Sermon Summary

This week, Pastor Chris began a new series on prayer for the new year. Chris said that we can expect breakthrough by orchestrating our lives around prayer and communion with Jesus. When we have true revelation of who God the Father is, we will see dynamic change in how we communicate with him. Pastor Chris sought to answer what prayer is and more importantly, what it looks like to pray like Jesus. 

Micah 2:13 (NIV84)

13 One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their king will pass through before them, the Lord at their head.”

Four Truths About Prayer

Prayer is:

  1. A get to, not have to. 
  2. Burden lifting, not burden giving. 
  3. More about moving our heart, less about moving God’s heart. 
  4. Builds up, does not beat down. 

Matthew 18:1–3 (ESV)

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 18:15–17 (ESV)

15 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

The Secret to Prayer is having a right perspective of the Father.

Luke 11:1–2 (ESV)

1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. 

 “A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” Billy Graham

“Fatherhood turns out to be a complex and unique phenomenon with huge consequences for the emotional and intellectual growth of children.” Psychology Today

Mark 14:36 (ESV)

36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Romans 8:14–16 (ESV)

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

The 2 Oars of Prayer: 

  1. You know who God is and how He feels about you.
  2. You speak with Him and invite Him into every part of your life.

Pharaoh or Father?

Galatians 4:6–7 (ESV)

6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

God as Pharaoh                                                         God as Father
Uses youBlesses you
Serve themServes you
Motivates by fearMotivates by love
Beats downBuilds up
No grace for an inheritanceFull grace for an inheritance

Slave or Son?

Romans 8:14–16 (ESV)

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Slave                                                                                   Son
Controlling relationshipLoving relationship
PowerlessEmpowered
Works-based lifestyleGrace-based lifestyle
Forever out of the familyForever in the family

“For these three things I pray: To see thee more clearly, to love thee more dearly, to follow thee more nearly.” Richard of Chichester

Revelation 2:4-5

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” 

Discussion Questions

  1. How can a legalistic mindset disrupt our prayer lives?
  2. Pastor Chris said our prayer should be childlike. What is the difference between being childish and childlike in prayer? 
  3. What is the secret to prayer according to Pastor Chris?
  4. Have you ever fallen prey to seeing God like a Pharoah rather than a Father? Why do we fall into this trap? How can we get out of it?

Application Questions

  1. Answer honestly this week: do you know who God is and how He feels about you? Share your answer with a friend.
  2. Take some time to speak with God personally this week and invite Him into every part of your life. Be intentional in your relationship and communication with Jesus this week.