During our Sermon on the Mount Series last Fall I was particularly struck by the fact that at the very heart of the Sermon of the Mount is the Lord’s Prayer. If we don’t get prayer, I fear we won’t get the Kingdom.
So, what is prayer? What did Jesus teach and demonstrate concerning prayer? How can we pray effectively as individuals and as a community of faith? Whatever you’ve learned thus far, I want to challenge you to set aside your assumptions and learn about prayer afresh over the next 5 weeks as we explore what scripture teaches. Here’s how this will work:
- Prayer will be our topic of study and meditation during our next 4 Sunday night gatherings.
- Between those gatherings, we’ll use this website as a community “gathering place” for meditations on prayer every Monday through Friday.
- Each day we’ll post scripture readings and exercises in prayer for you to experiment and leave your comments.
- Please be sure to leave your comments. We learn from each other and we can’t do that if you don’t participate.
- We’ll explore prayer from an individual and group perspective during the coming weeks, and experiment with different forms of prayer.
Also, I’m excited to announce that Christ Church, a new missional church community in Fort Wayne, Indiana will be joining us for this journey (or, maybe we’re joining them!). Their Pastor, Ben Sternke, will be sharing blog posting duties with me during this time – so some of the posts you see here will be from him. Take some time to visit their site, welcome them, and perhaps even engage in their conversations on prayer!
It’s really fascinating to see how God moves. To see how God is working to bring it all together. The other day, I was listening to a sermon that was talking about the Lord’s prayer. Last night I was reading a book (Amy Grant “Mosaic”) where she was talking about her experiences with praying the Lord’s prayer and what it means to her (unfortunately, I was too tired to finish that portion last night but….). I had no idea that portion was even in the book.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that every year – every DAY is full of changes, obstacles, difficulties, joys, etc….and this new year is no different. There will be many changes through this coming year – good, bad, frightening, exciting – but through it all, God is calling his children to get back to the basics. Becoming more focused on prayer. Learning how to completely rely on Him (and much more frightening for me personally – learning to relying on each OTHER) for all our daily living and needs.
Well said Julie!
I have not participated in the study group yet but just subscribed. You are so right about the changes and obstacles that will come this year. Now more than ever we do need to stay in prayer constantly relying on God and one another to pray for us as well. This is not easy for me either as I have thought I was sometimes in total control of my life and other times like my life was just a loose canon. It is good to know that I can release all of it to my Father and relax in his will. What a Father we have yes?
Yes indeed Becky. I think your description of being on a roller coaster in terms of control is excellent. Thanks for sharing and glad to have you on board!
Will I crash the party again if I listen in and comment once in awhile? I don’t know how open to the public your blog gatherings are. Jason, I enjoy your challenges, teaching and writing.
Cindy from the distant land of Canada.
You are always welcome here Cindy! I know we learned much from your comments during the Sermon on the Mount, so I hope you won’ be shy during this series either.
Peace to you!
Jason, it’s fantastic to be journeying together in this way! We’re looking forward to seeing how everything plays out. God’s grace, wisdom, and revelation be with you and your community as you journey deeper into prayer.
I second Ben’s comment! I’m excited to walk together with your community in this series. And looking forward to what God will do in us and through us all. Blessings to you!
I really liked what you said Julie…as usual:)
I too am excited about doing this study on prayer…it is something God has been speaking to me about a lot lately:)