Spending Time With Our Heavenly Father (Message to Women) - Annie Poonen - July 15, 2020
Also in
http://rlcfchurch.org/spending-time-with-heavenly-father River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The message emphasizes the vital importance of maintaining a consistent prayer life, especially amidst life's uncertainties and daily distractions. The speaker assures the audience that God is always waiting for us in His presence, unlike human relationships. She encourages listeners to make prayer a top priority by utilizing small, scattered moments throughout the day—such as while cooking or getting ready—to keep a constant connection with God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Opening in prayer and acknowledging our great need for GodThe speaker begins by leading in prayer, expressing that in uncertain and perilous days, God is our only true source of comfort, hope, and security.
How can we pray amidst busy family responsibilities?Many sisters and young people ask how to maintain a prayer life while busy cooking, caring for children, and managing the home during difficult times.
The privilege of coming straight to God as our FatherUnlike Old Testament restrictions where approaching God required strict rituals, Jesus' sacrifice allows us to come directly into God's presence and call Him Father at any time.
Grabbing moments of prayer throughout a busy dayEven when formal quiet times are difficult to maintain, believers can practice praying without ceasing by whispering short prayers, singing songs, and turning routine tasks into communion with God.
Learning from the prayers of JesusBeyond the Lord's Prayer, Jesus left us examples in His high priestly prayer for His disciples and His agonizing prayer in Gethsemane.
Meditating on Jesus' prayer for His disciples in John 17Just before leaving earth, Jesus prayed deeply for the unity, sanctification, and protection of His followers from the evil one.
The prayer in Gethsemane: Not my will, but Yours be doneFacing intense agony before the crucifixion, Jesus surrendered His own desires to the Father's will, giving us an example to surrender our own ways daily.
Prayer as spiritual warfareDrawing on an illustration of crushing a venomous snake, the speaker explains that Jesus defeated the devil on the cross, and believers share in that victory through prayer.
Do not regard iniquity in your heartUnconfessed sin acts as a barrier that prevents God from hearing our prayers, requiring us to be honest and seek cleansing.
Avoiding vain repetitions and guarding against empty meditationJesus warned against mindless chanting or repetitions, and believers must also guard against New Age or heathen meditation practices that leave the mind blank.
Stopping judgment, considering the poor, and maintaining family harmonyPointing fingers at others, judging, harboring an unforgiving spirit, or constantly arguing with a husband can hinder answered prayer.Isaiah 58:9
Being single-minded, praying in secret, and persisting without giving upBelievers should approach God without double-mindedness, pray in secret with faith, and persistently bring their requests like the persistent widow.
The intercession of Jesus and the Holy SpiritEven when we struggle to pray, Jesus at the right hand of the Father and the Holy Spirit groaning within us make intercession on our behalf.
Using the Lord's Prayer as a patternThe elements of the Lord's Prayer provide a disciplined framework to honor God, submit to His will, ask for daily needs, and seek deliverance from evil.
Finding refuge and strength in Psalm 84Closing with Psalm 84, the speaker encourages believers to long for God's presence, trusting that He gives grace and glory and withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly.
