The Refreshing Power of Prayer | God Is Always Listening

For America's 250th birthday, Greg For America's 250th birthday, Greg Laurie recommends a great film about the Laurie recommends a great film about the Laurie recommends a great film about the man behind the spiritual [music] man behind the spiritual [music] man behind the spiritual [music] awakening of our nation. awakening of our nation. awakening of our nation. >> Just as surely as George Washington is >> Just as surely as George Washington is >> Just as surely as George Washington is our founding father, George Whitfield is our founding father, George Whitfield is our founding father, George Whitfield is our spiritual founding [music] father. our spiritual founding [music] father. our spiritual founding [music] father. Two Georges played a role in founding Two Georges played a role in founding Two Georges played a role in founding the United States. So, find out more the United States. So, find out more the United States. So, find out more about George Whitfield [music] in this about George Whitfield [music] in this about George Whitfield [music] in this film that's called A Great Awakening, film that's called A Great Awakening, film that's called A Great Awakening, and we'll send it to you for your and we'll send it to you for your and we'll send it to you for your [music] gift of any size. [music] gift of any size. [music] gift of any size. >> Available on DVD at harvest.org. >> Why don't [music] we pray more often? >> Why don't [music] we pray more often? Maybe we don't pray more because we Maybe we don't pray more because we Maybe we don't pray more because we think we don't have the time. think we don't have the time. think we don't have the time. >> We're all pressed [music] for time, >> We're all pressed [music] for time, >> We're all pressed [music] for time, right? Never can get it all done. But right? Never can get it all done. But right? Never can get it all done. But coming up today on A New Beginning, coming up today on A New Beginning, coming up today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie says that's no excuse Pastor Greg Laurie says that's no excuse Pastor Greg Laurie says that's no excuse for prayerlessness. [music] for prayerlessness. [music] for prayerlessness. [music] >> Let me ask you this, how much time do >> Let me ask you this, how much time do >> Let me ask you this, how much time do you spend on social media every day? So, you spend on social media every day? So, you spend on social media every day? So, don't [music] say you don't have time to don't [music] say you don't have time to don't [music] say you don't have time to pray. The fact is you will make time for pray. The fact is you will make time for pray. The fact is you will make time for what matters to you. what matters to you. what matters to you. >> [music] >> Imagine if the [music] richest man in >> Imagine if the [music] richest man in the world slipped you a piece of paper the world slipped you a piece of paper the world slipped you a piece of paper and said, "Here's my cell number. Call and said, "Here's my cell number. Call and said, "Here's my cell number. Call me if I can ever do something for you."

me if I can ever do something for you." me if I can ever do something for you." And then you hear a sound. [music] And then you hear a sound. [music] And then you hear a sound. [music] Oh, it was your jaw hitting the floor. Oh, it was your jaw hitting the floor. Oh, it was your jaw hitting the floor. Imagine what an invitation. Imagine what an invitation. Imagine what an invitation. Well, today [music] on A New Beginning, Well, today [music] on A New Beginning, Well, today [music] on A New Beginning, we'll see we have an invitation from God we'll see we have an invitation from God we'll see we have an invitation from God himself to come to him anytime in himself to come to him anytime in himself to come to him anytime in prayer. No cell phone required. [music] prayer. No cell phone required. [music] prayer. No cell phone required. [music] Pastor Greg Laurie is offering insights Pastor Greg Laurie is offering insights Pastor Greg Laurie is offering insights to help encourage us straight from the to help encourage us straight from the to help encourage us straight from the truths in God's word. truths in God's word. truths in God's word. >> [music] >> We're starting a brand new series that >> We're starting a brand new series that I'm simply calling refresh. Things we I'm simply calling refresh. Things we I'm simply calling refresh. Things we must not forget as Christians. And in must not forget as Christians. And in must not forget as Christians. And in this message, I want to talk to you this message, I want to talk to you this message, I want to talk to you about the refreshing power of prayer. about the refreshing power of prayer. about the refreshing power of prayer. Am I talking to somebody right now who Am I talking to somebody right now who Am I talking to somebody right now who really doesn't know how to pray at all? really doesn't know how to pray at all? really doesn't know how to pray at all? You know, when we are with our little You know, when we are with our little You know, when we are with our little children before they go to bed, children before they go to bed, children before they go to bed, sometimes they'll say, "Kids, say your sometimes they'll say, "Kids, say your sometimes they'll say, "Kids, say your prayers. Remember, now I lay me down to prayers. Remember, now I lay me down to prayers. Remember, now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray If I should die before I wake, I pray If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take." the Lord my soul to take." the Lord my soul to take." Is this a good prayer to teach to a Is this a good prayer to teach to a Is this a good prayer to teach to a child? child? child? Are you not saying to the child, "Now Are you not saying to the child, "Now Are you not saying to the child, "Now listen, you may die in your sleep listen, you may die in your sleep listen, you may die in your sleep tonight. And I just pray that God takes tonight. And I just pray that God takes tonight. And I just pray that God takes your soul." Really? So, we'll say, your soul." Really? So, we'll say, your soul." Really? So, we'll say, "Remember to pray that prayer. Sleep "Remember to pray that prayer. Sleep "Remember to pray that prayer. Sleep tight. tight. tight. And don't let the bedbugs bite." Oh, And don't let the bedbugs bite." Oh, And don't let the bedbugs bite." Oh, you're going to traumatize your child. you're going to traumatize your child. you're going to traumatize your child. Now, we don't need to teach our kids Now, we don't need to teach our kids Now, we don't need to teach our kids prayers. We need to learn how to pray. prayers. We need to learn how to pray. prayers. We need to learn how to pray. Do you remember the first time you ever Do you remember the first time you ever Do you remember the first time you ever prayed? It It's kind of awkward. It's a prayed? It It's kind of awkward. It's a prayed? It It's kind of awkward. It's a little scary to pray out loud, little scary to pray out loud, little scary to pray out loud, especially in front of other people. especially in front of other people. especially in front of other people. But, let me ask you this, do you But, let me ask you this, do you But, let me ask you this, do you remember the first time your prayer was remember the first time your prayer was remember the first time your prayer was answered? How wonderful that was. In answered? How wonderful that was. In answered? How wonderful that was. In light of this, why don't we pray more light of this, why don't we pray more light of this, why don't we pray more often? Why do we put off prayer? Why do often? Why do we put off prayer? Why do often? Why do we put off prayer? Why do we avoid praying? Well, let me offer we avoid praying? Well, let me offer we avoid praying? Well, let me offer some observations about that. Maybe we some observations about that. Maybe we some observations about that. Maybe we don't pray more because we think we don't pray more because we think we don't pray more because we think we don't have the time.

don't have the time. don't have the time. But, is that really true? But, is that really true? But, is that really true? Let me ask you this, how much time do Let me ask you this, how much time do Let me ask you this, how much time do you spend on social media every day? The you spend on social media every day? The you spend on social media every day? The latest research says people in the US latest research says people in the US latest research says people in the US check their Facebook, Twitter, and other check their Facebook, Twitter, and other check their Facebook, Twitter, and other social media accounts 17 times per day. social media accounts 17 times per day. social media accounts 17 times per day. That's once every waking hour. teenagers That's once every waking hour. teenagers That's once every waking hour. teenagers spend 9 hours every day consuming media. spend 9 hours every day consuming media. spend 9 hours every day consuming media. And you see people doing it constantly. And you see people doing it constantly. And you see people doing it constantly. They're they're walking across They're they're walking across They're they're walking across crosswalks with traffic on both sides crosswalks with traffic on both sides crosswalks with traffic on both sides looking at their phone, not even looking looking at their phone, not even looking looking at their phone, not even looking up. They go to a restaurant where up. They go to a restaurant where up. They go to a restaurant where apparently we're there to have a nice apparently we're there to have a nice apparently we're there to have a nice meal and socialize, and a whole family meal and socialize, and a whole family meal and socialize, and a whole family will be looking at their phones the will be looking at their phones the will be looking at their phones the entire time. This is missing the whole entire time. This is missing the whole entire time. This is missing the whole point. We can waste so much time doing point. We can waste so much time doing point. We can waste so much time doing it. Imagine if you prayed 17 times a day it. Imagine if you prayed 17 times a day it. Imagine if you prayed 17 times a day instead of checking your phone. Someone instead of checking your phone. Someone instead of checking your phone. Someone put it this way, and I quote, "One of put it this way, and I quote, "One of put it this way, and I quote, "One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook the great uses of Twitter and Facebook the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the last day that will be to prove at the last day that will be to prove at the last day that prayerlessness was not from lack of prayerlessness was not from lack of prayerlessness was not from lack of time." End quote. How true is that? Then time." End quote. How true is that? Then time." End quote. How true is that? Then you factor in all the time that we spend you factor in all the time that we spend you factor in all the time that we spend binge watching television shows on binge watching television shows on binge watching television shows on Netflix or Amazon Prime or some other Netflix or Amazon Prime or some other Netflix or Amazon Prime or some other outlet. We can waste so much time. So, outlet. We can waste so much time. So, outlet. We can waste so much time. So, don't say you don't have time to pray.

don't say you don't have time to pray. don't say you don't have time to pray. The fact is you will make time for what The fact is you will make time for what The fact is you will make time for what matters to you. Number two, maybe we matters to you. Number two, maybe we matters to you. Number two, maybe we don't pray because we don't think prayer don't pray because we don't think prayer don't pray because we don't think prayer is all that important. Now, we would is all that important. Now, we would is all that important. Now, we would never admit that outright, but do we never admit that outright, but do we never admit that outright, but do we really think it's important? I'm telling really think it's important? I'm telling really think it's important? I'm telling you it's very important. In the book of you it's very important. In the book of you it's very important. In the book of Joshua is a story of the Israelites Joshua is a story of the Israelites Joshua is a story of the Israelites leaving Egypt and going into this leaving Egypt and going into this leaving Egypt and going into this promised land flowing with milk and promised land flowing with milk and promised land flowing with milk and honey. And you remember there was an honey. And you remember there was an honey. And you remember there was an obstacle It was the mighty city of obstacle It was the mighty city of obstacle It was the mighty city of Jericho, a huge fortress. There was no Jericho, a huge fortress. There was no Jericho, a huge fortress. There was no way they could bring that down way they could bring that down way they could bring that down militarily, but the Lord said, "I'll militarily, but the Lord said, "I'll militarily, but the Lord said, "I'll give you that city." So, they prayed and give you that city." So, they prayed and give you that city." So, they prayed and they called on God, and he gave them the they called on God, and he gave them the they called on God, and he gave them the battle plan, which I have to admit was battle plan, which I have to admit was battle plan, which I have to admit was pretty unorthodox. They marched around pretty unorthodox. They marched around pretty unorthodox. They marched around the city, yelled, and blew trumpets, but the city, yelled, and blew trumpets, but the city, yelled, and blew trumpets, but it worked, and the walls of this it worked, and the walls of this it worked, and the walls of this fortress crashed, and they took control. fortress crashed, and they took control. fortress crashed, and they took control. After that, there was another little After that, there was another little After that, there was another little city called Ai, much smaller than city called Ai, much smaller than city called Ai, much smaller than Jericho, not nearly as difficult to Jericho, not nearly as difficult to Jericho, not nearly as difficult to conquer. They didn't pray about that.

conquer. They didn't pray about that. conquer. They didn't pray about that. They just said, "Hey, we took down They just said, "Hey, we took down They just said, "Hey, we took down Jericho, Ai will be a piece of cake." Jericho, Ai will be a piece of cake." Jericho, Ai will be a piece of cake." And they went in and were soundly And they went in and were soundly And they went in and were soundly defeated because they didn't pray about defeated because they didn't pray about defeated because they didn't pray about it. We need to pray about everything. it. We need to pray about everything. it. We need to pray about everything. The Bible says, "In everything by prayer The Bible says, "In everything by prayer The Bible says, "In everything by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving, let and supplication with Thanksgiving, let and supplication with Thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." It your requests be made known to God." It your requests be made known to God." It doesn't say in some things or only in doesn't say in some things or only in doesn't say in some things or only in the big scary things, it says in the big scary things, it says in the big scary things, it says in everything by prayer and supplication, everything by prayer and supplication, everything by prayer and supplication, we should pray. Maybe another reason we we should pray. Maybe another reason we we should pray. Maybe another reason we don't pray more is because, well, we don't pray more is because, well, we don't pray more is because, well, we don't think prayer really works. don't think prayer really works. don't think prayer really works. But we have to understand what the But we have to understand what the But we have to understand what the objective of prayer is. It's not like objective of prayer is. It's not like objective of prayer is. It's not like God is a genie and he'll grant whatever God is a genie and he'll grant whatever God is a genie and he'll grant whatever wish we have. The objective of prayer is wish we have. The objective of prayer is wish we have. The objective of prayer is not to align God with my will, it's to not to align God with my will, it's to not to align God with my will, it's to align me with his will. Speaking of align me with his will. Speaking of align me with his will. Speaking of genies, I heard about a lady that was genies, I heard about a lady that was genies, I heard about a lady that was walking on the beach and she saw walking on the beach and she saw walking on the beach and she saw something embedded in the sand and she something embedded in the sand and she something embedded in the sand and she reached down to pick it up and it was a reached down to pick it up and it was a reached down to pick it up and it was a lamp and and as she rubbed it, a genie lamp and and as she rubbed it, a genie lamp and and as she rubbed it, a genie appeared. This is a true story, of appeared. This is a true story, of appeared. This is a true story, of course. And the genie said, "Oh, master, course. And the genie said, "Oh, master, course. And the genie said, "Oh, master, I will grant to you one wish. Whatever I will grant to you one wish. Whatever I will grant to you one wish. Whatever you want, it will be yours." Oh, wow, you want, it will be yours." Oh, wow, you want, it will be yours." Oh, wow, one wish. She said, "Hmm." She pulls out one wish. She said, "Hmm." She pulls out one wish. She said, "Hmm." She pulls out a map of the Middle East that she a map of the Middle East that she a map of the Middle East that she happened to be carrying with her and she happened to be carrying with her and she happened to be carrying with her and she said, "Genie, this is the Middle East said, "Genie, this is the Middle East said, "Genie, this is the Middle East and there's conflict in this part of the and there's conflict in this part of the and there's conflict in this part of the world all the time. My wish is for peace world all the time. My wish is for peace world all the time. My wish is for peace in the Middle East." And then she said, in the Middle East." And then she said, in the Middle East." And then she said, "No, let me change that.

"No, let me change that. "No, let me change that. I'm going to go big. If I only get one I'm going to go big. If I only get one I'm going to go big. If I only get one wish, I want worldwide peace, global wish, I want worldwide peace, global wish, I want worldwide peace, global peace. That's my wish, genie. I want peace. That's my wish, genie. I want peace. That's my wish, genie. I want peace in the world." The genie said, peace in the world." The genie said, peace in the world." The genie said, "That's kind of a big one. I don't know "That's kind of a big one. I don't know "That's kind of a big one. I don't know if I can really do that. Do you have any if I can really do that. Do you have any if I can really do that. Do you have any other wishes?" She said, "Well, I've other wishes?" She said, "Well, I've other wishes?" She said, "Well, I've always wanted to find one good man. always wanted to find one good man. always wanted to find one good man. A man that would love me, who would A man that would love me, who would A man that would love me, who would compliment me, who would not sit around compliment me, who would not sit around compliment me, who would not sit around on the couch and watch sports and TV, on the couch and watch sports and TV, on the couch and watch sports and TV, who would help me with the dishes, and who would help me with the dishes, and who would help me with the dishes, and like the things that I like. Yes, that's like the things that I like. Yes, that's like the things that I like. Yes, that's it, Genie. My wish is for one good man. it, Genie. My wish is for one good man. it, Genie. My wish is for one good man. The Genie looks at her for a moment and The Genie looks at her for a moment and The Genie looks at her for a moment and says, "Get that map out again." says, "Get that map out again." says, "Get that map out again." So, no God's not like a Genie. He's a So, no God's not like a Genie. He's a So, no God's not like a Genie. He's a father in heaven. And the objective of father in heaven. And the objective of father in heaven. And the objective of prayer is not to get God to do what I prayer is not to get God to do what I prayer is not to get God to do what I want him to do. It's to align my will want him to do. It's to align my will want him to do. It's to align my will with God's will. Jesus said this in John with God's will. Jesus said this in John with God's will. Jesus said this in John 15, "If you abide in me, and my words 15, "If you abide in me, and my words 15, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you abide in you, you shall ask what you abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you." will, and it shall be done unto you." will, and it shall be done unto you." From the original Greek, it would come From the original Greek, it would come From the original Greek, it would come out something like this, Jesus speaking, out something like this, Jesus speaking, out something like this, Jesus speaking, "If you maintain a living communion with "If you maintain a living communion with "If you maintain a living communion with me, and my word is at home in you, I me, and my word is at home in you, I me, and my word is at home in you, I command you to ask at once for yourself command you to ask at once for yourself command you to ask at once for yourself whatever your heart desires, whatever your heart desires, whatever your heart desires, and it will be yours."

and it will be yours." and it will be yours." Now, we immediately gravitate toward Now, we immediately gravitate toward Now, we immediately gravitate toward that. Lot of part of the verse, that. Lot of part of the verse, that. Lot of part of the verse, "Whatever my heart desires." Yeah. But "Whatever my heart desires." Yeah. But "Whatever my heart desires." Yeah. But don't forget the condition. Jesus says, don't forget the condition. Jesus says, don't forget the condition. Jesus says, "If you maintain a living communion with "If you maintain a living communion with "If you maintain a living communion with me, and my word is at home in you." me, and my word is at home in you." me, and my word is at home in you." Coming back to studying the Bible, if Coming back to studying the Bible, if Coming back to studying the Bible, if I'm studying scripture, memorizing I'm studying scripture, memorizing I'm studying scripture, memorizing scripture, understanding the message of scripture, understanding the message of scripture, understanding the message of the Bible, my desires are going to the Bible, my desires are going to the Bible, my desires are going to change, and thus my prayers are going change, and thus my prayers are going change, and thus my prayers are going [music] to change as well. >> Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second >> Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second half of his message in just a moment. half of his message in just a moment. half of his message in just a moment. >> Did you know [music] that we put our >> Did you know [music] that we put our >> Did you know [music] that we put our services that we do on Sundays online? services that we do on Sundays online? services that we do on Sundays online? It's called Harvest [music] It's called Harvest [music] It's called Harvest [music] at Home. And you can be a part of our at Home. And you can be a part of our at Home. And you can be a part of our extended congregation, no matter where extended congregation, no matter where extended congregation, no matter where you are. And people watch [music] from you are. And people watch [music] from you are. And people watch [music] from literally all around the world. So, if literally all around the world. So, if literally all around the world. So, if you want to watch [music] Harvest at you want to watch [music] Harvest at you want to watch [music] Harvest at Home, or view it later if you like, just Home, or view it later if you like, just Home, or view it later if you like, just download the Harvest Plus app, and then download the Harvest Plus app, and then download the Harvest Plus app, and then [music] join us for Harvest at Home.

>> Well, today Pastor Greg is offering some >> Well, today Pastor Greg is offering some very practical principles on the power very practical principles on the power very practical principles on the power of prayer. of prayer. of prayer. Let's continue. Let's continue. Let's continue. >> Here before us now, in Matthew 20, >> Here before us now, in Matthew 20, >> Here before us now, in Matthew 20, is two scenarios of prayer. is two scenarios of prayer. is two scenarios of prayer. And in this And in this And in this uh text, we're going to find how to and uh text, we're going to find how to and uh text, we're going to find how to and how not to pray. How to and how not to how not to pray. How to and how not to how not to pray. How to and how not to pray. In both of the stories, Jesus asks pray. In both of the stories, Jesus asks pray. In both of the stories, Jesus asks the people before him, "What is it that the people before him, "What is it that the people before him, "What is it that you want?" First, we're going to look at you want?" First, we're going to look at you want?" First, we're going to look at a mother who had two sons. She loved a mother who had two sons. She loved a mother who had two sons. She loved them, as mothers love sons and them, as mothers love sons and them, as mothers love sons and daughters, and she was very ambitious daughters, and she was very ambitious daughters, and she was very ambitious for them. And she asked Jesus to give for them. And she asked Jesus to give for them. And she asked Jesus to give something to them that was completely something to them that was completely something to them that was completely inappropriate. She stands as an example inappropriate. She stands as an example inappropriate. She stands as an example of how not to pray. In contrast, we have of how not to pray. In contrast, we have of how not to pray. In contrast, we have another story of two men another story of two men another story of two men who were unable to see. They were blind. who were unable to see. They were blind. who were unable to see. They were blind. And they called upon Jesus, and the way And they called upon Jesus, and the way And they called upon Jesus, and the way they prayed give us an example of how to they prayed give us an example of how to they prayed give us an example of how to pray. So, let's start with how not to pray. So, let's start with how not to pray. So, let's start with how not to pray.

pray. pray. Uh Matthew chapter 20, verse 17. Now, Uh Matthew chapter 20, verse 17. Now, Uh Matthew chapter 20, verse 17. Now, Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the 12 disciples aside on the road and the 12 disciples aside on the road and the 12 disciples aside on the road and said to them, "Behold, we're going up to said to them, "Behold, we're going up to said to them, "Behold, we're going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the betrayed to the chief priests and to the betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes, and they'll condemn him to scribes, and they'll condemn him to scribes, and they'll condemn him to death, and they'll deliver him to the death, and they'll deliver him to the death, and they'll deliver him to the Gentiles to mock and discourage and to Gentiles to mock and discourage and to Gentiles to mock and discourage and to crucify, crucify, crucify, and on the third day he'll rise again." and on the third day he'll rise again." and on the third day he'll rise again." Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to him with her sons, kneeling down and to him with her sons, kneeling down and to him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from him. By the way, asking something from him. By the way, asking something from him. By the way, this mother's name is Salome, and the this mother's name is Salome, and the this mother's name is Salome, and the sons here are James and John. sons here are James and John. sons here are James and John. And Jesus says to her, "What do you And Jesus says to her, "What do you And Jesus says to her, "What do you wish?" She said, "Grant that these two wish?" She said, "Grant that these two wish?" She said, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit one at your right sons of mine may sit one at your right sons of mine may sit one at your right hand and the other on your left in your hand and the other on your left in your hand and the other on your left in your kingdom." kingdom." kingdom." Jesus answered, "You don't know what Jesus answered, "You don't know what Jesus answered, "You don't know what you're asking for. Are you able to drink you're asking for. Are you able to drink you're asking for. Are you able to drink of the cup that I'm going to drink of of the cup that I'm going to drink of of the cup that I'm going to drink of and be baptized with the baptism I will and be baptized with the baptism I will and be baptized with the baptism I will be baptized with?" And they said, "We be baptized with?" And they said, "We be baptized with?" And they said, "We are able." Jesus said, "You will indeed are able." Jesus said, "You will indeed are able." Jesus said, "You will indeed drink my cup and be baptized with the drink my cup and be baptized with the drink my cup and be baptized with the baptism that I'm baptized with, but to baptism that I'm baptized with, but to baptism that I'm baptized with, but to sit on my right and on my left hand is sit on my right and on my left hand is sit on my right and on my left hand is not mine to give, but it's for those not mine to give, but it's for those not mine to give, but it's for those that have been prepared by my father."

that have been prepared by my father." that have been prepared by my father." Try to understand what's going on. Jesus Try to understand what's going on. Jesus Try to understand what's going on. Jesus is giving a detailed is giving a detailed is giving a detailed view of what is about to happen. He knew view of what is about to happen. He knew view of what is about to happen. He knew the future. He knew the thoughts of the future. He knew the thoughts of the future. He knew the thoughts of every person that he spoke to. And now every person that he spoke to. And now every person that he spoke to. And now he's saying, "This is what's going to he's saying, "This is what's going to he's saying, "This is what's going to happen to me. I'm going to be betrayed. happen to me. I'm going to be betrayed. happen to me. I'm going to be betrayed. I'm going to be handed over to the I'm going to be handed over to the I'm going to be handed over to the Gentiles. I'm going to be scourged. I'm Gentiles. I'm going to be scourged. I'm Gentiles. I'm going to be scourged. I'm going to be beaten. I'm going to be going to be beaten. I'm going to be going to be beaten. I'm going to be crucified, and I'm going to rise again crucified, and I'm going to rise again crucified, and I'm going to rise again from the dead." As he's sharing this from the dead." As he's sharing this from the dead." As he's sharing this with his disciples, they're just not with his disciples, they're just not with his disciples, they're just not getting it because you see their view getting it because you see their view getting it because you see their view was that when Messiah came, and Jesus was that when Messiah came, and Jesus was that when Messiah came, and Jesus was Messiah, was Messiah, was Messiah, that he would establish an earthly that he would establish an earthly that he would establish an earthly kingdom then and there. They were kingdom then and there. They were kingdom then and there. They were mistaken in their understanding of the mistaken in their understanding of the mistaken in their understanding of the role of Messiah because scripture role of Messiah because scripture role of Messiah because scripture clearly teaches first Messiah would come clearly teaches first Messiah would come clearly teaches first Messiah would come and suffer and die for the sins of the and suffer and die for the sins of the and suffer and die for the sins of the world, then he would return again and world, then he would return again and world, then he would return again and establish his kingdom. They missed the establish his kingdom. They missed the establish his kingdom. They missed the first part and only understood the first part and only understood the first part and only understood the latter part. So, they thought he would latter part. So, they thought he would latter part. So, they thought he would drive out the Romans and they would rule drive out the Romans and they would rule drive out the Romans and they would rule and reign with him in positions of great and reign with him in positions of great and reign with him in positions of great power, hence the request from Salome, power, hence the request from Salome, power, hence the request from Salome, the mother of James and John. By the the mother of James and John. By the the mother of James and John. By the way, James and John were given the way, James and John were given the way, James and John were given the nickname Sons of Thunder by Jesus.

nickname Sons of Thunder by Jesus. nickname Sons of Thunder by Jesus. You don't get a nickname like that for You don't get a nickname like that for You don't get a nickname like that for no reason. I think if they were alive no reason. I think if they were alive no reason. I think if they were alive today, they would probably be outlaw today, they would probably be outlaw today, they would probably be outlaw motorcycle guys or something, all tatted motorcycle guys or something, all tatted motorcycle guys or something, all tatted up, you know, kind of rough dudes, I up, you know, kind of rough dudes, I up, you know, kind of rough dudes, I think. Don't forget on occasion, there think. Don't forget on occasion, there think. Don't forget on occasion, there was one city that the disciples went to was one city that the disciples went to was one city that the disciples went to and they weren't all that responsive to and they weren't all that responsive to and they weren't all that responsive to the message of Jesus and James and John, the message of Jesus and James and John, the message of Jesus and James and John, the sons of thunder, suggested fire the sons of thunder, suggested fire the sons of thunder, suggested fire should be called down from heaven on the should be called down from heaven on the should be called down from heaven on the people who lived in that city. Jesus is people who lived in that city. Jesus is people who lived in that city. Jesus is like, "Oy vey." like, "Oy vey." like, "Oy vey." I didn't come to toast people, but to I didn't come to toast people, but to I didn't come to toast people, but to save people. So, you wonder, how did save people. So, you wonder, how did save people. So, you wonder, how did they become the sons of thunder? Check they become the sons of thunder? Check they become the sons of thunder? Check out their mother. Gives us a little out their mother. Gives us a little out their mother. Gives us a little hint. She says, "I want my sons, James hint. She says, "I want my sons, James hint. She says, "I want my sons, James and John, to sit on your right and your and John, to sit on your right and your and John, to sit on your right and your left hand when you come into your left hand when you come into your left hand when you come into your glory." They should be thankful God did glory." They should be thankful God did glory." They should be thankful God did not answer that prayer. not answer that prayer. not answer that prayer. Imagine if God came to you. Imagine if God came to you. Imagine if God came to you. It said, "I will give you whatever you It said, "I will give you whatever you It said, "I will give you whatever you want. want. want. Just ask for it." What would you pray Just ask for it." What would you pray Just ask for it." What would you pray for?

for? for? That actually happened to Solomon when That actually happened to Solomon when That actually happened to Solomon when he was a very young man. He had ascended he was a very young man. He had ascended he was a very young man. He had ascended to the throne to rule over Israel now to the throne to rule over Israel now to the throne to rule over Israel now that his father David was gone. The Lord that his father David was gone. The Lord that his father David was gone. The Lord said, "Ask what you want, Solomon, and said, "Ask what you want, Solomon, and said, "Ask what you want, Solomon, and I'll give it to you." I'll give it to you." I'll give it to you." Solomon said, "Well, Lord, I need wisdom Solomon said, "Well, Lord, I need wisdom Solomon said, "Well, Lord, I need wisdom to rule your people." The Lord said, to rule your people." The Lord said, to rule your people." The Lord said, "Solomon, because you have not asked for "Solomon, because you have not asked for "Solomon, because you have not asked for riches or a long life or the death of riches or a long life or the death of riches or a long life or the death of your enemies, I'm going to give you the your enemies, I'm going to give you the your enemies, I'm going to give you the wisdom you prayed for and I'm going to wisdom you prayed for and I'm going to wisdom you prayed for and I'm going to give you all these other things as give you all these other things as give you all these other things as well." Is that not the perfect example well." Is that not the perfect example well." Is that not the perfect example of what Jesus taught us when he said, of what Jesus taught us when he said, of what Jesus taught us when he said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his "Seek first the kingdom of God and his "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things righteousness, and all these things righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." So, here now shall be added unto you." So, here now shall be added unto you." So, here now are James and John and their mother are James and John and their mother are James and John and their mother asking for this thing. And understand asking for this thing. And understand asking for this thing. And understand how insensitive this was. What did Jesus how insensitive this was. What did Jesus how insensitive this was. What did Jesus just say? "I'm going to suffer and die." just say? "I'm going to suffer and die." just say? "I'm going to suffer and die." They said, "Oh, yeah, okay, whatever. By They said, "Oh, yeah, okay, whatever. By They said, "Oh, yeah, okay, whatever. By the way, we want to sit on your right the way, we want to sit on your right the way, we want to sit on your right and and left hand when you come into and and left hand when you come into and and left hand when you come into glory."

glory." glory." This would be like someone saying to This would be like someone saying to This would be like someone saying to you, "Wow, I just came back from the you, "Wow, I just came back from the you, "Wow, I just came back from the doctor's office and I found out I only doctor's office and I found out I only doctor's office and I found out I only have 2 weeks to live." And then you say, have 2 weeks to live." And then you say, have 2 weeks to live." And then you say, "Oh, well, interesting. Hey, can I have "Oh, well, interesting. Hey, can I have "Oh, well, interesting. Hey, can I have your car and your house, too?" I mean, your car and your house, too?" I mean, your car and your house, too?" I mean, what? That's exactly what they were what? That's exactly what they were what? That's exactly what they were doing. And Jesus is saying to them, doing. And Jesus is saying to them, doing. And Jesus is saying to them, "Hey, do you know what you're even "Hey, do you know what you're even "Hey, do you know what you're even asking for?" What did Salome, the mother asking for?" What did Salome, the mother asking for?" What did Salome, the mother of James and John, want? She wanted her of James and John, want? She wanted her of James and John, want? She wanted her sons to be on the right and left hand of sons to be on the right and left hand of sons to be on the right and left hand of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Salome, by the way, happened to be Salome, by the way, happened to be Salome, by the way, happened to be standing at the foot of the cross when standing at the foot of the cross when standing at the foot of the cross when Jesus was crucified. Who was on the Jesus was crucified. Who was on the Jesus was crucified. Who was on the right and left hand of Jesus? Two right and left hand of Jesus? Two right and left hand of Jesus? Two criminals who were also crucified. I'm criminals who were also crucified. I'm criminals who were also crucified. I'm sure at that moment Salome said, "Lord, sure at that moment Salome said, "Lord, sure at that moment Salome said, "Lord, thank you for not answering my prayer." thank you for not answering my prayer." thank you for not answering my prayer." Fact of the matter is, all prayers are Fact of the matter is, all prayers are Fact of the matter is, all prayers are effectively answered. Sometimes God says effectively answered. Sometimes God says effectively answered. Sometimes God says no. Sometimes God says slow. no. Sometimes God says slow. no. Sometimes God says slow. Sometimes God says go. Listen to this, Sometimes God says go. Listen to this, Sometimes God says go. Listen to this, if the request is wrong, God says no. If if the request is wrong, God says no. If if the request is wrong, God says no. If the timing is wrong, God says slow. If the timing is wrong, God says slow. If the timing is wrong, God says slow. If you are wrong, God says grow. But if the you are wrong, God says grow. But if the you are wrong, God says grow. But if the request is right and the timing is right request is right and the timing is right request is right and the timing is right and you are right, God says go.

and you are right, God says go. and you are right, God says go. So, he said no to Salome and her two So, he said no to Salome and her two So, he said no to Salome and her two boys, James and John, the sons of boys, James and John, the sons of boys, James and John, the sons of thunder. Why? Because he loved them. So, thunder. Why? Because he loved them. So, thunder. Why? Because he loved them. So, listen, if God has said no to your listen, if God has said no to your listen, if God has said no to your request recently, request recently, request recently, don't think that's necessarily a bad don't think that's necessarily a bad don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. It actually could be a very good thing. It actually could be a very good thing. It actually could be a very good thing because God sees the big picture. thing because God sees the big picture. thing because God sees the big picture. That's how not to pray. Now, let's talk That's how not to pray. Now, let's talk That's how not to pray. Now, let's talk about how to pray. Here's a couple of about how to pray. Here's a couple of about how to pray. Here's a couple of guys who prayed in the right way. Go guys who prayed in the right way. Go guys who prayed in the right way. Go back to Matthew 20, look at verse 29. back to Matthew 20, look at verse 29. back to Matthew 20, look at verse 29. As they went out of Jericho, a great As they went out of Jericho, a great As they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed him. Behold, two multitude followed him. Behold, two multitude followed him. Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they blind men sitting by the road, when they blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried heard that Jesus was passing by, cried heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out saying, "Have mercy on us, oh Lord, out saying, "Have mercy on us, oh Lord, out saying, "Have mercy on us, oh Lord, son of David." Then the multitude warned son of David." Then the multitude warned son of David." Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet, and they them that they should be quiet, and they them that they should be quiet, and they cried out all the more saying, "Have cried out all the more saying, "Have cried out all the more saying, "Have mercy on us, oh Lord, son of David." mercy on us, oh Lord, son of David." mercy on us, oh Lord, son of David." Jesus stood still and called them and Jesus stood still and called them and Jesus stood still and called them and said, "What do you want me to do for said, "What do you want me to do for said, "What do you want me to do for you?" They said, "Lord, that our eyes you?" They said, "Lord, that our eyes you?" They said, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened." Jesus had compassion and may be opened." Jesus had compassion and may be opened." Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately touched their eyes. And immediately touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they their eyes received sight, and they their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

followed him. followed him. So, here's Jesus still on his way to the So, here's Jesus still on his way to the So, here's Jesus still on his way to the cross, on his way to suffer. cross, on his way to suffer. cross, on his way to suffer. And two guys are on the roadside. Here And two guys are on the roadside. Here And two guys are on the roadside. Here Christ is passing by. They call out to Christ is passing by. They call out to Christ is passing by. They call out to him. Someone says, "Shh, don't bother him. Someone says, "Shh, don't bother him. Someone says, "Shh, don't bother him. He's busy. He has things on his him. He's busy. He has things on his him. He's busy. He has things on his mind." And they call out even louder. mind." And they call out even louder. mind." And they call out even louder. Actually, the word translated from the Actually, the word translated from the Actually, the word translated from the Greek would be they screamed. Greek would be they screamed. Greek would be they screamed. They screamed. I guess they believed They screamed. I guess they believed They screamed. I guess they believed that old adage, the squeaky wheel gets that old adage, the squeaky wheel gets that old adage, the squeaky wheel gets the oil, right? And Jesus stopped, and the oil, right? And Jesus stopped, and the oil, right? And Jesus stopped, and he heard them, and he answered their he heard them, and he answered their he heard them, and he answered their prayer. Isn't it amazing to think that prayer. Isn't it amazing to think that prayer. Isn't it amazing to think that God cares about us? I mean, he cares God cares about us? I mean, he cares God cares about us? I mean, he cares about the things that concern us. David about the things that concern us. David about the things that concern us. David said in Psalm 8:3, "When I look at the said in Psalm 8:3, "When I look at the said in Psalm 8:3, "When I look at the night sky, and see the work of your night sky, and see the work of your night sky, and see the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, what is fingers, the moon and the stars, what is fingers, the moon and the stars, what is man that you should think of us, mere man that you should think of us, mere man that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us?" humans that you should care for us?" humans that you should care for us?" I was in Hawaii recently speaking at our I was in Hawaii recently speaking at our I was in Hawaii recently speaking at our church church church uh there, and I went out very late at uh there, and I went out very late at uh there, and I went out very late at night and looked up in the sky, and I night and looked up in the sky, and I night and looked up in the sky, and I was stunned by how many stars I could was stunned by how many stars I could was stunned by how many stars I could see. You just don't see that many stars see. You just don't see that many stars see. You just don't see that many stars here in California. Just here in California. Just here in California. Just incredible, overwhelming. And to think, incredible, overwhelming. And to think, incredible, overwhelming. And to think, my God, my creator, my father made all my God, my creator, my father made all my God, my creator, my father made all of that, yet he cares about what I care of that, yet he cares about what I care of that, yet he cares about what I care about. God is never too busy or about. God is never too busy or about. God is never too busy or preoccupied to take time for you.

preoccupied to take time for you. preoccupied to take time for you. Listen, if it concerns you, it concerns Listen, if it concerns you, it concerns Listen, if it concerns you, it concerns him. So, here were two men with a very him. So, here were two men with a very him. So, here were two men with a very real need, and Jesus responded to the real need, and Jesus responded to the real need, and Jesus responded to the need. So, what do we learn about prayer need. So, what do we learn about prayer need. So, what do we learn about prayer from this story? In times of crisis, from this story? In times of crisis, from this story? In times of crisis, [music] they prayed, and so should we. >> Good insight on prayer today from Pastor >> Good insight on prayer today from Pastor Greg Laurie here on A New Beginning. Greg Laurie here on A New Beginning. Greg Laurie here on A New Beginning. And he has more insight to come in his And he has more insight to come in his And he has more insight to come in his message called The Refreshing Power of message called The Refreshing Power of message called The Refreshing Power of Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. You know, prayer plays such an important You know, prayer plays such an important You know, prayer plays such an important part in our lives, in our times of part in our lives, in our times of part in our lives, in our times of crisis, in our times of loneliness or crisis, in our times of loneliness or crisis, in our times of loneliness or despair, in times of sorrow. despair, in times of sorrow. despair, in times of sorrow. But, Pastor Greg, prayer is also the way But, Pastor Greg, prayer is also the way But, Pastor Greg, prayer is also the way we come to the Lord for his forgiveness, we come to the Lord for his forgiveness, we come to the Lord for his forgiveness, isn't it? Someone could pray for that isn't it? Someone could pray for that isn't it? Someone could pray for that reason right now, right? reason right now, right? reason right now, right? >> That's right. The Bible says, "Whoever >> That's right. The Bible says, "Whoever >> That's right. The Bible says, "Whoever will call upon in the name of the Lord will call upon in the name of the Lord will call upon in the name of the Lord will be saved." So, think of it this will be saved." So, think of it this will be saved." So, think of it this way.

way. way. Maybe you're out in a rip tide in the Maybe you're out in a rip tide in the Maybe you're out in a rip tide in the ocean, and you can't get your footing, ocean, and you can't get your footing, ocean, and you can't get your footing, and you're in trouble, and you see a and you're in trouble, and you see a and you're in trouble, and you see a lifeguard, call out for help, and the lifeguard, call out for help, and the lifeguard, call out for help, and the lifeguard will rescue you. The same is lifeguard will rescue you. The same is lifeguard will rescue you. The same is true spiritually. You're drowning in true spiritually. You're drowning in true spiritually. You're drowning in your sin. You need help. Jesus will save your sin. You need help. Jesus will save your sin. You need help. Jesus will save you. He will rescue you, but you must you. He will rescue you, but you must you. He will rescue you, but you must call out to him. And you know how you do call out to him. And you know how you do call out to him. And you know how you do that? You do it in prayer. that? You do it in prayer. that? You do it in prayer. So, let me just lead you in a simple So, let me just lead you in a simple So, let me just lead you in a simple prayer, and you can pray this prayer prayer, and you can pray this prayer prayer, and you can pray this prayer after me. You can pray it out loud if after me. You can pray it out loud if after me. You can pray it out loud if you like. And this is where you are you like. And this is where you are you like. And this is where you are calling out to Jesus to save you. Just calling out to Jesus to save you. Just calling out to Jesus to save you. Just pray this. Lord Jesus, I know I'm a pray this. Lord Jesus, I know I'm a pray this. Lord Jesus, I know I'm a sinner, and I know you are the savior sinner, and I know you are the savior sinner, and I know you are the savior who died on the cross for my sin and who died on the cross for my sin and who died on the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead. Now, Lord, I rose again from the dead. Now, Lord, I rose again from the dead. Now, Lord, I turn from my sin and I put my faith in turn from my sin and I put my faith in turn from my sin and I put my faith in you. you. you. Be my savior, my Lord. Be my God and my Be my savior, my Lord. Be my God and my Be my savior, my Lord. Be my God and my friend. I choose to follow you from this friend. I choose to follow you from this friend. I choose to follow you from this moment forward. In Jesus name I pray. moment forward. In Jesus name I pray. moment forward. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Amen. Amen. Hey, if you just prayed that prayer, I Hey, if you just prayed that prayer, I Hey, if you just prayed that prayer, I want you to know that Christ himself has want you to know that Christ himself has want you to know that Christ himself has come to live inside of you. come to live inside of you. come to live inside of you. And I have a resource I want to send And I have a resource I want to send And I have a resource I want to send you. It's called the New Believer's you. It's called the New Believer's you. It's called the New Believer's Bible. So, the New Believer's Bible is Bible. So, the New Believer's Bible is Bible. So, the New Believer's Bible is the New Testament in the New Living the New Testament in the New Living the New Testament in the New Living Translation with hundreds of notes that Translation with hundreds of notes that Translation with hundreds of notes that I wrote that will encourage you in this I wrote that will encourage you in this I wrote that will encourage you in this commitment you are making to follow commitment you are making to follow commitment you are making to follow Christ. There's some other materials Christ. There's some other materials Christ. There's some other materials included as well in what we call the New included as well in what we call the New included as well in what we call the New Believer's Growth Pack, but let me get Believer's Growth Pack, but let me get Believer's Growth Pack, but let me get this New Believer's Bible into your this New Believer's Bible into your this New Believer's Bible into your hands as quickly as possible. Here's hands as quickly as possible. Here's hands as quickly as possible. Here's Dave to tell you more. Dave to tell you more. Dave to tell you more. >> Yeah, we'll be glad to send it all your >> Yeah, we'll be glad to send it all your >> Yeah, we'll be glad to send it all your way free of any charge if you've prayed way free of any charge if you've prayed way free of any charge if you've prayed along with Pastor Greg today. Just ask along with Pastor Greg today. Just ask along with Pastor Greg today. Just ask for the New Believer's Bible when you for the New Believer's Bible when you for the New Believer's Bible when you call 1-800-821-3300. You can reach us anytime 24/7 at You can reach us anytime 24/7 at 1-800-821-3300 or go online to harvest.org or go online to harvest.org and click know God. and click know God. and click know God. You know, Pastor Greg, we hear from You know, Pastor Greg, we hear from You know, Pastor Greg, we hear from people all the time who tell us how people all the time who tell us how people all the time who tell us how these daily studies have impacted their these daily studies have impacted their these daily studies have impacted their lives.

lives. lives. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So many have found the Lord and been >> So many have found the Lord and been >> So many have found the Lord and been encouraged through this teaching. encouraged through this teaching. encouraged through this teaching. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> And we hope our listeners might pray >> And we hope our listeners might pray >> And we hope our listeners might pray about making an investment so these about making an investment so these about making an investment so these studies can continue. studies can continue. studies can continue. >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. You know, >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. You know, >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. You know, and even a little bit helps. You know, and even a little bit helps. You know, and even a little bit helps. You know, people need to hear the gospel so badly. people need to hear the gospel so badly. people need to hear the gospel so badly. They need to hear the teaching of the They need to hear the teaching of the They need to hear the teaching of the word of God. It changes everything word of God. It changes everything word of God. It changes everything because it changes us. because it changes us. because it changes us. And I'm so passionate about it and I'm And I'm so passionate about it and I'm And I'm so passionate about it and I'm called to do it and I'm thankful for it. called to do it and I'm thankful for it. called to do it and I'm thankful for it. But I can't do it alone. So, I'm going But I can't do it alone. So, I'm going But I can't do it alone. So, I'm going to ask folks that are listening that if to ask folks that are listening that if to ask folks that are listening that if you think more people need to hear the you think more people need to hear the you think more people need to hear the gospel, if you believe more people need gospel, if you believe more people need gospel, if you believe more people need to hear the teaching of the word of God, to hear the teaching of the word of God, to hear the teaching of the word of God, then prayerfully consider investing in then prayerfully consider investing in then prayerfully consider investing in Harvest Ministries, and maybe even Harvest Ministries, and maybe even Harvest Ministries, and maybe even become a Harvest Partner, which means become a Harvest Partner, which means become a Harvest Partner, which means you're someone who stands with us every you're someone who stands with us every you're someone who stands with us every month in your faithful giving, and that month in your faithful giving, and that month in your faithful giving, and that opens up a lot of new opportunities for opens up a lot of new opportunities for opens up a lot of new opportunities for us. So, thanks for that. us. So, thanks for that. us. So, thanks for that. >> Yeah, that's right. And we really are >> Yeah, that's right. And we really are >> Yeah, that's right. And we really are thankful for your partnership. You can thankful for your partnership. You can thankful for your partnership. You can reach us anytime, day or night, at reach us anytime, day or night, at reach us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-821-3300.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Or just go online to harvest.org. >> Or just go online to harvest.org. >> Or just go online to harvest.org. Well, next time, more insights from Well, next time, more insights from Well, next time, more insights from Pastor Greg's [music] new series called Pastor Greg's [music] new series called Pastor Greg's [music] new series called Refresh. Practical pointers coming on Refresh. Practical pointers coming on Refresh. Practical pointers coming on making our prayer life more productive. making our prayer life more productive. making our prayer life more productive. Join us here on A New Beginning with Join us here on A New Beginning with Join us here on A New Beginning with [music] pastor and Bible teacher, Greg [music] pastor and Bible teacher, Greg [music] pastor and Bible teacher, Greg Laurie. Laurie. Laurie. >> This is the day when the day when life begins.