Foundations: Prayer - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study.

Intro: (1) “foundations” series (2) reasons we don’t pray — doesn’t work, don’t feel like it, no time, not worthy, petty concerns, don’t know how (3) seven reasons to pray (4) necessity of person/work of Christ

Seven Reasons to Pray
1. Prayer connects us with God (James 1:5, 4:2-3): (1) apart from God we operate with faulty wisdom and desires — creates relational chaos (2) horizontal health flows from vertical health
2. Prayer lets us be ourselves (Ps. 109): (1) v.1-2 — exposure to evil (2) v.6-9 — anger (3) v.21-22 — weakness (4) v.30-31 — relief, gratitude (5) life a repeating cycle of these
3. Prayer protects us from sin (Colossians 2:6-8,15): (1) prayer grows us in that in which we are rooted (2) threat of competing views/perspectives (3) from what temptation do you need protection?
4. Prayer provides supernatural perspective (1 Peter 5:6-8): (1) continuing protection theme (2) God cares about us and makes it possible to experience him (4) God involved in mundane daily things
5. Prayer transforms us (Mk. 9:20-24): (1) request is granted, but the father is also changed (2) v.24 good place to start (3) honesty about where/how we need change (4) promise of 2 Cor. 3:18
6. Prayer brings peace (Phil. 4:6-7): (1) what robs you of peace and how does this manifest itself? Anger? Withdrawal? Worry? (2) “thanksgiving” caveat — thanking God for what robs us of peace
7. Prayer prepares us for Christ’s return (1 Peter 4:7): (1) proper “end times” theology is reflected in prioritizing prayer (2) this creates healthy biblical community (cf. v.8-10) as a witness to Christ

 
Conclusion: (1) practical ideas — ACTS, Psalms, worship guide and Friday email, shepherding group, pair with fasting, prayer service (2) notecards