PRAYER: In Harmony
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· 28 views2022 Series on Biblical Spiritual Disciplines.
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He said to them, “It is written, my house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves!”
INTRO—
INTRO—
What is the primary focus you hear in Matthew 21.13?
Matthew 21.13 “He said to them, “It is written, my house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves!””
Often = “you are making it a den of thieves”
Needs to be = “my house will be called a house of prayer”
The challenge…we might be intimidated by praying together, especially out loud in front of others (everybody).
I don’t sound exactly like _________. Well, I think it’s more about harmony than it is complete unison (uniformity)!
Harmony… [video Eagles’ “Hole in the World” harmony video]
PRAYING TOGETHER: About That...
PRAYING TOGETHER: About That...
Matthew 21.13 “He said to them, “It is written, my house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves!””
Mark 11.17 “He was teaching them: “Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of thieves!””
Luke 19.46 “and he said, “It is written, my house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves!””
Isaiah 56.7 “I will bring them to my holy mountain and let them rejoice in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.””
Acts 2.42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.”
THEY
DEVOTED = personally persevere obstinately (“the ones being perseveringly obstinate”)
PRAYING TOGETHER: Let’s Do This...
PRAYING TOGETHER: Let’s Do This...
For the next couple of weeks (or so) we are engaging ourselves in a concentrated effort in living out, exemplifying Matthew 21.13.
We are going to focus on us as a church, the need of our moment, seeking God’s will for us (…& don’t be surprised when this type of emphasis shows up for us at various times in the future).
We will be praying together (not just talking about praying/praying together) in small groups and as the congregation assembled.
[talking about cues given, time on each focus, need to remain respectfully quiet if your group finishes before others]
This week, our focal Scripture is Acts 4.24-31. Our emphasis: “Being A Prayerful Church.”
“Necessity is the mother of invention” [a sentiment first expressed by Plato]…same was true for our early brothers and sisters… [read biblical text]
In Small Groups
Groups of 3-4 people
I really would like EVERYONE to have the opportunity to pray out loud in your group…however, if you are not yet comfortable, please don’t feel obligated.
Two times of 4 minutes each:
A Church of Confident Prayer
Acts 4.24 “When they heard this, they raised their voices together to God and said, “Master, you are the one who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them.”
“When faced with opposition, the early church came together. They new that as a family, they were called to encourage one another by praying collectively.” Pray that we would all see the necessity of corporate prayer.
“There is nothing outside the sovereignty of God. He made everything, sustains all things, and is intimately involved in his world.” Pray, thanking God for his power and wisdom and involvement in our life as his church.
A Church of Consistent Prayer
Acts 4.28 “to do whatever your hand and your will had predestined to take place.”
“The early church knew that God’s unswerving sovereignty meant that no opposition could derail his kingdom plans.” Pray that our church would have this same view…and as we pray together, God’s word shapes how we understand and face the challenges of day-to-day life—together.
In the Congregation Assembled
A Church of Courageous Prayer
Acts 4.29 “And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness,”
“We are not called to pray for comfortable circumstances, but for the courage to live and speak the good news of Jesus.” Pray that our church’s praying would be bold—even when we know that God’s “Yes” might come with a cost.
CONCL—
CONCL—
As we pray together...
Acts 4.31 “When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly.”
We thank God that he always answers prayers in the ways he knows are best…and keep trusting him to transform us through the presence of the Holy Spirit to become more and more like Jesus.
Acts 2.42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.”
Colossians 4.2 “Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.”
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.