 --> 00:23:14.019 in our prayer life 00:23:14.019 --> 00:23:15.399 and in our discipline. 00:23:15.400 --> 00:23:19.060 Father, 00:23:19.180 --> 00:23:20.040 help me to live 00:23:20.040 --> 00:23:20.620 this day 00:23:20.620 --> 00:23:21.400 to the full, 00:23:22.580 --> 00:23:23.320 being true 00:23:23.320 --> 00:23:23.800 to you 00:23:23.800 --> 00:23:24.460 in every way. 00:23:26.620 --> 00:23:27.100 Jesus, 00:23:27.280 --> 00:23:27.660 help me 00:23:27.660 --> 00:23:28.560 to give myself 00:23:28.560 --> 00:23:29.840 away to others, 00:23:30.720 --> 00:23:31.700 being kind 00:23:31.700 --> 00:23:32.980 to everyone 00:23:32.980 --> 00:23:33.540 I meet. 00:23:35.600 --> 00:23:36.200 Spirit, 00:23:36.560 --> 00:23:37.540 help me 00:23:37.540 --> 00:23:38.140 to love 00:23:38.140 --> 00:23:38.780 the lost, 00:23:40.040 --> 00:23:41.280 proclaiming Christ 00:23:41.280 --> 00:23:43.220 in all I do 00:23:43.220 --> 00:23:45.079 and all I say. 00:23:46.860 --> 00:23:48.220 And the people said, 00:23:49.339 --> 00:23:49.980 Amen.