How often do we say the words, "I'll pray for you," instead of saying, "let's pray right now?" Sometimes the reason for this lack of follow-through in prayer at that moment might be that it is inconvenient, or we may even doubt at the moment that God will hear and answer. God calls us to believe and not doubt! He calls us to ask without hesitation for big impossible things! Prayer only makes sense if we should ask for things that we cannot attain in our power. In other words, we should be asking God for the things that require a supernatural intervention of his Holy Spirit wrought power!
This weekend's sermon will help us see that we should go to the Lord in prayer more often. God delights in making our prayers effectual because he is the benefactor and we are the beneficiary of His glorious power! And He loves to be the benefactor because he gets the glory!
We are called to this life of petition to the Lord because it cultivates a thankful heart resulting in God's all-surpassing peace. Wouldn't it be God-honoring if more Christians were known to be characterized by joy and a lack of anxiety? Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand" (Phil 4:4-5).
Spending time in God's presence cultivates this peaceful, thankful, and joyful heart. This is the kind of person and community that is attractive to everyone, especially those outside the faith. Paul says, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6-7).
In nothing be anxious, but in everything let your requests be made known. This is Paul's message to the Philippians. It is God's message to us too at Risen City. See you Sunday!