Psalms give language for prayer (relationship)

Opening Song

“We gather to be formed in God’s presence so we can be sent into our community”

DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

After greeting prayer: “Lord, open our eyes this week to those who are curious about faith.”

Announcements:

We’re not spectators here, we’re participants. Giving and filling out a Connect Card are practical ways to let us know you’re with us on mission.

You can complete a Connect Card at sangamonvalley.net/ConnectCard or by using a green outlined paper Connect Card today.

Giving: You can give in the box, online, through the app, or by mail.

NEW ANNOUNCEMENT: ____

These are not events to attend — it is an environment to build relationships.

7 days of prayer starting 6/30

NEW SERVICE FORMAT 7/5

Teen Camp begins 7/13

Teen Swim at Taylors on 7/19

VBS starts 7/27

NextGen Sunday will be 8/2 to Celebrate Kids Camps, Teen Camp, and VBS!

Prayer for...

Sermon

THE TENSION

(Why This Matters - Name the struggle)

One of the greatest frustrations in prayer is not knowing what to say.

Sometimes we think...

"I don't know how to pray."

"I don't have the right words."

"I don't know if God wants to hear this."

The Psalms remind us that God has already given us the vocabulary of relationship.

John Goldingay describes four primary ways the Psalms teach us to speak to God:

You are great.

Help!

I trust You.

Thank You.

Source: pp. 3-4 Psalms for Everyone, Part 1

Those four phrases summarize much of the Psalter…and much of our spiritual lives.

MY STORY

(Relatable Entry Point - vulnerable authenticity - emotional connection)

THE SCRIPTURE

(Context, Characters, Read)

Psalm 86:11–12 “11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.”

Psalm 23:1 “1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Big Idea: The Psalms teach us that every season of life has a prayer. God invites us into relationship by giving us words for our deepest fears, greatest needs, strongest faith, and highest praise.

THE DISCOVERY

(What We See Unfolding — 3 Movements: What does this reveal about God? - What does this reveal about us? - What lie is being confronted?)

1. When Life Falls Apart, Cry for Help

Psalm 3:1 “1 O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;”

David doesn't pretend everything is okay. Inscription shows battle with his own son, Absalom, who revolted against David in a calculated political campaign (2 Sam. 16-18).

This Psalm was written while fleeing from his son Absalom.

David teaches us:

Prayer is not pretending.

Prayer is bringing our reality before God.

God welcomes honest prayers.

Faith is not denying our fears.

God can handle our questions, tears, and struggles.

Psalm 13, Romans 8:26, Hebrews 4:16

Instead of hiding your struggles...

Bring them to God.

God would probably rather hear an honest cry than a fake prayer.

Main Point: Prayer begins when we stop pretending and start bringing everything to God.

2. In Every Valley, Choose Trust

Psalm 23:1 “1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

David moves from panic in one Psalm to confidence in another.

Nothing changed immediately.

The Shepherd remained.

Trust isn't the absence of valleys.

Trust is confidence in the Shepherd while walking through them.

God's presence is greater than our circumstances.

The Shepherd guides...protects...provides...restores.

Faith isn't confidence in outcomes. Faith is confidence in God.

John 10:11, Isaiah 26:3-4, Romans 8:28

Ask: What valley am I walking through? Where have I focused more on the valley than the Shepherd?

Main Point: Faith grows when we learn to trust the Shepherd more than our circumstances.

3. Never Forget What God Has Done

Psalm 30:1 “1 I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me.”

David looks backward.

He remembers.

Thanksgiving is remembering God's faithfulness.

Many believers struggle because they have short memories.

God repeatedly tells Israel: "Remember."

Remember Egypt.

Remember the wilderness.

Remember His faithfulness.

Thanksgiving protects us from becoming entitled, fearful, or forgetful.

Gratitude strengthens faith. Testimony encourages others.

Praise grows when remembrance grows.

Psalm 103:2, Luke 17:11-19, Philippians 4:6-7

Start a "God has been faithful" list. Tell someone what God has done.

Remember before you request.

Main Point: Remembering God's faithfulness gives us confidence for today's challenges.

4. The Rhythm of Relationship

The Psalms teach us that prayer is not a formula. It is a relationship.

Notice the rhythm:

Sometimes we say...Help.

Sometimes...I trust You.

Sometimes...Thank You.

Sometimes...You are great.

Healthy relationships involve all of those conversations. So does our relationship with God.

Prayer is not merely asking God for things. Prayer is learning to walk with Him through everything.

Main Point: The goal of prayer is not simply getting answers, it is growing in relationship with God.

IDENTITY SHIFT

(Who does this reveal God to be? Who does this reveal us to be?)

When we learn to pray the Psalms, our identity shifts from spiritual spectators trying to impress God to beloved children who know they can bring every part of life into the Father's presence.

PRACTICE OBEDIENCE

(Next Steps - Application)

This week, instead of asking, "What should I pray?"

Ask, "Which Psalm reflects where I am today?"

If you're overwhelmed...Pray Psalm 3.

If you're afraid...Pray Psalm 23.

If you've experienced God's faithfulness...Pray Psalm 30.

The Psalms remind us that prayer isn't about finding the right words, it's about bringing our whole hearts to the right Person.

Conclusion

David teaches us something remarkable.

In one season...he cried for help.

In another...he confessed his trust.

Later...he celebrated God's faithfulness.

The Psalms give us permission to pray honestly because they reveal a God who desires relationship more than religious performance.

God is not waiting for perfect prayers. He is inviting honest conversation.

Worship Thru Music

Commissioning:

This week, build one relationship. Pray for one person far from God.

As you depart…Take one step toward discipling someone.

7-Day Prayer Guide

Link to Prayer Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dF7oKqbWNBDFeJojscl-cDabRE60F_jx5VQkYRsPBQ4/edit?usp=sharing

This week, make the Psalms’ prayers your own. Each day, ask God not simply to change your circumstances but to shape your heart. As He unites our hearts to Himself, He also unites His people together in love.

Day 1 – A Teachable Heart

Read

Psalm 86:11–12 “11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. 12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.”

Reflect

David's first request wasn't for deliverance, it was for direction.

Ask yourself:

Am I willing to let God teach me?

Where have I assumed I already know the way?

Prayer

"Father, teach me Your way. Give me a humble and teachable heart. Remove pride and help me gladly receive Your instruction through Your Word, Your Spirit, and the people You have placed in my life. Help me to value Your wisdom."

Practice

Before making an important decision today, pause and ask, 'Lord, what is Your way?'

Day 2 – A United Heart

Read

Psalm 86:11 “11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” Ephesians 4:1–3 “1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Reflect

A divided heart creates a divided life.

God's desire is not only to unite our hearts to Him but to help us live in unity with one another.

Prayer

"Lord, unite my heart to fear Your name. Fill me with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Help me to be someone who protects unity and reflect the peace found in Christ."

Practice

Ask God to show you one person you can intentionally encourage, pray for, or bless today.

Day 3 – Submission Before Surrender

Read

James 4:6–10 “6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” Hebrews 13:17 “17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Reflect

Submission is trusting God's authority and His design for our lives.

God often shapes us through His Word, His Spirit, and the relationships He has given us.

Prayer

"Jesus, teach me joyful obedience. Help me willingly submit to Your leadership and to honor those You have placed in my life. Guard my heart from pride, defensiveness, and self-reliance."

Practice

Choose one act of humble obedience today, even if no one notices.

Day 4 – Walking in Truth

Read

Psalm 119:105 “105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” John 17:17–21 “17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Reflect

Jesus prayed that His followers would be sanctified by the truth and united in Him.

Truth and unity are not competitors; they grow together as we follow Christ.

Prayer

"Father, help me not only know Your truth but live it with grace. Let Your Word shape my thoughts, my conversations, and my relationships."

Practice

Before speaking today, ask: 'Will these words build up, bring peace, and honor Christ?'

Day 5 – Wholehearted Worship

Read

Psalm 103:1–5 “1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Colossians 3:12–17 “12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Reflect

Wholehearted worship is expressed not only in songs but also in compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, and love toward others.

Prayer

"Lord, receive my whole life as worship. Let gratitude replace complaining, forgiveness replace offense, and love shape every relationship."

Practice

Thank God for five specific blessings, and then thank Him for someone who has helped shape your faith.

Day 6 – My New Identity

Read

Romans 8:14–17 “14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” 1 Peter 2:9–10 “9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

Reflect

Our identity is found in Christ.

Because we belong to Him, we no longer need to compete for recognition or prove our worth. We are free to love and serve others.

Prayer

"Father, remind me today that I am Your child. Help me live securely in Your love so that I can honor, encourage, and serve those around me."

Practice

Look for one opportunity today to put someone else's needs ahead of your own.

Day 7 – Teach Me Your Way

Read

Psalm 86 “A Prayer of David. 1 Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. 3 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. 4 Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. 6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. 7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. 8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. 9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. 10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. 12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. 14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them. 15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. 17 Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.”

Reflect

Look back over the week.

Where has God been teaching you?

Where has He been inviting deeper trust?

Where has He been shaping your heart?

How have you seen His grace at work in your relationships?

Prayer

"Lord, continue to teach me Your way. Unite my heart, strengthen my faith, and help me become the disciple You are forming me to be. Make SVC a people who walk in truth and reflect the unity that comes from belonging to Christ."

Practice

Memorize Psalm 86:11 and pray it over yourself, your family, and our church throughout the coming weeks.