1 Corinthians 13: 1-3

After the first encounter between Jesus and Peter after Peter’s epic failure of denial, Jesus bypasses a discussion on the actual denial (or action) and asks a penetrating heart question: “Do You Love Me?” It’s a strange question because Peter had already been following Jesus for three years and given up many comforts to serve with Jesus. Now he was faced to consider his motives. This is the theme of this weekend’s message. Do we love Jesus? Why and how much? Perhaps more importantly, would we be willing to change the motivation behind some of the “things we do” for Him (and others) to love rather than habit, ought, routine or fear. It makes a difference. And it’s important.

Psalms 13:1-6

Prayer in Groaning Times - Dr. Gerry Breshears

1 Timothy 2:1-8

Corporate prayer is an important means of grace because through it God grows our relationship with Him through Christ, He grows our relationships with other Christians, and He leads people to salvation in the name of Jesus.

1 Timothy 2:1-8

Corporate prayer is a means of grace because it is a God-given way for the Church to seek Him together, experience His presence, express unity, and receive spiritual blessing through shared dependence and intercession. While personal prayer is vital, praying together uniquely builds up the Church, invites God’s power and presence in a collective way, and unifies us around Christ’s mission to seek and to save the lost.

1 Timothy 2:1-8

Corporate prayer is a means of grace because it is a God-given way for the church to seek Him together, experience His presence, express unity, and receive spiritual blessing through shared dependence and intercession. While personal prayer is vital, praying together uniquely builds up the church, invites God’s power and presence in a collective way, and unifies us with Jesus in the advancement of the gospel.

Matthew 6:5–8

This morning we look at Jesus’ teaching on personal prayer from Matthew 6:5–8. Far from being a performance, prayer is a seemingly ordinary practice that draws us into an honest, dependent, and life changing relationship with God. Jesus teaches us how to pray sincerely, trust God’s guidance, and experience the transforming grace that comes from simply showing up and speaking from the heart.

Matthew 6:5-8

For the atheist prayer is a meaningless religious chore with no positive benefit or purpose. However, for the follower of Christ, prayer is an incredible privilege that has benefits both in this life and the one to come! Prayer is an incredible opportunity because through Jesus we have access to a good God whose ear is always attentive to His children’s petitions and praises.

Matthew 6:5-8

Most of us were never taught how to communicate, whether with a spouse, a parent, or even with God, and have spent our lives learning by trial and error. Before the disciples asked Jesus, “Teach us to pray,” there was no clear instruction on how to speak with God: Should we pray aloud or silently? Eyes open or closed? Kneeling or standing? The questions are endless. Yet prayer was never meant to be a ritual to perfect, but a relationship to deepen. In this message, we’ll explore what God says about prayer, look at practical ways to apply it, and then put it into practice together, discovering that true prayer is not performance but personal dialogue with a God who listens and rewards the sincere heart.