How To Pray
Difficulty in Prayer
March 24, 2024 • Matt Burks • Matthew 26:36–46
Join us for a powerful reflection on the profound challenges and rewards of prayer, inspired by Jesus' agonizing prayer in the garden of Gethsemane as depicted in Matthew 26:36-46. As we conclude our series on prayer, we delve into the raw honesty, struggle, and persistence required in our prayer lives. Key Themes: 1. Complete Honesty: Explore the necessity of honesty in our prayer lives, challenging cultural norms that equate transparency with weakness and embracing vulnerability before God. 2. The Struggle of Prayer: Delve into the weight and significance of Jesus' prayer, acknowledging the struggles we face in prayer and the courage required to surrender our will to God's. 3. Persistence in Prayer: Learn from Jesus' example of persistent prayer, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and continually seeking God's will and presence. 4. Facing Disappointment: Reflect on the reality that even Jesus experienced disappointment from those closest to Him, highlighting the humanity of our Savior and the comfort found in His empathy. Why Pray? Prayer not only prepares us for the challenges ahead but strengthens our spirit to face life's storms with courage and resilience. By cultivating a deep, intimate relationship with God through prayer, we equip ourselves to navigate life's trials with faith and trust in His providence. Don't miss this transformative message that will inspire you to embrace the hard work of prayer, drawing closer to God and experiencing the abundant life He promises. Join us as we discover the profound beauty and power of authentic, persistent prayer.
Unshakeable Confidence
March 17, 2024 • Caleb Oliver • Acts 4:23–31
Join us for a powerful journey through Acts 4:23-31 as we delve into the profound significance of the Church's response to resistance against the Gospel. In a world rife with opposition to Jesus, it's crucial for believers to embody unshakeable confidence in the sovereignty of our Lord. Key Highlights: 1. Turning to Community: Explore the pivotal role of genuine faith in seeking support, comfort, and encouragement from the community of believers amidst trials and opposition. 2. The Sovereignty of God: Witness the Church's prayer, beginning with an affirmation of God's sovereignty, acknowledging His total control and authority over all creation. 3. The Crucifixion of Christ: Unravel the profound implications of Jesus' crucifixion in light of God's eternal plan and sovereign authority, as depicted in Psalm 2. How to Pray as a Church: 1. Focus on God's Work: Learn to prioritize conversations with God about His sovereign actions rather than fixating solely on visible circumstances. 2. Pray for Spiritual Empowerment: Discover the transformative power of praying for the infilling of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to boldly proclaim the Word of God amidst opposition. Join us in embracing unshakeable confidence in the face of adversity, as we learn to trust in the sovereignty and power of our Almighty God. Don't miss this empowering message that will equip you to stand firm in faith and proclaim the Gospel with boldness.
From Character to Works
March 10, 2024 • Brannen Padgett • Psalm 135:1–18
Join us in today's profound exploration of Prayers of Thanksgiving, inspired by Psalm 135. In a year dedicated to the deepening of our prayer lives, understanding this transformative practice becomes crucial. 1. Command to Praise: Delve into the ancient call to praise God, not confined to the elite but extended to all, marking the sacred journey of gratitude. 2. Character and Works Connection: Uncover the seamless link between the character of God and His mighty works. Learn how acknowledging who God is enhances gratitude for what He has done. 3. Evidences of Grace: Explore the essence of true thankfulness. Grasp the power of shedding entitled perspectives and discover the beauty of finding evidences of grace in every facet of life. How to Pray Thanksgiving: 1. Connect Character with Works: Learn the art of aligning God's character with His deeds, understanding the profound harmony between who God is and what He accomplishes. 2. Evidences of Grace: Cultivate a heart of gratitude by discarding entitlement. Find joy in recognizing and celebrating God's grace in every aspect of your life. Transform your prayer life from routine to profound.
Whispers in the Silence
February 25, 2024 • Matt Burks • 1 Samuel 3:1–10
Ever felt like your prayers are a one-sided conversation? Today's sermon, based on 1 Samuel 3:1-10, explores the essence of "Listening to God in Prayer." Dive into the realization that prayer is not a task but a relationship to be passionately pursued. Key Insights: Prayer as Relationship: Unpack the misconception that a thriving relationship with God can be instantly microwaved. Instead, discover the beauty of prayer as a journey, not a mere task. Questions for Self-Reflection: Ask yourself crucial questions about your relationship with God. Are you actively listening? Are there areas of disobedience? Is impatience or distraction hindering your connection? Practical Practice: Embrace a transformative practice. Dedicate 15 minutes daily to prayer, scripture reading, and moments of sacred silence. Discover the Joy of Listening: Realize that in the silence, God often speaks. Understand the nuances of hearing God's whispers amidst life's noise.
Navigating Silence
February 18, 2024 • Austin Nesvacil • Psalm 22:1–2, Mark 15:34, Psalm 44:23–24
Ever felt like your prayers are met with silence? This week's message is a continuation from last week’s message. Join us for an honest exploration of those moments when God appears distant or unresponsive. Together, we'll delve into the raw emotions expressed in Psalms, Job, and Lamentations, realizing that even in the silence, our faith can be resilient. Key Points: Biblical Echoes of Silence: Explore poignant verses in Psalms, Job, and Lamentations that mirror the human experience of feeling abandoned or unheard. Struggling Like Believers: Acknowledge the struggles without letting them define your faith. Wrestling with God is a biblical response, but we can't linger in seasons of silence. Remembering Who God Is: Instead of asking where God is, remember who God is. Reflect on the revealed care of God through Jesus and find hope in the midst of silence. Finding Hope in Silence: This isn't about blind trust; it's about remembering the God who has walked among us, struggled like us, and provides unshakable hope. Let's navigate these moments of silence together and discover practices that strengthen our faith. Practical Steps: Give God What You've Got: In seasons of silence, don't hold back. Offer God your honest struggles, fears, and doubts. Remember Who God Is: Ground yourself in the truth of God's character, revealed through Jesus. Don't Lose Heart: Even in the silence, don't lose heart. The God who walked in our shoes understands and offers hope beyond understanding.
Unlocking the Mystery of Unanswered Prayers
February 11, 2024 • Brannen Padgett • John 14:12–14
Have you ever wondered why some prayers seem to go unanswered? Join us for today's powerful message, grounded in John 14:12-14, as we unravel the mysteries behind prayers that seemingly remain unheard. Let's navigate the nuances together and discover the transformative power of aligned doctrine, pure motives, repentance, and unwavering faith. Key Points: * Wrong Doctrine: Understand the importance of directing prayers to the right source. Align your beliefs with the biblical truth to enhance the effectiveness of your prayers. * Wrong Motive: Explore the significance of praying with motives that glorify God. Learn from biblical examples how God responds when our intentions align with His glory. * Sin: Reflect on the role of sin in hindering prayer. Address the crucial question: "Do I have unconfessed and unrepentant sin in my life?" * Lack of Faith: Examine the impact of faith on prayer. Challenge yourself with the question: "Do I truly believe that God could intervene in my situation?" Facing Disappointment? Don't Give Up! If you've experienced the frustration of seemingly unanswered prayers, this message is for you. Discover practical insights and biblical truths that encourage perseverance and strengthen your connection with God. Our Response: As we explore these aspects, remember that the journey of prayer is an ongoing conversation with God. Even in the face of disappointment, don't give up. Embrace the transformative power of aligned doctrine, pure motives, repentance, and unwavering faith.
Intercession Unveiled
February 4, 2024 • Brannen Padgett • Exodus 32:1–14
Join us for a transformative journey into the heart of intercession in this week's sermon, inspired by Exodus 32:1-14. As a church, we're committed to reorienting our lives around prayer, and this week, we explore the profound act of standing in the gap for others. In our ongoing series on prayer, we've explored adoration and petition. Today, we delve into the transformative power of intercession—praying not for ourselves but on behalf of others. Moses, in Exodus, serves as a powerful example of interceding for a community in need. Intercession is a selfless act of intervention in prayer. It's standing in the gap, recognizing the deficits, struggles, and needs of others, and bringing them before the Lord. It's a powerful and loving act that acknowledges our dependence on God's power and grace in every situation. Discover the diverse scope of intercession—beyond praying for one another. From the sick to pastors, leaders, political figures, enemies, and the prodigal, our prayers can bridge gaps and bring transformative change. Practical Steps: Ask Others: Engage in collective intercession by seeking prayer requests from those around you. Create a List: Form a dedicated list of individuals and situations that need intercession. Be Persistent: Intercession is a journey, not a one-time event. Be persistent and faithful in your prayers. Share this message with friends and family as we explore the art of intercession together. Our prayers have the power to bring healing, reconciliation, and transformation.
The Power of Petition
January 28, 2024 • Brannen Padgett • Luke 11:1–13
Join us for a profound exploration of prayer in today's message centered on petition, inspired by Luke 11:1-13. The disciples, already well-versed in the intricacies of prayer, sensed a distinctive quality in Jesus' approach. Let's delve into the depth and power of prayers of petition. Scripture Insights: In the opening verses, Jesus imparts a prayer model that challenges conventional approaches. The subsequent parable about neighbors and bread unfolds a lesson on the persistence and expectancy embedded in petitionary prayer. Understanding Petition: Discover the essence of petitionary prayers—those heartfelt requests to God for intervention and help. Jesus emphasizes that prayer is not just about what we get but, fundamentally, about who we become in the process. The Power of Persistence: Jesus encourages us to persist in our petitions with the vivid imagery of asking, seeking, and knocking. The present, active imperative verbs signify continuous, ongoing action. Our prayers become a declaration of dependence on God, recognizing that He is the ultimate provider. Reflect and Engage: Take a moment to reflect: What are you currently petitioning God for? In moments of difficulty, remember the persistent neighbor who sought bread at midnight. Keep coming to God with your struggles and trust in His provision. Your One: Consider this: Who is your "One"? Who in your life needs the transformative power of the Gospel? Engage with someone who is yet to know the Good News, and let your prayers extend to their salvation.
Adoration Unveiled
January 21, 2024 • Matt Burks • Matthew 6:9–13, Psalm 73:1–5, Psalm 73:16–17, Psalm 73:23–28
Join us for Week 3 of our transformative series, "How To Pray," as we delve into the essence of adoration. In a world filled with distractions and competing affections, we're challenged to ask ourselves, "What do we truly adore?" Key Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13 guides us into the heart of adoration, unveiling the significance of hallowing the name of God. Jesus, in teaching us how to pray, places adoration at the forefront, urging us to treat the Divine as sacred and ultimate. Exploring Adoration: Adoration is more than a ritual; it's a healing balm for our hearts, dispelling the misconception that God's provision is limited. By putting the hallow first, we align our priorities with the sacred, acknowledging the supreme importance of God's name in our lives. Overcoming Barriers: Distraction, a prevalent challenge in our culture, often leads to disillusionment. We'll confront the barriers to adoration and discover the profound impact of consistent prayer on our ability to truly adore the Almighty. Self-Reflection Questions: In moments of solitude, what captures your thoughts and dreams? How consistent is your prayer life, and what might be hindering your adoration of God? Weekly Practice: Embark on a simple yet powerful practice this week. Three times a day, express gratitude to God with a heartfelt "Thank you for this moment." As attention leads to adoration, let's intentionally give God the attention He deserves.
Embracing Silence & Solitude
January 14, 2024 • Brannen Padgett • Luke 4:1–2, Luke 4:40–42, Luke 5:15–16, Luke 6:12, Luke 22:39–44
In the midst of our bustling lives and the noise of the world, there's a profound yet often overlooked aspect of prayer – Silence & Solitude. Join us in our ongoing prayer series as we uncover the powerful role that moments of quiet and seclusion played in the prayer life of Jesus. Key Scriptures Explored: Before Public Ministry: Luke 4:1-2 Beginning of Public Ministry: Luke 4:40-42 & Luke 5:15-16 Before Choosing Disciples: Luke 6:12 Ending of Ministry: Luke 22:39-44 Understanding Solitude: Solitude is not a mere isolation but a purposeful withdrawal to offer undivided attention to the Father. Jesus, our ultimate example, consistently sought moments of solitude amidst the demands of his earthly ministry. Exploring Silence: Discover the profound connection between solitude and silence. External silence, distancing from the noise around us, and internal silence, quieting the clamor within, create an environment for meaningful communion with God. Encouragements for Your Journey: Seize the Start of the Day: Begin your day with a sacred pause, setting the tone for focused communion. Allow a Moment to Focus: Carve out intentional breaks to refocus your attention on the Divine. Keep Your Prayer Journal Close: Document your thoughts and revelations, creating a tangible record of your journey. Ask the Lord Questions: Engage in a dialogue with God, seeking His guidance and wisdom. Join us for an insightful exploration of Silence & Solitude, essential elements that can elevate your prayer life. Whether you're a seasoned prayer warrior or just starting, these timeless practices can bring depth and richness to your communion with God.
Unveiling the Power of Prayer
January 7, 2024 • Brannen Padgett • 2 Kings 20:1–3, 2 Kings 19
In a world filled with skepticism, technological advances, prosperity, and time pressures, the practice of prayer can face numerous challenges. Join us for a transformative exploration of the profound impact of prayer, drawing insights from the life of King Hezekiah as narrated in 2 Kings 19-20. Key Themes Explored: • Prayer Changes Situations: Witness the remarkable shifts in circumstances when prayer takes center stage in our lives. • Prayer Changes Us: Discover the transformative power of prayer on our hearts, minds, and perspectives. • Prayer Changes Everything: Explore the profound and holistic impact that a dedicated prayer life can have on our existence. Challenges Addressed: • Advances in Science and Technology: Embrace a new paradigm that values the spiritual alongside scientific understanding. • Skepticism: Navigate through doubt and uncertainty, discovering the authenticity of prayer in a skeptical world. • Prosperity: Uncover the sincerity of praying for daily needs even in times of abundance. • Time Pressures: Learn to prioritize prayer amidst the hustle, understanding that it can be the anchor in a busy life. Join Us in this Journey of Prayer: Whether you're a seasoned prayer warrior or exploring the beauty of prayer for the first time, this message is for you. Let's delve into the timeless wisdom of King Hezekiah's life and discover the incredible potential that prayer holds for each of us. Let's embark on a journey of transformation through the power of prayer. Don't miss out – invite your friends and family to join us on this enriching exploration!