Message: “Understanding significance of Prayer” from Min Jean

Min Jean - January 19, 2025

Understanding significance of Prayer

Review of the Lesson In the first week of the year, Pastor Joe encourages us to enter the New Year with great confidence, reminding us that God is with us as we take this significant step forward. He emphasizes the importance of doing our part and reassures us that we should not attempt to do everything on our own, as God is more than capable of handling our challenges. Last week's message focused on the theme of wise decision-making. The preacher posed the thought-provoking question, "What do you want?" He concluded that we are faced with two clear choices: Option A or Option B. If we choose Option A, it is clearly stated what this choice entails; similarly, if we opt for Option B, it is just as evident what that choice represents. Lesson Objectives: To understand the significance of prayer in making wise and informed decisions. To recognize the limitations of human wisdom and the importance of seeking divine guidance. To learn practical steps for effective prayerful decision-making. To experience a renewed sense of trust and reliance on God in all areas of life. oMain scripture of the message: Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." We probably can go home from here that what we need, we are good from here Message title: Have You Prayed about It? Ask your neighbor have you pray about it ask your another neighbor have you pray about it? Have you prayer about it, is the question that can be easily over looked but I want to remind US it is the most important question that you have never be asked!!! Philippians 4:6-7 speak to the awareness that in life we are quick to act but slow to pray Quick to worry, but slow to pray Quick to complain but slow to pray Quick to act and have action plan but slow to prayer Today we are challenge ourself and our friend to ask the question have you pray about it Prayer in the life of believe is not an optional thing, prayer is not something you use periodically when you thing you need it The scripture convince us that prayer is like oxygen for the very soul of the believe. Prayer is something we go to reliant on each and every day of our life Pray is the mean friend that ALLOWS US to talk to God but allows God to talk right back to you US I. Introduction I will start with a relatable anecdote or a provoking question. For example: "Have you ever faced a difficult decision? A situation where you felt lost and unsure of the path forward?" Transition to the importance of prayer in decision-making. Prayer is not just a religious ritual; it's a vital conversation with God that provides guidance, wisdom, and peace in all aspects of our lives."  Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 was written by the Apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome. He penned this letter to the church in Philippi, a city in Macedonia (modern-day Greece). Context: Paul's Circumstances: Paul was facing significant challenges, including imprisonment and potential persecution. Despite these hardships, he maintained a positive and hopeful outlook. Philippians' Concerns: The Philippian church was likely facing its own set of anxieties and difficulties, perhaps related to their faith, personal struggles, or the social and political climate of the time. Relevance Today: This passage remains incredibly relevant today because: Anxiety is Universal: We all face anxieties in our lives, whether they stem from work, relationships, finances, health, or global events. Prayer as a Solution: Paul offers a practical and enduring solution: prayer. He encourages us to bring all our concerns to God through prayer and petition, expressing our needs and desires with gratitude. The Promise of Peace: The most significant promise is the "peace of God," which surpasses human understanding. This peace isn't merely the absence of conflict but a deep inner tranquility that comes from knowing God is in control. In essence, Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that: We don't have to carry our burdens alone. God is always available to listen and provide comfort. Prayer is a powerful tool for finding peace and navigating life's challenges. This message is as relevant today as it was in Paul's time, offering a timeless guide for finding peace and strength in the midst of life's uncertainties. II. Body A. Recognizing the Need for Prayer oIllustrate: Share examples from everyday life where prayer is crucial: Career choices Relationship challenges Financial decisions Health concerns Facing temptations Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." A survey: The human experience is marked by an intricate tapestry of emotions and events, often oscillating between good and bad times. Recent surveys suggest a rather stark contrast in this regard: approximately 3% of our lives are characterized by unblemished moments of joy, while the remaining 97% is punctuated by challenges and difficulties. This essay delves into this striking statistic, underscoring its implications on psychological resilience, societal norms, and the broader understanding of the human condition. I am not frustration of the future, i am prayer I am not hurt but i am pray i am not fear of the future, i am prayer i am not addicted, i am prayer i am not a failure i am prayer Prayer is not something i do; prayer is something that i am. it is impossible to be in prayer and be bitter. So we either give ourself to bitterness or give yourself to prayer We either give ourselves to grave or give ourselves to prayer, BECAUSE the only think i can control is me. And if i pray God can heal, And if i pray God can deliver And if i pray God give hope And if i pray God gives comfort. You got the get in prayer about it, you got to get to the place when you are in trouble you can pray about it A place when you are trial NOT just be IN trial but IN prayer about it, Not just be on medication be in prayer about it, Not just be in a bad marriage been in prayer about it, Not just have a child who addicted to alcohol pray about it. I am not worry, i am prayer I am NOT discouraged, i am NOT depress, i am NOT defeated and i am NOT disappointed I am prayer. I am not giving up i a prayer I am not backing up, i am prayer oHow prayer helps us?: Prayer help us to Gain clarity and perspective Prayer help us to Receive divine wisdom and guidance Prayer help us to Experience peace and assurance Prayer help us to Align our will with God's will Prayer help us to Develop a deeper relationship with God oPractical Steps to Effective Prayer Sincere and humble approach: Acknowledge your dependence on God. Specific and focused prayers: Clearly articulate your concerns and desires. Active listening: Pay attention to God's voice through scripture, inner peace, and the guidance of others. Persistence and patience: Continue to seek God's will even when answers seem delayed. Gratitude and thanksgiving: Express appreciation for God's guidance and blessings. oScripture: Matthew 7:7-8: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." 1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing." Psalm 37:5: "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this." III. Conclusion Emphasize the importance of prayer as an essential part of a life lived in faith. Encourage the church to embrace prayer in their decision-making process and to experience the peace and guidance that come from seeking God's will. Offer a prayer of guidance and empowerment for the congregation. 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 New International Version 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Have You Prayed About It? As we conclude this message on the importance of prayer and its vital role in our lives, let us bow our heads in reverence and reflection. Heavenly Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts, recognizing Your immense love and guiding presence in our lives. We thank You for the reminders in Your Word of the transformative power of prayer and the peace that envelops us when we bring our concerns to You. Lord, open our eyes that we might marvel at the precious communication we can have with You. Together, we say: O Lord, hear our prayer. As we reflect on the needs within our community this morning, we lift up those who are afflicted with illness. Many among us bear the burden of sickness and pain, and we pray for Your healing touch upon them. May Your comfort and strength be their refuge during this difficult time. Together, we say: O Lord, hear our prayer. Lord, we pray for those struggling through hardships in their lives, whether emotional or physical. You see every tear, every heartache, every difficulty faced day-to-day. As we raise our voices, let us remember: Together, we say: O Lord, hear our prayer. We also bring before You those who are caught in the grip of addiction. We ask for Your divine intervention and restoration in their lives. Strengthen their resolve, grant them the support they need, and wrap them in Your unwavering love. To this, we pray: Together, we say: O Lord, hear our prayer. We submit to You those who are facing financial uncertainties. Please illuminate their paths, provide them with resources, and guide them toward recovery and stability. May they feel Your presence as they navigate these turbulent waters. As we pray for them: Together, we say: O Lord, hear our prayer. We take a moment to pray for the graduates among us who are looking to the future with hope and apprehension. Bless their journeys ahead, grant them clarity in their choices, and instill confidence in their abilities. Help them to trust in the plans You have for their lives. Together, we say: O Lord, hear our prayer. As we leave this place, Lord, instill in us a renewed spirit of prayer. May we carry the importance of this dialogue with You into our communities, encouraging one another to seek and experience the beauty of your presence in prayer. Let us grow steadfast and courageous in our supplications, knowing that Your love and grace envelop us all. Together, we say: O Lord, hear our prayer. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.