A House of Prayer - Living Waters

“My house will be called a house of prayer…” (Isaiah 56:7)

What role does prayer play in your life? What role does it play at Living Waters? God has called His house a house of prayer; and prayer should have a prominent role not only in the life of the believer, but also in the church. Simply put, prayer is “talking to God.” It is the communication of the human soul with the Lord who created it. Prayer is a relationship, wherein we humbly communicate, worship, and sincerely seek God’s face, knowing that He hears us, loves us, and will respond–though not always in the manner that we expect.

Prayer is not simply a time of requesting or even pleading with God. It is a conversation in which God is adored, sins are confessed, thanksgivings are lifted up, and petitions are offered. When God’s people come in humble adoration and honesty to openly confess their unworthiness, God hears and answers from His heavenly throne. On the other hand, when people come before God with an attitude of pride or a sense of entitlement, the conversation quickly comes to an end. All too often, churches approach God as a last resort, when they are unable to make it on their own. However, prayer should never be a last resort, but rather a first line of defence! Prayer is the heartbeat of every vibrant congregation; and where there is little or no prayer, God’s purposes cannot be fulfilled. As such, we need to be careful that we’re not making God’s house into something other than what it should be: a house of prayer.

This 6-week series will look at different aspects of effective prayer to help nurture our prayer life as individuals and as a church. It’s my hope that as we reflect on this important area of the Christian life, God will inspire in us renewed passion and commitment to be a house of prayer.

SERMONS

Sermon: The Priority of Prayer

Preacher: The Rev. Christopher Doering

Date Preached: Sunday, February 18, 2018

Reading: Mark 11:15-19

Handout: Part1.HO