Battle In Prayer | Andy Wood

Here we go. Here we go. [music] Oh, this is [music] Oh, this is [music] Oh, this is the day you made. the day you made. the day you made. So I'll [music] rejoice and be glad. So I'll [music] rejoice and be glad. So I'll [music] rejoice and be glad. Rejoice and be glad in it. Rejoice and be glad in it. Rejoice and be glad in it. Oh, Oh, Oh, this [music] is this [music] is this [music] is where I believe where I believe where I believe that you are [music] more than enough. that you are [music] more than enough. that you are [music] more than enough. You're more than enough for me. You're more than enough for me. You're more than enough for me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Yes, you are. You are faithful to your >> Yes, you are. You are faithful to your >> Yes, you are. You are faithful to your promise. You are strong when [music] I promise. You are strong when [music] I promise. You are strong when [music] I am. am. am. And I'm standing in your presence. I And I'm standing in your presence. I And I'm standing in your presence. I have everything [music] I need. Here's have everything [music] I need. Here's have everything [music] I need. Here's why. Joy of the Lord. The joy of the why. Joy of the Lord. The joy of the why. Joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord. [music] Lord. [music] Lord. [music] It's more than a feeling. It's more than a feeling. It's more than a feeling. [music] [music] [music] The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh my soul, [music] Oh my soul, [music] Oh my soul, [music] oh my soul, bless his name. All [music] oh my soul, bless his name. All [music] oh my soul, bless his name. All [music] that is that is that is the joy of the Lord. [music] The joy of the joy of the Lord. [music] The joy of the joy of the Lord. [music] The joy of the Lord is my strength.

the Lord is my strength. the Lord is my strength. [music] [music] [music] The joy of the Lord Jesus Jesus [music] [music] [music] come come come to you are worthy. You are worthy. to you are worthy. You are worthy. to you are worthy. You are worthy. Worthy of all my praise. [music] You are faithful to your [music] You are faithful to your [music] promise. You are strong when I am. promise. You are strong when I am. promise. You are strong when I am. I'm standing in your presence. I got I'm standing in your presence. I got I'm standing in your presence. I got [music] [music] [music] everything I need because of the joy of everything I need because of the joy of everything I need because of the joy of the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. [music] I've got it. I got the joy of [music] I've got it. I got the joy of [music] I've got it. I got the joy of the Lord. >> Rise [music] up >> Rise [music] up like a river like a river like a river [music] [music] [music] overflowing Holy Spirit [music] Holy Spirit [music] and let it pour out

and let it pour out and let it pour out with no Over [music] the flow, the flow, Holy [music] Spirit say like the river like the river Yeah. [music] Heat.

Heat. [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] >> He is my strength. There's nothing [music] like the joy There's nothing [music] like the joy from knowing Jesus. Amen. from knowing Jesus. Amen. from knowing Jesus. Amen. Amen. [music] God is so good. He's Amen. [music] God is so good. He's Amen. [music] God is so good. He's always showing up for us, making a way always showing up for us, making a way always showing up for us, making a way for us. Let's testify [music] for us. Let's testify [music] for us. Let's testify [music] of his goodness tonight. Let's sing this of his goodness tonight. Let's sing this of his goodness tonight. Let's sing this together. When [music] I was lost and all alone, When [music] I was lost and all alone, your presence [music] was where I found your presence [music] was where I found your presence [music] was where I found home.

home. home. You were there and you're [music] here You were there and you're [music] here You were there and you're [music] here right now. Yes, he is. right now. Yes, he is. right now. Yes, he is. [music] In every high, and every low, [music] In every high, and every low, [music] In every high, and every low, you've never [music] left me without you've never [music] left me without you've never [music] left me without hope. hope. hope. You were [singing] good and you're good You were [singing] good and you're good You were [singing] good and you're good right now. Come on, let's sing [music] right now. Come on, let's sing [music] right now. Come on, let's sing [music] this together. this together. this together. I've witnessed your faithfulness. I've witnessed your faithfulness. I've witnessed your faithfulness. I've seen [music] your brea life with I've seen [music] your brea life with I've seen [music] your brea life with me. So I pour out my praise [music] me. So I pour out my praise [music] me. So I pour out my praise [music] again. You're worthy, God. You're worthy again. You're worthy, God. You're worthy again. You're worthy, God. You're worthy [music] of all. [music] of all. [music] of all. Your promise is never fail. Your promise is never fail. Your promise is never fail. I've got [music] stories I live I've got [music] stories I live I've got [music] stories I live [singing] to tell. So I pour [music] out [singing] to tell. So I pour [music] out [singing] to tell. So I pour [music] out my praise again. You're worthy, God. my praise again. You're worthy, God. my praise again. You're worthy, God. [music] You're worthy [singing] [music] You're worthy [singing] [music] You're worthy [singing] of all. of all. of all. He's so worthy. Amen.

He's so worthy. Amen. He's so worthy. Amen. [music] [music] [music] You left the throne and chose the cross. You left the throne and chose the cross. You left the throne and chose the cross. Laid down your life to rescue us. The Laid down your life to rescue us. The Laid down your life to rescue us. The savior [music] then and the savior now. savior [music] then and the savior now. savior [music] then and the savior now. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. [music] [music] [music] But even death was not the end. [music] But even death was not the end. [music] But even death was not the end. [music] You conquered [singing] hell so I could You conquered [singing] hell so I could You conquered [singing] hell so I could live. Resurrecting. [music] live. Resurrecting. [music] live. Resurrecting. [music] Resurrecting [singing] Resurrecting [singing] Resurrecting [singing] now. [music] [music] Resurrecting. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

You're good and I've witnessed it. It's You're good and I've witnessed it. It's real. You're strong and I've witness real. You're strong and I've witness real. You're strong and I've witness [music] it. [music] it. [music] it. You're constant. I've witness it and You're constant. I've witness it and You're constant. I've witness it and [music] I'm confident. [music] I'm confident. [music] I'm confident. I'll see it [singing] again and again. I'll see it [singing] again and again. I'll see it [singing] again and again. You love and I've witnessed it. [music] You love and I've witnessed it. [music] You love and I've witnessed it. [music] You heal and I witnessed it. You heal and I witnessed it. You heal and I witnessed it. You say [music] enough with mist and I'm You say [music] enough with mist and I'm You say [music] enough with mist and I'm confident. Come on. I see it again confident. Come on. I see it again confident. Come on. I see it again [music] [music] [music] and again. You're good and I'm and again. You're good and I'm and again. You're good and I'm witnessing. witnessing. witnessing. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] >> We're living [music] testimony.

>> We're living [music] testimony. We're living breathing testimony. We're living breathing testimony. We're living breathing testimony. [music] I've seen your goodness all my [music] I've seen your goodness all my [music] life. Come on. Just have a memory of who life. Come on. Just have a memory of who life. Come on. Just have a memory of who he's been. I've seen your goodness over he's been. I've seen your goodness over he's been. I've seen your goodness over my life. [music] my life. [music] my life. [music] You've been faithful. Oh, praise [music] the name of the Lord Oh, praise [music] the name of the Lord our [music] God. will praise his name our [music] God. will praise his name our [music] God. will praise his name forever forever forever [music] more. [music] more. [music] more. Foreverless Foreverless Foreverless we will sing your praise. [music] we will sing your praise. [music] we will sing your praise. [music] Oh Lord, oh Lord our God [music] forever. My God, forever. My God, you are God.

you are God. you are God. [music] [music] [music] I cast my mind I cast my mind I cast my mind to Calary to Calary to Calary where [music] Jesus bled where [music] Jesus bled where [music] Jesus bled and died for me. and died for me. and died for me. I see [music] his wounds, I see [music] his wounds, I see [music] his wounds, his hands, his feet, his hands, his feet, his hands, his feet, my savior on my savior on my savior on that cursed tree. that cursed tree. that cursed tree. His body bound body bound and drenched in tears. and drenched in tears. and drenched in tears. They laid him down They laid him down They laid him down in [music and singing] Joseph's tomb. in [music and singing] Joseph's tomb. in [music and singing] Joseph's tomb. The entrance sealed The entrance sealed The entrance sealed by [music] heavy stone. by [music] heavy stone. by [music] heavy stone. Messiah [singing] praise [music] praise [music] the name of the Lord our God. Oh, the name of the Lord our God. Oh, the name of the Lord our God. Oh, [music] praise [singing] his name.

[music] praise [singing] his name. [music] praise [singing] his name. Forever Forever Forever more. [singing] more. [singing] more. [singing] For endless [music] For endless [music] For endless [music] days we will see your praise. Oh Lord. days we will see your praise. Oh Lord. days we will see your praise. Oh Lord. [music] [music] [music] Oh Lord our God. Oh Lord our God. Oh Lord our God. He is He is He is [music] [music] [music] on the on the on the break [singing] of dawn. break [singing] of dawn. break [singing] of dawn. The son of man The son of man The son of man ro [music] ro [music] ro [music] again. Where is your [music] Join with the angels Join with the angels [music] [music] [music] crazy.

Oh [music] Oh [music] God in [music] robes of in [music] robes of the blazing sun the blazing sun the blazing sun shall pierce the [music] night. shall pierce the [music] night. shall pierce the [music] night. Then I will rise Then I will rise Then I will rise among [singing] the saints. among [singing] the saints. among [singing] the saints. Our gaze [music] transfixed Our gaze [music] transfixed Our gaze [music] transfixed on Jesus face on Jesus face on Jesus face to behold the savior of the world. to behold the savior of the world. to behold the savior of the world. [music] [music] [music] The lamb that was slain. Shout to the king tonight. [music]

Shout to the king tonight. [music] Yes, he is our God. Yes, he is our God. Yes, he is our God. He is our God. How great How great is [music] our God. is [music] our God. is [music] our God. Sing with me. How great Sing with me. How great Sing with me. How great is our God. [music] is our God. [music] is our God. [music] And oh see how great. [music] And oh see how great. [music] And oh see how great. [music] How great How great How great is our [singing] God. is our [singing] God. is our [singing] God. [music] There's nothing he can do. No. [music] There's nothing he can do. No. [music] There's nothing he can do. No. [singing] No. How great [music] is our God. is our God. Sing with me. How [music] Sing with me. How [music] Sing with me. How [music] great great great is our God. is our God. is our God. and all will see [music] and all will see [music] and all will see [music] how great, how great, how great, how great [music] how great [music] how great [music] is our God. One last time, just the is our God. One last time, just the is our God. One last time, just the voices. Come and be the choir tonight. voices. Come and be the choir tonight. voices. Come and be the choir tonight. [music] Let's sing to heaven and tell [music] Let's sing to heaven and tell [music] Let's sing to heaven and tell him how great. Say, "How great [music] him how great. Say, "How great [music] him how great. Say, "How great [music] is our God."

is our God." is our God." Sing with me. How [singing] great Sing with me. How [singing] great Sing with me. How [singing] great is our God. is our God. is our God. [singing] [singing] [singing] How great, How great, How great, >> how great [music] >> how great [music] >> how great [music] is our God. is our God. is our God. Come [music] on, if you believe it, Come [music] on, if you believe it, Come [music] on, if you believe it, shout to heaven. We believe you're shout to heaven. We believe you're shout to heaven. We believe you're great. Ready to be praised. [music] Our God is a great God. And when we Our God is a great God. And when we [music] gather together and sing these [music] gather together and sing these [music] gather together and sing these songs, it's not just empty words that we songs, it's not just empty words that we songs, it's not just empty words that we say, but they are songs of praise, songs say, but they are songs of praise, songs say, but they are songs of praise, songs of worship. [music] as we acknowledge of worship. [music] as we acknowledge of worship. [music] as we acknowledge that he is King of Kings and Lord of that he is King of Kings and Lord of that he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, [music] that our God is above all Lords, [music] that our God is above all Lords, [music] that our God is above all else and no one is in comparison to him. else and no one is in comparison to him. else and no one is in comparison to him. And so, I'm so grateful that you're And so, I'm so grateful that you're And so, I'm so grateful that you're joining us for church today [music] as joining us for church today [music] as joining us for church today [music] as we get to worship our Lord because he is we get to worship our Lord because he is we get to worship our Lord because he is a good God. He is a loving God and he's a good God. He is a loving God and he's a good God. He is a loving God and he's a kind father. Well, welcome to a kind father. Well, welcome to a kind father. Well, welcome to Saddleach. Like I said, [music] I'm so Saddleach. Like I said, [music] I'm so Saddleach. Like I said, [music] I'm so grateful that you're with us today for grateful that you're with us today for grateful that you're with us today for worship. I want to invite you right now worship. I want to invite you right now worship. I want to invite you right now to get prepared [music] for the message to get prepared [music] for the message to get prepared [music] for the message by opening our Saddleback Church app or by opening our Saddleback Church app or by opening our Saddleback Church app or if you're watching on YouTube, you can if you're watching on YouTube, you can if you're watching on YouTube, you can click that link in the description click that link in the description click that link in the description [music] as well. Make sure your campus [music] as well. Make sure your campus [music] as well. Make sure your campus is set to online community so you can is set to online community so you can is set to online community so you can keep up to date with all [music] the keep up to date with all [music] the keep up to date with all [music] the things happening in our church family.

things happening in our church family. things happening in our church family. And if it's your first time here, we And if it's your first time here, we And if it's your first time here, we would love to personally reach out would love to personally reach out would love to personally reach out [music] to you and help you get [music] to you and help you get [music] to you and help you get connected. We know that checking out a connected. We know that checking out a connected. We know that checking out a church for the very first time, church for the very first time, church for the very first time, especially [music] online, can feel especially [music] online, can feel especially [music] online, can feel intimidating, but we want to let you intimidating, but we want to let you intimidating, but we want to let you know wherever you're joining us from, know wherever you're joining us from, know wherever you're joining us from, there are ways to engage with our church there are ways to engage with our church there are ways to engage with our church online. [music] online. [music] online. [music] And so, you can let us know it's your And so, you can let us know it's your And so, you can let us know it's your first time by clicking that new here first time by clicking that new here first time by clicking that new here button on the digital program. And we button on the digital program. And we button on the digital program. And we would [music] love to personally reach would [music] love to personally reach would [music] love to personally reach out to you and help you get connected. out to you and help you get connected. out to you and help you get connected. And another great way to engage with our And another great way to engage with our And another great way to engage with our church and [music] take a first step is church and [music] take a first step is church and [music] take a first step is by joining us for Activate. Activate is by joining us for Activate. Activate is by joining us for Activate. Activate is a one-hour experience on Zoom where a one-hour experience on Zoom where a one-hour experience on Zoom where you'll get to meet [music] the rest of you'll get to meet [music] the rest of you'll get to meet [music] the rest of our online team and some of our dream our online team and some of our dream our online team and some of our dream teamers, our volunteers here at church. teamers, our volunteers here at church. teamers, our volunteers here at church. Get to ask questions and also where Get to ask questions and also where Get to ask questions and also where you'll get to learn what it [music] you'll get to learn what it [music] you'll get to learn what it [music] looks like to be a part of Saddleback, looks like to be a part of Saddleback, looks like to be a part of Saddleback, especially online. So, join us for that. especially online. So, join us for that. especially online. So, join us for that. You can register through the [music] You can register through the [music] You can register through the [music] Saddleback app. Well, we are so grateful Saddleback app. Well, we are so grateful Saddleback app. Well, we are so grateful that you joined us for church today. that you joined us for church today. that you joined us for church today. Let's join the rest of our church family Let's join the rest of our church family Let's join the rest of our church family as we hear some things that have as we hear some things that have as we hear some things that have happened recently in our church and what happened recently in our church and what happened recently in our church and what we can look forward to.

we can look forward to. we can look forward to. Hey, Saddleback. Last Sunday, men from Hey, Saddleback. Last Sunday, men from Hey, Saddleback. Last Sunday, men from across all of our campuses came together across all of our campuses came together across all of our campuses came together for an incredible men's gathering at for an incredible men's gathering at for an incredible men's gathering at Lake Forest. Lake Forest. Lake Forest. >> Yeah. We are celebrating 12 men who made >> Yeah. We are celebrating 12 men who made >> Yeah. We are celebrating 12 men who made a decision to follow Jesus that night. a decision to follow Jesus that night. a decision to follow Jesus that night. [music] And more than 500 who said yes [music] And more than 500 who said yes [music] And more than 500 who said yes to a next step through being in a small to a next step through being in a small to a next step through being in a small group or serving on one of our volunteer group or serving on one of our volunteer group or serving on one of our volunteer teams that we call dream teams. teams that we call dream teams. teams that we call dream teams. >> Yes, we love nights like this, but we >> Yes, we love nights like this, but we >> Yes, we love nights like this, but we don't only want to gather in a big room don't only want to gather in a big room don't only want to gather in a big room once in a while. We believe life change once in a while. We believe life change once in a while. We believe life change happens in small groups all year long. happens in small groups all year long. happens in small groups all year long. In just three weeks, our fall small In just three weeks, our fall small In just three weeks, our fall small groups kick off. And right now, what we groups kick off. And right now, what we groups kick off. And right now, what we need most is people like you willing to need most is people like you willing to need most is people like you willing to lead one. lead one. lead one. >> If you've never been in a small group, a >> If you've never been in a small group, a >> If you've never been in a small group, a small group is simply a handful of small group is simply a handful of small group is simply a handful of people who meet regularly, the same people who meet regularly, the same people who meet regularly, the same people every week to talk about life and people every week to talk about life and people every week to talk about life and faith. faith. faith. >> My family and I can't imagine not being >> My family and I can't imagine not being >> My family and I can't imagine not being in a small group. When we went through a in a small group. When we went through a in a small group. When we went through a hard season a few years ago, we just hard season a few years ago, we just hard season a few years ago, we just realized we didn't have the people that realized we didn't have the people that realized we didn't have the people that we could lean on. I've been leading a we could lean on. I've been leading a we could lean on. I've been leading a small group now for about a year and small group now for about a year and small group now for about a year and these people have become our best these people have become our best these people have become our best friends and are now the first people we friends and are now the first people we friends and are now the first people we call when anything happens.

call when anything happens. call when anything happens. >> I lead a small group of nine high school >> I lead a small group of nine high school >> I lead a small group of nine high school girls on Tuesday nights and it's one of girls on Tuesday nights and it's one of girls on Tuesday nights and it's one of my favorite nights of the week. And you my favorite nights of the week. And you my favorite nights of the week. And you guys, leading a group is simpler than guys, leading a group is simpler than guys, leading a group is simpler than you think. You can take something you you think. You can take something you you think. You can take something you already enjoy, like working out, meeting already enjoy, like working out, meeting already enjoy, like working out, meeting other moms while your kids are at other moms while your kids are at other moms while your kids are at [music] practice, or having lunch with [music] practice, or having lunch with [music] practice, or having lunch with co-workers and invite a few people to do co-workers and invite a few people to do co-workers and invite a few people to do it with you. it with you. it with you. >> And you know what? You don't have to be >> And you know what? You don't have to be >> And you know what? You don't have to be a Bible expert. have everything figured a Bible expert. have everything figured a Bible expert. have everything figured out to do so. Our team will train you out to do so. Our team will train you out to do so. Our team will train you and equip you and help you. Our fall and equip you and help you. Our fall and equip you and help you. Our fall small groups begin September 12th. So, small groups begin September 12th. So, small groups begin September 12th. So, if you'd like to jump in and leading if you'd like to jump in and leading if you'd like to jump in and leading one, check the small group box on the one, check the small group box on the one, check the small group box on the next [music] steps card or find an next [music] steps card or find an next [music] steps card or find an upcoming leader training in the upcoming leader training in the upcoming leader training in the Saddleback app. Now, ladies, we are Saddleback app. Now, ladies, we are Saddleback app. Now, ladies, we are kicking off the fall small group kicking off the fall small group kicking off the fall small group semester with our women's gathering next semester with our women's gathering next semester with our women's gathering next Sunday [music] night. Pastor Stacy will Sunday [music] night. Pastor Stacy will Sunday [music] night. Pastor Stacy will be sharing a special message. I'll be be sharing a special message. I'll be be sharing a special message. I'll be there, my high school girls will be there, my high school girls will be there, my high school girls will be there, and I hope you'll be there, too. there, and I hope you'll be there, too. there, and I hope you'll be there, too. You can find all the details and You can find all the details and You can find all the details and register in the Saddleback app. And register in the Saddleback app. And register in the Saddleback app. And finally, this month, we celebrated 20 finally, this month, we celebrated 20 finally, this month, we celebrated 20 years of Saddleback's peace plan years of Saddleback's peace plan years of Saddleback's peace plan partnership in Rwanda. [music] partnership in Rwanda. [music] partnership in Rwanda. [music] >> For two decades, we've partnered with >> For two decades, we've partnered with >> For two decades, we've partnered with local Rwanda churches to address some of local Rwanda churches to address some of local Rwanda churches to address some of their country's deepest challenges their country's deepest challenges their country's deepest challenges related to poverty, education, related to poverty, education, related to poverty, education, healthcare, and even the orphan crisis.

healthcare, and even the orphan crisis. healthcare, and even the orphan crisis. >> I've been to Rwanda twice with our >> I've been to Rwanda twice with our >> I've been to Rwanda twice with our church, and the Peace Land has shaped my church, and the Peace Land has shaped my church, and the Peace Land has shaped my own life. Those trips grew my heart for own life. Those trips grew my heart for own life. Those trips grew my heart for the global church through [music] time the global church through [music] time the global church through [music] time spent serving local churches and caring spent serving local churches and caring spent serving local churches and caring for those in need. And this month, 55 for those in need. And this month, 55 for those in need. And this month, 55 [music] people from our church traveled [music] people from our church traveled [music] people from our church traveled to Rwanda to celebrate our 20th to Rwanda to celebrate our 20th to Rwanda to celebrate our 20th anniversary and to serve [music] anniversary and to serve [music] anniversary and to serve [music] alongside local churches. Our teams alongside local churches. Our teams alongside local churches. Our teams equipped families and collaborated with equipped families and collaborated with equipped families and collaborated with church leaders. Our students helped a church leaders. Our students helped a church leaders. Our students helped a local church build a home for a young local church build a home for a young local church build a home for a young [music] single mom. And Pastor Stacy [music] single mom. And Pastor Stacy [music] single mom. And Pastor Stacy prayed over the whole nation at a prayed over the whole nation at a prayed over the whole nation at a soldout stadium event. But the Rwanda soldout stadium event. But the Rwanda soldout stadium event. But the Rwanda pastors there are the ones who pastors there are the ones who pastors there are the ones who faithfully continue this work every week faithfully continue this work every week faithfully continue this work every week long after our [music] teams fly home. long after our [music] teams fly home. long after our [music] teams fly home. If you want to hear more about Rwanda If you want to hear more about Rwanda If you want to hear more about Rwanda and the rest of our global mission and the rest of our global mission and the rest of our global mission efforts, come to the global missions efforts, come to the global missions efforts, come to the global missions night on August [music] 27th at our Lake night on August [music] 27th at our Lake night on August [music] 27th at our Lake Forest campus. Forest campus. Forest campus. >> Because of your generosity, Saddleback >> Because of your generosity, Saddleback >> Because of your generosity, Saddleback can continue supporting local churches can continue supporting local churches can continue supporting local churches in Rwanda [music] and around the world. in Rwanda [music] and around the world. in Rwanda [music] and around the world. >> Yes, our investment into the global >> Yes, our investment into the global >> Yes, our investment into the global church is made possible through your church is made possible through your church is made possible through your regular giving. And if you'd like to regular giving. And if you'd like to regular giving. And if you'd like to give your tie the roaring today, you can give your tie the roaring today, you can give your tie the roaring today, you can do that in the Saddleback app or with a do that in the Saddleback app or with a do that in the Saddleback app or with a giving envelope near you.

giving envelope near you. giving envelope near you. >> Thanks for giving so faithfully, >> Thanks for giving so faithfully, >> Thanks for giving so faithfully, Saddleback. We'll see you around here Saddleback. We'll see you around here Saddleback. We'll see you around here this week. >> Now, today we are in the third week of a >> Now, today we are in the third week of a message series called Live Sent. And message series called Live Sent. And message series called Live Sent. And we've been looking at this idea that we've been looking at this idea that we've been looking at this idea that Jesus has created us for more. He made Jesus has created us for more. He made Jesus has created us for more. He made us for more than anything that this us for more than anything that this us for more than anything that this world has to offer. that deep within our world has to offer. that deep within our world has to offer. that deep within our soul is a longing that our lives would soul is a longing that our lives would soul is a longing that our lives would make a difference. A longing to be a make a difference. A longing to be a make a difference. A longing to be a part of something bigger than just what part of something bigger than just what part of something bigger than just what we see in front of us with our eyes. And we see in front of us with our eyes. And we see in front of us with our eyes. And so often we give our lives to pursuing so often we give our lives to pursuing so often we give our lives to pursuing other things, relationships, money, other things, relationships, money, other things, relationships, money, jobs, and it never truly satisfies our jobs, and it never truly satisfies our jobs, and it never truly satisfies our soul. So when we come to know God, when soul. So when we come to know God, when soul. So when we come to know God, when we enter into a relationship with Jesus, we enter into a relationship with Jesus, we enter into a relationship with Jesus, we find purpose. And then when we know we find purpose. And then when we know we find purpose. And then when we know him, he sends us forth with his good him, he sends us forth with his good him, he sends us forth with his good news. So, this series really has been a news. So, this series really has been a news. So, this series really has been a call for our church to say yes to Jesus call for our church to say yes to Jesus call for our church to say yes to Jesus and his invitation to live a life that and his invitation to live a life that and his invitation to live a life that is sent forth by him with good news. is sent forth by him with good news. is sent forth by him with good news. Now, in the first week, we we said we're Now, in the first week, we we said we're Now, in the first week, we we said we're going to pray a prayer, a bold prayer.

going to pray a prayer, a bold prayer. going to pray a prayer, a bold prayer. God, use my life to make a difference. God, use my life to make a difference. God, use my life to make a difference. And there were thousands of you that And there were thousands of you that And there were thousands of you that said, "God, use me." It was a beautiful said, "God, use me." It was a beautiful said, "God, use me." It was a beautiful moment. Then last week, we talked about moment. Then last week, we talked about moment. Then last week, we talked about this idea of seeing opportunities that this idea of seeing opportunities that this idea of seeing opportunities that are in front of us every day. Last week are in front of us every day. Last week are in front of us every day. Last week we looked at a story found in Acts we looked at a story found in Acts we looked at a story found in Acts chapter 4 and it's the story of Peter chapter 4 and it's the story of Peter chapter 4 and it's the story of Peter and John healing a man who had not been and John healing a man who had not been and John healing a man who had not been able to walk from birth. And one of the able to walk from birth. And one of the able to walk from birth. And one of the ideas I really drilled into last week ideas I really drilled into last week ideas I really drilled into last week was how God chooses to use ordinary was how God chooses to use ordinary was how God chooses to use ordinary people like us to display his power and people like us to display his power and people like us to display his power and bring us good news. Now I want to come bring us good news. Now I want to come bring us good news. Now I want to come to a really significant part of our to a really significant part of our to a really significant part of our journey of saying yes to live a life journey of saying yes to live a life journey of saying yes to live a life that's sent by God. And this is a that's sent by God. And this is a that's sent by God. And this is a message that perhaps if we did a series message that perhaps if we did a series message that perhaps if we did a series really fast, we could skip over this one really fast, we could skip over this one really fast, we could skip over this one subject that I believe is crucial to us subject that I believe is crucial to us subject that I believe is crucial to us understanding how do we sustain a life understanding how do we sustain a life understanding how do we sustain a life that is beyond ourselves and how do we that is beyond ourselves and how do we that is beyond ourselves and how do we not just get really excited for a few not just get really excited for a few not just get really excited for a few weeks about sharing the love of Jesus, weeks about sharing the love of Jesus, weeks about sharing the love of Jesus, but how do we live this way the rest of but how do we live this way the rest of but how do we live this way the rest of our lives? And there's a mindset that our lives? And there's a mindset that our lives? And there's a mindset that God wants to implant in us this weekend.

God wants to implant in us this weekend. God wants to implant in us this weekend. It's a mindset that might be different It's a mindset that might be different It's a mindset that might be different than what you've carried in here today. than what you've carried in here today. than what you've carried in here today. But I believe God's going to unlock But I believe God's going to unlock But I believe God's going to unlock something when we see from his word this something when we see from his word this something when we see from his word this principle today. So if you have your principle today. So if you have your principle today. So if you have your sheet, your notes or your Bible, I want sheet, your notes or your Bible, I want sheet, your notes or your Bible, I want to invite you to open to 2 Corinthians to invite you to open to 2 Corinthians to invite you to open to 2 Corinthians 4:es 4-6. And I want to read these 4:es 4-6. And I want to read these 4:es 4-6. And I want to read these verses aloud at all of our campuses. You verses aloud at all of our campuses. You verses aloud at all of our campuses. You guys ready to read the Bible, the word guys ready to read the Bible, the word guys ready to read the Bible, the word of God? You guys ready? Five people of God? You guys ready? Five people of God? You guys ready? Five people ready? Come on, you guys ready? Okay. 2 ready? Come on, you guys ready? Okay. 2 ready? Come on, you guys ready? Okay. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, Corinthians 4:4-6, Corinthians 4:4-6, "The God of this age has blinded the "The God of this age has blinded the "The God of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot minds of unbelievers so that they cannot minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that see the light of the gospel that see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the displays the glory of Christ, who is the displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we preach what is not image of God. For we preach what is not image of God. For we preach what is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' ourselves as your servants for Jesus' ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake." For God who said, "Let light sake." For God who said, "Let light sake." For God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine out of darkness," made his light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light shine in our hearts to give us the light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory of the knowledge of God's glory of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ. Now, displayed in the face of Christ. Now, displayed in the face of Christ. Now, these verses right here are speaking of these verses right here are speaking of these verses right here are speaking of a spiritual reality that is constantly a spiritual reality that is constantly a spiritual reality that is constantly happening that you and I cannot see with happening that you and I cannot see with happening that you and I cannot see with our physical eyes. And what Paul is our physical eyes. And what Paul is our physical eyes. And what Paul is saying is that there is a battle for the saying is that there is a battle for the saying is that there is a battle for the human heart. that there's an enemy human heart. that there's an enemy human heart. that there's an enemy called the God of this age. Little G, called the God of this age. Little G, called the God of this age. Little G, not big G. And what he has done is he not big G. And what he has done is he not big G. And what he has done is he has blinded the minds of people who are has blinded the minds of people who are has blinded the minds of people who are disconnected from the heart of God. But

disconnected from the heart of God. But disconnected from the heart of God. But the good news is that Jesus shines his the good news is that Jesus shines his the good news is that Jesus shines his light into the darkness of our hearts light into the darkness of our hearts light into the darkness of our hearts and illuminates our minds so that we can and illuminates our minds so that we can and illuminates our minds so that we can understand and see who he truly is. Now, understand and see who he truly is. Now, understand and see who he truly is. Now, the point I want us to notice from this the point I want us to notice from this the point I want us to notice from this passage of scripture is that whether or passage of scripture is that whether or passage of scripture is that whether or not you or I embrace the reality of a not you or I embrace the reality of a not you or I embrace the reality of a spiritual battle happening all around spiritual battle happening all around spiritual battle happening all around us, it is happening. And the New us, it is happening. And the New us, it is happening. And the New Testament describes over and over and Testament describes over and over and Testament describes over and over and over again a war, a battle between over again a war, a battle between over again a war, a battle between darkness and light. And the Apostle Paul darkness and light. And the Apostle Paul darkness and light. And the Apostle Paul in Ephesians chapter 6:10 says this, in Ephesians chapter 6:10 says this, in Ephesians chapter 6:10 says this, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. put on the full armor his mighty power. put on the full armor his mighty power. put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand of God so that you can take your stand of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our against the devil's schemes. For our against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, struggle is not against flesh and blood, struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the but against the rulers, against the but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this authorities, against the powers of this authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual dark world and against the spiritual dark world and against the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms. So what forces in the heavenly realms. So what forces in the heavenly realms. So what Paul is saying is our battle is not a Paul is saying is our battle is not a Paul is saying is our battle is not a fleshly battle. Now, there are realities fleshly battle. Now, there are realities fleshly battle. Now, there are realities that we can see with our eyes, but that we can see with our eyes, but that we can see with our eyes, but ultimately the battle is a spiritual ultimately the battle is a spiritual ultimately the battle is a spiritual battle for the hearts of human beings to battle for the hearts of human beings to battle for the hearts of human beings to live lives that are free. And for you, live lives that are free. And for you, live lives that are free. And for you, if you've made a decision to follow if you've made a decision to follow if you've made a decision to follow Jesus, you made a decision that has Jesus, you made a decision that has Jesus, you made a decision that has tremendous implications. And this is the tremendous implications. And this is the tremendous implications. And this is the point I want you to see today. If you point I want you to see today. If you point I want you to see today. If you have said, "God, use my life to live a have said, "God, use my life to live a have said, "God, use my life to live a life that is sent means that you are life that is sent means that you are life that is sent means that you are saying, I'm going to live at war." Now,

saying, I'm going to live at war." Now, saying, I'm going to live at war." Now, not a physical war, but a spiritual not a physical war, but a spiritual not a physical war, but a spiritual battle. The moment that you say, "God, battle. The moment that you say, "God, battle. The moment that you say, "God, use me." You are painting a big target use me." You are painting a big target use me." You are painting a big target on your back. And there's an enemy on your back. And there's an enemy on your back. And there's an enemy called the devil who wants to destroy called the devil who wants to destroy called the devil who wants to destroy you and take you out. Now, some of you, you and take you out. Now, some of you, you and take you out. Now, some of you, this is a little bit scary to you. I'm this is a little bit scary to you. I'm this is a little bit scary to you. I'm going to give you from God's word some going to give you from God's word some going to give you from God's word some realities that show you you don't have realities that show you you don't have realities that show you you don't have to live with fear. You can live with to live with fear. You can live with to live with fear. You can live with boldness and confidence. But we've been boldness and confidence. But we've been boldness and confidence. But we've been talking about the fact that Jesus wants talking about the fact that Jesus wants talking about the fact that Jesus wants to establish his kingdom here on planet to establish his kingdom here on planet to establish his kingdom here on planet earth. And that Jesus kingdom is earth. And that Jesus kingdom is earth. And that Jesus kingdom is wherever he is king. That if your heart wherever he is king. That if your heart wherever he is king. That if your heart is surrendered to Jesus, your heart is is surrendered to Jesus, your heart is is surrendered to Jesus, your heart is the kingdom of God. And if your home is the kingdom of God. And if your home is the kingdom of God. And if your home is surrendered to Jesus, your home is the surrendered to Jesus, your home is the surrendered to Jesus, your home is the kingdom of God. If you're a business kingdom of God. If you're a business kingdom of God. If you're a business leader and your business is surrendered leader and your business is surrendered leader and your business is surrendered to Jesus, your business is the kingdom to Jesus, your business is the kingdom to Jesus, your business is the kingdom of God. What that means is that Jesus in of God. What that means is that Jesus in of God. What that means is that Jesus in your heart, in your life, in your home, your heart, in your life, in your home, your heart, in your life, in your home, in your business, sits on a throne, that in your business, sits on a throne, that in your business, sits on a throne, that he's in charge. And that also means that he's in charge. And that also means that he's in charge. And that also means that when he takes his place on the throne, when he takes his place on the throne, when he takes his place on the throne, somebody has to be dethroned. Let me somebody has to be dethroned. Let me somebody has to be dethroned. Let me explain it like this. Now, I grew up explain it like this. Now, I grew up explain it like this. Now, I grew up just outside of Detroit, Michigan, and just outside of Detroit, Michigan, and just outside of Detroit, Michigan, and one of my favorite parts of my childhood one of my favorite parts of my childhood one of my favorite parts of my childhood was getting to go watch NBA games. Now, was getting to go watch NBA games. Now, was getting to go watch NBA games. Now, I understand that a lot of you, you love I understand that a lot of you, you love I understand that a lot of you, you love Michael Jordan. How many of you guys Michael Jordan. How many of you guys Michael Jordan. How many of you guys were big Jordan fans? Okay. And for a were big Jordan fans? Okay. And for a were big Jordan fans? Okay. And for a long time, everybody said the Bulls were long time, everybody said the Bulls were long time, everybody said the Bulls were just amazing. And this is a picture here

just amazing. And this is a picture here just amazing. And this is a picture here of the Chicago Bulls. And this is the of the Chicago Bulls. And this is the of the Chicago Bulls. And this is the best that Chad could do of Dennis Rodman best that Chad could do of Dennis Rodman best that Chad could do of Dennis Rodman and the rest of them. But they won six and the rest of them. But they won six and the rest of them. But they won six NBA championships, and they were NBA championships, and they were NBA championships, and they were phenomenal. In the '9s, they were like phenomenal. In the '9s, they were like phenomenal. In the '9s, they were like the team to beat. But what you don't the team to beat. But what you don't the team to beat. But what you don't know is right before, or maybe you do know is right before, or maybe you do know is right before, or maybe you do know, but right before the Chicago Bulls know, but right before the Chicago Bulls know, but right before the Chicago Bulls were on their throne as the NBA were on their throne as the NBA were on their throne as the NBA champions, there was another team. Does champions, there was another team. Does champions, there was another team. Does anybody know what that team is? It's not anybody know what that team is? It's not anybody know what that team is? It's not the Lakers. Somebody said the Lakers. It the Lakers. Somebody said the Lakers. It the Lakers. Somebody said the Lakers. It was not the Lakers. was not the Lakers. was not the Lakers. No, the Lakers were long gone. No, the Lakers were long gone. No, the Lakers were long gone. It was the Detroit Pistons. Now, they It was the Detroit Pistons. Now, they It was the Detroit Pistons. Now, they were called the Bad Boys. And I want you were called the Bad Boys. And I want you were called the Bad Boys. And I want you to see a picture of the bad boys here. to see a picture of the bad boys here. to see a picture of the bad boys here. And there were some guys there. Dennis And there were some guys there. Dennis And there were some guys there. Dennis Rodman was on the Pistons for a while. Rodman was on the Pistons for a while. Rodman was on the Pistons for a while. Guy named Bill Lambe. He was violent. Guy named Bill Lambe. He was violent. Guy named Bill Lambe. He was violent. He's not the kind of guy you'd want He's not the kind of guy you'd want He's not the kind of guy you'd want babysitting your kids. And and there was babysitting your kids. And and there was babysitting your kids. And and there was this collision. So for three years this collision. So for three years this collision. So for three years straight, the Chicago Bulls lost to the straight, the Chicago Bulls lost to the straight, the Chicago Bulls lost to the Pistons in the playoffs. And then in Pistons in the playoffs. And then in Pistons in the playoffs. And then in 1991, 1991, 1991, they dethroned the Pistons. And there they dethroned the Pistons. And there they dethroned the Pistons. And there was this nasty dragout battle between was this nasty dragout battle between was this nasty dragout battle between them. In fact, many of the Pistons them. In fact, many of the Pistons them. In fact, many of the Pistons walked off the court and it was just walked off the court and it was just walked off the court and it was just really nasty. And what I love about that really nasty. And what I love about that really nasty. And what I love about that picture is it shows us that there is a picture is it shows us that there is a picture is it shows us that there is a collision that when one person or one collision that when one person or one collision that when one person or one thing comes into power, another thing is thing comes into power, another thing is thing comes into power, another thing is dethroned. So if Jesus is going to be on

dethroned. So if Jesus is going to be on dethroned. So if Jesus is going to be on the throne of your heart, there are the throne of your heart, there are the throne of your heart, there are things that must be dethroned. Your things that must be dethroned. Your things that must be dethroned. Your pride must be dethroned. your pride must be dethroned. your pride must be dethroned. your selfishness must be dethroned. And what selfishness must be dethroned. And what selfishness must be dethroned. And what happens is the demonic or spiritual happens is the demonic or spiritual happens is the demonic or spiritual reality that we cannot see wars against reality that we cannot see wars against reality that we cannot see wars against the kingdom of God advancing in and the kingdom of God advancing in and the kingdom of God advancing in and through our lives. This is so so through our lives. This is so so through our lives. This is so so important. Some of you are going to be important. Some of you are going to be important. Some of you are going to be like, you know, give me a message that's like, you know, give me a message that's like, you know, give me a message that's like really cute and easy to follow. I like really cute and easy to follow. I like really cute and easy to follow. I believe that this message, if you will believe that this message, if you will believe that this message, if you will embrace it, has the power to give to embrace it, has the power to give to embrace it, has the power to give to your life a kind of fruitfulness that no your life a kind of fruitfulness that no your life a kind of fruitfulness that no seminar can give. And it's the seminar can give. And it's the seminar can give. And it's the invitation to understand with human eyes invitation to understand with human eyes invitation to understand with human eyes that there is a spiritual battle being that there is a spiritual battle being that there is a spiritual battle being waged in the cosmic reality around us. waged in the cosmic reality around us. waged in the cosmic reality around us. And there is a difference between being And there is a difference between being And there is a difference between being in a war and being at war. And what I in a war and being at war. And what I in a war and being at war. And what I want for my life and I deeply desire for want for my life and I deeply desire for want for my life and I deeply desire for our church family is that we don't live our church family is that we don't live our church family is that we don't live on the defensive. We live on the on the defensive. We live on the on the defensive. We live on the offensive and we go after the gates of offensive and we go after the gates of offensive and we go after the gates of hell with the good news of Jesus. And we hell with the good news of Jesus. And we hell with the good news of Jesus. And we this requires a kind of boldness and an this requires a kind of boldness and an this requires a kind of boldness and an understanding of how God uses prayer in understanding of how God uses prayer in understanding of how God uses prayer in our lives to advance his kingdom. So our lives to advance his kingdom. So our lives to advance his kingdom. So that's what I want to talk about today.

that's what I want to talk about today. that's what I want to talk about today. I want to talk about how do you pray I want to talk about how do you pray I want to talk about how do you pray proactive prayers? Because a lot of proactive prayers? Because a lot of proactive prayers? Because a lot of times when we pray, we pray reactively. times when we pray, we pray reactively. times when we pray, we pray reactively. And so the first point I want to And so the first point I want to And so the first point I want to emphasize is that we want to pray first. emphasize is that we want to pray first. emphasize is that we want to pray first. So when we start our journey So when we start our journey So when we start our journey spiritually, a lot of times we learn new spiritually, a lot of times we learn new spiritually, a lot of times we learn new truths. Maybe some of you who are new truths. Maybe some of you who are new truths. Maybe some of you who are new here, you're learning about Jesus. here, you're learning about Jesus. here, you're learning about Jesus. You're applying the Bible. And what can You're applying the Bible. And what can You're applying the Bible. And what can happen so often is we go in our thinking happen so often is we go in our thinking happen so often is we go in our thinking to what we can do. This is true if to what we can do. This is true if to what we can do. This is true if you're trying to get a new job. So often you're trying to get a new job. So often you're trying to get a new job. So often like maybe you tried to find a new job like maybe you tried to find a new job like maybe you tried to find a new job and you put together your resume on and you put together your resume on and you put together your resume on Indeed and you looked and you applied to Indeed and you looked and you applied to Indeed and you looked and you applied to 20 jobs and nobody hired you and you're 20 jobs and nobody hired you and you're 20 jobs and nobody hired you and you're like, "Oh, maybe I should pray now. This like, "Oh, maybe I should pray now. This like, "Oh, maybe I should pray now. This would be a really good time cuz I'm not would be a really good time cuz I'm not would be a really good time cuz I'm not getting the job. It's really quiet in getting the job. It's really quiet in getting the job. It's really quiet in this service. Is you guys looking for this service. Is you guys looking for this service. Is you guys looking for jobs?" It's um but isn't it true so jobs?" It's um but isn't it true so jobs?" It's um but isn't it true so often that our mindset is that we pray often that our mindset is that we pray often that our mindset is that we pray after we've tried everything else? And after we've tried everything else? And after we've tried everything else? And what the Apostle Paul says in Colossians what the Apostle Paul says in Colossians what the Apostle Paul says in Colossians 4:2, he says this, "Devote yourselves to 4:2, he says this, "Devote yourselves to 4:2, he says this, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

prayer, being watchful and thankful." prayer, being watchful and thankful." And I'd like for you to underline that And I'd like for you to underline that And I'd like for you to underline that word devote. Because the word that he word devote. Because the word that he word devote. Because the word that he uses is this heart posture towards God uses is this heart posture towards God uses is this heart posture towards God and towards prayer that devotion and towards prayer that devotion and towards prayer that devotion elevates one thing over another. So in elevates one thing over another. So in elevates one thing over another. So in Matthew 6:24 when Jesus says that nobody Matthew 6:24 when Jesus says that nobody Matthew 6:24 when Jesus says that nobody can serve two masters, you cannot serve can serve two masters, you cannot serve can serve two masters, you cannot serve God and money. You will be devoted to God and money. You will be devoted to God and money. You will be devoted to one and you will hate or despise the one and you will hate or despise the one and you will hate or despise the other. So what Paul is saying is if other. So what Paul is saying is if other. So what Paul is saying is if you're going to live a life where you you're going to live a life where you you're going to live a life where you pray where it's a habit that gets built pray where it's a habit that gets built pray where it's a habit that gets built into our lives that there's a devotion, into our lives that there's a devotion, into our lives that there's a devotion, meaning that there are other things that meaning that there are other things that meaning that there are other things that I give up in order that my life might be I give up in order that my life might be I give up in order that my life might be more focused on God and more focused on more focused on God and more focused on more focused on God and more focused on prayer. And so often what happens is prayer. And so often what happens is prayer. And so often what happens is that prayer is the afterthought. So that prayer is the afterthought. So that prayer is the afterthought. So maybe you've thought before, I need to maybe you've thought before, I need to maybe you've thought before, I need to share about Jesus with other people. share about Jesus with other people. share about Jesus with other people. Need to let other people know about God. Need to let other people know about God. Need to let other people know about God. But this is really important. I want for But this is really important. I want for But this is really important. I want for my life and for our church that we would my life and for our church that we would my life and for our church that we would be the kind of people that would say, "I be the kind of people that would say, "I be the kind of people that would say, "I will speak to God about people before I will speak to God about people before I will speak to God about people before I speak to people about God."

speak to people about God." speak to people about God." And sometimes what we do is we're And sometimes what we do is we're And sometimes what we do is we're speaking to people about God, but we're speaking to people about God, but we're speaking to people about God, but we're not talking to God about people. And the not talking to God about people. And the not talking to God about people. And the person in your life that's never person in your life that's never person in your life that's never encountered the love of Jesus or has not encountered the love of Jesus or has not encountered the love of Jesus or has not been transformed by him. They're a human been transformed by him. They're a human been transformed by him. They're a human being that God created and knows and being that God created and knows and being that God created and knows and cares about them and knows more about cares about them and knows more about cares about them and knows more about them than you and I ever possibly could. them than you and I ever possibly could. them than you and I ever possibly could. So what prayer does is prayer brings God So what prayer does is prayer brings God So what prayer does is prayer brings God into the equation where I start saying, into the equation where I start saying, into the equation where I start saying, "God, before I do anything, I want to "God, before I do anything, I want to "God, before I do anything, I want to pray first." And this is the way that we pray first." And this is the way that we pray first." And this is the way that we structure our days. I'll tell you on a structure our days. I'll tell you on a structure our days. I'll tell you on a personal level, I can tell a radical personal level, I can tell a radical personal level, I can tell a radical difference in my day when the days I difference in my day when the days I difference in my day when the days I wake up in the morning, I go get my wake up in the morning, I go get my wake up in the morning, I go get my coffee, I get down on my knees, and I coffee, I get down on my knees, and I coffee, I get down on my knees, and I say, "God, I surrender my day to you. say, "God, I surrender my day to you. say, "God, I surrender my day to you. I'm choosing today to follow you. I want I'm choosing today to follow you. I want I'm choosing today to follow you. I want you to be supreme on the throne of my you to be supreme on the throne of my you to be supreme on the throne of my life today. And I'm asking you to use life today. And I'm asking you to use life today. And I'm asking you to use me." And when I intercede or I pray, me." And when I intercede or I pray, me." And when I intercede or I pray, there's a radical difference when I pray there's a radical difference when I pray there's a radical difference when I pray first versus when I pick up my phone and first versus when I pick up my phone and first versus when I pick up my phone and I go to the news and social media. And I go to the news and social media. And I go to the news and social media. And so often I want to pray later, but my so often I want to pray later, but my so often I want to pray later, but my mind is so chasing after so many things.

mind is so chasing after so many things. mind is so chasing after so many things. Now the best time to pray is the time Now the best time to pray is the time Now the best time to pray is the time that you will pray. But the truth is that you will pray. But the truth is that you will pray. But the truth is that your life will be much more ordered that your life will be much more ordered that your life will be much more ordered and our lives will be much more and our lives will be much more and our lives will be much more effective if we will pray first. So let effective if we will pray first. So let effective if we will pray first. So let me give you a question. We've been me give you a question. We've been me give you a question. We've been talking about what if we all had one talking about what if we all had one talking about what if we all had one person that we prayed for. We said last person that we prayed for. We said last person that we prayed for. We said last week we all have a place we go work, week we all have a place we go work, week we all have a place we go work, play, school that we go to to live and play, school that we go to to live and play, school that we go to to live and do our lives, but within that there's do our lives, but within that there's do our lives, but within that there's somebody that God wants to use you to somebody that God wants to use you to somebody that God wants to use you to impact. So the question becomes, who's impact. So the question becomes, who's impact. So the question becomes, who's your one life? So who's the one person your one life? So who's the one person your one life? So who's the one person that if you were to say, I really that if you were to say, I really that if you were to say, I really believe God's put this person in my believe God's put this person in my believe God's put this person in my life? And if you were to write that name life? And if you were to write that name life? And if you were to write that name down somewhere on a note card or on your down somewhere on a note card or on your down somewhere on a note card or on your notes and you say, "My one life is this notes and you say, "My one life is this notes and you say, "My one life is this person." Now, imagine the difference all person." Now, imagine the difference all person." Now, imagine the difference all of us as a church family could make if of us as a church family could make if of us as a church family could make if we started with that life and we just we started with that life and we just we started with that life and we just prayed for that person before we ever prayed for that person before we ever prayed for that person before we ever shared anything about Jesus with them. shared anything about Jesus with them. shared anything about Jesus with them. That our heart posture was God, we know That our heart posture was God, we know That our heart posture was God, we know that you have the power to transform the that you have the power to transform the that you have the power to transform the human heart. So, we're going to pray human heart. So, we're going to pray human heart. So, we're going to pray first. We're going to put you in the first. We're going to put you in the first. We're going to put you in the first place of our lives and we're going first place of our lives and we're going first place of our lives and we're going to seek you and pray before anything to seek you and pray before anything to seek you and pray before anything else throughout the course of our day else throughout the course of our day else throughout the course of our day and throughout any before we do anything and throughout any before we do anything and throughout any before we do anything else in this relationship. I want to else in this relationship. I want to else in this relationship. I want to pray first. Now, that prayer first is pray first. Now, that prayer first is pray first. Now, that prayer first is not just an order of priority. It's not just an order of priority. It's not just an order of priority. It's actually a very practical thing that we actually a very practical thing that we actually a very practical thing that we can do. And we want to pray practically can do. And we want to pray practically can do. And we want to pray practically as well. And let me explain what I mean as well. And let me explain what I mean as well. And let me explain what I mean by this. Colossians 4:3, the Apostle

by this. Colossians 4:3, the Apostle by this. Colossians 4:3, the Apostle Paul says, "Pray for us to that God may Paul says, "Pray for us to that God may Paul says, "Pray for us to that God may open a door." Everybody say, "Open a open a door." Everybody say, "Open a open a door." Everybody say, "Open a door." That God might open a door for door." That God might open a door for door." That God might open a door for our message so that we might proclaim our message so that we might proclaim our message so that we might proclaim the mystery of Christ for which I am in the mystery of Christ for which I am in the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains. Pray that I might proclaim it chains. Pray that I might proclaim it chains. Pray that I might proclaim it clearly as I should. Now, I want you to clearly as I should. Now, I want you to clearly as I should. Now, I want you to notice the Apostle Paul. He is a notice the Apostle Paul. He is a notice the Apostle Paul. He is a missionary. He's going forth starting missionary. He's going forth starting missionary. He's going forth starting churches all over the place. And he's churches all over the place. And he's churches all over the place. And he's asking the church in Colasse to pray a asking the church in Colasse to pray a asking the church in Colasse to pray a very specific prayer but it's a very specific prayer but it's a very specific prayer but it's a practical prayer and it's God open a practical prayer and it's God open a practical prayer and it's God open a door for the message to go forth. Give door for the message to go forth. Give door for the message to go forth. Give me words to speak and let me speak them me words to speak and let me speak them me words to speak and let me speak them clearly. Now this is significant because clearly. Now this is significant because clearly. Now this is significant because it's not the only practical prayer that it's not the only practical prayer that it's not the only practical prayer that Paul gives. I think what Paul is doing Paul gives. I think what Paul is doing Paul gives. I think what Paul is doing is giving us a practical way the church is giving us a practical way the church is giving us a practical way the church in Colasse to pray for him but for in Colasse to pray for him but for in Colasse to pray for him but for followers of Jesus or anyone that would followers of Jesus or anyone that would followers of Jesus or anyone that would read the Bible therefore that we would read the Bible therefore that we would read the Bible therefore that we would understand how does it integrate into understand how does it integrate into understand how does it integrate into our lives on a daily basis to pray for our lives on a daily basis to pray for our lives on a daily basis to pray for practical things. Now if you ever get practical things. Now if you ever get practical things. Now if you ever get around somebody and they tell you like around somebody and they tell you like around somebody and they tell you like man I really have prayer figured out. I man I really have prayer figured out. I man I really have prayer figured out. I have it nailed. I'm the person that you have it nailed. I'm the person that you have it nailed. I'm the person that you should learn from. you should run from should learn from. you should run from should learn from. you should run from them. And what I've discovered in my own them. And what I've discovered in my own them. And what I've discovered in my own journey of prayer, I am married to journey of prayer, I am married to journey of prayer, I am married to somebody who is a is a prayer warrior somebody who is a is a prayer warrior somebody who is a is a prayer warrior and she is a model, my wife. And one of and she is a model, my wife. And one of and she is a model, my wife. And one of the things that I've I've grown in is the things that I've I've grown in is the things that I've I've grown in is not feeling like I have to have prayer not feeling like I have to have prayer not feeling like I have to have prayer figured out in order to be able to pray.

figured out in order to be able to pray. figured out in order to be able to pray. And I think a lot of the reason why we And I think a lot of the reason why we And I think a lot of the reason why we get stuck when it comes to prayer is get stuck when it comes to prayer is get stuck when it comes to prayer is that we actually put way too much weight that we actually put way too much weight that we actually put way too much weight on ourselves to have it all figured out. on ourselves to have it all figured out. on ourselves to have it all figured out. And we all know somebody in circles. And we all know somebody in circles. And we all know somebody in circles. It's dangerous when you start praying in It's dangerous when you start praying in It's dangerous when you start praying in circles. It's good and dangerous. But circles. It's good and dangerous. But circles. It's good and dangerous. But there's always somebody who prays in there's always somebody who prays in there's always somebody who prays in King James English. Have you ever King James English. Have you ever King James English. Have you ever noticed that? The these and the thous. noticed that? The these and the thous. noticed that? The these and the thous. I'm like, "Brother, God does not speak I'm like, "Brother, God does not speak I'm like, "Brother, God does not speak in King James English." That was 1660. in King James English." That was 1660. in King James English." That was 1660. That's not how God speaks. God speaks in That's not how God speaks. God speaks in That's not how God speaks. God speaks in the language that we utter unto him from the language that we utter unto him from the language that we utter unto him from our hearts. That's what God listens to. our hearts. That's what God listens to. our hearts. That's what God listens to. And so, as a son or daughter, if you're And so, as a son or daughter, if you're And so, as a son or daughter, if you're a follower of Jesus, the Bible says that a follower of Jesus, the Bible says that a follower of Jesus, the Bible says that you are a son or a daughter of the most you are a son or a daughter of the most you are a son or a daughter of the most high God. And when Jesus gives us the high God. And when Jesus gives us the high God. And when Jesus gives us the model of how to pray, he says, pray this model of how to pray, he says, pray this model of how to pray, he says, pray this way. Our father in heaven, hallowed be way. Our father in heaven, hallowed be way. Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name. What's the first phrase? He's your name. What's the first phrase? He's your name. What's the first phrase? He's a father. So what he invites you to do a father. So what he invites you to do a father. So what he invites you to do as a son or daughter is to bring your as a son or daughter is to bring your as a son or daughter is to bring your requests and your needs before him and requests and your needs before him and requests and your needs before him and to pray practically. So as a church to pray practically. So as a church to pray practically. So as a church family, that's what we want to help you family, that's what we want to help you family, that's what we want to help you to do is to pray practically day in and to do is to pray practically day in and to do is to pray practically day in and day out. So sometimes you might pray for day out. So sometimes you might pray for day out. So sometimes you might pray for a door to open, but how many of you a door to open, but how many of you a door to open, but how many of you parents know there are times where parents know there are times where parents know there are times where you've prayed for a door to close on you've prayed for a door to close on you've prayed for a door to close on your kids? And there are times where your kids? And there are times where your kids? And there are times where you're looking at somebody's life and you're looking at somebody's life and you're looking at somebody's life and you're you're praying that God would you're you're praying that God would you're you're praying that God would intervene in circumstances and do intervene in circumstances and do intervene in circumstances and do something that is beyond what you can something that is beyond what you can something that is beyond what you can see with your own human eyes. And the see with your own human eyes. And the see with your own human eyes. And the the power of practically bringing our the power of practically bringing our the power of practically bringing our requests before God. God uses ordinary

requests before God. God uses ordinary requests before God. God uses ordinary people with practical prayers to move people with practical prayers to move people with practical prayers to move mountains in his kingdom. And I I'll mountains in his kingdom. And I I'll mountains in his kingdom. And I I'll give you a couple of examples of this. give you a couple of examples of this. give you a couple of examples of this. So, if you've been around for a couple So, if you've been around for a couple So, if you've been around for a couple of years, you'll remember a little over of years, you'll remember a little over of years, you'll remember a little over a year and a half ago, we did this thing a year and a half ago, we did this thing a year and a half ago, we did this thing called Dream Now. And when we did Dream called Dream Now. And when we did Dream called Dream Now. And when we did Dream Now, we said, "God, what's your dream Now, we said, "God, what's your dream Now, we said, "God, what's your dream for the next few years of our church? We for the next few years of our church? We for the next few years of our church? We want to step boldly into that." And we want to step boldly into that." And we want to step boldly into that." And we said, "One of the things that we believe said, "One of the things that we believe said, "One of the things that we believe God is leading us to do was start a God is leading us to do was start a God is leading us to do was start a campus in Dvau in the Philippines." And campus in Dvau in the Philippines." And campus in Dvau in the Philippines." And part of the reason why we said that was part of the reason why we said that was part of the reason why we said that was because in the Philippines, there's a because in the Philippines, there's a because in the Philippines, there's a thriving campus of our church family thriving campus of our church family thriving campus of our church family reaching,300 people. Mike Ayala, our reaching,300 people. Mike Ayala, our reaching,300 people. Mike Ayala, our campus pastor, is here with us this campus pastor, is here with us this campus pastor, is here with us this weekend. So, I wonder if we can show him weekend. So, I wonder if we can show him weekend. So, I wonder if we can show him some love from all of our campuses. some love from all of our campuses. some love from all of our campuses. [applause] [applause] [applause] And so, Mike and the team there, they're And so, Mike and the team there, they're And so, Mike and the team there, they're like, "Hey, we we we we want to start like, "Hey, we we we we want to start like, "Hey, we we we we want to start this campus down here." There was this campus down here." There was this campus down here." There was actually a guy named Ian that had moved actually a guy named Ian that had moved actually a guy named Ian that had moved down there and started this group down there and started this group down there and started this group meeting and extension. There were about meeting and extension. There were about meeting and extension. There were about a hundred people and they just kept a hundred people and they just kept a hundred people and they just kept asking us, "Will you make us a campus?" asking us, "Will you make us a campus?" asking us, "Will you make us a campus?" So finally, uh, Mike said, "We'll send So finally, uh, Mike said, "We'll send So finally, uh, Mike said, "We'll send our student pastor Joran and his wife our student pastor Joran and his wife our student pastor Joran and his wife Nicole down to Dva to start this Nicole down to Dva to start this Nicole down to Dva to start this campus." So they started last October.

campus." So they started last October. campus." So they started last October. I'm going to tell you a little bit more I'm going to tell you a little bit more I'm going to tell you a little bit more about what's happening there in just a about what's happening there in just a about what's happening there in just a moment. But one of the other things that moment. But one of the other things that moment. But one of the other things that stirred in their heart was as they heard stirred in their heart was as they heard stirred in their heart was as they heard God putting a burden on us to have God putting a burden on us to have God putting a burden on us to have campuses inside of prisons. They said, campuses inside of prisons. They said, campuses inside of prisons. They said, "There's this prison here in Devow, a "There's this prison here in Devow, a "There's this prison here in Devow, a men's prison, and there had already been men's prison, and there had already been men's prison, and there had already been another prison that a campus of another prison that a campus of another prison that a campus of Saddleback was in up in Santa Rosa or Saddleback was in up in Santa Rosa or Saddleback was in up in Santa Rosa or the up in Manila. So they said we want the up in Manila. So they said we want the up in Manila. So they said we want to start a campus inside the prison. So to start a campus inside the prison. So to start a campus inside the prison. So they started praying. Ian who started they started praying. Ian who started they started praying. Ian who started the first small group that grew to an the first small group that grew to an the first small group that grew to an extension that ultimately got launched extension that ultimately got launched extension that ultimately got launched as a campus said I'll go behind prison as a campus said I'll go behind prison as a campus said I'll go behind prison doors and I will just start praying for doors and I will just start praying for doors and I will just start praying for God to open a door for us to start a God to open a door for us to start a God to open a door for us to start a campus inside of that the prison. So campus inside of that the prison. So campus inside of that the prison. So months and months he's been going just months and months he's been going just months and months he's been going just asking God to open doors. He's sharing asking God to open doors. He's sharing asking God to open doors. He's sharing the love of Jesus with people and people the love of Jesus with people and people the love of Jesus with people and people started to gather. Well this last week started to gather. Well this last week started to gather. Well this last week they launched the campus on Wednesday. I they launched the campus on Wednesday. I they launched the campus on Wednesday. I want you to see the pictures. This is want you to see the pictures. This is want you to see the pictures. This is the Saddleback Deva Prison campus. the Saddleback Deva Prison campus. the Saddleback Deva Prison campus. And [applause] And [applause] And [applause] at their first gathering, there were 269 at their first gathering, there were 269 at their first gathering, there were 269 people that showed up, 20 people that people that showed up, 20 people that people that showed up, 20 people that made first-time decisions to follow made first-time decisions to follow made first-time decisions to follow Jesus. And what I want to do is I want Jesus. And what I want to do is I want Jesus. And what I want to do is I want to connect the dots for us. I want us to to connect the dots for us. I want us to to connect the dots for us. I want us to realize that be behind all of that is a realize that be behind all of that is a realize that be behind all of that is a group of people that are praying, that group of people that are praying, that group of people that are praying, that are asking God to move. And God is are asking God to move. And God is are asking God to move. And God is moving powerfully in the Philippines. In moving powerfully in the Philippines. In moving powerfully in the Philippines. In fact, the devout campus that started fact, the devout campus that started fact, the devout campus that started last October already last weekend last October already last weekend last October already last weekend reached 340 people in their service, reached 340 people in their service, reached 340 people in their service, their largest attendance yet. So God is their largest attendance yet. So God is their largest attendance yet. So God is on the move and he's responding to the

on the move and he's responding to the on the move and he's responding to the prayers. So as you pray, it's good to prayers. So as you pray, it's good to prayers. So as you pray, it's good to connect the dots to realize God is using connect the dots to realize God is using connect the dots to realize God is using your prayers all over the world to make your prayers all over the world to make your prayers all over the world to make a difference in people's lives. Now I'll a difference in people's lives. Now I'll a difference in people's lives. Now I'll give you another example of one that give you another example of one that give you another example of one that hasn't been answered yet. And I'm going hasn't been answered yet. And I'm going hasn't been answered yet. And I'm going to invite you to pray with me on this. to invite you to pray with me on this. to invite you to pray with me on this. So many of you will remember God opened So many of you will remember God opened So many of you will remember God opened a door a couple years ago for us to have a door a couple years ago for us to have a door a couple years ago for us to have a campus building in Irvine. Now Irvine a campus building in Irvine. Now Irvine a campus building in Irvine. Now Irvine is the fastest growing big city in is the fastest growing big city in is the fastest growing big city in California. The average age is 34. One California. The average age is 34. One California. The average age is 34. One out of five people is under 18 years out of five people is under 18 years out of five people is under 18 years old. And so this is a very significant old. And so this is a very significant old. And so this is a very significant place for us as a church to be reaching place for us as a church to be reaching place for us as a church to be reaching into the community. And this door that into the community. And this door that into the community. And this door that God opened, you'll see a picture of this God opened, you'll see a picture of this God opened, you'll see a picture of this building here. It's been under building here. It's been under building here. It's been under construction for a year and a half now. construction for a year and a half now. construction for a year and a half now. And one side of the building that you And one side of the building that you And one side of the building that you can see right there, that's where the can see right there, that's where the can see right there, that's where the kids area, student area is. And over kids area, student area is. And over kids area, student area is. And over these months, they've been doing these months, they've been doing these months, they've been doing construction. Well, the good news is as construction. Well, the good news is as construction. Well, the good news is as they've been doing that part of the they've been doing that part of the they've been doing that part of the building, they just completed that side building, they just completed that side building, they just completed that side of the building with kids, students, all of the building with kids, students, all of the building with kids, students, all the lobby area. It's just a beautiful the lobby area. It's just a beautiful the lobby area. It's just a beautiful space that the Lord has provided for us.

space that the Lord has provided for us. space that the Lord has provided for us. But then just next to it, we're now in But then just next to it, we're now in But then just next to it, we're now in the process of getting ready to build the process of getting ready to build the process of getting ready to build the auditorium, which will seat about the auditorium, which will seat about the auditorium, which will seat about 700 people. And you can see some 700 people. And you can see some 700 people. And you can see some pictures here of that building and that pictures here of that building and that pictures here of that building and that campus. The building on the left is the campus. The building on the left is the campus. The building on the left is the campus. Well, here's where we are in the campus. Well, here's where we are in the campus. Well, here's where we are in the city of Irvine. We have plans. We have a city of Irvine. We have plans. We have a city of Irvine. We have plans. We have a construction team. We are ready to start construction team. We are ready to start construction team. We are ready to start working. And our plans are held up at working. And our plans are held up at working. And our plans are held up at the city and we need a breakthrough. the city and we need a breakthrough. the city and we need a breakthrough. Maybe if you work for the city of Maybe if you work for the city of Maybe if you work for the city of Irvine, you can help. But really, we're Irvine, you can help. But really, we're Irvine, you can help. But really, we're going to pray first. And and I want to going to pray first. And and I want to going to pray first. And and I want to ask you to pray with with me and our ask you to pray with with me and our ask you to pray with with me and our staff for that. That God would open that staff for that. That God would open that staff for that. That God would open that door so that we can start construction door so that we can start construction door so that we can start construction on that building. How many of you will on that building. How many of you will on that building. How many of you will pray for that? That you God will open pray for that? That you God will open pray for that? That you God will open that door for your church. Let's do it that door for your church. Let's do it that door for your church. Let's do it right now. All right. We don't have to right now. All right. We don't have to right now. All right. We don't have to wait. We can do it now. Let's pray right wait. We can do it now. Let's pray right wait. We can do it now. Let's pray right now. Join with me. Father, I thank you now. Join with me. Father, I thank you now. Join with me. Father, I thank you for your provision of a campus in Irvine for your provision of a campus in Irvine for your provision of a campus in Irvine for our church. And I want to ask right for our church. And I want to ask right for our church. And I want to ask right now, Lord Jesus, that you would open a now, Lord Jesus, that you would open a now, Lord Jesus, that you would open a door for this construction to start. Not door for this construction to start. Not door for this construction to start. Not because we need another building, but because we need another building, but because we need another building, but because people need to know you. And I'm because people need to know you. And I'm because people need to know you. And I'm asking right now, dear Father, I'm asking right now, dear Father, I'm asking right now, dear Father, I'm asking you to make good. You gave us asking you to make good. You gave us asking you to make good. You gave us that building. We believe you gave it to that building. We believe you gave it to that building. We believe you gave it to us to fill it with people who don't know us to fill it with people who don't know us to fill it with people who don't know you. And we will do that. We'll be you. And we will do that. We'll be you. And we will do that. We'll be obedient to the great commission. So, obedient to the great commission. So, obedient to the great commission. So, I'm asking based upon that, Lord, that I'm asking based upon that, Lord, that I'm asking based upon that, Lord, that in the coming days, we would hear good in the coming days, we would hear good in the coming days, we would hear good news from the city of Irvine that news from the city of Irvine that news from the city of Irvine that they've approved our construction plans they've approved our construction plans they've approved our construction plans and we can move forward with and we can move forward with and we can move forward with construction to reach that community construction to reach that community construction to reach that community with the good news of Jesus. We pray with the good news of Jesus. We pray with the good news of Jesus. We pray these things in faith in Jesus' name.

these things in faith in Jesus' name. these things in faith in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. [applause] [applause] [applause] Now, I'm I am modeling for you my own Now, I'm I am modeling for you my own Now, I'm I am modeling for you my own prayer journey here. And I I do have to prayer journey here. And I I do have to prayer journey here. And I I do have to say like prayer is something that I say like prayer is something that I say like prayer is something that I struggle with. Like I go for a prayer struggle with. Like I go for a prayer struggle with. Like I go for a prayer walk and I'm trying to focus and there walk and I'm trying to focus and there walk and I'm trying to focus and there are so many things that will pull my are so many things that will pull my are so many things that will pull my attention. Birds I've never seen before, attention. Birds I've never seen before, attention. Birds I've never seen before, squirrels, dog poop. I mean, you name squirrels, dog poop. I mean, you name squirrels, dog poop. I mean, you name it. I just I see it all. And so it's it it. I just I see it all. And so it's it it. I just I see it all. And so it's it really is for me. I've had to learn over really is for me. I've had to learn over really is for me. I've had to learn over time how to build this muscle. Now, I'll time how to build this muscle. Now, I'll time how to build this muscle. Now, I'll tell you one thing, and I'm going to get tell you one thing, and I'm going to get tell you one thing, and I'm going to get back to this passage on our app. Our back to this passage on our app. Our back to this passage on our app. Our team put together a little guide that team put together a little guide that team put together a little guide that you can download anytime this week. you you can download anytime this week. you you can download anytime this week. you go there and it's just a pray as you go. go there and it's just a pray as you go. go there and it's just a pray as you go. You can get it on your phone and it has You can get it on your phone and it has You can get it on your phone and it has some really practical ways that we can some really practical ways that we can some really practical ways that we can pray Bible verses and you you literally pray Bible verses and you you literally pray Bible verses and you you literally can start where you are. You don't have can start where you are. You don't have can start where you are. You don't have to have it figured out. Just begin the to have it figured out. Just begin the to have it figured out. Just begin the journey of praying practically and journey of praying practically and journey of praying practically and asking God to use you and make a asking God to use you and make a asking God to use you and make a difference. Now James 5:1 17, I want to difference. Now James 5:1 17, I want to difference. Now James 5:1 17, I want to come back because this ties together come back because this ties together come back because this ties together this next point. Elijah was a man with a this next point. Elijah was a man with a this next point. Elijah was a man with a nature just like ours. And he prayed nature just like ours. And he prayed nature just like ours. And he prayed earnestly that it would not rain. And it earnestly that it would not rain. And it earnestly that it would not rain. And it did not rain on the land for three years did not rain on the land for three years did not rain on the land for three years and six months. Now, you can read a and six months. Now, you can read a and six months. Now, you can read a passage of scripture like that and skip passage of scripture like that and skip passage of scripture like that and skip over the theological significance of over the theological significance of over the theological significance of that one verse that God picked a guy that one verse that God picked a guy that one verse that God picked a guy named Elijah who was an ordinary man who named Elijah who was an ordinary man who named Elijah who was an ordinary man who was just as ordinary as you. And for

was just as ordinary as you. And for was just as ordinary as you. And for three and a half years, he begged God to three and a half years, he begged God to three and a half years, he begged God to hold back the rain so that his nation, hold back the rain so that his nation, hold back the rain so that his nation, the people of Israel, would turn back to the people of Israel, would turn back to the people of Israel, would turn back to God. And for three and a half years, it God. And for three and a half years, it God. And for three and a half years, it didn't rain. And then he came back to didn't rain. And then he came back to didn't rain. And then he came back to God. And it says he prayed again and the God. And it says he prayed again and the God. And it says he prayed again and the heaven gave rain and the earth produced heaven gave rain and the earth produced heaven gave rain and the earth produced its fruit. And I wonder how many of you its fruit. And I wonder how many of you its fruit. And I wonder how many of you want to experience that kind of power in want to experience that kind of power in want to experience that kind of power in your prayers that when you when you go your prayers that when you when you go your prayers that when you when you go before the throne of God's grace, before the throne of God's grace, before the throne of God's grace, listen, this is not something you have listen, this is not something you have listen, this is not something you have to have a degree for. This is not for to have a degree for. This is not for to have a degree for. This is not for somebody who's been following Jesus for somebody who's been following Jesus for somebody who's been following Jesus for 20 years or more. This is for anybody 20 years or more. This is for anybody 20 years or more. This is for anybody who says, "God, I want to engage in the who says, "God, I want to engage in the who says, "God, I want to engage in the spiritual reality around me with faith spiritual reality around me with faith spiritual reality around me with faith understanding that you're the one that understanding that you're the one that understanding that you're the one that moves it forward." And what I believe moves it forward." And what I believe moves it forward." And what I believe God wants to do is to teach us through God wants to do is to teach us through God wants to do is to teach us through his word. How do we not just pray his word. How do we not just pray his word. How do we not just pray practically, but how do we pray practically, but how do we pray practically, but how do we pray powerfully? And sometimes what I feel powerfully? And sometimes what I feel powerfully? And sometimes what I feel like if I'm just confessing up here, like if I'm just confessing up here, like if I'm just confessing up here, sometimes what I feel like is my prayers sometimes what I feel like is my prayers sometimes what I feel like is my prayers are so anemic, so selfcentered, like God are so anemic, so selfcentered, like God are so anemic, so selfcentered, like God protect me. God, make it so that when protect me. God, make it so that when protect me. God, make it so that when I'm going to the mall, there's no I'm going to the mall, there's no I'm going to the mall, there's no traffic. And when I get there, there's a traffic. And when I get there, there's a traffic. And when I get there, there's a spot. Oh Lord, please let there be a spot. Oh Lord, please let there be a spot. Oh Lord, please let there be a spot at the Irvine Spectrum. Lord, spot at the Irvine Spectrum. Lord, spot at the Irvine Spectrum. Lord, please let it be. And I'm I'm I'm so please let it be. And I'm I'm I'm so please let it be. And I'm I'm I'm so practically praying for things that are practically praying for things that are practically praying for things that are not as deeply spiritual as I believe God not as deeply spiritual as I believe God not as deeply spiritual as I believe God wants me to. And again, not to shame wants me to. And again, not to shame wants me to. And again, not to shame you. God bless you. If you pray for you. God bless you. If you pray for you. God bless you. If you pray for that, that's awesome. But I think that that, that's awesome. But I think that that, that's awesome. But I think that there's more. I think that there's more

there's more. I think that there's more there's more. I think that there's more that God is inviting us into to pray that God is inviting us into to pray that God is inviting us into to pray with power. So, how do you pray with with power. So, how do you pray with with power. So, how do you pray with power as an ordinary man or an ordinary power as an ordinary man or an ordinary power as an ordinary man or an ordinary woman? I want to give you just a couple woman? I want to give you just a couple woman? I want to give you just a couple of things that are so significant. James of things that are so significant. James of things that are so significant. James 5:16 says, "Therefore, confess your sins 5:16 says, "Therefore, confess your sins 5:16 says, "Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so to each other and pray for each other so to each other and pray for each other so that you might be healed." So, there's a that you might be healed." So, there's a that you might be healed." So, there's a there's a power in breaking off in there's a power in breaking off in there's a power in breaking off in confession the things that they just confession the things that they just confession the things that they just stack on us and acknowledging our sin stack on us and acknowledging our sin stack on us and acknowledging our sin and our need for God's grace. None of us and our need for God's grace. None of us and our need for God's grace. None of us are perfect. So, community is a part of are perfect. So, community is a part of are perfect. So, community is a part of it. But then he says, "The prayer of a it. But then he says, "The prayer of a it. But then he says, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and righteous person is powerful and righteous person is powerful and effective." Can we say that together? effective." Can we say that together? effective." Can we say that together? The prayer of a righteous person is The prayer of a righteous person is The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. So how does that powerful and effective. So how does that powerful and effective. So how does that happen? Well, that word righteous is not happen? Well, that word righteous is not happen? Well, that word righteous is not speaking of perfection. It's a man or a speaking of perfection. It's a man or a speaking of perfection. It's a man or a woman. It's a child or a student under woman. It's a child or a student under woman. It's a child or a student under the leadership of Jesus that have said, the leadership of Jesus that have said, the leadership of Jesus that have said, "I I want my life to be about you. I "I I want my life to be about you. I "I I want my life to be about you. I want you to use me. I want to follow want you to use me. I want to follow want you to use me. I want to follow you." And what the Bible says is when you." And what the Bible says is when you." And what the Bible says is when you make that decision that you would you make that decision that you would you make that decision that you would live a life rightly with God, your live a life rightly with God, your live a life rightly with God, your prayers become powerful and effective. 1 prayers become powerful and effective. 1 prayers become powerful and effective. 1 Corinthians 4:20 says this, "For the Corinthians 4:20 says this, "For the Corinthians 4:20 says this, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of what's the word right there? It's but of what's the word right there? It's but of what's the word right there? It's not a matter of talk. It's a matter of not a matter of talk. It's a matter of not a matter of talk. It's a matter of power." So, the invitation from God is power." So, the invitation from God is power." So, the invitation from God is to more power. I believe the need of the to more power. I believe the need of the to more power. I believe the need of the hour for the church is more power. I hour for the church is more power. I hour for the church is more power. I didn't mean for that to rhyme. That was didn't mean for that to rhyme. That was didn't mean for that to rhyme. That was not intended. But I do believe that what

not intended. But I do believe that what not intended. But I do believe that what is needed right now is an understanding is needed right now is an understanding is needed right now is an understanding of God's power in the midst of so many of God's power in the midst of so many of God's power in the midst of so many world religions that are rapidly growing world religions that are rapidly growing world religions that are rapidly growing in the midst of so many ideologies that in the midst of so many ideologies that in the midst of so many ideologies that compete with the message of Jesus with compete with the message of Jesus with compete with the message of Jesus with so many worldviews that war against so many worldviews that war against so many worldviews that war against God's work inside of us that what is God's work inside of us that what is God's work inside of us that what is needed is a display of the power of God needed is a display of the power of God needed is a display of the power of God in our lives. It's the miraculous. It's in our lives. It's the miraculous. It's in our lives. It's the miraculous. It's the healing. And it it's the the healing. And it it's the the healing. And it it's the transformation of our lives in such a transformation of our lives in such a transformation of our lives in such a way that shows that Jesus is on the way that shows that Jesus is on the way that shows that Jesus is on the throne that displays his power. That's throne that displays his power. That's throne that displays his power. That's what happened in the gospels. And I what happened in the gospels. And I what happened in the gospels. And I think for a lot of us, we've we've think for a lot of us, we've we've think for a lot of us, we've we've separated I I so clearly the things separated I I so clearly the things separated I I so clearly the things Jesus did are the things Jesus does. And Jesus did are the things Jesus does. And Jesus did are the things Jesus does. And so that's what we're praying for. So so that's what we're praying for. So so that's what we're praying for. So first of all, I want to pray the will of first of all, I want to pray the will of first of all, I want to pray the will of God. My prayers become more powerful God. My prayers become more powerful God. My prayers become more powerful when I pray the will of God. Now, you're when I pray the will of God. Now, you're when I pray the will of God. Now, you're going to feel my fire right now because going to feel my fire right now because going to feel my fire right now because this is deeply connected to what God's this is deeply connected to what God's this is deeply connected to what God's doing in me. But the prayer that I pray doing in me. But the prayer that I pray doing in me. But the prayer that I pray that is the will of God that I am that is the will of God that I am that is the will of God that I am aligning with what God cares about. I'm aligning with what God cares about. I'm aligning with what God cares about. I'm coming in alignment to what God says in coming in alignment to what God says in coming in alignment to what God says in his word is in his heart. So, 1 John his word is in his heart. So, 1 John his word is in his heart. So, 1 John 5:14 says, "This is the confidence that 5:14 says, "This is the confidence that 5:14 says, "This is the confidence that we have when we approach the living God.

we have when we approach the living God. we have when we approach the living God. This is the confidence that we have that This is the confidence that we have that This is the confidence that we have that if we ask anything according to what?" if we ask anything according to what?" if we ask anything according to what?" to his will, he hears us. And we know to his will, he hears us. And we know to his will, he hears us. And we know that if he hears us, whatever we ask, we that if he hears us, whatever we ask, we that if he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have what we've asked of know that we have what we've asked of know that we have what we've asked of him. So that means it's incumbent upon him. So that means it's incumbent upon him. So that means it's incumbent upon me when I pray to begin to discover more me when I pray to begin to discover more me when I pray to begin to discover more and more through God's word what the and more through God's word what the and more through God's word what the will of God is. It's simply what does will of God is. It's simply what does will of God is. It's simply what does God care about? What is on his heart? God care about? What is on his heart? God care about? What is on his heart? What are his ways? And the more I What are his ways? And the more I What are his ways? And the more I understand, I can pray in alignment with understand, I can pray in alignment with understand, I can pray in alignment with that. Let me give you an example. The that. Let me give you an example. The that. Let me give you an example. The Bible speaks of what Jesus came to do. Bible speaks of what Jesus came to do. Bible speaks of what Jesus came to do. Jesus said,"I came to seek and save Jesus said,"I came to seek and save Jesus said,"I came to seek and save those who are lost." What that means is those who are lost." What that means is those who are lost." What that means is that God deeply cares about people who that God deeply cares about people who that God deeply cares about people who don't know him. The Bible says Jesus is don't know him. The Bible says Jesus is don't know him. The Bible says Jesus is speaking of the father's heart and he speaking of the father's heart and he speaking of the father's heart and he says that there's more rejoicing in says that there's more rejoicing in says that there's more rejoicing in heaven over one person who repents and heaven over one person who repents and heaven over one person who repents and turns to him than 99 other people who turns to him than 99 other people who turns to him than 99 other people who don't need to repent and turn to him. don't need to repent and turn to him. don't need to repent and turn to him. That means when we get together in a That means when we get together in a That means when we get together in a small group, even if your small group is small group, even if your small group is small group, even if your small group is 99 people, God's celebrating, heaven's 99 people, God's celebrating, heaven's 99 people, God's celebrating, heaven's celebrating more when one person is led celebrating more when one person is led celebrating more when one person is led to Jesus for the first time. It that to Jesus for the first time. It that to Jesus for the first time. It that should change our orientation of how we should change our orientation of how we should change our orientation of how we pray. And what that means is deep in the pray. And what that means is deep in the pray. And what that means is deep in the heart of God is this longing for his heart of God is this longing for his heart of God is this longing for his good news to get out to the world. That good news to get out to the world. That good news to get out to the world. That he sees and understands the reality of he sees and understands the reality of he sees and understands the reality of eternity. that people who don't know him eternity. that people who don't know him eternity. that people who don't know him spend eternity apart from him. And that spend eternity apart from him. And that spend eternity apart from him. And that urgency should be deep in my heart that

urgency should be deep in my heart that urgency should be deep in my heart that I would come before the throne of God I would come before the throne of God I would come before the throne of God with confidence knowing that he is a God with confidence knowing that he is a God with confidence knowing that he is a God that does not want anyone to perish that does not want anyone to perish that does not want anyone to perish apart from him. Second Peter 3:9 says, apart from him. Second Peter 3:9 says, apart from him. Second Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slack concerning his "The Lord is not slack concerning his "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some consider slackness, but promise as some consider slackness, but promise as some consider slackness, but he is long-suffering to us, not willing he is long-suffering to us, not willing he is long-suffering to us, not willing that any should perish, but that all that any should perish, but that all that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." So when I should come to repentance." So when I should come to repentance." So when I pray for somebody who is disconnected pray for somebody who is disconnected pray for somebody who is disconnected from the heart of God right now in this from the heart of God right now in this from the heart of God right now in this moment, I recognize, oh God, you said in moment, I recognize, oh God, you said in moment, I recognize, oh God, you said in your word that it is not your will that your word that it is not your will that your word that it is not your will that anybody should spend an eternity apart anybody should spend an eternity apart anybody should spend an eternity apart from you. And what I [snorts] am asking from you. And what I [snorts] am asking from you. And what I [snorts] am asking of you, Almighty God, is to make good on of you, Almighty God, is to make good on of you, Almighty God, is to make good on your will of what you said is in your your will of what you said is in your your will of what you said is in your heart. I I am asking of you. The kingdom heart. I I am asking of you. The kingdom heart. I I am asking of you. The kingdom of God functions on us asking. It's not of God functions on us asking. It's not of God functions on us asking. It's not this separation where God doesn't invite this separation where God doesn't invite this separation where God doesn't invite us to come to him. We come with those us to come to him. We come with those us to come to him. We come with those requests and we say, "God, I'm asking requests and we say, "God, I'm asking requests and we say, "God, I'm asking your will to be done." Not only am I your will to be done." Not only am I your will to be done." Not only am I asking for his will, but I'm praying for asking for his will, but I'm praying for asking for his will, but I'm praying for the promises of God. So when I pray, I the promises of God. So when I pray, I the promises of God. So when I pray, I love personally to get a hold of a love personally to get a hold of a love personally to get a hold of a promise from God. And I get it in my promise from God. And I get it in my promise from God. And I get it in my heart and I will go on a prayer walk and heart and I will go on a prayer walk and heart and I will go on a prayer walk and I will say, "God, it's in your word. You I will say, "God, it's in your word. You I will say, "God, it's in your word. You have declared and said this is your have declared and said this is your have declared and said this is your promise. And I'm asking you, I'm begging promise. And I'm asking you, I'm begging promise. And I'm asking you, I'm begging you. I'm calling you, God, to make good you. I'm calling you, God, to make good you. I'm calling you, God, to make good on your promise that you made. I'll give on your promise that you made. I'll give on your promise that you made. I'll give you a couple of them. Acts chapter 2 you a couple of them. Acts chapter 2 you a couple of them. Acts chapter 2 speaks of the outpouring of the Holy

speaks of the outpouring of the Holy speaks of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the early church. And what it Spirit in the early church. And what it Spirit in the early church. And what it says is that in these days, the spirit says is that in these days, the spirit says is that in these days, the spirit of God will be poured out on all people. of God will be poured out on all people. of God will be poured out on all people. Sons and daughters will prophesy. Old Sons and daughters will prophesy. Old Sons and daughters will prophesy. Old men will have dreams. Young men will men will have dreams. Young men will men will have dreams. Young men will have visions. And the Lord says, "I will have visions. And the Lord says, "I will have visions. And the Lord says, "I will pour out my spirit." So I will ask of pour out my spirit." So I will ask of pour out my spirit." So I will ask of God. Oh God, you said in your word that God. Oh God, you said in your word that God. Oh God, you said in your word that you'll pour out your spirit on your sons you'll pour out your spirit on your sons you'll pour out your spirit on your sons and daughters. And I'm asking you to and daughters. And I'm asking you to and daughters. And I'm asking you to pour out your spirit on my sons and my pour out your spirit on my sons and my pour out your spirit on my sons and my daughter and your church on Saddleach daughter and your church on Saddleach daughter and your church on Saddleach because we are desperate for more of because we are desperate for more of because we are desperate for more of you. Another one. I know I'm preaching, you. Another one. I know I'm preaching, you. Another one. I know I'm preaching, but let me keep going. Ezekiel 36 speaks but let me keep going. Ezekiel 36 speaks but let me keep going. Ezekiel 36 speaks of how God takes a hard heart and he of how God takes a hard heart and he of how God takes a hard heart and he makes it soft. And what that means is makes it soft. And what that means is makes it soft. And what that means is your heart might be hard towards God your heart might be hard towards God your heart might be hard towards God right now, but the power of the living right now, but the power of the living right now, but the power of the living God and the Holy Spirit, the love of God God and the Holy Spirit, the love of God God and the Holy Spirit, the love of God poured into your heart in a moment takes poured into your heart in a moment takes poured into your heart in a moment takes a hard heart and turns it into a heart a hard heart and turns it into a heart a hard heart and turns it into a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36 says, "So I'll say, of flesh. Ezekiel 36 says, "So I'll say, of flesh. Ezekiel 36 says, "So I'll say, God, oh, I'm bringing this person before God, oh, I'm bringing this person before God, oh, I'm bringing this person before you, and I know their heart's so hard you, and I know their heart's so hard you, and I know their heart's so hard right now. I know it is. You know it is.

right now. I know it is. You know it is. right now. I know it is. You know it is. But you said in your word and you gave a But you said in your word and you gave a But you said in your word and you gave a promise that you are a God that turns promise that you are a God that turns promise that you are a God that turns hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. And I'm asking of you, God, to do what And I'm asking of you, God, to do what And I'm asking of you, God, to do what only you can do to change this human only you can do to change this human only you can do to change this human heart with your power and display your heart with your power and display your heart with your power and display your glory so that everybody can see how glory so that everybody can see how glory so that everybody can see how great and wonderful you are. So, there's great and wonderful you are. So, there's great and wonderful you are. So, there's power in the promises of God. Let me power in the promises of God. Let me power in the promises of God. Let me give you just a couple more. Okay? give you just a couple more. Okay? give you just a couple more. Okay? You're going to see on on the screen You're going to see on on the screen You're going to see on on the screen here the a note from my phone that I here the a note from my phone that I here the a note from my phone that I take with me. I will put these promises take with me. I will put these promises take with me. I will put these promises on my phone. I lock the screen so it on my phone. I lock the screen so it on my phone. I lock the screen so it doesn't turn when I'm walking. And I doesn't turn when I'm walking. And I doesn't turn when I'm walking. And I will just literally pray through the will just literally pray through the will just literally pray through the promises of God. I've got about 8 to 10 promises of God. I've got about 8 to 10 promises of God. I've got about 8 to 10 of them that I will just intercede over of them that I will just intercede over of them that I will just intercede over specific things that I'm asking God to specific things that I'm asking God to specific things that I'm asking God to do, specific people. Now, in addition to do, specific people. Now, in addition to do, specific people. Now, in addition to the promises of God, I hope I'm helping the promises of God, I hope I'm helping the promises of God, I hope I'm helping you today. The word of God also has you today. The word of God also has you today. The word of God also has tremendous power. So, when you pray the tremendous power. So, when you pray the tremendous power. So, when you pray the word of God, and the word of God is word of God, and the word of God is word of God, and the word of God is filled with prayers. The Apostle Paul filled with prayers. The Apostle Paul filled with prayers. The Apostle Paul had all of these prayers that he wrote had all of these prayers that he wrote had all of these prayers that he wrote down in his letters to the churches. And down in his letters to the churches. And down in his letters to the churches. And he would say things like,"I pray that he would say things like,"I pray that he would say things like,"I pray that the eyes of your heart would be the eyes of your heart would be the eyes of your heart would be enlightened in order that you might know enlightened in order that you might know enlightened in order that you might know the hope to which you've been called, the hope to which you've been called, the hope to which you've been called, the glorious riches of our inheritance the glorious riches of our inheritance the glorious riches of our inheritance in Christ, and the incomparably great in Christ, and the incomparably great in Christ, and the incomparably great power for those of us who believe, which power for those of us who believe, which power for those of us who believe, which is like the working of his mighty is like the working of his mighty is like the working of his mighty strength which he exerted when he rose strength which he exerted when he rose strength which he exerted when he rose Christ Jesus from the dead." And I will Christ Jesus from the dead." And I will Christ Jesus from the dead." And I will pray that and I'll say, "Oh God, open pray that and I'll say, "Oh God, open pray that and I'll say, "Oh God, open Saddleback's eyes to the incomparably Saddleback's eyes to the incomparably Saddleback's eyes to the incomparably great power and riches that are in you."

great power and riches that are in you." great power and riches that are in you." I'll pray on Saturday morning. I'm I'll pray on Saturday morning. I'm I'll pray on Saturday morning. I'm praying that prayer for you when you praying that prayer for you when you praying that prayer for you when you come into our services that God would come into our services that God would come into our services that God would open your eyes. And some people say open your eyes. And some people say open your eyes. And some people say like, "Man, something happened in the like, "Man, something happened in the like, "Man, something happened in the service and you were speaking right to service and you were speaking right to service and you were speaking right to me." No, it wasn't me. It was the word me." No, it wasn't me. It was the word me." No, it wasn't me. It was the word of God and the spirit of God getting of God and the spirit of God getting of God and the spirit of God getting into your heart to open your eyes. So, into your heart to open your eyes. So, into your heart to open your eyes. So, there's power in those promises. So 2 there's power in those promises. So 2 there's power in those promises. So 2 Corinthians, I promise I'm going to stop Corinthians, I promise I'm going to stop Corinthians, I promise I'm going to stop preaching about 3 minutes. Just hang preaching about 3 minutes. Just hang preaching about 3 minutes. Just hang with me. 2 Corinthians 1, for the son of with me. 2 Corinthians 1, for the son of with me. 2 Corinthians 1, for the son of God who was preached among us. It says, God who was preached among us. It says, God who was preached among us. It says, "By me, Silas, that for no matter how "By me, Silas, that for no matter how "By me, Silas, that for no matter how many promises God made, they are yes in many promises God made, they are yes in many promises God made, they are yes in Christ." Now I'm realizing I'm on the Christ." Now I'm realizing I'm on the Christ." Now I'm realizing I'm on the word of God. So let me read that verse. word of God. So let me read that verse. word of God. So let me read that verse. Jeremiah 1:12 says, "The Lord said to Jeremiah 1:12 says, "The Lord said to Jeremiah 1:12 says, "The Lord said to me, you have seen correctly, for I am me, you have seen correctly, for I am me, you have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is watching to see that my word is watching to see that my word is fulfilled." So God wants to accomplish fulfilled." So God wants to accomplish fulfilled." So God wants to accomplish his word. He is looking for watchmen and his word. He is looking for watchmen and his word. He is looking for watchmen and watch women that will stand on the wall watch women that will stand on the wall watch women that will stand on the wall and say, "I will stand in the gap and say, "I will stand in the gap and say, "I will stand in the gap between almighty God and people and I between almighty God and people and I between almighty God and people and I will beg of God to move in my day." And will beg of God to move in my day." And will beg of God to move in my day." And what we do so often, I want you to hear what we do so often, I want you to hear what we do so often, I want you to hear me, church, we bring casual prayers to a me, church, we bring casual prayers to a me, church, we bring casual prayers to a critical hour. We bring casual prayers, critical hour. We bring casual prayers, critical hour. We bring casual prayers, anemic prayers before Almighty God. And anemic prayers before Almighty God. And anemic prayers before Almighty God. And what he is looking for is a praying what he is looking for is a praying what he is looking for is a praying church, a praying people, ordinary like church, a praying people, ordinary like church, a praying people, ordinary like us that will come before his throne and us that will come before his throne and us that will come before his throne and be bold and say, "Oh God, you did it in be bold and say, "Oh God, you did it in be bold and say, "Oh God, you did it in the first great awakening. You can do it

the first great awakening. You can do it the first great awakening. You can do it again. You did it in Acts. You can do it again. You did it in Acts. You can do it again. You did it in Acts. You can do it again." But I understand that there are again." But I understand that there are again." But I understand that there are so many barriers that we face. And there so many barriers that we face. And there so many barriers that we face. And there are some of you that have been praying are some of you that have been praying are some of you that have been praying like that for years on end. And that's like that for years on end. And that's like that for years on end. And that's why I want to finish with this last why I want to finish with this last why I want to finish with this last point and that's to pray persistently. point and that's to pray persistently. point and that's to pray persistently. It's that what I would say to God is It's that what I would say to God is It's that what I would say to God is God, I as a watchman on the wall will God, I as a watchman on the wall will God, I as a watchman on the wall will not give up and I will beg of you and I not give up and I will beg of you and I not give up and I will beg of you and I will ask of you as you commanded me in will ask of you as you commanded me in will ask of you as you commanded me in your word. Luke 11:9 and 10 says, "So I your word. Luke 11:9 and 10 says, "So I your word. Luke 11:9 and 10 says, "So I tell you, keep on asking and you will tell you, keep on asking and you will tell you, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on receive what you ask for. Keep on receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be open to knocking and the door will be open to knocking and the door will be open to you. This is Jesus Christ the King of you. This is Jesus Christ the King of you. This is Jesus Christ the King of Kings speaking to you through his word. Kings speaking to you through his word. Kings speaking to you through his word. And he is saying keep on asking, And he is saying keep on asking, And he is saying keep on asking, seeking, knocking for everyone who asks seeking, knocking for everyone who asks seeking, knocking for everyone who asks receives. Those who seek find and receives. Those who seek find and receives. Those who seek find and everyone who knocks the door will be everyone who knocks the door will be everyone who knocks the door will be open to you. And what I want to say open to you. And what I want to say open to you. And what I want to say right now is there are some of you I right now is there are some of you I right now is there are some of you I understand you prayed for something that understand you prayed for something that understand you prayed for something that did not happen this side of eternity.

did not happen this side of eternity. did not happen this side of eternity. And I'm often reminded of Pastor Rick's And I'm often reminded of Pastor Rick's And I'm often reminded of Pastor Rick's phrase when he says that God has all phrase when he says that God has all phrase when he says that God has all eternity to keep his promises. But if eternity to keep his promises. But if eternity to keep his promises. But if it's this side of eternity and you don't it's this side of eternity and you don't it's this side of eternity and you don't know the outcome, Jesus said, "You keep know the outcome, Jesus said, "You keep know the outcome, Jesus said, "You keep knocking. You keep coming before the knocking. You keep coming before the knocking. You keep coming before the throne of God's grace and you wear out throne of God's grace and you wear out throne of God's grace and you wear out his throne like a widow begging for his throne like a widow begging for his throne like a widow begging for bread for her family. Jesus says you bread for her family. Jesus says you bread for her family. Jesus says you just keep knocking and knocking and just keep knocking and knocking and just keep knocking and knocking and knocking and knocking and knocking. And knocking and knocking and knocking. And knocking and knocking and knocking. And there are some of you today that what there are some of you today that what there are some of you today that what you need is right now in your heart, you need is right now in your heart, you need is right now in your heart, Almighty God is saying to you, do not Almighty God is saying to you, do not Almighty God is saying to you, do not give up on that person. Do not give up. give up on that person. Do not give up. give up on that person. Do not give up. Persist in your prayer. Keep knocking. Persist in your prayer. Keep knocking. Persist in your prayer. Keep knocking. keep asking God to do what only God can keep asking God to do what only God can keep asking God to do what only God can do. And I know some of you, you've got a do. And I know some of you, you've got a do. And I know some of you, you've got a son or a daughter that has just been son or a daughter that has just been son or a daughter that has just been running from God for years and you're running from God for years and you're running from God for years and you're begging God. And what God wants to say begging God. And what God wants to say begging God. And what God wants to say is don't don't throw in the towel. Now, is don't don't throw in the towel. Now, is don't don't throw in the towel. Now, sometimes I feel like I'm saying to God, sometimes I feel like I'm saying to God, sometimes I feel like I'm saying to God, don't give up. And God is saying, "No, don't give up. And God is saying, "No, don't give up. And God is saying, "No, you don't give up. You keep praying and you don't give up. You keep praying and you don't give up. You keep praying and praying and praying and praying." So, praying and praying and praying." So, praying and praying and praying." So, who's that person in your life that God who's that person in your life that God who's that person in your life that God is saying, "Don't give up. Keep is saying, "Don't give up. Keep is saying, "Don't give up. Keep persisting." Now, I want to share a persisting." Now, I want to share a persisting." Now, I want to share a story with you that so powerfully story with you that so powerfully story with you that so powerfully illustrates this. I sent out an email illustrates this. I sent out an email illustrates this. I sent out an email this week asking to our staff if anybody this week asking to our staff if anybody this week asking to our staff if anybody has a story of like a time where they has a story of like a time where they has a story of like a time where they persisted in prayer for a person who was persisted in prayer for a person who was persisted in prayer for a person who was far from God and God came through. And far from God and God came through. And far from God and God came through. And listen, I know that there are a lot of listen, I know that there are a lot of listen, I know that there are a lot of you listening to my voice right now that you listening to my voice right now that you listening to my voice right now that are not followers of Jesus. I know. And

are not followers of Jesus. I know. And are not followers of Jesus. I know. And I know that some of you are exploring I know that some of you are exploring I know that some of you are exploring faith and we love you and we're so glad faith and we love you and we're so glad faith and we love you and we're so glad you're here. And this whole message you're here. And this whole message you're here. And this whole message series, we hope you're here in our series, we hope you're here in our series, we hope you're here in our heart. Some of you right now between now heart. Some of you right now between now heart. Some of you right now between now and the next three minutes when I close and the next three minutes when I close and the next three minutes when I close this message, the spirit of the living this message, the spirit of the living this message, the spirit of the living God is going to reach into your heart God is going to reach into your heart God is going to reach into your heart and do the thing I talked about a few and do the thing I talked about a few and do the thing I talked about a few minutes ago. He's going to take your minutes ago. He's going to take your minutes ago. He's going to take your heart and he's going to touch it with heart and he's going to touch it with heart and he's going to touch it with the love of the father and your heart's the love of the father and your heart's the love of the father and your heart's going to be softened and what you might going to be softened and what you might going to be softened and what you might have believed cognitively is going to have believed cognitively is going to have believed cognitively is going to drop right down into your heart. It's drop right down into your heart. It's drop right down into your heart. It's going to happen. Some of you right now going to happen. Some of you right now going to happen. Some of you right now that are listening to my voice, you're that are listening to my voice, you're that are listening to my voice, you're going to receive this message. But there going to receive this message. But there going to receive this message. But there are some of you today that this is your are some of you today that this is your are some of you today that this is your word right here that you need to hear. word right here that you need to hear. word right here that you need to hear. Jacob sent this email. He grew up Jacob sent this email. He grew up Jacob sent this email. He grew up praying for his aunt and uncle who were praying for his aunt and uncle who were praying for his aunt and uncle who were not followers of Jesus. His uncle was an not followers of Jesus. His uncle was an not followers of Jesus. His uncle was an atheist. His aunt was learning how to atheist. His aunt was learning how to atheist. His aunt was learning how to practice new ageism. So she was going practice new ageism. So she was going practice new ageism. So she was going into all this spiritualism and both come into all this spiritualism and both come into all this spiritualism and both come had come from an environment where Jesus had come from an environment where Jesus had come from an environment where Jesus wasn't the center. And for decades, wasn't the center. And for decades, wasn't the center. And for decades, their family prayed for his aunt and his their family prayed for his aunt and his their family prayed for his aunt and his uncle, his parents, grandparents. They uncle, his parents, grandparents. They uncle, his parents, grandparents. They continued to pray for the marriage of continued to pray for the marriage of continued to pray for the marriage of the couple as it started to unravel. And the couple as it started to unravel. And the couple as it started to unravel. And one night, Jacob's mom called for help.

one night, Jacob's mom called for help. one night, Jacob's mom called for help. She called Jacob. The uncle was away on She called Jacob. The uncle was away on She called Jacob. The uncle was away on a business trip and was still an avowed a business trip and was still an avowed a business trip and was still an avowed atheist. And get this, he felt like God atheist. And get this, he felt like God atheist. And get this, he felt like God spoke to him as an atheist and said, spoke to him as an atheist and said, spoke to him as an atheist and said, "You need to call and check on your wife "You need to call and check on your wife "You need to call and check on your wife because she's in a place where she's because she's in a place where she's because she's in a place where she's about to try to take her life." So he about to try to take her life." So he about to try to take her life." So he calls to Jacob's mother. Jacob's mother calls to Jacob's mother. Jacob's mother calls to Jacob's mother. Jacob's mother calls to Jacob. And on the way over, calls to Jacob. And on the way over, calls to Jacob. And on the way over, Jacob says, "Okay, I'm going to come Jacob says, "Okay, I'm going to come Jacob says, "Okay, I'm going to come with you. We're going to go to the with you. We're going to go to the with you. We're going to go to the house." So Jacob's mother and Jacob house." So Jacob's mother and Jacob house." So Jacob's mother and Jacob drive to the house. And on the way, drive to the house. And on the way, drive to the house. And on the way, they're like calling to get help from they're like calling to get help from they're like calling to get help from staff members. And they had heard that staff members. And they had heard that staff members. And they had heard that not only was this person in a place not only was this person in a place not only was this person in a place where they're struggling with mental where they're struggling with mental where they're struggling with mental illness, but they were also dealing with illness, but they were also dealing with illness, but they were also dealing with demonic oppression because she had demonic oppression because she had demonic oppression because she had opened her heart to this newism and opened her heart to this newism and opened her heart to this newism and literally at her place of work with a literally at her place of work with a literally at her place of work with a coworker had opened herself to a spirit coworker had opened herself to a spirit coworker had opened herself to a spirit to come inside that was not the Holy to come inside that was not the Holy to come inside that was not the Holy Spirit. And so they knew this. So Spirit. And so they knew this. So Spirit. And so they knew this. So Jacob's calling, phoning Todd from our Jacob's calling, phoning Todd from our Jacob's calling, phoning Todd from our staff saying, "Hey, help me out. This is staff saying, "Hey, help me out. This is staff saying, "Hey, help me out. This is what we're going to go into when we get what we're going to go into when we get what we're going to go into when we get there." And so Todd's equipping him. and there." And so Todd's equipping him. and there." And so Todd's equipping him. and Jacob and his mother go in. And listen, Jacob and his mother go in. And listen, Jacob and his mother go in. And listen, this is after decades of prayer. And this is after decades of prayer. And this is after decades of prayer. And they walk into the room and they start they walk into the room and they start they walk into the room and they start sharing the love of Jesus one more time.

sharing the love of Jesus one more time. sharing the love of Jesus one more time. And his aunt says, "This is the day I'm And his aunt says, "This is the day I'm And his aunt says, "This is the day I'm going to surrender my heart to Jesus." going to surrender my heart to Jesus." going to surrender my heart to Jesus." She opens up her heart to Jesus and says She opens up her heart to Jesus and says She opens up her heart to Jesus and says that in that moment there was a kind of that in that moment there was a kind of that in that moment there was a kind of freedom that she had never experienced freedom that she had never experienced freedom that she had never experienced before in her entire life. She gave her before in her entire life. She gave her before in her entire life. She gave her life to Jesus and she was transformed. life to Jesus and she was transformed. life to Jesus and she was transformed. And two days later, Jacob got to baptize And two days later, Jacob got to baptize And two days later, Jacob got to baptize her here in our church. [applause] That's the power of God. Satan got That's the power of God. Satan got dethroned. dethroned. dethroned. >> He got dethroned. >> He got dethroned. >> He got dethroned. And there are many places in our hearts, And there are many places in our hearts, And there are many places in our hearts, our lives where God is building his our lives where God is building his our lives where God is building his kingdom against darkness and the enemy kingdom against darkness and the enemy kingdom against darkness and the enemy is being dethroned. Who are we to think is being dethroned. Who are we to think is being dethroned. Who are we to think that we would just flippantly engage in that we would just flippantly engage in that we would just flippantly engage in a life that is sent and think that there a life that is sent and think that there a life that is sent and think that there would not be a spiritual battle, think would not be a spiritual battle, think would not be a spiritual battle, think that there would not be a war. And so that there would not be a war. And so that there would not be a war. And so God is calling us as a church to be bold God is calling us as a church to be bold God is calling us as a church to be bold in this hour with the good news, but in this hour with the good news, but in this hour with the good news, but also to be a praying people to recognize also to be a praying people to recognize also to be a praying people to recognize that there is more that God can do in a that there is more that God can do in a that there is more that God can do in a moment than you and I can do in an moment than you and I can do in an moment than you and I can do in an entire life of pushing. So I want to entire life of pushing. So I want to entire life of pushing. So I want to invite you to become a person that invite you to become a person that invite you to become a person that starts where you are this week and starts where you are this week and starts where you are this week and brings that one name before the throne brings that one name before the throne brings that one name before the throne of God. And I want to ask you to be so of God. And I want to ask you to be so of God. And I want to ask you to be so bold to write that name down today on bold to write that name down today on bold to write that name down today on your connection card that you got when your connection card that you got when your connection card that you got when you came in. The next steps card. Just

you came in. The next steps card. Just you came in. The next steps card. Just write down that name. And we're going to write down that name. And we're going to write down that name. And we're going to join with you this week, praying over join with you this week, praying over join with you this week, praying over that name. As you're writing down that that name. As you're writing down that that name. As you're writing down that name in just a moment together as a name in just a moment together as a name in just a moment together as a church family, we're going to pray for church family, we're going to pray for church family, we're going to pray for all of these names. You're going to lift all of these names. You're going to lift all of these names. You're going to lift that name up to the throne of God. You that name up to the throne of God. You that name up to the throne of God. You can do that. But I'm also going to speak can do that. But I'm also going to speak can do that. But I'm also going to speak to those of you who've never made the to those of you who've never made the to those of you who've never made the decision to follow Jesus today. You can decision to follow Jesus today. You can decision to follow Jesus today. You can open your heart to God right now in this open your heart to God right now in this open your heart to God right now in this moment to begin a new relationship with moment to begin a new relationship with moment to begin a new relationship with Jesus by faith in the son of God who Jesus by faith in the son of God who Jesus by faith in the son of God who loved you and died on a cross for your loved you and died on a cross for your loved you and died on a cross for your sin. That when you receive the gift of sin. That when you receive the gift of sin. That when you receive the gift of salvation by faith, your sins are salvation by faith, your sins are salvation by faith, your sins are forgiven. You put your trust in Jesus forgiven. You put your trust in Jesus forgiven. You put your trust in Jesus who died on a cross and rose again from who died on a cross and rose again from who died on a cross and rose again from the dead. You can begin a new the dead. You can begin a new the dead. You can begin a new relationship with God that starts now relationship with God that starts now relationship with God that starts now and goes for all eternity. Right now, and goes for all eternity. Right now, and goes for all eternity. Right now, you can make that decision. I want to you can make that decision. I want to you can make that decision. I want to invite you at all of our campuses to invite you at all of our campuses to invite you at all of our campuses to close your eyes and bow your heads. And close your eyes and bow your heads. And close your eyes and bow your heads. And if you've never made that decision, if you've never made that decision, if you've never made that decision, right now is the moment for you to put right now is the moment for you to put right now is the moment for you to put Jesus on the throne of your heart. The Jesus on the throne of your heart. The Jesus on the throne of your heart. The spirit of God is more powerful than any spirit of God is more powerful than any spirit of God is more powerful than any force here on planet Earth. And he's force here on planet Earth. And he's force here on planet Earth. And he's just looking for a simple yes today. If just looking for a simple yes today. If just looking for a simple yes today. If that's you, I want to invite you right that's you, I want to invite you right that's you, I want to invite you right now just to say, "God, you have my yes.

now just to say, "God, you have my yes. now just to say, "God, you have my yes. God, I give you my heart." God, I give you my heart." God, I give you my heart." Some of you right now, the Holy Spirit Some of you right now, the Holy Spirit Some of you right now, the Holy Spirit is touching you in your heart and for is touching you in your heart and for is touching you in your heart and for the first time you're sensing the love the first time you're sensing the love the first time you're sensing the love of God. The Bible says that's the spirit of God. The Bible says that's the spirit of God. The Bible says that's the spirit of God being poured into our hearts. The of God being poured into our hearts. The of God being poured into our hearts. The love of the father. There's somebody love of the father. There's somebody love of the father. There's somebody right now in Corona. You're sensing the right now in Corona. You're sensing the right now in Corona. You're sensing the love of God touch you. There's somebody love of God touch you. There's somebody love of God touch you. There's somebody right now at our South Bay campus. The right now at our South Bay campus. The right now at our South Bay campus. The spirit of the living God is opening your spirit of the living God is opening your spirit of the living God is opening your eyes to this new reality of God's love eyes to this new reality of God's love eyes to this new reality of God's love that he's been chasing you for your that he's been chasing you for your that he's been chasing you for your entire life. And today is your day to entire life. And today is your day to entire life. And today is your day to yield your heart to him. If that's you, yield your heart to him. If that's you, yield your heart to him. If that's you, if you're praying that prayer, if you're if you're praying that prayer, if you're if you're praying that prayer, if you're saying yes to Jesus, I just want to saying yes to Jesus, I just want to saying yes to Jesus, I just want to invite you right now. I'm going to count invite you right now. I'm going to count invite you right now. I'm going to count to three. I just want to invite you just to three. I just want to invite you just to three. I just want to invite you just to put your hand up. Just say, "Today is to put your hand up. Just say, "Today is to put your hand up. Just say, "Today is my day to surrender my heart to Jesus. my day to surrender my heart to Jesus. my day to surrender my heart to Jesus. Today's my day to put him on the throne Today's my day to put him on the throne Today's my day to put him on the throne of my heart." On a count of three. One, of my heart." On a count of three. One, of my heart." On a count of three. One, two, three. Slip your hands up. all of two, three. Slip your hands up. all of two, three. Slip your hands up. all of our campuses today. You're saying, "I'm our campuses today. You're saying, "I'm our campuses today. You're saying, "I'm putting my life in Jesus' hand." Anybody putting my life in Jesus' hand." Anybody putting my life in Jesus' hand." Anybody today saying, "My life is going into the today saying, "My life is going into the today saying, "My life is going into the hands of Jesus." So, Father, we thank hands of Jesus." So, Father, we thank hands of Jesus." So, Father, we thank you that you are giving us new life. And you that you are giving us new life. And you that you are giving us new life. And we pray that you would make us a people we pray that you would make us a people we pray that you would make us a people not only who live for you, but also are not only who live for you, but also are not only who live for you, but also are bold in our prayers before you. In the bold in our prayers before you. In the bold in our prayers before you. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. If you just prayed that prayer, I want If you just prayed that prayer, I want If you just prayed that prayer, I want to invite you just to write on your card to invite you just to write on your card to invite you just to write on your card that you made a decision to follow that you made a decision to follow that you made a decision to follow Jesus. And we want to close our service Jesus. And we want to close our service Jesus. And we want to close our service time with a song of worship to time with a song of worship to time with a song of worship to acknowledge that the battle belongs to acknowledge that the battle belongs to acknowledge that the battle belongs to Jesus. I want to invite you to stand Jesus. I want to invite you to stand Jesus. I want to invite you to stand with us. Let's declare that we fight with us. Let's declare that we fight with us. Let's declare that we fight this battle on our knees from a place of this battle on our knees from a place of this battle on our knees from a place of victory. Come on, let's worship Jesus victory. Come on, let's worship Jesus victory. Come on, let's worship Jesus together. together. together. >> So [music] when I fight, I fight on my >> So [music] when I fight, I fight on my >> So [music] when I fight, I fight on my knees with my [music] hands lifted high. knees with my [music] hands lifted high. knees with my [music] hands lifted high. Oh God, the battle belongs to you. Oh God, the battle belongs to you. Oh God, the battle belongs to you. [music] [music] [music] Every year I [music] [music] belongs to you.

[music] [music] An almighty fores. Yeah. You go before An almighty fores. Yeah. You go before An almighty fores. Yeah. You go before [music] us. [music] us. [music] us. Nothing [singing] can stand against the Nothing [singing] can stand against the Nothing [singing] can stand against the power [music] of our God. You shine in power [music] of our God. You shine in power [music] of our God. You shine in the shadows. the shadows. the shadows. You win every [music] battle. You win every [music] battle. You win every [music] battle. Nothing can stand [singing] against it. Nothing can stand [singing] against it. Nothing can stand [singing] against it. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat.

Yeah. Heat. [music] Well, I have loved this LiveSense Well, I have loved this LiveSense [music] [music] [music] series that we have been in and how series that we have been in and how series that we have been in and how Pastor Andy has been challenging us to Pastor Andy has been challenging us to Pastor Andy has been challenging us to live out our faith in super [music] live out our faith in super [music] live out our faith in super [music] practical ways. And before you head out practical ways. And before you head out practical ways. And before you head out and go about the rest of your day, we and go about the rest of your day, we and go about the rest of your day, we want to invite you [music] to let us want to invite you [music] to let us want to invite you [music] to let us know how God might be stirring something know how God might be stirring something know how God might be stirring something in your life to take a next step. Maybe in your life to take a next step. Maybe in your life to take a next step. Maybe you said that [music] prayer with Pastor you said that [music] prayer with Pastor you said that [music] prayer with Pastor Andy for the very first time of saying, Andy for the very first time of saying, Andy for the very first time of saying, "God, I want you to be the savior of my "God, I want you to be the savior of my "God, I want you to be the savior of my life and I want to start a relationship life and I want to start a relationship life and I want to start a relationship [music] with you." We would love to know [music] with you." We would love to know [music] with you." We would love to know about it so we can come alongside you about it so we can come alongside you about it so we can come alongside you and help you as you start your journey and help you as you start your journey and help you as you start your journey with Jesus. Or maybe there's someone on with Jesus. Or maybe there's someone on with Jesus. Or maybe there's someone on your heart [music] that you're praying your heart [music] that you're praying your heart [music] that you're praying that starts a relationship with Jesus that starts a relationship with Jesus that starts a relationship with Jesus and knows the life transformation that and knows the life transformation that and knows the life transformation that comes with walking with him. Maybe comes with walking with him. Maybe comes with walking with him. Maybe there's [music] something that you need there's [music] something that you need there's [music] something that you need prayer for in your own life. We want to prayer for in your own life. We want to prayer for in your own life. We want to know about it. So, like we said, we can know about it. So, like we said, we can know about it. So, like we said, we can come alongside you and be praying for come alongside you and be praying for come alongside you and be praying for you. So, let us know by opening the you. So, let us know by opening the you. So, let us know by opening the digital program, [music] clicking the digital program, [music] clicking the digital program, [music] clicking the link in that description that you see on link in that description that you see on link in that description that you see on YouTube or opening the Saddleback app YouTube or opening the Saddleback app YouTube or opening the Saddleback app and taking the next step that way.

and taking the next step that way. and taking the next step that way. [music] And also, we want to invite you [music] And also, we want to invite you [music] And also, we want to invite you to join us for prayer. Like we said, we to join us for prayer. Like we said, we to join us for prayer. Like we said, we pray over the prayer requests that come pray over the prayer requests that come pray over the prayer requests that come in every [music] single week. And so, in every [music] single week. And so, in every [music] single week. And so, you can join us for our Wednesday you can join us for our Wednesday you can join us for our Wednesday morning prayer on Zoom. You can find out morning prayer on Zoom. You can find out morning prayer on Zoom. You can find out more [music] information and get the more [music] information and get the more [music] information and get the Zoom link through the Saddleback app. We Zoom link through the Saddleback app. We Zoom link through the Saddleback app. We would love to see you there to pray for would love to see you there to pray for would love to see you there to pray for you and to also pray with you. Well, you and to also pray with you. Well, you and to also pray with you. Well, church family, we are so grateful that church family, we are so grateful that church family, we are so grateful that you joined us this weekend and we hope you joined us this weekend and we hope you joined us this weekend and we hope to see you again next [music] weekend as to see you again next [music] weekend as to see you again next [music] weekend as we continue this live sense series. We we continue this live sense series. We we continue this live sense series. We love you so much and we'll see you then.