King Jesus and the Queen City

One of our identified essentials of living an abundant Life in Christ is prayer. This morning Pastor Alex encouraged us to be a people of prayer as we continued to look at the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is continuing to practically teach the people how to practice their righteousness by giving good guidance related to prayer. In that day, the shofar would sound at 9am, noon, and 3pm to call people to prayer. People would stop where they were and spend time calling out to God. Unfortunately, there were those that made sure to find their way to the busy street corners where ALL could watch them and marvel at their “righteousness”. They strutted around as spiritual peacocks.

Jesus, in Matthew 6:5-15, warned people against praying to be seen by men. Instead, He asked us to be authentic and simple in our time of being with the Father. He is not condemning public prayer, but asking us to search our hearts for the motive of our prayers.

Pastor Alex walked us through the example that Jesus gave us in verses 9-13. He challenged us to be intentional with our prayer time, and to spend time listening and meditating. Remember, we are not in charge. Our Father is! He wants to speak Truth to our hearts, but we must be in a place to listen to the Creator of the Universe and the Lover of our souls.

Two exciting prayer initiatives that are beginning:

A. Prayer Path

1. Gratitude and Worship Post

2. Wee School Post

3. Nearest Post

4. Neighbors Post

5. Nations Post

6. Carmel Christian School Post

Be sure to find time to come and pray the campus. It is our Pastor’s desire that we are a church that is praying seven days a week!

B. Prayer Room

1. The former “Covenant Room” is now being transitioned to the Prayer Room. You will have opportunity to access this room during the week. It is located in the “heart” of our church.

2. The Elders and their wives will be available between services on the first Sunday of each month to pray for you. The Elder body is so excited about the opportunity to live out James 5:14, which says, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”

Questions to discuss as a family today

1. What do you need to do in order to grow in your prayer life?

2. Do you journal? If not, start this week. If you do, then take a minute to go back and see God’s faithfulness in answering your prayers. Share that with others to help increase faith.

3. Spend time alone and as a family this week slowly praying through the model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Remember to spend time listening, and allow the Holy Spirit to prompt you in how to pray. Don’t forget your pen and notepad!

Prayer

Father, I ask you to guide me through the prompting of your Spirit today…