Prayer
SUMMARY
In this sermon, Pastor Raigan discusses the power and impact of prayer as part of a new series called "Impact." Using the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector from Luke 18, she contrasts two approaches to prayer - one self-righteous and performative, the other humble and sincere. The sermon emphasizes that prayer should be confessional, conversational, consistent, confident, and compliant with God's will. Prayer is not about bending God's will to ours but aligning our will with God's.
ICE BREAKER
What's the earliest memory you have of someone teaching you how to pray?
QUESTIONS
The sermon contrasts the Pharisee and tax collector's approaches to prayer. Which character do you find yourself relating to more often in your own prayer life, and why?
What does it mean to pray "confessionally," and why is confession an important part of prayer?
Pastor Raigan mentioned three ways we can deal with sin: repress it, express it, or confess it. How have you seen these play out in your own life?
The sermon states that "prayer isn't about us pulling God to where we want God to be. Prayer is about us being pulled to where God wants us to be." How has this been true in your experience?
What does it look like to pray "confidently" while still remaining humble before God?
Pastor Raigan compared spiritual growth to the difference between sequoia trees and bonsai trees. What are some things that might be "clipping our roots" and preventing deeper prayer lives?
How might your daily life change if you committed to making prayer a more consistent practice?
LIFE APPLICATION
This week, commit to using the hand prayer method shared in the Invitation to Discipleship. Each day, take time to pray through each finger: thumb (those closest to you), pointer finger (spiritual leaders), middle finger (authority figures), ring finger (those who are weak or suffering), and pinky (yourself). Keep a small journal noting any changes you observe in your prayer life or your awareness of God's presence throughout the day.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Prayer should be confessional - acknowledging our sins and need for God's mercy and grace.
Prayer is conversational - not just talking to God but also listening to Him.
Prayer should be consistent - touching every aspect of our lives, not just compartmentalized to certain times or places.
Prayer should be confident - boldly asking God for big things while trusting in God's power.
Prayer is about aligning our will with God's will, not trying to bend God's will to match our desires.
ENDING PRAYER
Lord God, thank You for the gift of prayer - this incredible bridge between heaven and earth. Forgive us for the times we've approached You with pride like the Pharisee, or when we've neglected to come to You at all. Help us to pray confessionally, conversationally, consistently, confidently, and in compliance with Your perfect will. May our prayer lives deepen like the roots of the sequoia tree, allowing us to grow strong in our faith and make a lasting impact for Your kingdom. Transform us through the power of prayer so that we might be the church You've called us to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.
