Month: August 2022

The Upper Room Prayer

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Hello again! Today, Pastor Alan taught about John 17, what is known as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. To listen to this wonderful message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included Pastor’s outline and links to Scripture he references. Enjoy!

The Upper Room Prayer

John 17

I. Introduction

  • Matthew 6:5-8 tells us that prayer is not to be done to draw attention to oneself.
  • Luke 18:9-14 reminds us that prayer is to be done in a humble and contrite spirit.
  • Prayer is to reorient our priorities toward God, not toward self.
  • Timothy Keller noted that all the prayers in the Psalms fall into two categories: 1) a desire for oneness with God; enjoying His presence (Psalm 27:4). 2) a desire/inner struggle for the kingdom of God to come & God’s will to be done vs. doing what I want to do. Think of the Lord’s Prayer (the Model Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13). How do we hallow God’s name? We approach Him with a sense of awe/reverence.
  • The Westminster Confession: Our primary purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Prayer involves both of these aspects and more, but never less.

II. What Jesus Prayed For

  1. He prayed that God the Father might glorify Him so that He would glorify the Father.
    • We are to pray that God is glorified (vs. 1-5).
    • How can we pray so that God is honored, admired, and valued (i.e., glorified)?
      • We acknowledge His authority and power, especially in giving eternal life. (v. 2) What is eternal life? (v. 3)
      • We acknowledge His completed work of salvation. (v. 4)
      • We acknowledge His eternal existence & current position of intercession. (v. 5)
  2. He prayed in relationship to His disciples (vs. 6-19).
    • He acknowledges the work of the Word in their lives and their obedience. (vs. 7-9)
    • He prays for their safety and unity. (vs. 10-12, 14-15)
    • He prays for their completed joy. (v. 13)
    • He prays for them as they are in the world that they would be set apart in truth. (vs. 16-19)
  3. He prayed for future believers (vs. 20-26).
    • He prays for a unity based on His indwelling presence. (vs. 20-23)
    • He prays for our eternal destination. (v. 24)
    • He prays that we are filled with His quality of love that comes from Him being in us. (v. 26)

Conclusion: The emphasis of Christ’s prayer is broadly the two main focuses of prayer: God to be glorified and for us to be one with God.

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller

Contact info: Dr. Alan Brock, albrock.ab@gmail.com, www.Summit40.com

Prayer

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Good evening! I’m trying (again) to get caught up, so this message was actually from last Sunday. Pastor Alan was out of town, and we were blessed to have Terry speak to us about prayer. He focused on Matthew 27:50-53. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included notes with links to verses that Terry references in his lesson. Enjoy!

Prayer

Matthew 27:45-56

When the veil tore (v. 51), it was the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. We now have access to God (Hebrews 4:16).

We must pray through the Son, not in our own power. After all, He is the gate (John 10:9) and the Way (John 14:6), etc.

We pray to unload our burdens (1 Peter 5:7).

Jesus taught that prayer should not be a show for others but communication with the Father (Matthew 6:5-8).

We are to be in constant communication with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

God will supply all of our needs, if we ask (Philippians 4:19).

But we have to ask of the Father in Jesus’ name. He will provide, if our desires are aligned to His will (John 16:23).

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us that if we:

  1. Trust in the Lord with all our hearts AND
  2. Lean not on our own understanding AND
  3. Acknowledge Him/submit to Him in all our ways…

Then He will make our paths straight.

Remember, broad is the way to hell, but narrow is the road to heaven (Matthew 7:13-14).

God has given every one of us a measure of faith. Where are we putting that faith? In myself? Money? Family? Friends? or God?

Wherever we are at with the Lord, He wants us to go deeper, higher, than we ever thought possible.