As we embark on a new year, we're called to rekindle our passion for God through prayer and dependence on Him. The sermon delves into Psalm 51, David's heartfelt prayer of repentance, as a model for rekindling our own spiritual fervor. We're reminded that true, lasting passion comes from a life deeply connected with God. The message emphasizes four key elements in David's prayer: desperation for God's mercy, recognition of our sin, requests for cleansing and renewal, and a commitment to teach others. This psalm challenges us to examine our own hearts, asking God to search us and lead us in the way everlasting. As we reflect on David's journey from apathy to renewed passion, we're encouraged to depend wholly on God, finding joy in His salvation and allowing Him to create clean hearts within us. This message is a powerful call to move beyond complacency and surrender fully to God's majesty, recognizing that our time on earth is short and our ultimate purpose is to engage with our Creator and Redeemer.

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some suggested relevant verses for key themes:

Explicitly Mentioned:

Psalm 51 (main text for the sermon)

Psalm 84:1-2

Isaiah 26:8-9

Matthew 6:21

Romans 12:11

Colossians 3:23

Nehemiah 1 (referenced from previous week's sermon)

1 Samuel (general reference to David's early life)

Psalm 139:23-24

James (general reference to life being a vapor)

Alluded to:

Exodus 12 (reference to hyssop and Passover)

Suggested Relevant Verses for Main Themes:

On Prayer and Seeking God:

Jeremiah 29:13

Matthew 7:7-8

Philippians 4:6-7

On Repentance and Restoration:

2 Chronicles 7:14

Acts 3:19

1 John 1:9

On Passion for God:

Deuteronomy 6:5

Psalm 42:1-2

Revelation 3:15-16

On Dependence on God:

Proverbs 3:5-6

John 15:5

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

On Joy in Salvation:

Psalm 51:12 (mentioned in the sermon)

Isaiah 12:3

Romans 15:13

On Fasting and Spiritual Discipline:

Matthew 6:16-18

Isaiah 58:6-7

Acts 13:2-3

These verses align with the main themes of passion for God, prayer, repentance, and spiritual renewal discussed in the sermon.

Key Points:

- True, lasting passion comes from a life connected with God.

- Prayer is essential for developing and maintaining spiritual passion.

- Recognizing and acknowledging our sins and God's goodness is crucial for spiritual renewal.

- We must depend on God to create a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us.

- The joy of salvation can be restored through humble prayer and seeking God.

- Our purpose as believers is to teach others about God's ways and lead sinners back to Him.

Scripture Reference:

Psalm 51 (primary focus)

Additional references: Psalm 84:1-2, Isaiah 26:8-9, Matthew 6:21, Romans 12:11, Colossians 3:23, Psalm 139:23-24