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Preaching Prayer – Just Do It! (#2135)

2024/07/14 By Greg

I’m delighted to be serving as Interim Pastor at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas. This summer we are journeying together through the Jesus Priorities (based on a book with the same title by Christopher Maricle).

Sermon

My message, “Prayer: Just do It!,” was based on Matthew 6:5-13.

Advent Lutheran Church – July 14, 2024 Worship (photo by Greg Smith)

Prayer

While I relied on this manuscript, I’m aware that I went a bit off script on a few occasions. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Gospel lesson begins at 24:38 and the message at 26:16).

Excerpt

I wonder how you came to be a person of prayer. Did you start at a young age perhaps even before you can remember? Or did you find your way to being a person of prayer later in life?

Personally, I cannot remember a time before I knew about prayer.  As a child – long before learning to read – I recall saying a number of prayers again and again. I imagine you know many of them.

Let me test this out with a meal time favorite . . .

       God is great, good is good

               Let us thank him _____ (for our food).

       By His hands we all are fed

               Give us Lord our _____ (daily bread).

Very good. Now a bed time classic . . .

       Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul _____ . . .

Advent Lutheran Church – July 14, 2024 Worship (photo by Greg Smith)

So What?

Prayer is an important part of the life of faith. There is no one right way to pray.

To help you engage in this spiritual practice consider Maricle’s wisdom of praying

  • simply
  • persistently
  • alone and with others

As you ponder these possibilities, which feels daunting? which seems most life-giving?

What is one thing you’ve learned about prayer that you’d like to share with others?

Finally, share a prayer request. I’d be honored to pray for you.

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Greg Smith

Greg is a follower of the Way of Jesus who strives to make the world a better place for all people. Currently, he serves as Chief Executive Officer of White Rock Center of Hope and as Interim Senior Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church. He has served ten congregations, taught religion to undergraduates for eight years, and helped three organizations provide quality healthcare to underserved populations. (Read More)

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