Building Blocks of Prayer with Christ at the Center

By: DeCarlo Marcus

Introduction:

• Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the understanding of prayer's building blocks through the lens of Christ's redemptive work.

• Introduction to the Theme:  Prayer is a progressive journey with God, built on understanding and experiences that help us become more like Christ.

1. Praying His Will and His Word:

   • Scripture Reference: John 15:7

   • Key Point: Aligning our prayers with God's will and His Word ensures that our desires are in harmony with His purposes. Through Christ, we have access to God's promises.

   • Role of Christ: Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), and through Him, we understand and pray God's will.

   • Illustration/Application: Share examples of how praying Scripture, as revealed through Christ, can transform our prayer life.

2. Praying with Faith:

   • Scripture Reference: Mark 11:24

   • Key Point: Praying with faith and assurance is crucial for an effective prayer life. Our faith is anchored in the redemptive work of Christ.

   • Role of Christ: Christ's resurrection is the foundation of our faith, assuring us of God's power and love.

   • Illustration/Application:  Express faith in God's ability to answer prayers, rooted in Christ's victory.

3. Heart Posture of Obedience:

   • Scripture Reference: Psalm 66:18, 1 John 1:9

   • Key Point: Unconfessed sin can hinder our prayers. Confession restores our daily relationship with God.

   • Role of Christ: Through Christ's sacrifice, we have the opportunity for confession and forgiveness, renewing our relationship with God.

   • Illustration/Application: Meditate on regular confession and its impact on our spiritual health, emphasizing Christ's role in our forgiveness.

4. Forgiving Others:

   • Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:12, 14-15

   • Key Point: Forgiving others is essential for a healthy prayer life and reflects our understanding of God's forgiveness through Christ.

   • Role of Christ: Christ's example of forgiveness on the cross (Luke 23:34) is our model for forgiving others.

   • Illustration/Application: Share stories or testimonies of how forgiveness, inspired by Christ, has transformed relationships and prayer life.

5. Humility:

   • Scripture Reference: James 4:6, 10; Luke 18:11-14

   • Key Point: Humility enhances our prayers by recognizing our limitations and submitting to God's wisdom.

   • Role of Christ: Christ's humility and submission to the Father's will (Philippians 2:5-8) serve as our model.

   • Illustration/Application: Use the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to illustrate the power of humble prayer, following Christ's example.

6. Time and Solitude in Prayer:

   • Scripture Reference: Genesis 32:26, Luke 5:16, Colossians 4:2

   • Key Point: Dedicated time and solitude allow us to focus on God without distractions, deepening our prayer experience.

   • Role of Christ: Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray, demonstrating the importance of focused communion with God.

   • Illustration/Application: Encourage the congregation to set aside regular times for solitude and focused prayer, following Christ's practice.

7. Fasting and Prayer:

   • Scripture Reference: Daniel 9:3, Joel 2:12

   • Key Point: Fasting can lead to repentance and provide clear direction, drawing us closer to God.

   • Role of Christ: Christ fasted and prayed, showing us the power of fasting in seeking God's will and strength.

   • Illustration/Application: Share practical tips on incorporating fasting into one's spiritual practice, inspired by Christ's example.