Sermon Tone Analysis

Historical Context

Today’s message…this model prayer…this elementary teaching from Jesus to his disciples then and now; must be taken with the Crucifixion and Resurrection in view.

This occurs in what is described as Jesus’ Northern Ministry while he’s moving around Caesarea Phiippi, Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee.

He will minister in Judea and Perea before he enters Jerusalem for the final time.

In the timeline of Jesus’ ministry, this falls

after the Good Samaritan parable, “who is my neighbor”.

(profound teaching)

right after Mary & Martha’s encounter.

Two personality types focused on different aspects of worship.

just before the rejection of him as Messiah begins to ramp up from more than just the Pharisees.

I wanted you to know that because that’s where we are now…Next week is Palm Sunday - the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem and the following week is the culmination of his Passion - His resurrection.

Background

Scripture records that Jesus was a man of prayer.

Process that: the Son of God, the Word of God with flesh on, had a prayer life that the disciples wanted to know more about.

Though we don’t have record of the content of many of his prayers…we know that they moved the disciples significantly…so much so that one of His disciples asks the astounding question, “Lord, would you teach us to pray.”

(Luke records) they had seen him pray...

at his Baptism (Luke 3:21)

at the choosing of His disciples (Luke 6.12)

alone (Luke 5.16, Luke 9.18)

with people around (Luke 9:28-29)

Later, he would pray

for Simon (Luke 22:32)

before his betrayal in the garden (Luke 22:40)

on the cross Luke 23:46)

When the disciple made this request, I don’t think it’s because he had never prayed before.

Prayer was a regular part of Hebrew tradition and expressions of worship.

But there was something so distinct, so personal, so kingdom-oriented about the way Jesus prayed, he knew he didn’t have the fundamentals down from Christ if he wanted to touch Heaven like Christ did.

By the way - If you see someone disciplined in an area that you need help in, you should go to that person and say, “hey, can you teach me anything about that?” That’s the beauty of this multi-generational church we call West Cabarrus.

Stephen Hooks writes, “A surprising number of Christians never do develop a healthy prayer life.

Prayer is often reduced to little more than a polite formality before meals, or a hasty word at the end of the day, or a last resort, when they have nowhere else to turn.”

Transition

We have a command from God to pray.

We have a need to pray to spend time with our Father, and petition Him for the things He’s told us to ask for.

Jesus has the prescription.

He has given all the components necessary to transform our prayer life, to remold our minds, the shape our worldview, to set a watch over our lips and a guard over our tongue, to set the stage for revival…

Are you intrigued?

Mom / Dad - does your prayer life need life?

Student - do you want to be a part of something bigger than what you currently know now?

Brother / Sister - if every prayer you prayed in the last 30 days was answered,

would God’s Kingdom be advanced any?

would there be any new Christians?

would there be less unreached people groups?

would Jesus have come back?

OR would just have more stuff, less stress, no suffering, and an even better lot in life?

I’m not saying that to be harsh…but church, we need to pray together.

Personally / West Cabarrus -

Our friend, our brother needs healing.

Our missionaries need love and support.

We have never been in this situation before NOR have we ever had an opportunity like this before.

Your pastors are leading as a team like never before.

This time is so strategic,

we need missionaries and pastors called and sent from this congregation,

we want to see families restored through this congregation

we want to see children and students radically saved and equipped to reach their friends with the Gospel fo Jesus Christ

there are defenseless babies lives at stake that God will use this congregation to stand in the gap for

we need stronger burdens for those around us that need Jesus

we need personal revival so that we can be spent for the Lord’s pleasure.

we need corporate revival at WCC!

WE NEED TO PRAY.

On behalf of your pastors, I am calling the church to prayer this week.

If you’re our guest this morning, yes…this feels like family business.

But it’s bigger than that - this is the way Jesus prescribed for everyone to pray.

There are some important elements that should mark all Christians prayer life everywhere.

You are in the right place!

If you happen to be here this morning and don’t yet know Jesus Christ - the only God - as your Savior and Lord, stay with me.

This is for you too…I’ll show you how in just a few moments.

You are in the right place!

BACK TO TEXT...

THE FIRST LESSON FROM THE TEACHER OF PRAYER 101.

1.

Your Name is Higher!

Father, hallowed be your name.

- Your Name is Higher

Prayer 101: Prayer starts with worship.

It recognizes that our God and King is stronger, mightier, bigger, better, Higher.

Esther soaked in oils for weeks and weeks for one night with the King.

BGEA prepped for days and days because former presidents would be on the property.

They had the names, Drivers License #s and SS#s of everyone working the event.

Jesus is instructing us start with worship and humility in prayer!

…before we even get to list our requests!

2. Your Will is Better!

“Father, Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.”

His will involves submission.

His will calls for the salvation of souls!

His will will advance the Gospel!

His will may take us through suffering.

His will invokes faith:

God’s will starts with your relationship with him.

It starts with the Great Commandment:

and bleeds into the Great Commission:

HIS WILL IS BETTER

because it’s His not ours - He’s perfect and knows everything.

because it’s about others, not just us.

because it will lead us places that we would normally avoid - even painful places - but it is for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose.

3.

Your Provision is Enough.

“Father, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread,”

PERSONALLY

Give us what we need…not more than that.