The Foundation Needed for Prayer - Zac Poonen - April 3, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/foundation-needed-prayer River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that true discipleship requires more than just hearing God's word; one must actively obey it, or they build on sand. Specifically regarding prayer, the speaker warns against praying for public recognition (hypocrisy) and stresses the importance of praying in private, in one's 'inner room' with God. Sincerity and genuine connection with the Father are more valuable than elaborate or ritualistic prayers.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Praying to God rather than to impress othersJesus warns His disciples not to pray like hypocrites who want to be seen and heard by men, a temptation that requires constant self-examination.Matthew 6:5
Entering your inner room to pray in secretClosing our eyes and shutting the door of our mind helps us get alone with God in the most holy place, where our Father who is in secret will reward us.
Guarding against ritualistic prayingAny routine done without meaning—whether praying for food or attending a meeting—becomes a lifeless ritual that we must battle.
Bringing a simple offering of sincere wordsJust as someone who could not afford a lamb could bring a small dove, we can offer a few sincere words to God rather than spectacular, impressive prayers.
Avoiding meaningless repetitionJesus warns against using meaningless repetition in prayer, pointing out that phrases and words can easily become empty routines if we do not mean what we say.
The danger of thinking long prayers earn a hearingWhile long prayers are acceptable if every word is sincere, the heathen mistakenly think God hears them simply because of many words.
Your Father knows what you need before you askGod already knows our physical, financial, and spiritual needs before we speak, giving us the wonderful privilege of asking and receiving.
What does it mean to pray without ceasing?Scripture commands us to pray constantly, which points to a continuous attitude of dependence on God and soul-sincere desire rather than being on our knees 24 hours a day.
Jesus spending a whole night in prayerJesus spent a whole night alone with God on the mountain before making the momentous decision to choose His twelve disciples.Luke 6:12–13
Prayer is more listening than talkingJust like a student listening to a teacher for most of a class, true prayer involves listening to God rather than treating Him as a student we need to inform.
