when you pray

FOCUS

Can you imagine a conversation where only one person speaks? Of course, by definition if only one person speaks it's not a conversation. I ask that question to help us wrestle with the reality that if the totality of our prayer life is only us speaking, then we are completely missing out on a huge part of the prayer experience God intends for us to have.

When we pray (Matthew 6:5-7) we need to remember to make time too for God to speak to us. The posture of prayer — its mental & emotional experience & attitude — is one of focus, submission, sincerity & the willingness to be led by the One to whom we pray knowing His answers are always perfect.

When It Comes to Prayer, We Should ...

1. seek to HEAR from GOD while SPEAKING to GOD.

We need to make time & give space for God to speak to us when we pray.

Acts 10:9-16 /2 Corinthians 12:1-10

2. be led by SCRIPTURE & the SPIRIT.

Prayer requests qualified by our knowledge of scripture & ongoing willingness

to be led by the Spirit become powerful expressions of faith, hope & love.

Psalm 119:105 & 130 2 Peter 1:19-21 Acts 1:8 & 15:28/ Romans 8:14 & 26-27

Making It Real

1] Is this a both / and reality for you?

2] Will you seek in a fresh & focused way for this to be your experience?

Action Step

When you pray each day this coming week, be sure to set aside a few minutes after you say "amen" to

listen for God. One way for sure to hear from Him is to hear yourself reading His Words back to Him.

Benediction

Now go & be a praying person who seeks for & listens to God daily!

PASTOR DAN PAGE CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY CHURCH JANUARY 31, 2021