Sunday, August 22, 2021 - Habits for Life - the Habits of Jesus: Prayer

Theme: Habits for Life - the Habits of Jesus: Prayer

Hymn     Every Time I Feel the Spirit      (In Person Only)

Welcome

Prayer for God’s Presence

Luke 3:21-22                                 Common English Bible Translation

When everyone was being baptized, Jesus also was baptized. While he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit came down on him in bodily form like a dove. And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.” (Question: Have you ever been surprised by something during prayer?)

Mark 1:32-38

That evening, at sunset, people brought to Jesus those who were sick or demon-possessed. The whole town gathered near the door. He healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases, and he threw out many demons. But he didn’t let the demons speak, because they recognized him. Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. Simon and those with him tracked him down. When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!” He replied, “Let’s head in the other direction, to the nearby villages, so that I can preach there too. (Question: How does prayer give you strength?) 

Matthew 19:13-15

Some people brought children to Jesus so that he would place his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded them. “Allow the children to come to me,” Jesus said. “Don’t forbid them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these children.” Then he blessed the children and went away from there. (Question: How often do you take time to pray for others?)

Luke 9:18-23, 28-29

Once when Jesus was praying by himself, the disciples joined him, and he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others that one of the ancient prophets has come back to life.” He asked them, “An what about you? Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ sent from God.” Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell this to anyone. He said, “The Human One must suffer many things and be rejected – by the elders, chief priests, and the legal experts – and be killed and be raised on the third day.” Jesus said to everyone, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me. About eight days after Jesus said these things, he took Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray. (Question: How has prayer impacted your identity?)

Mark 14:32-41

Jesus and his disciples came to a place called Gethsemane. Jesus said to them, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John along with him. He began to feel despair and was anxious. He said to them, “I’m very said. It’s as if I’m dying. Stay here and keep alert.” Then he went a short distance father and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if possible, he might be spared the time of suffering. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible. Take this cup of suffering away from me. However – not what I want but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you stay alert for one hour? Stay alert and pray so that you won’t give in to temptation. The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak.” Again, he left them and prayed, repeating the same words. And, again, when he came back, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open, and they didn’t know how to respond to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Will you sleep and rest all night? That’s enough! The time has come for the Human One to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. (Question: How does prayer change you?)

Offering Ourselves to God

       During this time let us reflect upon an excerpt from the Brief Statement of Faith.

In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of people long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Hymn    I Need Thee Every Hour    (In Person Only)

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us; 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power 

and the glory, forever.  Amen

Benediction

Closing Hymn  I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me  (In Person Only)

Hymn List

66 Every Time I Feel the Spirit

469  Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying

700 I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

735 I Need Thee Every Hour 

New Sermon Series August 22nd – September 12th

Theme: Habits for Life - the Habits of Jesus

August 29th – Creating Joy

September 5th – Gathering

September 12th - Serving