October — A Month of Prayer
Sunday Morning Sermon
October 15, 2017
John McKeel
Have you walked down the aisles of the grocery store lately? How many different kinds of cereal can you chose from? How many different types of chips are there? We love variety – and the interesting thing is, so does God. So why does our prayer life often seem so “vanilla”?
Adoration
Our relationship with God is a lifetime of discovery. Prayers of adoration celebrate our many faceted God.
- Example: Solomon’s prayer at the Dedication of the Temple, 1 Kings 8.
Confession
As we discover God, we naturally discover we are not God. We are sinners and no prayer is more honest than a prayer of confession.
- Example: David’s psalm of confession, Psalm 32
Thanksgiving
The most common Christian name for God is “Father.” The Holy Spirit within us cries “Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6 – see Romans 8:15; Mark 14:36). Fathers excel at gift giving and our heavenly Father is no exception. Think about all that He provides and give thanks! Examples:
- Matthew 6:25 ff.
- 1 Chronicles 16
Supplication
Without question, this is our most common prayer and it is a proper prayer but often betrays a lack of wisdom and maturity on our part.
- We tend to make plans and then ask God’s blessings.
- We pray to change God’s will. We need to learn the lesson of Christ.
- “Your will be done on earth,”
- “Let this cup pass,”
- So how should we pray?
- Honestly!
- Conversationally
- Thank God, He is in control!
- Ask for comfort.
- Ask for understanding, James 1; Solomon’s prayer 1 Kings 3
Some Things to Think About
Knowledge
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
- Describe each of the varieties of prayer that Paul mentions to Timothy.
- What was the goal of these prayers?
- How many other kinds of prayers can you think of?
Attitude
- What is the purpose of prayer?
Action
- Begin keeping a Prayer Journal.