Prayers
A John Ortberg Sermon Summary
When we do well, typically we credit our ability and personality, when in fact, our success is more likely due to outside factors. We think we are capable and self-sufficient. We believe we are captains of our ships, masters of our fate—until catastrophe strikes.
We tend to neglect prayer until we are desperate. But when we don’t get the answers we want, we think prayers don’t work.
Prayer is conversation with God, not trying to exercise a force.
Prayer should focus on “May His will be done.” It should ask God to let us know His will for us and give us the power to obey.
When Jesus prayed, He looked up towards heaven (John 11:41; 17:1). He might have been sensing His Father’s power. But when we pray, typically we face down. Are we focusing on our problems and our inadequacy?
Instead of focusing on our weakness, when we pray, look up to God’s power, His greatness and abundance. Look up to the throne of grace for us all. Because of Christ, we can look up to the Almighty with confidence so that we may receive mercy and grace to help us anytime (Hebrew 4:16).
We might have many problems facing us, but we can ask God with confidence for what we need—for what we need today. With God’s help, we can solve each problem if we face it—one step at a time, one moment at a time.
Again, in prayer, ask God to reveal His will to you, and ask God to give you the power to carry it out. Be still and quietly listen. Allow thoughts to come into your mind; they may be from God.
Take prayer breaks in the beginning of the day, throughout the day, and at the end of the day. Keep approaching the throne of grace (Psalm 119:55).
We are not that capable, and life is unpredictable. But our redeemer lives (Job 19:25). He is just a prayer away.
Summarized from a John Ortberg’s sermon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBLG7oQmKBM
https://menlo.church/series/the-way#/modal/message/5559/mlo
We tend to neglect prayer until we are desperate. But when we don’t get the answers we want, we think prayers don’t work.
Prayer is conversation with God, not trying to exercise a force.
Prayer should focus on “May His will be done.” It should ask God to let us know His will for us and give us the power to obey.
When Jesus prayed, He looked up towards heaven (John 11:41; 17:1). He might have been sensing His Father’s power. But when we pray, typically we face down. Are we focusing on our problems and our inadequacy?
Instead of focusing on our weakness, when we pray, look up to God’s power, His greatness and abundance. Look up to the throne of grace for us all. Because of Christ, we can look up to the Almighty with confidence so that we may receive mercy and grace to help us anytime (Hebrew 4:16).
We might have many problems facing us, but we can ask God with confidence for what we need—for what we need today. With God’s help, we can solve each problem if we face it—one step at a time, one moment at a time.
Again, in prayer, ask God to reveal His will to you, and ask God to give you the power to carry it out. Be still and quietly listen. Allow thoughts to come into your mind; they may be from God.
Take prayer breaks in the beginning of the day, throughout the day, and at the end of the day. Keep approaching the throne of grace (Psalm 119:55).
We are not that capable, and life is unpredictable. But our redeemer lives (Job 19:25). He is just a prayer away.
Summarized from a John Ortberg’s sermon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBLG7oQmKBM
https://menlo.church/series/the-way#/modal/message/5559/mlo