Scripture References: Hebrews 4:14-16 (Main Text) 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, Matthew 6 (MSG), Habakkuk 3:2, Hebrews 5:7-9
Intro: (Podcast Sermon Title Suggestion: Let Us Draw Near: Why We Pray)
- Greeting & opening reading: Hebrews 4:14-16.
- Announcing a new sermon series on Prayer running until summer.
- Why focus on prayer? Need to digest one spiritual discipline deeply after last year's "Holy Habits." Prayer is foundational – it's about relating to God and affects everything (work, home, impact).
- Hebrews 4 invites us: "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence..."
Key Points:
- Prayer is Human & Essential:
- Life is precarious (Latin precarius -> prayer). We pray because we sense fragility (illness, loss, market shifts).
- Everyone prays instinctively (examples: Dave Grohl, atheist mother giving thanks). It's the soul's native language.
- Crucially for Christians: Jesus modeled a life of prayer. To follow Him requires prayer; it's not optional. Prayerlessness is not okay.
- "Let Us" Draw Near Together:
- "Let us" signifies corporate invitation. Prayer isn't just for "professionals" or "prayer warriors."
- It's a call for all of us, together, front-to-back, to draw near to God.
- There's power in the prayers of many (Paul's testimony in 2 Cor 1:11).
- Draw Near to God, Not Formulas:
- The goal isn't prayer itself, but drawing near to God. Prayer is the means, relationship is the end.
- Focus on God, not the act of praying. Keep it simple, real, and keep it up.
- Jesus taught simple prayer (Lord's Prayer). Pray what you can/have, not what you think you ought.
- Prayer isn't a machine that "works/doesn't work" based on getting stuff. It's communication in a relationship. Reframe frustration – work on relating honestly.
- God desires our real presence, not performance prayer. Honesty brings intimacy.
- Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence:
- Start prayer by looking up to God on His throne, acknowledging His position and character, not starting with our problems.
- His throne is one of grace (unmerited favor). Access isn't based on performance, but need (weary, heavy-laden invited).
- Confidence comes because Jesus is our Great High Priest: He empathizes with our weakness, tempted yet sinless (Heb 4:15).
- Our confidence/boldness stems from His record (righteousness), not ours (Heb 5:7-9).
Conclusion:
- We approach God's throne not to become "good at prayer," but to receive mercy and find grace for our time of need.
- Our confidence rests entirely on Jesus our High Priest.
Call to Action:
- Engage with this prayer series.
- Join corporate prayer times (Tuesdays 6am, 12pm, 5pm in March).
- Commit to praying sooner, stronger, and with more boldness.
- Seek God Himself through prayer, asking questions and desiring closeness.
- Keep it simple, keep it real, keep it up. Let's grow together.
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