February 5, 2012 - Praying (sermon audio)

Disciples of Jesus Pray as a Way of Life.

Disciples of Jesus pray. The words of Jesus Christ are the foundation of all we, as disciples, do. These words shape our prayers. Scripture instructs us to pray for health, families, friends, enemies, shalom for the world, and an end to poverty and oppression. Still, we find ourselves asking, what is prayer, how do we pray and why do we pray?

What is prayer?
Disciples of Jesus pray as a way of life. As Pastor Jon says, “We live in a world where a resurrection has happened.” Prayer is primary in that world. Prayer is not a special language for holy times. Prayer is the “Amen!” to God’s actions and the language through which a disciple grows. Eugene Peterson calls it “practicing resurrection.” The disciple is immersed in prayer, soaking in it, and struggling through it.
Prayer is the language we use to respond to God. It is an active passivity. Disciples begin praying by listening. God speaks. We respond.

How do we pray?
Prayer begins in silence. Silence is where the disciple recognizes his/her reliance on God. Silence is not resignation, but rather active waiting for God. Silence can feel awkward and uncomfortable, but when growing, abiding, reflecting disciples practice silence, our true selves are revealed. We see our own human hearts and recognize the pride, the violence, and the apathy. We also build within us a true desire for God. Silence in prayer grows us as disciples and teaches us to respond to God. The disciple listens first understanding that God is at work.
Prayer is not something we just teach ourselves to do. It is a discipline that takes time to develop. The disciple knows he/she can only pray when abiding in Christ and when immersed in the Word. At times it may still seem impossible to pray, but the disciple is certain Jesus Christ will pray for him (Hb. 7:25) and the Holy Spirit will intercede (Rm. 8:26).

Why do we pray?
Just as our lungs were created to breathe, we were created to be in relationship with the living God. Disciples know they are children of God, so they pray. Disciples know they are heirs to God’s promises of redemption, joy, and a full life, so they pray.
Disciples are convinced prayer is how we are in relationship with the living God, how we grow and abide in Jesus Christ, how we reflect on the Word through the Holy Spirit, and how we act for Jesus Christ and the mission of the church. When we pray for the will of God to be done, we participate in the mission of God. God hears his disciples and acts for them.

Invitation to pray
Our purpose of church multiplication is coming to fruition in the Caledonia Church Plant. We cannot accomplish this on our own. The number one thing we can all do is pray. “Ask the Lord of the Harvest to send out workers into the harvest field (Luke 10:2).

Disciples of Jesus pray as a way of life, seeking to join God in His mission in this world.