WEBVTT

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 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama.

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 Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us.

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 Father, that's true.

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 Thank you for showing me that fresh, even while they sang that song.

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 The one who would speak your word is desperate for you.

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 Not in this moment only, but every moment.

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 And all of us, we struggle to grasp control, to be in charge, to have things our way.

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 And what we need is you.

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 And so we come to you this morning, a father who delights to give good gifts.

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 To his children.

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 To give the Holy Spirit to those who ask for it.

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 So we do ask that.

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 Father, send your spirit.

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 Send your spirit in ways we maybe haven't experienced him before.

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 That we would see our need for you.

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 And that we would delight, even.

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 In being dependent on such a good father.

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 Teach us.

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 Change us.

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 In Jesus' name.

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 Amen.

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 We're in the middle of talking for a few weeks about what God tells us to be as a community.

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 As a church that he would use to see his kingdom advance in great ways.

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 We've said that we want to be here not merely to play church.

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 It's easy to do that.

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 But rather to be the kind of community together that by God's grace would storm the gates of hell.

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 That God would bring revival here and elsewhere through us.

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 And as we talk about what that looks like today, something you might expect to hear.

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 That we need to be dependent and prayerful.

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 We've been talking about that this morning.

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 It's the thing most people would associate with revival coming.

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 People would think about that first.

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 Easy to write it down and put that in your core values as a church.

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 But even as we did that, as leaders of this church, we said it's really important.

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 And that is really hard for us.

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 In many ways, something we seem allergic to.

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 Being dependent, prayerful.

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 And we'll talk more about that in a minute.

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 But first I want to share another story of God's powerful work with you.

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 I'm sharing these with you over these weeks because they involve normal people much like us.

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 In places very similar to the one where God has placed us.

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 Where God has worked in them and through them in ways that would make our mouths gape.

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 And our hearts leap with joy if we got to be a part of something like this.

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 Last week in the 1700s with the Great Awakening.

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 Today in the mid-1800s in New York City.

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 It was exactly 12 noon on September 23rd, 1857.

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 A tall, middle-aged, former businessman climbed creaking stairs to the third story of an old church building in the heart of lower New York City.

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 He entered an empty room, pulled out his pocket watch, and sat down to wait.

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 The placard outside read,

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 Prayer meeting from 12 to 1 o'clock.

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 Stop 5, 10, or 20 minutes, or the whole hour as your time admits.

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 It looked like no one had the time.

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 As the minutes ticked by, the solitary waiter wondered if it were all a mistake.

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 Jeremiah Lanphier was the last-ditch effort of the old Dutch North Church.

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 When many other churches had closed their doors and moved out of town,

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 they had decided, despite having very few people left,

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 to try hiring someone with no church experience or training,

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 to visit the neighbors and seek to revive the church.

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 And so, here he was.

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 The minute hand of his watch pointed to 1230 when at last he heard a step on the stairs.

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 One man came in, then another, and another, until there were six.

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 After a few minutes of prayer, the meeting was dismissed

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 with the decision that another meeting would be held the following Wednesday.

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 That small meeting was in no way extraordinary.

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 There was no great outpouring of the Spirit of God.

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 Lanphier had no way of knowing

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 that it was the beginning of a great national revival

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 which would sweep an estimated one million persons into the kingdom of God.

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 The meeting of six grew to 20 and then 40.

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 Within a month, it cleared 3,000.

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 Within six months, over 10,000 were praying daily at noon in New York City alone.

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 And the revival was spreading to Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, St. Louis,

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 and many other cities all the way to the Pacific coast.

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 People gathering to plead for God's help.

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 Specific prayers for His deliverance.

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 General prayers for God to save dying people in a dying nation.

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 And many estimate around one million eternal souls

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 saved in that one year alone,

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 just a couple years before many of them would die in the Civil War

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 and face eternity.

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 All of this amazing work of God

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 called the layman's prayer revival.

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 In other words, mostly untrained Christians

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 gathering to cry out to God together.

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 In fact, one preacher said,

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 there is such a general confidence in the prevalence of prayer

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 that the people very extensively seem to prefer meeting for prayer

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 to meeting for preaching.

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 The general impression seemed to be,

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 we have had instruction until we are hardened.

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 It is time for us to pray.

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 Now, lest you get carried away,

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 we have also read of God using the preaching

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 of the cross of Christ from His Word

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 to bring revival.

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 But, prayer.

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 There is a reason you think of that

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 when you think of revival.

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 It is a repeated marker of revival.

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 When God works,

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 it is not always and usually

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 just among seminary trained preachers.

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 It is among untrained Christians

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 who cry out to Him.

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 Often, it begins with just a very few people

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 like this did.

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 Like others,

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 Zinzendorf's round-the-clock prayer

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 met three years round-the-clock

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 before seeing revival break out.

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 And then it ran for a hundred years

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 round-the-clock

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 until a great breakthrough

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 of missionary expansion of the Gospel

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 took place.

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 Over and over again,

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 God stirs His people's hearts

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 to pray

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 because they are desperately dependent

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 on Him to accomplish

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 the mission that Christ has sent them on.

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 And that is really the bottom line

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 this morning.

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 It is what I want us to see.

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 Here is a review of where we have been

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 the last couple of weeks.

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 First, we said that

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 the church must be focused on Jesus.

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 It is absolutely where it starts.

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 Last week,

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 a church centered on Jesus

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 must be on the mission of God together.

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 Moving outward toward others, right?

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 Today,

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 a church on God's mission

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 must be prayerfully dependent

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 on God's strength.

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 It is not profound, right?

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 But a spirit of utter dependence

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 reflected in a lifestyle of prayer.

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 prayer.

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 This is not something new.

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 It didn't start in the 1800s.

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 And in fact,

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 the early church

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 in the book of Acts

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 had prayer as a core commitment.

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 Did you know that?

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 Let's read Acts 2.

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 This famous description

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 of the early church

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 that begins it

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 at verse 42.

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 And they devoted themselves

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 to the apostles' teaching

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 and fellowship,

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 to the breaking of bread

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 and the prayers.

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 And awe came upon every soul.

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 And many wonders and signs

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 were being done

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 through the apostles.

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 And all who believed

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 were together

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 and had all things in common.

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 And they were selling

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 their possessions

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 and belongings

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 and distributing the proceeds

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 to all as any had need.

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 And day by day,

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 attending the temple together

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 and breaking bread

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 in their homes,

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 they received their food

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 with glad and generous hearts,

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 praising God

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 and having favor

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 with all the people.

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 And the Lord added

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 to their number

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 day by day

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 those who were being saved.

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 You hear what's happening

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 in these verses?

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 It's kingdom impact, right?

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 There's people being saved daily,

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 needs being met,

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 people being helped.

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 We would love to be on mission

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 like this community.

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 And because it is,

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 it's a community devoted,

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 among other things,

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 to prayer.

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 The words there,

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 the prayers,

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 likely indicate

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 even specific set gatherings

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 to pray together.

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 What I want us to do

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 for just a few minutes,

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 rather than unpacking

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 this particular passage

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 or talking about

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 how to pray,

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 which is another

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 helpful thing to do,

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 is simply give you

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 a snapshot of what

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 this looks like

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 in the early church.

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 The church that grows

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 from a few fledgling disciples

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 who really mess up

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 more than they do

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 anything right

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 into this mission force

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 that turns the world

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 upside down.

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 What does the beginning

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 of that church look like?

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 The book of Acts

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 tells that story.

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 And it is covered

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 with prayer

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 just a few places.

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 Places.

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 Chapter 1.

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 As soon as Jesus

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 leaves them,

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 His followers

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 gather to pray

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 and wait for the Holy Spirit.

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 Jesus has promised

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 to send them

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 so that they can be

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 His witnesses

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 on His mission.

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 And while they wait

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 for what He has in store

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 that none of them

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 really could even imagine,

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 what do they do?

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 They pray.

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 Verse 14.

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 Devoting themselves

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 to prayer.

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 As a matter of fact,

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 as they pray,

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 they realize

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 they need to replace Judas.

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 And so they pray

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 for God's direction

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 on who will replace Him.

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 Chapter 2 of Acts

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 includes the report

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 we just read

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 of their commitment

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 to prayer,

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 devotion to prayer.

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 In chapter 4,

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 they're being persecuted

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 and told to be quiet.

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 It appears the movement

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 could be squashed

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 by powerful authorities

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 before it even begins.

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 So they gather

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 to pray for boldness.

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 In the face of opposition,

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 let's pray for boldness

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 until God sends

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 His Spirit powerfully

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 to enable them

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 to continue

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 to preach God's Word.

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 Chapter 6,

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 they pray

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 when they are commissioning

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 the first deacons

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 to kingdom work

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 with the poor.

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 Chapter 8,

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 when the gospel spreads

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 to the Samaritans,

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 Peter and John

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 make a special trip

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 to hold a conference.

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 No.

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 To teach them theology.

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 No.

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 To pray for them

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 and the Holy Spirit

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 to lead them.

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 Chapter 9,

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 when their beloved Dorcas dies,

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 Peter prays

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 and she is restored to life.

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 Chapter 10 tells of this

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 glorious breakthrough

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 of the gospel

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 to the Gentiles

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 that will explode

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 the mission of the church

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 where Jesus has sent them.

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 Where?

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 To the uttermost parts

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 of the earth.

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 And there's been

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 great things happening

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 but they haven't gone there yet

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 and all of a sudden

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 it does.

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 What do you think is featured

00:12:43.000 --> 00:12:43.960
 when that happens?

00:12:44.760 --> 00:12:46.000
 The gospel explosion

00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:47.600
 that continues to this day,

00:12:47.700 --> 00:12:48.600
 when it starts,

00:12:48.700 --> 00:12:49.200
 what do you think

00:12:49.200 --> 00:12:49.960
 is talked about

00:12:49.960 --> 00:12:50.879
 in chapter 10?

00:12:53.660 --> 00:12:54.100
 Prayer.

00:12:54.100 --> 00:12:57.259
 God speaks to Cornelius

00:12:57.259 --> 00:12:59.659
 as he prays.

00:13:00.700 --> 00:13:02.240
 Gentile Cornelius

00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:03.759
 prays continually,

00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:05.000
 we're told.

00:13:05.120 --> 00:13:05.740
 Verse 2.

00:13:06.899 --> 00:13:08.320
 And his prayers ascend

00:13:08.320 --> 00:13:09.180
 to God.

00:13:09.620 --> 00:13:10.800
 Verse 4.

00:13:11.680 --> 00:13:12.620
 And then God speaks

00:13:12.620 --> 00:13:13.340
 to Peter

00:13:13.340 --> 00:13:15.500
 as he prays.

00:13:15.879 --> 00:13:16.639
 Verse 9.

00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:17.779
 And God tells him,

00:13:18.279 --> 00:13:19.639
 don't call unclean

00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:21.660
 what I have made clean.

00:13:21.659 --> 00:13:24.799
 You go and tell the good news

00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:26.699
 to Cornelius.

00:13:27.039 --> 00:13:28.500
 And the gospel explodes

00:13:28.500 --> 00:13:30.179
 beyond Jerusalem

00:13:30.179 --> 00:13:31.339
 and Judea

00:13:31.339 --> 00:13:32.360
 and Samaria

00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:34.600
 to the uttermost parts

00:13:34.600 --> 00:13:35.039
 of the world,

00:13:35.100 --> 00:13:35.939
 to the Gentiles,

00:13:36.039 --> 00:13:36.579
 the nations,

00:13:36.719 --> 00:13:37.779
 the mission of God

00:13:37.779 --> 00:13:38.939
 is happening

00:13:38.939 --> 00:13:40.899
 as people pray.

00:13:43.519 --> 00:13:44.959
 Chapter 12, though,

00:13:45.179 --> 00:13:46.240
 things take a turn.

00:13:46.659 --> 00:13:48.779
 Peter is imprisoned.

00:13:49.639 --> 00:13:51.100
 These followers of Jesus

00:13:51.100 --> 00:13:52.980
 are stirring things up

00:13:52.980 --> 00:13:53.480
 and the Romans

00:13:53.480 --> 00:13:54.340
 don't like it

00:13:54.340 --> 00:13:55.440
 and they're about ready

00:13:55.440 --> 00:13:56.480
 to be through with this.

00:13:56.600 --> 00:13:58.279
 Let's kill some of their leaders.

00:14:00.120 --> 00:14:01.180
 The church's existence

00:14:01.180 --> 00:14:02.879
 again seems threatened.

00:14:04.040 --> 00:14:04.840
 And so what do they do?

00:14:06.259 --> 00:14:07.639
 They gather,

00:14:08.080 --> 00:14:08.940
 verse 5,

00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:12.279
 for earnest prayer

00:14:12.279 --> 00:14:14.080
 for Peter.

00:14:14.259 --> 00:14:14.740
 It's almost like

00:14:14.740 --> 00:14:15.080
 they don't know

00:14:15.080 --> 00:14:15.720
 what else to do.

00:14:17.279 --> 00:14:18.519
 And I love this picture,

00:14:18.680 --> 00:14:19.940
 especially in chapter 12,

00:14:19.940 --> 00:14:21.020
 of them praying

00:14:21.020 --> 00:14:22.440
 because it's like me

00:14:22.440 --> 00:14:23.320
 when I pray.

00:14:23.540 --> 00:14:24.420
 Here they are gathered

00:14:24.420 --> 00:14:24.860
 around there.

00:14:25.020 --> 00:14:25.740
 They're praying.

00:14:25.880 --> 00:14:26.500
 They're pleading

00:14:26.500 --> 00:14:27.780
 for Peter's deliverance

00:14:27.780 --> 00:14:28.480
 from prison.

00:14:28.960 --> 00:14:30.400
 And Peter knocks on the door

00:14:30.400 --> 00:14:31.860
 and the servant goes

00:14:31.860 --> 00:14:32.400
 and gets the door

00:14:32.400 --> 00:14:32.860
 and comes back

00:14:32.860 --> 00:14:33.180
 and says,

00:14:33.260 --> 00:14:33.700
 it's Peter.

00:14:34.040 --> 00:14:34.660
 And they say,

00:14:34.720 --> 00:14:35.560
 shh, shh, shh.

00:14:35.820 --> 00:14:37.100
 We're praying for Peter.

00:14:37.180 --> 00:14:37.780
 He's in prison.

00:14:38.300 --> 00:14:39.260
 No, no, he's here.

00:14:39.360 --> 00:14:40.180
 God, no, no,

00:14:40.180 --> 00:14:41.360
 we're praying for Peter.

00:14:41.480 --> 00:14:42.000
 He's in prison.

00:14:42.040 --> 00:14:42.780
 He can't be here.

00:14:43.600 --> 00:14:44.680
 No, God has answered

00:14:44.680 --> 00:14:45.440
 our prayers.

00:14:45.440 --> 00:14:47.800
 It is Peter.

00:14:48.960 --> 00:14:49.720
 Chapter 13,

00:14:49.820 --> 00:14:50.420
 they pray when they

00:14:50.420 --> 00:14:51.220
 send out missionaries.

00:14:51.360 --> 00:14:52.040
 Chapter 14,

00:14:52.160 --> 00:14:52.860
 they pray as they

00:14:52.860 --> 00:14:53.540
 plant churches

00:14:53.540 --> 00:14:54.380
 and appoint elders

00:14:54.380 --> 00:14:55.920
 in town after town

00:14:55.920 --> 00:14:56.420
 and the church

00:14:56.420 --> 00:14:57.140
 of Jesus Christ

00:14:57.140 --> 00:14:57.880
 is now spreading

00:14:57.880 --> 00:14:58.780
 rapidly

00:14:58.780 --> 00:15:00.660
 and they're praying

00:15:00.660 --> 00:15:03.260
 picture after picture

00:15:03.260 --> 00:15:04.860
 on the early church

00:15:04.860 --> 00:15:06.120
 Facebook page.

00:15:06.560 --> 00:15:07.340
 They're kneeling

00:15:07.340 --> 00:15:08.920
 in prayer.

00:15:10.780 --> 00:15:11.500
 It's as though God

00:15:11.500 --> 00:15:12.440
 is telling us

00:15:12.440 --> 00:15:13.380
 something here,

00:15:13.420 --> 00:15:13.820
 isn't it?

00:15:13.820 --> 00:15:16.480
 Look at the power

00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:17.340
 of prayer

00:15:17.340 --> 00:15:20.660
 and how God works.

00:15:21.540 --> 00:15:24.000
 He handles these situations.

00:15:24.420 --> 00:15:24.980
 Southwood,

00:15:25.480 --> 00:15:27.360
 prayer is the work

00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:28.660
 of the church.

00:15:29.420 --> 00:15:31.400
 It is the devoted commitment

00:15:31.400 --> 00:15:33.560
 of those who need God

00:15:33.560 --> 00:15:34.700
 desperately.

00:15:35.540 --> 00:15:36.940
 Jesus, of all people,

00:15:37.200 --> 00:15:38.280
 Himself demonstrates

00:15:38.280 --> 00:15:39.800
 this pattern of praying,

00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:40.440
 doesn't He?

00:15:40.660 --> 00:15:41.360
 Pulling away

00:15:41.360 --> 00:15:42.540
 to be with His Father

00:15:42.540 --> 00:15:43.520
 when no one else

00:15:43.519 --> 00:15:44.259
 knows where He is.

00:15:44.579 --> 00:15:45.059
 When there are

00:15:45.059 --> 00:15:46.120
 important moments

00:15:46.120 --> 00:15:47.980
 coming up in His ministry,

00:15:48.379 --> 00:15:49.779
 we find Him alone

00:15:49.779 --> 00:15:51.240
 with His Father.

00:15:51.879 --> 00:15:53.100
 When you write the history

00:15:53.100 --> 00:15:54.159
 of the church

00:15:54.159 --> 00:15:55.199
 of Jesus Christ

00:15:55.199 --> 00:15:56.220
 and the work

00:15:56.220 --> 00:15:57.019
 of God's Spirit

00:15:57.019 --> 00:15:58.240
 to advance the mission

00:15:58.240 --> 00:15:59.220
 of God in the world,

00:15:59.319 --> 00:16:00.500
 it's covered

00:16:00.500 --> 00:16:01.659
 with prayer

00:16:01.659 --> 00:16:02.740
 on every page.

00:16:04.340 --> 00:16:05.799
 That's why Samuel Chadwick

00:16:05.799 --> 00:16:06.159
 said,

00:16:06.159 --> 00:16:08.079
 the devil laughs at our toil,

00:16:09.279 --> 00:16:10.639
 mocks at our wisdom,

00:16:10.639 --> 00:16:12.799
 but he trembles

00:16:12.799 --> 00:16:14.379
 when we pray.

00:16:15.019 --> 00:16:16.519
 He knows that the one

00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:17.620
 we pray to

00:16:17.620 --> 00:16:18.439
 is stronger

00:16:18.439 --> 00:16:20.219
 and crushes

00:16:20.219 --> 00:16:21.459
 the gates of hell

00:16:21.459 --> 00:16:22.120
 and the history

00:16:22.120 --> 00:16:22.779
 of the church

00:16:22.779 --> 00:16:24.699
 bears that out.

00:16:24.700 --> 00:16:28.840
 can ask us simply

00:16:28.840 --> 00:16:30.000
 to think this morning

00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:30.600
 about that.

00:16:30.660 --> 00:16:31.759
 Is that what the narrative

00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:33.140
 of our lives

00:16:33.140 --> 00:16:35.720
 and of our church

00:16:35.720 --> 00:16:37.000
 would read like

00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:38.420
 if someone were to write up

00:16:38.420 --> 00:16:39.900
 that story for us?

00:16:40.680 --> 00:16:41.640
 I didn't ask

00:16:41.640 --> 00:16:42.540
 if they would cite it

00:16:42.540 --> 00:16:44.160
 as being on our website.

00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:44.960
 I mean,

00:16:45.080 --> 00:16:45.800
 they're not going to look

00:16:45.800 --> 00:16:46.420
 at the screen

00:16:46.420 --> 00:16:47.140
 to see are we

00:16:47.140 --> 00:16:48.360
 a praying church.

00:16:48.360 --> 00:16:50.200
 I asked,

00:16:50.460 --> 00:16:51.080
 do you

00:16:51.080 --> 00:16:53.019
 and do we

00:16:53.019 --> 00:16:54.680
 pray?

00:16:56.899 --> 00:16:57.419
 Listen,

00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:58.340
 there is a lot

00:16:58.340 --> 00:16:59.200
 of prayer

00:16:59.200 --> 00:17:00.259
 in this church.

00:17:00.840 --> 00:17:01.680
 Many people

00:17:01.680 --> 00:17:02.700
 who are more faithful

00:17:02.700 --> 00:17:03.340
 in prayer

00:17:03.340 --> 00:17:04.720
 than their pastor is.

00:17:05.259 --> 00:17:06.160
 And I know that.

00:17:06.539 --> 00:17:07.599
 But I want to push us

00:17:07.599 --> 00:17:08.120
 this morning

00:17:08.120 --> 00:17:09.400
 to consider

00:17:09.400 --> 00:17:10.799
 why it's not

00:17:10.799 --> 00:17:11.819
 what it should be.

00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:13.720
 Why almost everyone

00:17:13.720 --> 00:17:14.660
 who looks at these

00:17:14.660 --> 00:17:15.720
 core commitments

00:17:15.720 --> 00:17:16.360
 and says,

00:17:16.480 --> 00:17:16.579
 yeah,

00:17:16.640 --> 00:17:17.700
 we should be about

00:17:17.700 --> 00:17:18.380
 these things

00:17:18.380 --> 00:17:18.759
 says,

00:17:19.559 --> 00:17:20.140
 dependent

00:17:20.140 --> 00:17:22.000
 and prayerful.

00:17:22.480 --> 00:17:23.559
 We got a long way

00:17:23.559 --> 00:17:24.559
 to go on that one.

00:17:26.340 --> 00:17:27.200
 Why is that?

00:17:27.259 --> 00:17:28.100
 Can we think about that

00:17:28.100 --> 00:17:28.700
 for just a minute?

00:17:30.220 --> 00:17:31.120
 I'd suggest

00:17:31.120 --> 00:17:32.340
 that a big part

00:17:32.340 --> 00:17:33.100
 of our struggle

00:17:33.100 --> 00:17:35.039
 is that we don't pray

00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:37.080
 because we don't

00:17:37.080 --> 00:17:38.059
 think or feel

00:17:38.059 --> 00:17:39.100
 like we need to.

00:17:41.039 --> 00:17:42.220
 That's in some ways

00:17:42.220 --> 00:17:43.220
 hard to argue with,

00:17:43.299 --> 00:17:43.460
 right?

00:17:43.519 --> 00:17:43.720
 I mean,

00:17:43.759 --> 00:17:44.740
 we do the things

00:17:44.740 --> 00:17:45.680
 that we feel like

00:17:45.680 --> 00:17:46.400
 we need to do.

00:17:46.480 --> 00:17:46.940
 All of us

00:17:46.940 --> 00:17:47.759
 runs our lives

00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:48.160
 that way.

00:17:48.200 --> 00:17:48.519
 The things

00:17:48.519 --> 00:17:48.920
 that are really

00:17:48.920 --> 00:17:49.620
 important are the

00:17:49.620 --> 00:17:50.900
 things that get

00:17:50.900 --> 00:17:51.559
 our attention.

00:17:52.200 --> 00:17:52.400
 You see,

00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:54.440
 dependence and prayer

00:17:54.440 --> 00:17:56.600
 are inextricably

00:17:56.600 --> 00:17:58.360
 linked to each other.

00:17:59.340 --> 00:18:00.240
 And as Derek said

00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:00.519
 earlier,

00:18:00.660 --> 00:18:01.660
 we're conditioned

00:18:01.660 --> 00:18:02.940
 all of our lives

00:18:02.940 --> 00:18:05.340
 to be not dependent

00:18:05.340 --> 00:18:07.279
 but independent.

00:18:08.240 --> 00:18:11.240
 We don't need much,

00:18:12.039 --> 00:18:12.340
 right?

00:18:12.539 --> 00:18:12.820
 It's not one

00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:13.359
 of our favorite

00:18:13.359 --> 00:18:14.139
 things.

00:18:14.819 --> 00:18:15.659
 We live under

00:18:15.659 --> 00:18:16.319
 the delusion

00:18:16.319 --> 00:18:17.159
 often that we

00:18:17.159 --> 00:18:17.919
 can take care

00:18:17.919 --> 00:18:18.659
 of ourselves,

00:18:19.339 --> 00:18:20.399
 provide our own

00:18:20.399 --> 00:18:21.359
 daily bread.

00:18:21.460 --> 00:18:22.200
 Why would we be

00:18:22.200 --> 00:18:23.259
 asking God

00:18:23.259 --> 00:18:23.799
 for that?

00:18:23.899 --> 00:18:25.139
 I got that

00:18:25.139 --> 00:18:25.559
 covered.

00:18:27.639 --> 00:18:28.539
 As I've examined

00:18:28.539 --> 00:18:29.439
 my own life,

00:18:29.639 --> 00:18:30.779
 practically speaking,

00:18:30.899 --> 00:18:32.359
 day in and day out,

00:18:32.740 --> 00:18:34.460
 I tend to trust

00:18:34.460 --> 00:18:35.419
 myself

00:18:35.419 --> 00:18:37.939
 more than I trust

00:18:37.939 --> 00:18:38.539
 God.

00:18:39.359 --> 00:18:40.240
 I don't want

00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:41.139
 it to be that way.

00:18:41.220 --> 00:18:42.819
 I wouldn't set out

00:18:42.819 --> 00:18:43.839
 to make it that way

00:18:43.839 --> 00:18:45.480
 but practically,

00:18:45.740 --> 00:18:47.039
 that's what I see

00:18:47.039 --> 00:18:48.099
 often in my life.

00:18:48.180 --> 00:18:49.019
 I've shared with you

00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:50.159
 before Paul Miller's

00:18:50.159 --> 00:18:51.599
 convicting observation.

00:18:52.899 --> 00:18:53.559
 If you are not

00:18:53.559 --> 00:18:54.099
 praying,

00:18:55.460 --> 00:18:56.180
 then you are

00:18:56.180 --> 00:18:57.379
 quietly confident

00:18:57.379 --> 00:18:58.279
 that time,

00:18:58.899 --> 00:18:59.119
 money,

00:18:59.299 --> 00:19:00.059
 and talent

00:19:00.059 --> 00:19:01.279
 are all you need

00:19:01.279 --> 00:19:01.799
 in life.

00:19:02.680 --> 00:19:03.779
 You'll always be

00:19:03.779 --> 00:19:04.740
 a little too tired,

00:19:05.339 --> 00:19:06.759
 a little too busy,

00:19:06.759 --> 00:19:08.200
 but if,

00:19:08.940 --> 00:19:09.720
 like Jesus,

00:19:10.160 --> 00:19:10.900
 you realize

00:19:10.900 --> 00:19:12.099
 you can't do life

00:19:12.099 --> 00:19:13.000
 on your own,

00:19:13.379 --> 00:19:14.059
 then no matter

00:19:14.059 --> 00:19:14.720
 how busy,

00:19:15.140 --> 00:19:16.200
 no matter how tired

00:19:16.200 --> 00:19:17.019
 you are,

00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:18.240
 you will find

00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:19.319
 the time to pray.

00:19:20.379 --> 00:19:20.680
 In fact,

00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:21.500
 time in prayer

00:19:21.500 --> 00:19:22.200
 makes you even

00:19:22.200 --> 00:19:22.960
 more dependent

00:19:22.960 --> 00:19:24.559
 on God

00:19:24.559 --> 00:19:25.379
 because you don't

00:19:25.379 --> 00:19:26.539
 have as much time

00:19:26.539 --> 00:19:28.400
 to get things done.

00:19:29.859 --> 00:19:30.799
 I hate that.

00:19:31.500 --> 00:19:32.379
 Nothing that removes

00:19:32.379 --> 00:19:33.420
 time to get things done

00:19:33.420 --> 00:19:34.200
 could possibly

00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:35.119
 be a good thing.

00:19:35.119 --> 00:19:36.579
 efficiency,

00:19:37.459 --> 00:19:38.279
 accomplishment,

00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:39.839
 achievement.

00:19:40.739 --> 00:19:42.219
 It's what drives me

00:19:42.219 --> 00:19:43.419
 and God says,

00:19:44.279 --> 00:19:45.119
 stop.

00:19:46.779 --> 00:19:47.419
 Rest.

00:19:49.179 --> 00:19:50.479
 Can I push just a little

00:19:50.479 --> 00:19:51.939
 further on this?

00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:53.479
 I know it's painful

00:19:53.479 --> 00:19:54.639
 enough to consider

00:19:54.639 --> 00:19:55.559
 not praying

00:19:55.559 --> 00:19:56.699
 because we don't feel

00:19:56.699 --> 00:19:58.519
 we need God,

00:19:58.939 --> 00:19:59.859
 but can I ask

00:19:59.859 --> 00:20:01.339
 why we don't feel that?

00:20:01.339 --> 00:20:04.959
 I hated realizing

00:20:04.959 --> 00:20:06.059
 this this week,

00:20:06.439 --> 00:20:09.199
 so I kind of apologize

00:20:09.199 --> 00:20:09.879
 in advance

00:20:09.879 --> 00:20:11.079
 for sharing it with you,

00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:12.679
 but I think often

00:20:12.679 --> 00:20:14.480
 we don't pray

00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:15.959
 because we're not

00:20:15.959 --> 00:20:17.839
 on a Christ-centered

00:20:17.839 --> 00:20:18.419
 mission

00:20:18.419 --> 00:20:19.899
 where we feel

00:20:19.899 --> 00:20:21.139
 our need for God.

00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:23.639
 We don't pray

00:20:23.639 --> 00:20:24.799
 because we're not

00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:25.679
 actually on

00:20:25.679 --> 00:20:26.799
 a Christ-centered

00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:28.119
 mission in our lives

00:20:28.119 --> 00:20:29.199
 or as a church

00:20:29.200 --> 00:20:30.360
 where we feel

00:20:30.360 --> 00:20:31.259
 our need

00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:32.120
 for God.

00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:33.500
 We don't believe

00:20:33.500 --> 00:20:34.500
 God will sponsor

00:20:34.500 --> 00:20:35.980
 our own self-serving

00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:36.420
 missions.

00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:37.440
 We don't talk to Him

00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:38.000
 about that,

00:20:38.480 --> 00:20:39.440
 but that's what

00:20:39.440 --> 00:20:40.500
 we're really up to.

00:20:42.100 --> 00:20:43.480
 I don't often feel

00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:44.340
 the need to pray

00:20:44.340 --> 00:20:45.819
 if my greatest goal

00:20:45.819 --> 00:20:46.539
 for the day

00:20:46.539 --> 00:20:47.740
 is checking off

00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:48.680
 my to-do list,

00:20:49.059 --> 00:20:49.819
 my priorities,

00:20:50.440 --> 00:20:51.340
 making a buck,

00:20:52.480 --> 00:20:53.980
 pursuing my comfort,

00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:56.400
 building my reputation.

00:20:56.400 --> 00:20:58.980
 I don't usually

00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:00.560
 pray about those things.

00:21:01.140 --> 00:21:02.019
 If you were here

00:21:02.019 --> 00:21:02.640
 last Sunday,

00:21:02.700 --> 00:21:03.759
 you've seen this wheel

00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:05.200
 with self

00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:06.759
 at the center of it.

00:21:07.320 --> 00:21:08.160
 This way our lives

00:21:08.160 --> 00:21:09.340
 often function

00:21:09.340 --> 00:21:10.759
 where that's what

00:21:10.759 --> 00:21:11.780
 it's really about

00:21:11.780 --> 00:21:12.180
 is me

00:21:12.180 --> 00:21:13.040
 and everything else

00:21:13.040 --> 00:21:13.980
 is here to serve

00:21:13.980 --> 00:21:15.060
 that end.

00:21:15.620 --> 00:21:16.480
 If that's what

00:21:16.480 --> 00:21:17.180
 I'm up to,

00:21:17.380 --> 00:21:18.480
 I don't need to pray

00:21:18.480 --> 00:21:19.200
 until I need

00:21:19.200 --> 00:21:20.519
 just a little extra help

00:21:20.519 --> 00:21:21.780
 in some of the hard spots

00:21:21.780 --> 00:21:22.480
 like the test

00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:23.440
 is really hard

00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:25.480
 or the presentation

00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:26.680
 is hard

00:21:26.680 --> 00:21:28.620
 or the relationship

00:21:28.620 --> 00:21:29.920
 is hard

00:21:29.920 --> 00:21:31.259
 and I'm frustrated

00:21:31.259 --> 00:21:32.960
 and it's not allowing

00:21:32.960 --> 00:21:33.860
 me to achieve

00:21:33.860 --> 00:21:34.480
 my mission

00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:35.920
 of a successful self

00:21:35.920 --> 00:21:36.600
 and feel the way

00:21:36.600 --> 00:21:37.620
 I want to about me

00:21:37.620 --> 00:21:38.720
 and so I better pray.

00:21:39.180 --> 00:21:39.840
 And so sometimes

00:21:39.840 --> 00:21:41.039
 prayer gets sprinkled in

00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:41.880
 and that's often

00:21:41.880 --> 00:21:43.259
 my experience.

00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:43.840
 Help me out

00:21:43.840 --> 00:21:44.840
 of this tight spot.

00:21:47.460 --> 00:21:48.700
 But if my mission

00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:50.559
 is truly

00:21:50.559 --> 00:21:51.860
 the glory of Jesus

00:21:51.859 --> 00:21:53.179
 and His mission

00:21:53.179 --> 00:21:53.899
 of restoration

00:21:53.899 --> 00:21:55.059
 in this world,

00:21:55.439 --> 00:21:56.759
 I promise you

00:21:56.759 --> 00:21:58.039
 I feel the need

00:21:58.039 --> 00:21:58.959
 to pray

00:21:58.959 --> 00:22:00.139
 real quickly.

00:22:01.259 --> 00:22:02.099
 When that's

00:22:02.099 --> 00:22:02.979
 what I want to see

00:22:02.979 --> 00:22:03.559
 my day

00:22:03.559 --> 00:22:04.319
 or my life

00:22:04.319 --> 00:22:04.959
 be about,

00:22:05.059 --> 00:22:05.599
 think about it

00:22:05.599 --> 00:22:06.000
 for a minute.

00:22:06.479 --> 00:22:07.500
 If my goal

00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:08.379
 is reflecting

00:22:08.379 --> 00:22:09.319
 the glory of God

00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:10.879
 by loving my neighbor

00:22:10.879 --> 00:22:11.919
 as myself

00:22:11.919 --> 00:22:14.019
 and I see my selfishness

00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:14.839
 leading me to hurt

00:22:14.839 --> 00:22:15.719
 even my wife,

00:22:15.799 --> 00:22:16.439
 the one person

00:22:16.439 --> 00:22:17.399
 I picked to love

00:22:17.399 --> 00:22:18.240
 out of all the neighbors

00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:19.279
 I'm supposed to love,

00:22:20.799 --> 00:22:21.579
 then help.

00:22:21.859 --> 00:22:23.240
 I need God

00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:23.959
 for this.

00:22:25.559 --> 00:22:26.779
 If I can't speak

00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:27.759
 of Jesus at work

00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:28.899
 without repercussions

00:22:28.899 --> 00:22:30.179
 and I'm surrounded

00:22:30.179 --> 00:22:30.839
 by people

00:22:30.839 --> 00:22:31.539
 who are desperate

00:22:31.539 --> 00:22:32.179
 for the hope

00:22:32.179 --> 00:22:32.859
 of the gospel,

00:22:33.319 --> 00:22:34.339
 I better pray.

00:22:36.199 --> 00:22:37.539
 If some of my neighbors

00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:38.619
 are impacted

00:22:38.619 --> 00:22:40.119
 by unjust systems

00:22:40.119 --> 00:22:41.599
 that might relocate

00:22:41.599 --> 00:22:42.139
 some of their

00:22:42.139 --> 00:22:43.299
 section 8 housing

00:22:43.299 --> 00:22:44.379
 without asking

00:22:44.379 --> 00:22:45.199
 for their input

00:22:45.199 --> 00:22:45.979
 in a way that would

00:22:45.979 --> 00:22:47.779
 negatively affect them

00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:48.919
 and the whole system

00:22:48.919 --> 00:22:49.879
 needs to be transformed

00:22:49.880 --> 00:22:50.840
 by the gospel,

00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:53.820
 I need God's help.

00:22:55.980 --> 00:22:56.960
 If I'm hearing

00:22:56.960 --> 00:22:57.760
 the call to shape

00:22:57.760 --> 00:22:58.940
 my life outwardly

00:22:58.940 --> 00:22:59.780
 towards others

00:22:59.780 --> 00:23:01.460
 but my grief

00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:03.040
 or my depression

00:23:03.040 --> 00:23:04.680
 or my anxiety

00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:06.700
 is just debilitating,

00:23:07.580 --> 00:23:09.420
 I need God.

00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:12.420
 If I'm working

00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:13.660
 and focused

00:23:13.660 --> 00:23:14.620
 on unity

00:23:14.620 --> 00:23:15.500
 in my city

00:23:15.500 --> 00:23:16.460
 but I'm encountering

00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:17.120
 infighting

00:23:17.120 --> 00:23:18.060
 within my own church

00:23:18.060 --> 00:23:19.220
 and competition

00:23:19.220 --> 00:23:20.200
 among other churches

00:23:20.200 --> 00:23:21.220
 and I can't fix it,

00:23:21.300 --> 00:23:22.800
 then I better pray.

00:23:24.380 --> 00:23:25.000
 If I'm longing

00:23:25.000 --> 00:23:26.340
 for my atheist neighbor

00:23:26.340 --> 00:23:27.300
 to see the glory

00:23:27.300 --> 00:23:27.880
 of Jesus

00:23:27.880 --> 00:23:29.200
 and His intellectual

00:23:29.200 --> 00:23:29.860
 sharpness

00:23:29.860 --> 00:23:31.160
 simply surpasses

00:23:31.160 --> 00:23:31.840
 mine,

00:23:32.300 --> 00:23:33.019
 I realize

00:23:33.019 --> 00:23:33.880
 I'm dependent

00:23:33.880 --> 00:23:35.080
 upon God

00:23:35.080 --> 00:23:36.680
 in prayer.

00:23:36.680 --> 00:23:39.640
 See, I know

00:23:39.640 --> 00:23:40.299
 we're praying

00:23:40.299 --> 00:23:41.180
 and I know

00:23:41.180 --> 00:23:41.840
 God's working

00:23:41.840 --> 00:23:42.440
 because those

00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:43.460
 are just conversations

00:23:43.460 --> 00:23:44.799
 I've had this week

00:23:44.799 --> 00:23:46.759
 with some of you.

00:23:47.740 --> 00:23:48.500
 That's what

00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:49.980
 drives us to prayer,

00:23:50.080 --> 00:23:50.480
 isn't it?

00:23:51.519 --> 00:23:52.580
 Don't you need God

00:23:52.580 --> 00:23:53.500
 for those

00:23:53.500 --> 00:23:53.920
 in a hundred

00:23:53.920 --> 00:23:54.960
 other situations

00:23:54.960 --> 00:23:56.420
 like them?

00:23:56.900 --> 00:23:57.880
 Maybe as you start

00:23:57.880 --> 00:23:58.940
 shaping your life

00:23:58.940 --> 00:24:00.400
 around God's mission

00:24:00.400 --> 00:24:01.600
 and His glory,

00:24:01.740 --> 00:24:02.700
 you'll find yourself

00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:03.460
 more dependent

00:24:03.460 --> 00:24:05.620
 and more prayerful.

00:24:05.619 --> 00:24:06.979
 Maybe as you

00:24:06.979 --> 00:24:07.879
 pray more,

00:24:08.219 --> 00:24:09.539
 you'll find yourself

00:24:09.539 --> 00:24:11.119
 strangely drawn

00:24:11.119 --> 00:24:12.219
 towards God's mission

00:24:12.219 --> 00:24:13.619
 and God's glory

00:24:13.619 --> 00:24:14.599
 and having a vision

00:24:14.599 --> 00:24:15.279
 for what that could

00:24:15.279 --> 00:24:16.859
 look like in your life.

00:24:17.739 --> 00:24:19.419
 God loves to do that

00:24:19.419 --> 00:24:20.059
 for His children.

00:24:20.139 --> 00:24:20.739
 Did you know that?

00:24:21.879 --> 00:24:22.879
 As you look to Him,

00:24:22.919 --> 00:24:24.039
 He loves working

00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:24.639
 that way

00:24:24.639 --> 00:24:25.659
 in our hearts.

00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:28.000
 Just think about

00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:29.779
 what a painful experience

00:24:29.779 --> 00:24:31.079
 it is for a parent

00:24:31.079 --> 00:24:33.299
 to watch a child

00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:35.680
 neglect their input,

00:24:35.839 --> 00:24:36.980
 go out on their own,

00:24:38.740 --> 00:24:39.819
 deny their need

00:24:39.819 --> 00:24:40.579
 for a parent

00:24:40.579 --> 00:24:41.700
 to their own harm.

00:24:42.099 --> 00:24:43.079
 It hurts, doesn't it?

00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:44.759
 It hurts when they're

00:24:44.759 --> 00:24:45.759
 two years old

00:24:45.759 --> 00:24:46.680
 and they insist

00:24:46.680 --> 00:24:47.359
 on letting go

00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:48.119
 of your hand

00:24:48.119 --> 00:24:49.000
 and run off

00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:49.839
 and scrape their knee

00:24:49.839 --> 00:24:50.659
 on a rock.

00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:52.700
 It hurts when they're

00:24:52.700 --> 00:24:54.259
 22 and you refuse

00:24:54.259 --> 00:24:56.200
 to heed wise counsel

00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:57.720
 and fall into

00:24:57.720 --> 00:24:58.740
 bigger trouble.

00:24:58.740 --> 00:25:01.420
 But even in the midst

00:25:01.420 --> 00:25:03.620
 of that painful reality,

00:25:04.180 --> 00:25:04.880
 when the child

00:25:04.880 --> 00:25:05.980
 then sees

00:25:05.980 --> 00:25:07.440
 his need for help,

00:25:08.480 --> 00:25:09.200
 does the parent

00:25:09.200 --> 00:25:11.059
 laugh at the crying

00:25:11.059 --> 00:25:11.579
 two-year-old?

00:25:11.640 --> 00:25:11.839
 Ha!

00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:13.740
 Served you right!

00:25:13.940 --> 00:25:14.880
 Letting go of my hand!

00:25:15.940 --> 00:25:16.700
 Hope it hurts!

00:25:19.640 --> 00:25:20.859
 You ignore the call

00:25:20.859 --> 00:25:22.000
 from the police station,

00:25:23.180 --> 00:25:24.120
 tearfully crying,

00:25:24.259 --> 00:25:25.279
 somebody help me!

00:25:25.740 --> 00:25:26.160
 No.

00:25:26.160 --> 00:25:28.960
 You pick your child up

00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:29.860
 off the ground

00:25:29.860 --> 00:25:32.120
 or from the police station.

00:25:33.800 --> 00:25:34.860
 You might think

00:25:34.860 --> 00:25:35.840
 God would ignore you

00:25:35.840 --> 00:25:36.600
 after all your

00:25:36.600 --> 00:25:38.040
 self-reliance

00:25:38.040 --> 00:25:40.500
 and refusal to come

00:25:40.500 --> 00:25:41.980
 and dependence upon Him

00:25:41.980 --> 00:25:42.640
 and prayer

00:25:42.640 --> 00:25:44.340
 and He never hears from you,

00:25:44.740 --> 00:25:45.880
 but He won't.

00:25:46.600 --> 00:25:46.920
 In fact,

00:25:47.040 --> 00:25:47.800
 Deuteronomy 8

00:25:47.800 --> 00:25:48.420
 tells us

00:25:48.420 --> 00:25:49.400
 God sometimes

00:25:49.400 --> 00:25:51.160
 makes His people hungry

00:25:51.160 --> 00:25:53.600
 so that He can feed them.

00:25:53.599 --> 00:25:56.299
 so that He can remind us

00:25:56.299 --> 00:25:57.779
 that what we really need

00:25:57.779 --> 00:25:59.500
 is Him.

00:26:00.619 --> 00:26:02.639
 So far from putting us off,

00:26:03.559 --> 00:26:05.980
 over and over again,

00:26:06.399 --> 00:26:08.619
 our Father invites us

00:26:08.619 --> 00:26:10.019
 to prayer.

00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:11.719
 This last point

00:26:11.719 --> 00:26:12.419
 is really short,

00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:13.959
 but it's really important.

00:26:15.019 --> 00:26:15.419
 I want you to know

00:26:15.419 --> 00:26:16.399
 what your Father says.

00:26:16.639 --> 00:26:17.759
 Listen to a few invitations

00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:18.619
 God gives

00:26:18.619 --> 00:26:19.599
 in His Word

00:26:19.599 --> 00:26:21.459
 to His struggling children.

00:26:21.460 --> 00:26:23.000
 He says,

00:26:23.340 --> 00:26:24.980
 Abide in Me.

00:26:26.059 --> 00:26:28.559
 Ask Me for what you need

00:26:28.559 --> 00:26:30.980
 and you will bear much fruit.

00:26:32.400 --> 00:26:32.920
 He says,

00:26:33.000 --> 00:26:33.840
 Come to Me

00:26:33.840 --> 00:26:35.079
 when you're weary

00:26:35.079 --> 00:26:36.799
 and burdened

00:26:36.799 --> 00:26:38.920
 and you will find rest.

00:26:39.539 --> 00:26:40.079
 He says,

00:26:40.160 --> 00:26:41.340
 Call upon Me

00:26:41.340 --> 00:26:43.220
 and I will always

00:26:43.220 --> 00:26:44.680
 be near.

00:26:45.120 --> 00:26:45.579
 He says,

00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:46.620
 Call upon Me

00:26:46.620 --> 00:26:47.519
 in the day of trouble

00:26:47.519 --> 00:26:49.119
 and I will deliver you

00:26:49.119 --> 00:26:51.139
 and you will glorify Me.

00:26:51.660 --> 00:26:52.160
 He says,

00:26:52.319 --> 00:26:52.819
 Ask,

00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:54.119
 Seek,

00:26:54.819 --> 00:26:55.299
 Knock,

00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:57.139
 and I will answer.

00:26:59.319 --> 00:27:00.240
 Jesus says,

00:27:00.900 --> 00:27:01.660
 in the Lord's Prayer

00:27:01.660 --> 00:27:03.059
 that we prayed together earlier,

00:27:03.539 --> 00:27:04.980
 You call My Father

00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:06.859
 Your Father.

00:27:07.460 --> 00:27:08.480
 And then watch

00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:09.700
 and see and learn

00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:10.819
 what a gracious

00:27:10.819 --> 00:27:11.879
 and generous

00:27:11.879 --> 00:27:12.900
 Father

00:27:12.900 --> 00:27:14.480
 He is.

00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:16.259
 That's the invitation

00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:16.880
 to us

00:27:16.880 --> 00:27:18.019
 and the promise

00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:19.700
 of finding our Father

00:27:19.700 --> 00:27:21.940
 all sufficient.

00:27:22.519 --> 00:27:24.440
 Over and over again

00:27:24.440 --> 00:27:25.559
 to rebellious,

00:27:26.160 --> 00:27:27.460
 self-reliant people,

00:27:27.880 --> 00:27:28.380
 God says,

00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:29.240
 Climb up here

00:27:29.240 --> 00:27:30.079
 in My arms.

00:27:30.860 --> 00:27:31.880
 Tell Me about it.

00:27:32.099 --> 00:27:33.740
 I want to talk with you.

00:27:34.420 --> 00:27:36.420
 What a glorious relationship

00:27:36.420 --> 00:27:37.420
 we have

00:27:37.420 --> 00:27:38.559
 because Jesus

00:27:38.559 --> 00:27:39.559
 has lived

00:27:39.559 --> 00:27:40.640
 and died

00:27:40.640 --> 00:27:41.460
 to make us

00:27:41.460 --> 00:27:43.059
 sons and daughters

00:27:43.059 --> 00:27:44.640
 of God.

00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:48.180
 We say our relationship

00:27:48.180 --> 00:27:48.819
 with God

00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:49.640
 is one where

00:27:49.640 --> 00:27:50.920
 we remain

00:27:50.920 --> 00:27:52.440
 desperately needy

00:27:52.440 --> 00:27:54.240
 and He remains

00:27:54.240 --> 00:27:55.160
 gloriously

00:27:55.160 --> 00:27:56.420
 sufficient.

00:27:57.539 --> 00:27:58.660
 We repent

00:27:58.660 --> 00:27:59.960
 and He forgives.

00:28:00.279 --> 00:28:01.019
 We depend

00:28:01.019 --> 00:28:02.440
 and He provides.

00:28:04.180 --> 00:28:05.539
 Prayer is weak people

00:28:05.539 --> 00:28:06.680
 prevailing upon

00:28:06.680 --> 00:28:07.880
 a strong Father.

00:28:08.920 --> 00:28:09.920
 That's what it is

00:28:09.920 --> 00:28:10.600
 for us.

00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:12.740
 Prevailing upon

00:28:12.740 --> 00:28:13.700
 Him to do

00:28:13.700 --> 00:28:14.620
 mighty things

00:28:14.620 --> 00:28:15.680
 in and through

00:28:15.680 --> 00:28:16.900
 and in spite

00:28:16.900 --> 00:28:17.500
 of us.

00:28:19.019 --> 00:28:19.820
 Are you willing

00:28:19.820 --> 00:28:20.440
 to be weak

00:28:20.440 --> 00:28:21.840
 this morning?

00:28:22.600 --> 00:28:23.460
 To find your

00:28:23.460 --> 00:28:24.000
 Father

00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:25.279
 strong?

00:28:26.300 --> 00:28:27.440
 He loves

00:28:27.440 --> 00:28:28.580
 to do great things

00:28:28.580 --> 00:28:29.779
 to show Himself

00:28:29.779 --> 00:28:31.019
 glorious

00:28:31.019 --> 00:28:31.840
 as we

00:28:31.840 --> 00:28:32.779
 see our need

00:28:32.779 --> 00:28:33.160
 for Him

00:28:33.160 --> 00:28:34.160
 and look to Him

00:28:34.160 --> 00:28:34.900
 and He's inviting

00:28:34.900 --> 00:28:35.840
 all of us back

00:28:35.840 --> 00:28:36.400
 to Him

00:28:36.400 --> 00:28:37.680
 into His strong

00:28:37.680 --> 00:28:38.240
 arms

00:28:38.240 --> 00:28:39.200
 today.

00:28:40.779 --> 00:28:41.680
 Here's the picture

00:28:41.680 --> 00:28:42.340
 I want to leave us

00:28:42.340 --> 00:28:42.660
 with.

00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:44.460
 One of my favorite

00:28:44.460 --> 00:28:45.539
 things about being

00:28:45.539 --> 00:28:46.640
 a dad was when

00:28:46.640 --> 00:28:47.840
 my little baby

00:28:47.840 --> 00:28:48.920
 would curl up

00:28:48.920 --> 00:28:49.880
 on my chest

00:28:49.880 --> 00:28:51.640
 and sleep.

00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:53.400
 I could lie like

00:28:53.400 --> 00:28:54.400
 that for hours.

00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:56.259
 I just loved it

00:28:56.259 --> 00:28:56.940
 except now

00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:57.940
 my girls are all

00:28:57.940 --> 00:28:58.440
 a little bit

00:28:58.440 --> 00:29:00.140
 older than that.

00:29:00.500 --> 00:29:01.860
 Mostly past

00:29:01.860 --> 00:29:03.100
 that stage.

00:29:03.820 --> 00:29:04.200
 They think

00:29:04.200 --> 00:29:05.039
 they're big girls

00:29:05.039 --> 00:29:06.019
 who can

00:29:06.019 --> 00:29:07.259
 usually handle

00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:07.799
 life

00:29:07.799 --> 00:29:10.159
 except when

00:29:10.159 --> 00:29:10.519
 they get

00:29:10.519 --> 00:29:11.980
 sick enough.

00:29:13.259 --> 00:29:13.940
 Seen that before?

00:29:14.599 --> 00:29:15.159
 When they're

00:29:15.159 --> 00:29:16.500
 sad enough

00:29:16.500 --> 00:29:18.500
 needy enough

00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:19.879
 to ask

00:29:19.879 --> 00:29:20.659
 to be held

00:29:20.659 --> 00:29:22.619
 and curl up

00:29:22.619 --> 00:29:23.259
 in my arms.

00:29:23.879 --> 00:29:24.379
 A little bit bigger

00:29:24.379 --> 00:29:25.659
 but they just

00:29:25.659 --> 00:29:26.299
 want to be held

00:29:26.299 --> 00:29:27.279
 right there.

00:29:28.119 --> 00:29:28.359
 Listen

00:29:28.359 --> 00:29:29.680
 I am far

00:29:29.680 --> 00:29:30.559
 from a perfectly

00:29:30.559 --> 00:29:31.399
 loving Father.

00:29:31.400 --> 00:29:33.000
 I've never

00:29:33.000 --> 00:29:33.940
 said no to that.

00:29:34.519 --> 00:29:35.180
 Not once.

00:29:36.220 --> 00:29:36.480
 Yeah.

00:29:37.120 --> 00:29:37.780
 Yeah come here.

00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:38.600
 Come here.

00:29:38.660 --> 00:29:39.259
 Let me hold you.

00:29:39.259 --> 00:29:40.860
 Let me remind you

00:29:40.860 --> 00:29:41.759
 how much I love you.

00:29:41.860 --> 00:29:42.540
 Experience

00:29:42.540 --> 00:29:43.900
 my love

00:29:43.900 --> 00:29:44.900
 and comfort

00:29:44.900 --> 00:29:45.600
 again.

00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:46.480
 I never say

00:29:46.480 --> 00:29:48.220
 you're not my child

00:29:48.220 --> 00:29:48.820
 because you haven't

00:29:48.820 --> 00:29:49.580
 been in my arms

00:29:49.580 --> 00:29:51.100
 recently often enough.

00:29:52.940 --> 00:29:53.620
 No.

00:29:53.619 --> 00:29:54.799
 Neither does

00:29:54.799 --> 00:29:56.039
 our Heavenly Father.

00:29:56.219 --> 00:29:57.500
 We're His children

00:29:57.500 --> 00:29:58.519
 not because

00:29:58.519 --> 00:29:59.500
 we've been there

00:29:59.500 --> 00:30:00.459
 praying recently

00:30:00.459 --> 00:30:00.879
 enough

00:30:00.879 --> 00:30:01.799
 but because

00:30:01.799 --> 00:30:02.500
 in love

00:30:02.500 --> 00:30:03.739
 He sent His Son

00:30:03.739 --> 00:30:05.419
 for us.

00:30:07.419 --> 00:30:08.579
 So when I say

00:30:08.579 --> 00:30:09.000
 come here

00:30:09.000 --> 00:30:09.819
 and rest

00:30:09.819 --> 00:30:10.539
 and let me

00:30:10.539 --> 00:30:11.979
 care for you

00:30:11.979 --> 00:30:12.779
 and experience

00:30:12.779 --> 00:30:13.899
 my love again

00:30:13.899 --> 00:30:15.759
 I'm not happy

00:30:15.759 --> 00:30:16.539
 they're sick

00:30:16.539 --> 00:30:17.779
 for sure

00:30:17.779 --> 00:30:18.000
 but

00:30:18.000 --> 00:30:19.799
 I am happy

00:30:19.799 --> 00:30:20.759
 they're in my arms.

00:30:20.759 --> 00:30:23.619
 Our Heavenly Father

00:30:23.619 --> 00:30:24.400
 doesn't enjoy

00:30:24.400 --> 00:30:25.079
 our pain

00:30:25.079 --> 00:30:27.839
 our emptiness

00:30:27.839 --> 00:30:30.180
 our desperation

00:30:30.180 --> 00:30:33.579
 but He does enjoy

00:30:33.579 --> 00:30:35.039
 us leaning on Him.

00:30:37.319 --> 00:30:38.400
 I want us to do that

00:30:38.400 --> 00:30:38.839
 together

00:30:38.839 --> 00:30:39.819
 this morning.

00:30:40.660 --> 00:30:41.900
 We pray a lot

00:30:41.900 --> 00:30:43.299
 when we come to church.

00:30:43.759 --> 00:30:44.200
 One of the things

00:30:44.200 --> 00:30:44.980
 we don't do

00:30:44.980 --> 00:30:46.359
 particularly often

00:30:46.359 --> 00:30:46.900
 together

00:30:46.900 --> 00:30:48.079
 is kneel

00:30:48.079 --> 00:30:48.660
 in prayer.

00:30:48.660 --> 00:30:51.779
 it reminds us

00:30:51.779 --> 00:30:52.720
 tangibly

00:30:52.720 --> 00:30:53.380
 and physically

00:30:53.380 --> 00:30:54.300
 in some ways

00:30:54.300 --> 00:30:54.680
 of that

00:30:54.680 --> 00:30:56.000
 posture of

00:30:56.000 --> 00:30:56.480
 dependence

00:30:56.480 --> 00:30:57.259
 on leaning

00:30:57.259 --> 00:30:58.779
 on God

00:30:58.779 --> 00:30:59.259
 together.

00:30:59.620 --> 00:31:00.060
 Some of you

00:31:00.060 --> 00:31:00.900
 may not be able

00:31:00.900 --> 00:31:02.580
 to do that.

00:31:02.800 --> 00:31:03.320
 I understand

00:31:03.320 --> 00:31:04.440
 that's just fine.

00:31:04.960 --> 00:31:05.519
 You can bow

00:31:05.519 --> 00:31:06.320
 right where you are.

00:31:06.840 --> 00:31:07.360
 Some of you

00:31:07.360 --> 00:31:08.200
 may be able to

00:31:08.200 --> 00:31:08.720
 but you're going to

00:31:08.720 --> 00:31:09.080
 need to move

00:31:09.080 --> 00:31:09.680
 to the aisles

00:31:09.680 --> 00:31:10.400
 where there's carpet

00:31:10.400 --> 00:31:11.460
 instead of wood

00:31:11.460 --> 00:31:12.560
 and I get that too.

00:31:13.500 --> 00:31:14.880
 Feel free to do that.

00:31:14.940 --> 00:31:15.440
 But I want us

00:31:15.440 --> 00:31:16.480
 who are able

00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:17.460
 to kneel together

00:31:17.460 --> 00:31:18.019
 this morning

00:31:18.019 --> 00:31:18.819
 we're going to pray

00:31:18.819 --> 00:31:20.359
 a prayer on the screen

00:31:20.359 --> 00:31:20.819
 together

00:31:20.819 --> 00:31:21.420
 and then spend

00:31:21.420 --> 00:31:21.940
 some time

00:31:21.940 --> 00:31:22.539
 privately

00:31:22.539 --> 00:31:24.079
 praying and meditating

00:31:24.079 --> 00:31:25.440
 upon God's Word

00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:26.420
 before I close us

00:31:26.420 --> 00:31:26.879
 in prayer.

00:31:27.019 --> 00:31:27.519
 Would you kneel

00:31:27.519 --> 00:31:28.539
 with me as we pray?

00:31:36.539 --> 00:31:37.539
 Join me in prayer.

00:31:37.539 --> 00:31:40.339
 O God of grace,

00:31:40.539 --> 00:31:43.119
 the world is before us

00:31:43.119 --> 00:31:43.960
 this day

00:31:43.960 --> 00:31:45.899
 and we are weak

00:31:45.899 --> 00:31:46.799
 and fearful

00:31:46.799 --> 00:31:49.259
 but we look to you

00:31:49.259 --> 00:31:50.359
 for strength.

00:31:50.879 --> 00:31:52.759
 If we venture forth

00:31:52.759 --> 00:31:53.339
 alone

00:31:53.339 --> 00:31:54.839
 we stumble

00:31:54.839 --> 00:31:56.059
 and fall

00:31:56.059 --> 00:31:58.579
 but on the beloved's arms

00:31:58.579 --> 00:32:00.139
 we are firm

00:32:00.139 --> 00:32:01.879
 as the eternal hills.

00:32:01.880 --> 00:32:03.840
 we believe you

00:32:03.840 --> 00:32:05.780
 accept your word

00:32:05.780 --> 00:32:08.020
 submit to your will

00:32:08.020 --> 00:32:10.440
 rely on your promises

00:32:10.440 --> 00:32:13.140
 trust your providence.

00:32:13.900 --> 00:32:15.700
 We have cast our anchor

00:32:15.700 --> 00:32:17.900
 in the port of peace

00:32:17.900 --> 00:32:20.100
 knowing that present

00:32:20.100 --> 00:32:21.200
 and future

00:32:21.200 --> 00:32:23.780
 are in nail pierced hands.

00:32:24.460 --> 00:32:26.780
 We yield to your sovereignty

00:32:26.779 --> 00:32:28.940
 all that we are

00:32:28.940 --> 00:32:30.139
 and have

00:32:30.139 --> 00:32:31.839
 do with us

00:32:31.839 --> 00:32:33.079
 as you will.

00:32:34.680 --> 00:32:36.220
 For more information

00:32:36.220 --> 00:32:37.519
 visit us online

00:32:37.519 --> 00:32:38.819
 at southwood.org

00:32:38.819 --> 00:32:40.859
 or by conseguen

00:32:40.859 --> 00:32:42.200
 I use

00:32:42.200 --> 00:32:44.019
 a setting

00:32:45.419 --> 00:32:46.339
 I use

00:32:46.339 --> 00:32:46.539
 as you will

00:32:46.539 --> 00:32:47.980
 as you will

00:32:47.980 --> 00:32:48.220
 as you will

00:32:48.220 --> 00:32:49.299
 as you will

00:32:49.299 --> 00:32:50.299
 as you will

00:32:50.379 --> 00:32:50.899
 assist with us

00:32:50.919 --> 00:32:52.399
 and we will

00:32:52.399 --> 00:32:53.119
 see you

00:32:53.139 --> 00:32:53.439
 by following

00:32:53.439 --> 00:32:53.619
 follow

00:32:53.619 --> 00:32:54.339
 our new

00:32:54.339 --> 00:32:55.720
 service

00:32:55.720 --> 00:32:56.740
 and we will

00:32:56.740 --> 00:32:57.480
 6

00:32:57.480 --> 00:32:58.779
 will

00:32:58.799 --> 00:32:59.740
 work

00:32:59.759 --> 00:32:59.779
 in

00:32:59.859 --> 00:32:59.899
 the

00:32:59.899 --> 00:33:00.419
 service

00:33:00.419 --> 00:33:01.059
 and

00:33:01.059 --> 00:33:01.700
 the

00:33:01.700 --> 00:33:01.779
 first

00:33:01.779 --> 00:33:02.220
 are

00:33:02.220 --> 00:33:02.599
 looked

00:33:02.599 --> 00:33:03.119
ished

00:33:03.759 --> 00:33:04.619
 and

00:33:04.619 --> 00:33:05.359
もう

00:33:05.859 --> 00:33:07.299
 coupe