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Session Outline:
Prayer is born in the atmosphere of a personal relationship.
What is Prayer?
Prayer is often considered to be something we have to perform in order to
"find" God or get on "good terms" with Him. This
response proposes that the burden of initiative rests on our efforts.
Close attention to biblical history, however, reveals that it is God who is the
"Divine Initiator" and "Relentless Redeemer."
A. Adam and Eve were sought out when their actions warranted
judgment and rejection. (Gen 3:8)
B. "Where are you" was not only an inquiry about geographical
location.
C. Their reaction to their condition was a feeble attempt to cover their
own sin and hide behind fig leaves.
They were "posing."
D. God’s provision was taking the initiative to do for them what they
could
not do for themselves. It was a
Father wanting to be with his children.
God Responds to the cry of His Children:
A. He "comes down" to those who "cry out." (Ex 3:7)
B. He involves His presence through close association. (Ex 3:11,12)
C. He reveals His Name. (Ex 6:3)
D. He brings us to Himself. (Ex 19:4-6)
The "Tabernacle" is a statement of a Father’s desire to "be
with" His Children.
A. We cannot get from here to there apart from Him revealing the way.
B. When we respond to His prescription, we can know the God who
"is."
C. He is the Almighty God who reveals Himself to those who seek Him.
D. Jesus is the "Tabernacle" of God - His ultimate revelation of
"intimacy."
God desires today to make Himself known to you. (Eph 1:17ff)
He reveals--gives light--shows hope--makes known riches in Him and shows the
greatness of His power which is for you.
Prayer is not just a religious exercise to
manipulate God’s provisions.
True prayer begins with the acknowledgment of what He has done
for us through Jesus. Having prepared the way into God’s presence, we
are able to enter into a personal relationship with the God of the
universe. This awesome revelation is our entry into a life marked by the
Holy Spirit’s direction, understanding the Kingdom of God and the fulfillment
of His unique purpose in each of our lives. Prayer is our alignment with
His point of view and appropriating His provisions for us in Christ.
Discussion Question:
Until now, what has been your concept of prayer? Do you
think of yourself as needing a "breakthrough" in prayer? How do you
respond to the idea that God our Father is the "initiator"?
to listen to the audio of the Session.
2/1/2003