TEACHING VIDEO: https://youtu.be/lJv9Si_OVSo
Key Question: How does prayer change with a sincere belief in the full, unconditional love of Jesus?
First, consider a picture of 2 kinds of prayers – one born in love for Jesus, and one born in the desire to make use of Him…
PRAYER WITH GREAT LOVE FOR JESUS…
- Comes humbly to His feet
“The Incomparable Christ” – His name is above every name! (Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 1:13-20; Hebrews 12:1-2) Yet, He chooses to call us friends! (John 15:12-15) Once Jesus befriends us, how can we not treasure and guard that friendship? Can you imagine the woman in our opening story seeking anything other than what HE wanted to happen?
- Rests in His unconditional love
He loves each of as we are, not as we should be (Psalm 103:8-14). Jesus said, “Abide in my love” (John 15:9-17). Stay there, lives there, rest there…
- Receives His blessing
What a friend we have in Jesus! He delights to help us become who we are meant to be. Speaking the truth in love – absolutely, He never lies to us and is always working for the highest good in our lives (John 14:12-15; 18-24; 15:7-8; 16:23-24).
- Treasures His presence (peace)
He is personally present with us – always. Fiercely loyal and accepting in His love, He never leaves us nor forsakes us, sticking closer than a brother (J ohn 10:7-18; 13:1). He is our patient, burden-bearing High Priest. For us, he “ever lives to intercede” (Hebrews 2:14-3:1; 4:14-16; 7:23-28).
- Looks only to Him for meaning & mission
The woman at Jesus’ feet, loving him, believing in him, received so much more than she could have imagined. Not only was she freed from a lifetime of guilt and failure but sent out in “peace.”
With all authority in his hands, Jesus’ promise to always be with his followers becomes the foundation of our lives (Matthew 28:18-20). As our Gracious Master, Jesus Christ sets the pace, gives out the life assignments, identifies the cross to bear, opens eyes, ears and hearts to understand the heart and will of God for each of us. We love him, come to him as we are, and follow his lead in going out.
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Response to Teaching
- Thoughtfully, consider these questions…
Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these? (John 21:15-22). If Jesus asked you that question as you prayed, what would you answer?
Do you love him more than what you are praying about?
Do you love him more than answer to your prayer?
Do you love him more than getting what you want? (Mark 10:17-30)
- Attend a virtual group discussion of the video lesson on Wednesday at 10 A.M. (~30 minutes).
Group Discussion Questions:
(1) What questions do you have concerning this week’s teaching?
(2) What insights do you have from today’s presentation?
(3) How would you answer the key question(s) answered in the lesson?
(4) What story from your own life could illustrate this week’s teaching?
- If unable to attend the Wednesday group discussion, please email to school participants your response to the questions above.
- Read the blog posted on Wednesday and complete at least one of the activities.
- Share your thoughts and experiences.
Please let the David and Julia Ewert know when you have completed an activity, and what you found meaningful in the exercise.
https://breathingbygrace.blog/category/hudson-valley-school-of-prayer/
When inspired to do so, compose a prayer to share with the school that we can publish online with the blog. It can be in any form you choose (prose, poetry, music, picture, psalm, etc.)
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