08/02/2026 9:30 Woodway Live Service

Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> Hey, second family. It's been an amazing

>> Hey, second family. It's been an amazing summer. Through Next Level Camp, summer. Through Next Level Camp, summer. Through Next Level Camp, Mountain Retreat, VBS, and Creek [music] Mountain Retreat, VBS, and Creek [music] Mountain Retreat, VBS, and Creek [music] Week, we've seen thousands of young Week, we've seen thousands of young Week, we've seen thousands of young people's lives changed by the power of people's lives changed by the power of people's lives changed by the power of the gospel. There's nothing more the gospel. There's nothing more the gospel. There's nothing more exciting than to see what God is doing exciting than to see what God is doing exciting than to see what God is doing [music] in the next generation. August [music] in the next generation. August [music] in the next generation. August 9th is Life Together Sunday. It will be 9th is Life Together Sunday. It will be 9th is Life Together Sunday. It will be a time to [music] celebrate all God has a time to [music] celebrate all God has a time to [music] celebrate all God has done in the life of our church this done in the life of our church this done in the life of our church this summer. We're going to hear stories summer. We're going to hear stories summer. We're going to hear stories [music] from our students and hear how [music] from our students and hear how [music] from our students and hear how God has worked in their lives and talk God has worked in their lives and talk God has worked in their lives and talk about the vision that God has for us about the vision that God has for us about the vision that God has for us [music] in this fall season. I promise [music] in this fall season. I promise [music] in this fall season. I promise you, you'll be encouraged by what you you, you'll be encouraged by what you you, you'll be encouraged by what you hear. Don't miss this incredible Sunday, hear. Don't miss this incredible Sunday, hear. Don't miss this incredible Sunday, and I look forward to seeing you there. [music] [music] >> When all I see [singing] is the battle, >> When all I see [singing] is the battle, >> When all I see [singing] is the battle, you [music] see my victory.

When all I see is the mountain, [music] When all I see is the mountain, [music] you see a mountain move. you see a mountain move. you see a mountain move. And as I walk through the shadow, And as I walk through the shadow, And as I walk through the shadow, [music] [music] [music] your love surrounds me. [music] [music] [music] There's nothing to fear now, for I'm There's nothing to fear now, for I'm There's nothing to fear now, for I'm [music and singing] safe with you. Come [music and singing] safe with you. Come [music and singing] safe with you. Come on. We'll stand together and let's sing on. We'll stand together and let's sing on. We'll stand together and let's sing it down. When I fight, [music] so when I it down. When I fight, [music] so when I it down. When I fight, [music] so when I fight, I fight on my knees with my hands fight, I fight on my knees with my hands fight, I fight on my knees with my hands lifted [music and singing] high. Oh God, lifted [music and singing] high. Oh God, lifted [music and singing] high. Oh God, that belongs to you. And every [music] that belongs to you. And every [music] that belongs to you. And every [music] fear I lay [singing] at your feet, fear I lay [singing] at your feet, fear I lay [singing] at your feet, I sing through [music] the night, oh I sing through [music] the night, oh I sing through [music] the night, oh God, that belongs to you. God, that belongs to you. God, that belongs to you. Isn't that good news this morning? Come Isn't that good news this morning? Come Isn't that good news this morning? Come on, sing it out. on, sing it out. on, sing it out. And if you are [music and singing] for And if you are [music and singing] for And if you are [music and singing] for me, who can be against me?

for Jesus, there's nothing for Jesus, there's nothing [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] impossible impossible impossible for you. And all I see when all I see for you. And all I see when all I see for you. And all I see when all I see [music and singing] are the ashes. [music and singing] are the ashes. [music and singing] are the ashes. You see the beauty. Oh, [music] thank you for the cross, Oh, [music] thank you for the cross, Lord. When I see the cross, Lord. When I see the cross, Lord. When I see the cross, you see [music] [music] [music] Oh Oh Oh to you everything [music] I see through the night. [music] I see through the night. [music] Oh God belongs to you. And [singing] almighty forress [music] And [singing] almighty forress [music] you go before us.

you go before us. you go before us. Nothing [music] can stand against the Nothing [music] can stand against the Nothing [music] can stand against the power of our God. You shine in the power of our God. You shine in the power of our God. You shine in the shadow. shadow. shadow. You win every battle. You win every battle. You win every battle. Nothing can stand [music] Nothing can stand [music] Nothing can stand [music] against the [singing] power of our God. against the [singing] power of our God. against the [singing] power of our God. Sing it out. Almighty [music] for us. Sing it out. Almighty [music] for us. Sing it out. Almighty [music] for us. You go before [singing] You go before [singing] You go before [singing] us. us. us. Nothing [music] can stand against the Nothing [music] can stand against the Nothing [music] can stand against the power of our God. You got it. Shining power of our God. You got it. Shining power of our God. You got it. Shining away. [music] You [music] You [music] nothing. nothing. nothing. [music] You shine in the shadow. You shine in the shadow. Yeah. [music] [music] [singing] [music] Father, we thank you so much

[music] Father, we thank you so much that you are a good God. We have come that you are a good God. We have come that you are a good God. We have come here today here today here today to worship you, to thank you, to hear to worship you, to thank you, to hear to worship you, to thank you, to hear from you. We ask all of these things in from you. We ask all of these things in from you. We ask all of these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Before you be seated, Jesus' name. Amen. Before you be seated, Jesus' name. Amen. Before you be seated, why don't you turn to two or three why don't you turn to two or three why don't you turn to two or three people around you? Welcome them to people around you? Welcome them to people around you? Welcome them to church this morning. >> All right. Thank you so much. You may be >> All right. Thank you so much. You may be seated. seated. seated. Welcome to Second Baptist Church this Welcome to Second Baptist Church this Welcome to Second Baptist Church this morning. We're so glad that on this morning. We're so glad that on this morning. We're so glad that on this beautiful August morning, you've chosen beautiful August morning, you've chosen beautiful August morning, you've chosen to worship with us today. What a great to worship with us today. What a great to worship with us today. What a great day to be in God's house and to be with day to be in God's house and to be with day to be in God's house and to be with God's people, to study God's word, to God's people, to study God's word, to God's people, to study God's word, to fellowship with one another. We're so fellowship with one another. We're so fellowship with one another. We're so glad that today you are here, especially glad that today you are here, especially glad that today you are here, especially if uh you are new with us. Maybe uh this if uh you are new with us. Maybe uh this if uh you are new with us. Maybe uh this is your first time or your first time in is your first time or your first time in is your first time or your first time in a long time. If you are not a member yet a long time. If you are not a member yet a long time. If you are not a member yet of the Second Baptist family, we give of the Second Baptist family, we give of the Second Baptist family, we give you a special welcome. We're going to you a special welcome. We're going to you a special welcome. We're going to ask you to do us a favor. Look inside ask you to do us a favor. Look inside ask you to do us a favor. Look inside the seat back right in front of you.

the seat back right in front of you. the seat back right in front of you. you'll find a card that looks just like you'll find a card that looks just like you'll find a card that looks just like this. It says connection card. Take just this. It says connection card. Take just this. It says connection card. Take just a moment right now. Fill that card out a moment right now. Fill that card out a moment right now. Fill that card out completely. In just a few moments, we'll completely. In just a few moments, we'll completely. In just a few moments, we'll pass the offering plate. If you'll do us pass the offering plate. If you'll do us pass the offering plate. If you'll do us a favor once you've completed the card, a favor once you've completed the card, a favor once you've completed the card, put that in the offering plate this put that in the offering plate this put that in the offering plate this morning as your offering. Or if you morning as your offering. Or if you morning as your offering. Or if you would rather at the very end of our would rather at the very end of our would rather at the very end of our service, uh we'll have some of our service, uh we'll have some of our service, uh we'll have some of our welcome team and some of our pastors at welcome team and some of our pastors at welcome team and some of our pastors at the very front on both sides at either the very front on both sides at either the very front on both sides at either one of the red doors. We would love to one of the red doors. We would love to one of the red doors. We would love to personally welcome you uh to the Second personally welcome you uh to the Second personally welcome you uh to the Second Baptist family. and uh we have a gift Baptist family. and uh we have a gift Baptist family. and uh we have a gift we'd like to give to you uh this we'd like to give to you uh this we'd like to give to you uh this morning. Again, thank you so much. What morning. Again, thank you so much. What morning. Again, thank you so much. What a great day to be in God's house. Let's a great day to be in God's house. Let's a great day to be in God's house. Let's continue to worship. I'm going to ask continue to worship. I'm going to ask continue to worship. I'm going to ask you to stand with us together and let's you to stand with us together and let's you to stand with us together and let's worship the Lord uh together. Oh, crown worship the Lord uh together. Oh, crown worship the Lord uh together. Oh, crown him with many crowns. Awake my soul and sing [music] of him Awake my soul and sing [music] of him who died for thee. Come on, let's who died for thee. Come on, let's who died for thee. Come on, let's worship the Lord together. worship the Lord together. worship the Lord together. Here [music] [music] [music] we go.

we go. we go. Crown [singing] with many crowns. Crown [singing] with many crowns. Crown [singing] with many crowns. The lamb [music] upon his [singing] The lamb [music] upon his [singing] The lamb [music] upon his [singing] throne. throne. throne. I I I [music] he [singing] my soul my soul my soul [music and singing] my soul [music and singing] my soul [music and singing] sing sing sing who died for Yeah. [music] who died for Yeah. [music] who died for Yeah. [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

>> [music] >> [music] >> I [singing] [singing] [music] could [music] not hold you there before could [music] not hold you there before [singing] [singing] [singing] you des [music] you des [music] you des [music] [singing] heavens are roaring. [music] heavens are roaring. [music] the praise of your [singing] glory. the praise of your [singing] glory. the praise of your [singing] glory. For you are [music] raised to life For you are [music] raised to life For you are [music] raised to life again. again. again. You have no rival. [music] You have no forever. forever. God, [singing] God, [singing] God, [singing] [music] [music] [music] yours is the kingom. yours is the kingom. yours is the kingom. Yours is [music] the glory. Yours is [music] the glory. Yours is [music] the glory. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

[music] [music] The name of Jesus The name of Jesus The name of Jesus Christ my king. Christ my king. Christ my king. What a powerful name. [music] Nothing compares to this. What a Nothing compares to this. What a powerful name. powerful name. powerful name. The [music and singing] name of Jesus. The [music and singing] name of Jesus. The [music and singing] name of Jesus. What a powerful [music] name. What a powerful [music] name. What a powerful [music] name. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You know, >> You know, >> You know, you [music] [music] [music] Heat.

[music] [music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] We We [music] [music] [music] is nothing. [singing] >> Oh heavenly father who created and owns >> Oh heavenly father who created and owns everything. Lord we praise you and thank everything. Lord we praise you and thank everything. Lord we praise you and thank you uh as we return these tithes and you uh as we return these tithes and you uh as we return these tithes and offerings that you would bless them for offerings that you would bless them for offerings that you would bless them for use in your kingdom in Jesus holy name.

use in your kingdom in Jesus holy name. use in your kingdom in Jesus holy name. Amen. I'll never be more loved than I am right I'll never be more loved than I am right now. [singing] Wasn't holding you up. So now. [singing] Wasn't holding you up. So now. [singing] Wasn't holding you up. So there's nothing I can do to let you there's nothing I can do to let you there's nothing I can do to let you down. [singing] down. [singing] down. [singing] It doesn't take a trophy It doesn't take a trophy It doesn't take a trophy to make you proud. to make you proud. to make you proud. I'll never be more loved than I am right I'll never be more loved than I am right I'll never be more loved than I am right now. [music] [music] You are enough. You are enough [music] You are enough [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] and I will be content and I will be content and I will be content in every [music and singing] in every [music and singing] in every [music and singing] circumstance.

circumstance. circumstance. Gyro, Gyro, Gyro, you are enough. you are enough. you are enough. [singing] Going through [music] a storm, but I Going through [music] a storm, but I won't go down. I hear your voice carried won't go down. I hear your voice carried won't go down. I hear your voice carried [music] in the rhythm of the wind [music] in the rhythm of the wind [music] in the rhythm of the wind [singing] to call me out. [singing] to call me out. [singing] to call me out. You would [music] cross an ocean You would [music] cross an ocean You would [music] cross an ocean [singing] [singing] [singing] so I wouldn't drown. so I wouldn't drown. so I wouldn't drown. You've never [music] been closer than You've never [music] been closer than You've never [music] been closer than you are right now. [singing] you are right now. [singing] you are right now. [singing] [music] You are enough. You are enough. [music and singing] and I [singing] will be content and I [singing] will be content in every circumstance. [music] I'm already love.

I'm already love. I'm already chosen. I'm already chosen. I'm already chosen. I know [singing] who I am. I know [singing] who I am. I know [singing] who I am. I know what you've spoken. [singing] I know what you've spoken. [singing] I know what you've spoken. [singing] I'm already loved I'm already loved I'm already loved more than I could [singing] imagine. [music] [music] [singing] I'm already chosen. I'm already chosen. I know [music] who I am. I know [music] who I am. I know [music] who I am. I know what you I know what you I know what you [music] [music] [music] I'm already I'm already I'm already more than I could [music and singing] more than I could [music and singing] more than I could [music and singing] imagine. [music] [music] I'm already and I will be [singing]

and I will be [singing] in [music] every circumstance. [music] [music] You are enough I invite you to kneel with me and pray I invite you to kneel with me and pray if you're able. if you're able. if you're able. Father, we come before you. Father, we come before you. Father, we come before you. Father, you are enough. Father, you are enough. Father, you are enough. As we open your word, Father, would you As we open your word, Father, would you As we open your word, Father, would you speak clearly to each and every one of speak clearly to each and every one of speak clearly to each and every one of us? Move in our life in a powerful way.

us? Move in our life in a powerful way. us? Move in our life in a powerful way. Touch us, change us, just don't leave us Touch us, change us, just don't leave us Touch us, change us, just don't leave us the same. We ask all these things in the same. We ask all these things in the same. We ask all these things in Christ's name. Amen. Christ's name. Amen. Christ's name. Amen. When I had just become a Christian, I When I had just become a Christian, I When I had just become a Christian, I was privileged to have uh a guy about 10 was privileged to have uh a guy about 10 was privileged to have uh a guy about 10 years older than me who came to me and years older than me who came to me and years older than me who came to me and said, "Hey, I want to disciple you." And said, "Hey, I want to disciple you." And said, "Hey, I want to disciple you." And this was a guy I looked up to. He was this was a guy I looked up to. He was this was a guy I looked up to. He was from my hometown. uh tall, big, athletic from my hometown. uh tall, big, athletic from my hometown. uh tall, big, athletic guy that all of us knew. All those young guy that all of us knew. All those young guy that all of us knew. All those young boys in my hometown knew. He had a boys in my hometown knew. He had a boys in my hometown knew. He had a similar story of brokenness and similar story of brokenness and similar story of brokenness and addiction and he'd been rescued addiction and he'd been rescued addiction and he'd been rescued radically, very similar to my story. So, radically, very similar to my story. So, radically, very similar to my story. So, we began to meet and we had this we began to meet and we had this we began to meet and we had this disciplehip material. It's called disciplehip material. It's called disciplehip material. It's called survival kit. We started going through survival kit. We started going through survival kit. We started going through it. And one of the key pieces of that it. And one of the key pieces of that it. And one of the key pieces of that process in disciplehip was memorizing process in disciplehip was memorizing process in disciplehip was memorizing scripture. scripture. scripture. And so early on, uh, you know, some of And so early on, uh, you know, some of And so early on, uh, you know, some of the the the the top 100 scriptures, if you will, we the top 100 scriptures, if you will, we the top 100 scriptures, if you will, we started plowing through those. I think started plowing through those. I think started plowing through those. I think we started with Psalms 119:11. I've we started with Psalms 119:11. I've we started with Psalms 119:11. I've hidden your word in my heart that I hidden your word in my heart that I hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 2 Corinthians might not sin against you. 2 Corinthians might not sin against you. 2 Corinthians 5:17. If anyone is in Christ, he's a new 5:17. If anyone is in Christ, he's a new 5:17. If anyone is in Christ, he's a new creation. Old things have passed away.

creation. Old things have passed away. creation. Old things have passed away. New things have come. that I was taking New things have come. that I was taking New things have come. that I was taking in all of these scriptures and they in all of these scriptures and they in all of these scriptures and they were, you know, unlocking different were, you know, unlocking different were, you know, unlocking different pieces of my understanding, challenging pieces of my understanding, challenging pieces of my understanding, challenging me, but I was trying to memorize them, me, but I was trying to memorize them, me, but I was trying to memorize them, build them into my life. And then we build them into my life. And then we build them into my life. And then we came to this one scripture during that came to this one scripture during that came to this one scripture during that process, one of my favorite. process, one of my favorite. process, one of my favorite. And the type of scripture I like the And the type of scripture I like the And the type of scripture I like the most, and it was just two words, so most, and it was just two words, so most, and it was just two words, so short, right? 1 Thessalonians 5:17, short, right? 1 Thessalonians 5:17, short, right? 1 Thessalonians 5:17, pray continually. Some verses say pray pray continually. Some verses say pray pray continually. Some verses say pray without versions say pray without without versions say pray without without versions say pray without ceasing. ceasing. ceasing. And I memorized that verse and started And I memorized that verse and started And I memorized that verse and started to try to put it into action in my life. to try to put it into action in my life. to try to put it into action in my life. And if I'm honest with you, it kind of And if I'm honest with you, it kind of And if I'm honest with you, it kind of frustrated me a little bit. And I kind frustrated me a little bit. And I kind frustrated me a little bit. And I kind of wrestled with that like what what of wrestled with that like what what of wrestled with that like what what God, what are you calling me to? God, what are you calling me to? God, what are you calling me to? Pray continually. Pray continually. Pray continually. That almost seems to be impossible. That almost seems to be impossible. That almost seems to be impossible. But what God, why did Paul write this to But what God, why did Paul write this to But what God, why did Paul write this to us? Why do we have this verse in here us? Why do we have this verse in here us? Why do we have this verse in here calling us to pray continually? But calling us to pray continually? But calling us to pray continually? But really, when you zoom out, I want to really, when you zoom out, I want to really, when you zoom out, I want to invite you if you would go ahead and invite you if you would go ahead and invite you if you would go ahead and find that verse with me. 1 Thessalonians find that verse with me. 1 Thessalonians find that verse with me. 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 17. When you zoom out at chapter 5 verse 17. When you zoom out at chapter 5 verse 17. When you zoom out at 16-18, it's really more than just pray 16-18, it's really more than just pray 16-18, it's really more than just pray continually. Look at what it says. Verse continually. Look at what it says. Verse continually. Look at what it says. Verse 16 says,"Rejoice always, 16 says,"Rejoice always, 16 says,"Rejoice always, pray continually, pray continually, pray continually, and in everything give thanks, for this

and in everything give thanks, for this and in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." So rejoice always, So rejoice always, So rejoice always, pray continually, and in everything pray continually, and in everything pray continually, and in everything give thanks. So what I thought was give thanks. So what I thought was give thanks. So what I thought was already a pretty high bar became even a already a pretty high bar became even a already a pretty high bar became even a larger, larger, larger, more difficult task, right? to rejoice more difficult task, right? to rejoice more difficult task, right? to rejoice always. Pray continually and in always. Pray continually and in always. Pray continually and in everything give thanks. But here's everything give thanks. But here's everything give thanks. But here's here's the important part of this here's the important part of this here's the important part of this because that's our home verse today. 1 because that's our home verse today. 1 because that's our home verse today. 1 Thessalonians 5:17. This charge to pray Thessalonians 5:17. This charge to pray Thessalonians 5:17. This charge to pray continually. This conversation we've continually. This conversation we've continually. This conversation we've been having about spiritual formations been having about spiritual formations been having about spiritual formations is that Paul is not trying to overwhelm is that Paul is not trying to overwhelm is that Paul is not trying to overwhelm us with some bar that we can't strive us with some bar that we can't strive us with some bar that we can't strive for and some for and some for and some part of our faith that's impossible. part of our faith that's impossible. part of our faith that's impossible. He's actually unlocking a really He's actually unlocking a really He's actually unlocking a really important truth for us in these verses important truth for us in these verses important truth for us in these verses and calling us to something that is and calling us to something that is and calling us to something that is incredibly important. My senior year of incredibly important. My senior year of incredibly important. My senior year of high school, I needed to fill an high school, I needed to fill an high school, I needed to fill an elective. I had an elective hour that I elective. I had an elective hour that I elective. I had an elective hour that I had to fill. And so, my dad talked me had to fill. And so, my dad talked me had to fill. And so, my dad talked me into signing up for FFA. Now, I grew up into signing up for FFA. Now, I grew up into signing up for FFA. Now, I grew up in rural Oklahoma and FFA was a really, in rural Oklahoma and FFA was a really, in rural Oklahoma and FFA was a really, really big deal. And so, I went first really big deal. And so, I went first really big deal. And so, I went first day. The only problem is I had hair down day. The only problem is I had hair down day. The only problem is I had hair down in my shoulders and I didn't own a in my shoulders and I didn't own a in my shoulders and I didn't own a single pair of boots. So I showed up for single pair of boots. So I showed up for single pair of boots. So I showed up for FFA the first day. I lasted halfway FFA the first day. I lasted halfway FFA the first day. I lasted halfway through the first class before I was through the first class before I was through the first class before I was asked to leave and not come back for asked to leave and not come back for asked to leave and not come back for different reasons. That's a different different reasons. That's a different different reasons. That's a different story for a different day. But

story for a different day. But story for a different day. But I went back to the guidance counselor I went back to the guidance counselor I went back to the guidance counselor and they said, "Okay, FFA, obviously and they said, "Okay, FFA, obviously and they said, "Okay, FFA, obviously it's not your deal. We're going to put it's not your deal. We're going to put it's not your deal. We're going to put you in this other elective. Small you in this other elective. Small you in this other elective. Small engines, right? Small engines. Anyone engines, right? Small engines. Anyone engines, right? Small engines. Anyone take that elective? Am I the only person take that elective? Am I the only person take that elective? Am I the only person that grew up at a high school with that? that grew up at a high school with that? that grew up at a high school with that? Just a couple of us, right? Kids today Just a couple of us, right? Kids today Just a couple of us, right? Kids today have no idea how lucky they are. They have no idea how lucky they are. They have no idea how lucky they are. They like 3D modeling and doing all these like 3D modeling and doing all these like 3D modeling and doing all these incredible things. No, small engines. incredible things. No, small engines. incredible things. No, small engines. Well, I only lasted four days in that Well, I only lasted four days in that Well, I only lasted four days in that class before a similar set of class before a similar set of class before a similar set of circumstances created another circumstances created another circumstances created another conversation where they said, "Hey, conversation where they said, "Hey, conversation where they said, "Hey, maybe this isn't for you." But I was in maybe this isn't for you." But I was in maybe this isn't for you." But I was in there long enough to learn something there long enough to learn something there long enough to learn something really, really simple. And here's what really, really simple. And here's what really, really simple. And here's what it is. it is. it is. The engine powers everything, right? The engine powers everything, right? The engine powers everything, right? Doesn't matter if it's a weed eater, a Doesn't matter if it's a weed eater, a Doesn't matter if it's a weed eater, a lawn mower, go-kart, a car, you get into lawn mower, go-kart, a car, you get into lawn mower, go-kart, a car, you get into anything. The engine powers anything. The engine powers anything. The engine powers everything everything everything over these last weeks in this series over these last weeks in this series over these last weeks in this series we've been in on spiritual formations. we've been in on spiritual formations. we've been in on spiritual formations. Here, here's the important part of our Here, here's the important part of our Here, here's the important part of our conversation today.

conversation today. conversation today. Prayer is the engine that drives our Prayer is the engine that drives our Prayer is the engine that drives our spiritual formation. spiritual formation. spiritual formation. >> You talk about fruit, you talk about >> You talk about fruit, you talk about >> You talk about fruit, you talk about formation. Prayer is right there in the formation. Prayer is right there in the formation. Prayer is right there in the middle. When Paul lists out 16 through middle. When Paul lists out 16 through middle. When Paul lists out 16 through 18, when he's talking us through of 18, when he's talking us through of 18, when he's talking us through of those verses and it tells us that we those verses and it tells us that we those verses and it tells us that we should always give thanks, pray should always give thanks, pray should always give thanks, pray continually, be filled with gratitude. continually, be filled with gratitude. continually, be filled with gratitude. What's in the middle of all that? What's in the middle of all that? What's in the middle of all that? Rejoice always. Pray continually. In Rejoice always. Pray continually. In Rejoice always. Pray continually. In everything give thanks. Prayer is in the everything give thanks. Prayer is in the everything give thanks. Prayer is in the middle. It's the link. Prayer is the middle. It's the link. Prayer is the middle. It's the link. Prayer is the link between fruit and formation. Prayer link between fruit and formation. Prayer link between fruit and formation. Prayer is the engine that drives everything. If is the engine that drives everything. If is the engine that drives everything. If you're if you're in this room today and you're if you're in this room today and you're if you're in this room today and you feel like, you know, I'm just feel you feel like, you know, I'm just feel you feel like, you know, I'm just feel kind of stuck in my faith. I feel like kind of stuck in my faith. I feel like kind of stuck in my faith. I feel like I'm not growing. I feel like I'm not I'm not growing. I feel like I'm not I'm not growing. I feel like I'm not getting anywhere. I feel like I'm just getting anywhere. I feel like I'm just getting anywhere. I feel like I'm just bumping into some of these challenges. I bumping into some of these challenges. I bumping into some of these challenges. I I feel like I'm not really doing a whole I feel like I'm not really doing a whole I feel like I'm not really doing a whole lot. Here's what I want to challenge you lot. Here's what I want to challenge you lot. Here's what I want to challenge you to today. to today. to today. Turn the engine back on. It's as simple Turn the engine back on. It's as simple Turn the engine back on. It's as simple as that. Turn the engine back on. Prayer as that. Turn the engine back on. Prayer as that. Turn the engine back on. Prayer is the engine that drives our formation.

is the engine that drives our formation. is the engine that drives our formation. So, if you feel stuck, if you feel broke So, if you feel stuck, if you feel broke So, if you feel stuck, if you feel broke down, I want to encourage you just like down, I want to encourage you just like down, I want to encourage you just like Paul said here in these verses, pray Paul said here in these verses, pray Paul said here in these verses, pray continually. continually. continually. That sounds great, Terry. That sounds great, Terry. That sounds great, Terry. How in the world do we do that? What How in the world do we do that? What How in the world do we do that? What does what does that practically look does what does that practically look does what does that practically look like? And I just want to share a couple like? And I just want to share a couple like? And I just want to share a couple things with you. Here's what I would say things with you. Here's what I would say things with you. Here's what I would say to you. First and foremost, if you're to you. First and foremost, if you're to you. First and foremost, if you're going to pray continually, you have to going to pray continually, you have to going to pray continually, you have to realize that prayer is not an action you realize that prayer is not an action you realize that prayer is not an action you perform. It's the atmosphere you exist perform. It's the atmosphere you exist perform. It's the atmosphere you exist in. Let me say it again. Prayer is not in. Let me say it again. Prayer is not in. Let me say it again. Prayer is not an action you perform or an action that an action you perform or an action that an action you perform or an action that we perform. we perform. we perform. It's the atmosphere that we exist in. It's the atmosphere that we exist in. It's the atmosphere that we exist in. Verse 17, Paul is calling us to deeper Verse 17, Paul is calling us to deeper Verse 17, Paul is calling us to deeper waters. He's saying prayer needs to waters. He's saying prayer needs to waters. He's saying prayer needs to become the very air that we breathe. become the very air that we breathe. become the very air that we breathe. It's the steady background. It's the It's the steady background. It's the It's the steady background. It's the rhythm of our lives. It's in that place rhythm of our lives. It's in that place rhythm of our lives. It's in that place empowered by the Holy Spirit that God empowered by the Holy Spirit that God empowered by the Holy Spirit that God meets us and we remain in constant open meets us and we remain in constant open meets us and we remain in constant open contact with him. So when adversity contact with him. So when adversity contact with him. So when adversity hits, we go to him. When we experience a hits, we go to him. When we experience a hits, we go to him. When we experience a win, we immediately offer up gratitude.

win, we immediately offer up gratitude. win, we immediately offer up gratitude. When we bump into people around us that When we bump into people around us that When we bump into people around us that are broken and hurting and away from God are broken and hurting and away from God are broken and hurting and away from God in in in need of rescue, we immediately in in in need of rescue, we immediately in in in need of rescue, we immediately lift them up. Prayer becomes the lift them up. Prayer becomes the lift them up. Prayer becomes the atmosphere atmosphere atmosphere that we exist in. Like our pastor has that we exist in. Like our pastor has that we exist in. Like our pastor has said, it's the very air that we breathe. said, it's the very air that we breathe. said, it's the very air that we breathe. It's the oxygen. Once again, it's the It's the oxygen. Once again, it's the It's the oxygen. Once again, it's the engine. It's driving everything. engine. It's driving everything. engine. It's driving everything. But here's one I want to caution. I I But here's one I want to caution. I I But here's one I want to caution. I I don't want to to don't want to to don't want to to have this conversation about prayer is have this conversation about prayer is have this conversation about prayer is not an action you perform. It's the not an action you perform. It's the not an action you perform. It's the atmosphere you exist in. I I don't want atmosphere you exist in. I I don't want atmosphere you exist in. I I don't want to uproot the spiritual discipline to uproot the spiritual discipline to uproot the spiritual discipline of clear rhythms of clear rhythms of clear rhythms of dedicated time to pray. That's not of dedicated time to pray. That's not of dedicated time to pray. That's not what what Paul is saying. As a matter of what what Paul is saying. As a matter of what what Paul is saying. As a matter of fact, you read scripture over and over fact, you read scripture over and over fact, you read scripture over and over again. You bump into people who had set again. You bump into people who had set again. You bump into people who had set aside time, scripted rhythms where they aside time, scripted rhythms where they aside time, scripted rhythms where they would pray. Daniel did it three times.

would pray. Daniel did it three times. would pray. Daniel did it three times. David had similar rhythms in his life. David had similar rhythms in his life. David had similar rhythms in his life. You read other people in the Old You read other people in the Old You read other people in the Old Testament, the New Testament, Jesus, Testament, the New Testament, Jesus, Testament, the New Testament, Jesus, Paul, they had builtin dedicated times Paul, they had builtin dedicated times Paul, they had builtin dedicated times to pray. So, I'm not saying that prayer to pray. So, I'm not saying that prayer to pray. So, I'm not saying that prayer is the atmosphere. We just kind of walk is the atmosphere. We just kind of walk is the atmosphere. We just kind of walk around, we exist in it. No, it's both around, we exist in it. No, it's both around, we exist in it. No, it's both the spontaneity the spontaneity the spontaneity and it's the discipline. It's all of it. and it's the discipline. It's all of it. and it's the discipline. It's all of it. It's all of it. It's all of it. It's all of it. But if prayer only happens when your But if prayer only happens when your But if prayer only happens when your eyes are closed and your hands are eyes are closed and your hands are eyes are closed and your hands are folded in a quiet room, you've missed folded in a quiet room, you've missed folded in a quiet room, you've missed the point. You've missed what Paul's the point. You've missed what Paul's the point. You've missed what Paul's talking about in verse 17. We can't talking about in verse 17. We can't talking about in verse 17. We can't limit prayer to a time, a place, a limit prayer to a time, a place, a limit prayer to a time, a place, a position, position, position, or a posture. or a posture. or a posture. Think about those old school band AM FM Think about those old school band AM FM Think about those old school band AM FM radios. radios. radios. Your morning quiet time is that Your morning quiet time is that Your morning quiet time is that dedicated 15 minutes with your Bible and dedicated 15 minutes with your Bible and dedicated 15 minutes with your Bible and a cup of coffee. a cup of coffee. a cup of coffee. But it's not the only time that God is But it's not the only time that God is But it's not the only time that God is broadcasting.

broadcasting. broadcasting. That quiet time is simply where you dial That quiet time is simply where you dial That quiet time is simply where you dial the frequency. You dial into his the frequency. You dial into his the frequency. You dial into his frequency. You tune in. frequency. You tune in. frequency. You tune in. those old radios you, you know, you take those old radios you, you know, you take those old radios you, you know, you take that dial and you just very carefully that dial and you just very carefully that dial and you just very carefully turn it until that voice be on the other turn it until that voice be on the other turn it until that voice be on the other end becomes clear. That's what morning end becomes clear. That's what morning end becomes clear. That's what morning prayer is. And here's the important prayer is. And here's the important prayer is. And here's the important part. You leave the volume up all day part. You leave the volume up all day part. You leave the volume up all day long. So when we go to God in prayer in long. So when we go to God in prayer in long. So when we go to God in prayer in the morning where start our day, you the morning where start our day, you the morning where start our day, you roll out of bed, your knees hit the roll out of bed, your knees hit the roll out of bed, your knees hit the ground or you have that prayer time in ground or you have that prayer time in ground or you have that prayer time in your devotion or cup of coffee and you your devotion or cup of coffee and you your devotion or cup of coffee and you tune your heart, you tune you tune your tune your heart, you tune you tune your tune your heart, you tune you tune your spiritual ears and through the Holy spiritual ears and through the Holy spiritual ears and through the Holy Spirit you you dial into his frequency Spirit you you dial into his frequency Spirit you you dial into his frequency and you hear him clearly and that and you hear him clearly and that and you hear him clearly and that connection is there and you turn that connection is there and you turn that connection is there and you turn that volume up and you leave it up all day volume up and you leave it up all day volume up and you leave it up all day long. long. long. Scheduled prayer truly tunes our heart Scheduled prayer truly tunes our heart Scheduled prayer truly tunes our heart to the right frequency. to the right frequency. to the right frequency. Atmospheric prayer, the prayer we're Atmospheric prayer, the prayer we're Atmospheric prayer, the prayer we're talking about, the prayer that Paul is talking about, the prayer that Paul is talking about, the prayer that Paul is calling us to, calling us to, calling us to, it leaves the volume up all day long.

it leaves the volume up all day long. it leaves the volume up all day long. It's us continually over and over and It's us continually over and over and It's us continually over and over and over again lifting our heart to him. over again lifting our heart to him. over again lifting our heart to him. But here's the hard part. The enemy But here's the hard part. The enemy But here's the hard part. The enemy wants nothing more wants nothing more wants nothing more day in day out than to take that dial day in day out than to take that dial day in day out than to take that dial and turn it down. and turn it down. and turn it down. And there are two common ways. Talk And there are two common ways. Talk And there are two common ways. Talk about prayer. There are two common ways about prayer. There are two common ways about prayer. There are two common ways that the enemy does that. And we have to that the enemy does that. And we have to that the enemy does that. And we have to realize that. And and honestly, we have realize that. And and honestly, we have realize that. And and honestly, we have to work really, really hard to do to work really, really hard to do to work really, really hard to do something that I think is really something that I think is really something that I think is really important when it comes to prayer. And important when it comes to prayer. And important when it comes to prayer. And it's this. We have to break through the it's this. We have to break through the it's this. We have to break through the barriers barriers barriers of busyiness of busyiness of busyiness and brokenness and brokenness and brokenness when it comes to our desire to engage. when it comes to our desire to engage. when it comes to our desire to engage. The enemy is so clever The enemy is so clever The enemy is so clever and this and this and this way of living that Paul's calling us to way of living that Paul's calling us to way of living that Paul's calling us to to pray continually. The enemy knows to pray continually. The enemy knows to pray continually. The enemy knows that if he can keep us busy or convinces that if he can keep us busy or convinces that if he can keep us busy or convinces that we're too broken, our our life is that we're too broken, our our life is that we're too broken, our our life is in not not the right condition, in not not the right condition, in not not the right condition, that that volume in our life can be that that volume in our life can be that that volume in our life can be turned down.

turned down. turned down. But here's what I want to say to you But here's what I want to say to you But here's what I want to say to you today, and I think this is so important today, and I think this is so important today, and I think this is so important for each and every one of us. for each and every one of us. for each and every one of us. Prayer doesn't require you to slow down. Prayer doesn't require you to slow down. Prayer doesn't require you to slow down. You don't have to slow your life down to You don't have to slow your life down to You don't have to slow your life down to pray. We we often times tell ourselves pray. We we often times tell ourselves pray. We we often times tell ourselves once this busy season passes then I'll once this busy season passes then I'll once this busy season passes then I'll I'll build a great prayer life but that I'll build a great prayer life but that I'll build a great prayer life but that season never comes. season never comes. season never comes. All of us have a lot going on. Whether All of us have a lot going on. Whether All of us have a lot going on. Whether you're a student, whether you're a you're a student, whether you're a you're a student, whether you're a businessman, businesswoman, you're businessman, businesswoman, you're businessman, businesswoman, you're leading, you're you you're a mom, you've leading, you're you you're a mom, you've leading, you're you you're a mom, you've got kids, you've got obligations, you've got kids, you've got obligations, you've got kids, you've got obligations, you've got duties, all of us have schedules got duties, all of us have schedules got duties, all of us have schedules that are full. that are full. that are full. How do we deal with this busyness? How How do we deal with this busyness? How How do we deal with this busyness? How do we overcome this barrier? do we overcome this barrier? do we overcome this barrier? I want you to think about Susanna I want you to think about Susanna I want you to think about Susanna Wesley, Wesley, Wesley, mother of the famous evangelist mother of the famous evangelist mother of the famous evangelist John Wesley. John Wesley. John Wesley. 19 children. 19 children. 19 children. 19 children back in the 1700s.

19 children back in the 1700s. 19 children back in the 1700s. No appliances, no peace, no peace, not a lot of quiet. not a lot of quiet. not a lot of quiet. when she needed to pray, when she needed to pray, when she needed to pray, she didn't have the she didn't have the she didn't have the opportunity to slow things down. You opportunity to slow things down. You opportunity to slow things down. You know what she would do? She would get in know what she would do? She would get in know what she would do? She would get in her rocking chair, her rocking chair, her rocking chair, be seated, she would take her apron, and be seated, she would take her apron, and be seated, she would take her apron, and she'd pull it over her head. she'd pull it over her head. she'd pull it over her head. And listen to this. Her kids knew that And listen to this. Her kids knew that And listen to this. Her kids knew that when the apron went up, when the apron went up, when the apron went up, mom was praying. mom was praying. mom was praying. Right there in the middle of it all, Right there in the middle of it all, Right there in the middle of it all, >> right there in the middle of the 19 kids >> right there in the middle of the 19 kids >> right there in the middle of the 19 kids and all the obligations, the things that and all the obligations, the things that and all the obligations, the things that had to happen, she simply put that apron had to happen, she simply put that apron had to happen, she simply put that apron over her head. She stopped over her head. She stopped over her head. She stopped and she prayed. and she prayed. and she prayed. Prayer is not a reward Prayer is not a reward Prayer is not a reward for when your schedule clears up.

for when your schedule clears up. for when your schedule clears up. It's the anchor It's the anchor It's the anchor that holds you steady when life is that holds you steady when life is that holds you steady when life is moving fast. moving fast. moving fast. Here here's a challenge for you and for Here here's a challenge for you and for Here here's a challenge for you and for us this week. us this week. us this week. I would encourage you to put that into I would encourage you to put that into I would encourage you to put that into practice. practice. practice. You don't have to have an apron on, You don't have to have an apron on, You don't have to have an apron on, but practice those micro prayers in the but practice those micro prayers in the but practice those micro prayers in the midst of your busy day. Just little midst of your busy day. Just little midst of your busy day. Just little small moments where you can pray a small moments where you can pray a small moments where you can pray a prayer like, "Lord, right now, give me prayer like, "Lord, right now, give me prayer like, "Lord, right now, give me wisdom to make this decision." wisdom to make this decision." wisdom to make this decision." Or how about Father, thank you for this Or how about Father, thank you for this Or how about Father, thank you for this moment. Thank you for this moment you've moment. Thank you for this moment you've moment. Thank you for this moment you've given me with my family. Thank you for given me with my family. Thank you for given me with my family. Thank you for this moment with my friend. Thank you this moment with my friend. Thank you this moment with my friend. Thank you for this moment. for this moment. for this moment. Lord God, give me patience with this Lord God, give me patience with this Lord God, give me patience with this person. person. person. Sprinkle those micro prayers all the way Sprinkle those micro prayers all the way Sprinkle those micro prayers all the way through your week this week and put into through your week this week and put into through your week this week and put into practice this sacred invitation that practice this sacred invitation that practice this sacred invitation that Paul has given us to pray without Paul has given us to pray without Paul has given us to pray without ceasing to pray continually ceasing to pray continually ceasing to pray continually and you can push through this barrier of and you can push through this barrier of and you can push through this barrier of busyness. Let's do that together this busyness. Let's do that together this busyness. Let's do that together this week. What about that that second week. What about that that second week. What about that that second barrier busy and then there's barrier busy and then there's barrier busy and then there's brokenness. How do we deal with that?

brokenness. How do we deal with that? brokenness. How do we deal with that? Too many of us, we treat prayer like Too many of us, we treat prayer like Too many of us, we treat prayer like getting ready for a formal event. We getting ready for a formal event. We getting ready for a formal event. We think we have to clean up our attitude, think we have to clean up our attitude, think we have to clean up our attitude, wipe away our doubts. We have to often wipe away our doubts. We have to often wipe away our doubts. We have to often find lofty six syllable religious words find lofty six syllable religious words find lofty six syllable religious words just to approach God. just to approach God. just to approach God. It's easy for us to feel like we have to It's easy for us to feel like we have to It's easy for us to feel like we have to put on a show. We carry around this guilt. And I love We carry around this guilt. And I love the verse that our pastor mentioned last the verse that our pastor mentioned last the verse that our pastor mentioned last week talking about fasting. Sometimes week talking about fasting. Sometimes week talking about fasting. Sometimes you just need to remind yourself. Romans you just need to remind yourself. Romans you just need to remind yourself. Romans 8 verse one. Therefore, there's no 8 verse one. Therefore, there's no 8 verse one. Therefore, there's no condemnation for those who are in Christ condemnation for those who are in Christ condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> I get to freely approach his throne of >> I get to freely approach his throne of >> I get to freely approach his throne of grace with confidence. I I don't know who needs to hear that I I don't know who needs to hear that today. I don't know where your life is, today. I don't know where your life is, today. I don't know where your life is, the shape of your life. You're bruised, the shape of your life. You're bruised, the shape of your life. You're bruised, batter, or beaten spiritually speaking. batter, or beaten spiritually speaking. batter, or beaten spiritually speaking. But we're we're never too broken to But we're we're never too broken to But we're we're never too broken to pray.

pray. pray. We're never too beat up or messed up to We're never too beat up or messed up to We're never too beat up or messed up to be able to kneel and come before God. be able to kneel and come before God. be able to kneel and come before God. So if you're in this room and you're So if you're in this room and you're So if you're in this room and you're waiting to talk to God until like you waiting to talk to God until like you waiting to talk to God until like you feel like you've got it all together. feel like you've got it all together. feel like you've got it all together. You're going to spend your entire life You're going to spend your entire life You're going to spend your entire life in silence. in silence. in silence. Our prayers don't have to be polished Our prayers don't have to be polished Our prayers don't have to be polished performances. performances. performances. They should flow naturally from the most They should flow naturally from the most They should flow naturally from the most honest, unfiltered, honest, unfiltered, honest, unfiltered, and real, genuine places in our lives. and real, genuine places in our lives. and real, genuine places in our lives. I love what I love what I love what John Bunan wrote. He said this about John Bunan wrote. He said this about John Bunan wrote. He said this about prayer and about honesty, about prayer and about honesty, about prayer and about honesty, about brokenness. He said this in prayer, it's brokenness. He said this in prayer, it's brokenness. He said this in prayer, it's better to have a heart without words better to have a heart without words better to have a heart without words than words without a heart. than words without a heart. than words without a heart. >> I love that. It's better to have a heart >> I love that. It's better to have a heart >> I love that. It's better to have a heart without words than words without a without words than words without a without words than words without a heart. heart. heart. God is not evaluating your vocabulary God is not evaluating your vocabulary God is not evaluating your vocabulary when you pray. He's looking at your when you pray. He's looking at your when you pray. He's looking at your authenticity.

authenticity. authenticity. A two-word prayer that's born out of A two-word prayer that's born out of A two-word prayer that's born out of absolute desperation. Lord, help. absolute desperation. Lord, help. absolute desperation. Lord, help. Carries infinitely more weight in heaven Carries infinitely more weight in heaven Carries infinitely more weight in heaven than a 10-minute monologue filled with than a 10-minute monologue filled with than a 10-minute monologue filled with lofty theological jargon that you don't lofty theological jargon that you don't lofty theological jargon that you don't actually feel. actually feel. actually feel. Look at the Bible over and over again in Look at the Bible over and over again in Look at the Bible over and over again in the Psalms. Most especially, the Psalms. Most especially, the Psalms. Most especially, David from a very broken pray place David from a very broken pray place David from a very broken pray place prayed a very honest and genuine prayer. prayed a very honest and genuine prayer. prayed a very honest and genuine prayer. Job didn't edit his pain. Jeremiah Job didn't edit his pain. Jeremiah Job didn't edit his pain. Jeremiah didn't hide his frustration. Over and didn't hide his frustration. Over and didn't hide his frustration. Over and over again in the scriptures, we see men over again in the scriptures, we see men over again in the scriptures, we see men and women doing what? Praying from the and women doing what? Praying from the and women doing what? Praying from the place that they are place that they are place that they are without guilt, without shame. without guilt, without shame. without guilt, without shame. If you're going to truly If you're going to truly If you're going to truly pray continually, pray continually, pray continually, you got to stop trying to pray like the you got to stop trying to pray like the you got to stop trying to pray like the person you think you should be and start person you think you should be and start person you think you should be and start praying from where you are. praying from where you are. praying from where you are. Push past, push through these barriers Push past, push through these barriers Push past, push through these barriers of busyiness and brokenness.

of busyiness and brokenness. of busyiness and brokenness. And the next thing I would encourage you And the next thing I would encourage you And the next thing I would encourage you with is this. To pray continually with is this. To pray continually with is this. To pray continually requires us to treasure requires us to treasure requires us to treasure prayer as a privilege prayer as a privilege prayer as a privilege and resolve and resolve and resolve to persevere. to persevere. to persevere. One of the things that Paul asked for One of the things that Paul asked for One of the things that Paul asked for over and over and over again in his over and over and over again in his over and over and over again in his letters is what? letters is what? letters is what? Pray for me. Pray for us. Pray for your Pray for me. Pray for us. Pray for your Pray for me. Pray for us. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Prayer. Prayer. brothers and sisters. Prayer. Prayer. brothers and sisters. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. over and over and over again. Prayer. over and over and over again. Prayer. over and over and over again. Paul didn't ask for food. He didn't ask Paul didn't ask for food. He didn't ask Paul didn't ask for food. He didn't ask for shelter. He asked for what? Prayer. for shelter. He asked for what? Prayer. for shelter. He asked for what? Prayer. He knew how much of a gift it was. He He knew how much of a gift it was. He He knew how much of a gift it was. He knew how powerful it was. He knew the knew how powerful it was. He knew the knew how powerful it was. He knew the engine that it was for the fruit and engine that it was for the fruit and engine that it was for the fruit and formation in his own life in the life of formation in his own life in the life of formation in his own life in the life of the early church. Don't ever lose your sense of wonder of Don't ever lose your sense of wonder of what prayer actually is. Think about what prayer actually is. Think about what prayer actually is. Think about that. In the old covenant, what do we that. In the old covenant, what do we that. In the old covenant, what do we know? Blood, animal sacrifices, a know? Blood, animal sacrifices, a know? Blood, animal sacrifices, a designated priest to go behind the designated priest to go behind the designated priest to go behind the curtain and to offer up prayers.

curtain and to offer up prayers. curtain and to offer up prayers. And then Jesus, the cross, the temple And then Jesus, the cross, the temple And then Jesus, the cross, the temple curtain is torn. And what happens? All curtain is torn. And what happens? All curtain is torn. And what happens? All of us are invited into that space, into of us are invited into that space, into of us are invited into that space, into that place. We have direct 247 access to that place. We have direct 247 access to that place. We have direct 247 access to the God who created the stars. We don't the God who created the stars. We don't the God who created the stars. We don't need an appointment. need an appointment. need an appointment. We don't need a mediator. We don't need a mediator. We don't need a mediator. The Holy Spirit inside each and every The Holy Spirit inside each and every The Holy Spirit inside each and every one of us as Christ's followers allow one of us as Christ's followers allow one of us as Christ's followers allow allows us to cry out, "Aba, Father." allows us to cry out, "Aba, Father." allows us to cry out, "Aba, Father." Never treat prayer as ordinary. Never treat prayer as ordinary. Never treat prayer as ordinary. And because it's this sacred gift, I And because it's this sacred gift, I And because it's this sacred gift, I want to encourage you. Don't ever give want to encourage you. Don't ever give want to encourage you. Don't ever give up. Treasure prayer as a privilege and up. Treasure prayer as a privilege and up. Treasure prayer as a privilege and resolve to persevere. resolve to persevere. resolve to persevere. I don't know who you're praying for in I don't know who you're praying for in I don't know who you're praying for in this room today. this room today. this room today. Some of you have been praying for a Some of you have been praying for a Some of you have been praying for a child that's lost. child that's lost. child that's lost. Some of you have been praying for a Some of you have been praying for a Some of you have been praying for a broken marriage, broken marriage, broken marriage, a s a sick friend, a breakthrough in a s a sick friend, a breakthrough in a s a sick friend, a breakthrough in your own heart, your own heart, your own heart, and it feels like your prayers are and it feels like your prayers are and it feels like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling.

bouncing off the ceiling. bouncing off the ceiling. It feels like God is is silent. It feels like God is is silent. It feels like God is is silent. I I want to encourage you, I I want to encourage you, I I want to encourage you, silence is not absence. silence is not absence. silence is not absence. A delay is not denial. A delay is not denial. A delay is not denial. Keep knocking. Keep seeking. Keep Keep knocking. Keep seeking. Keep Keep knocking. Keep seeking. Keep bringing your heart to the father. bringing your heart to the father. bringing your heart to the father. And listen to this thought. This is so And listen to this thought. This is so And listen to this thought. This is so important. important. important. We should continue to pray until we come We should continue to pray until we come We should continue to pray until we come to the world where prayer is swallowed to the world where prayer is swallowed to the world where prayer is swallowed up with praise. up with praise. up with praise. Let me say it again. We should keep Let me say it again. We should keep Let me say it again. We should keep praying until we come to a world where praying until we come to a world where praying until we come to a world where prayer is swallowed up with praise. prayer is swallowed up with praise. prayer is swallowed up with praise. When I came across that this week, can I When I came across that this week, can I When I came across that this week, can I be honest with you? It really rocked me be honest with you? It really rocked me be honest with you? It really rocked me cuz I thought, wait, cuz I thought, wait, cuz I thought, wait, prayer is a gift for us. There are prayer is a gift for us. There are prayer is a gift for us. There are aspects of of prayer that are only for aspects of of prayer that are only for aspects of of prayer that are only for this side of eternity. Do you realize this side of eternity. Do you realize this side of eternity. Do you realize that that that there are aspects of prayer that are there are aspects of prayer that are there are aspects of prayer that are only for this side of eternity?

only for this side of eternity? only for this side of eternity? >> Petitioning God for people, praying for >> Petitioning God for people, praying for >> Petitioning God for people, praying for our own life spiritually, it's for this our own life spiritually, it's for this our own life spiritually, it's for this side of eternity. side of eternity. side of eternity. And here's the thought that hit me. I And here's the thought that hit me. I And here's the thought that hit me. I don't want to show up someday and stand don't want to show up someday and stand don't want to show up someday and stand before God before God before God and have him say, "Terry, all those years of following me, all those years of following me, all those moments and times, all those moments and times, all those moments and times, you could have prayed you could have prayed you could have prayed and you didn't." Prayer is meant to be the atmosphere you Prayer is meant to be the atmosphere you exist in. exist in. exist in. It's continual. It's not these scripted It's continual. It's not these scripted It's continual. It's not these scripted moment. It's something that we should be moment. It's something that we should be moment. It's something that we should be doing throughout the day. It's a gift doing throughout the day. It's a gift doing throughout the day. It's a gift for this side of eternity. for this side of eternity. for this side of eternity. And here's my resolution in my own heart And here's my resolution in my own heart And here's my resolution in my own heart today. I want to use it up. today. I want to use it up. today. I want to use it up. I want to use it up. I want to keep I want to use it up. I want to keep I want to use it up. I want to keep praying and never give up. Come on.

praying and never give up. Come on. praying and never give up. Come on. >> In 2011, >> In 2011, >> In 2011, most of you remember there was a massive most of you remember there was a massive most of you remember there was a massive earthquake and a tsunami that struck the earthquake and a tsunami that struck the earthquake and a tsunami that struck the coast of Japan. coast of Japan. coast of Japan. The wave, the tsunami, 133 feet high. 133 feet high. It was moving at over 400 miles per It was moving at over 400 miles per It was moving at over 400 miles per hour. hour. hour. And within just a few minutes, And within just a few minutes, And within just a few minutes, 15,000 people were swept away. 15,000 people were swept away. 15,000 people were swept away. There was a lady, her name was Yuko. Her There was a lady, her name was Yuko. Her There was a lady, her name was Yuko. Her husband's name was Yu. She was working husband's name was Yu. She was working husband's name was Yu. She was working there in an office building there in an office building there in an office building right before the wave hit. And it right before the wave hit. And it right before the wave hit. And it happened all so fast. No one in these happened all so fast. No one in these happened all so fast. No one in these highrises had any chance to get out. highrises had any chance to get out. highrises had any chance to get out. 7 8 minutes from the time the earthquake 7 8 minutes from the time the earthquake 7 8 minutes from the time the earthquake happened to the time this wave was happened to the time this wave was happened to the time this wave was sweeping through that part of the city sweeping through that part of the city sweeping through that part of the city that she lived in. that she lived in. that she lived in. So she shot her husband a text, just So she shot her husband a text, just So she shot her husband a text, just five words.

five words. five words. Here's what she said. I want to go home. Here's what she said. I want to go home. Here's what she said. I want to go home. I want to go home. I want to go home. I want to go home. That was the last time Yu ever heard That was the last time Yu ever heard That was the last time Yu ever heard from his wife. from his wife. from his wife. In the days after the storm, Yu searched In the days after the storm, Yu searched In the days after the storm, Yu searched for his wife everywhere. for his wife everywhere. for his wife everywhere. He walked up and down the beaches. He He walked up and down the beaches. He He walked up and down the beaches. He checked the hospitals, elementary checked the hospitals, elementary checked the hospitals, elementary schools, the shelter camps. He looked schools, the shelter camps. He looked schools, the shelter camps. He looked for her everywhere, for her everywhere, for her everywhere, but he couldn't find her. but he couldn't find her. but he couldn't find her. Most of most survivors Most of most survivors Most of most survivors eventually gave up their search, but eventually gave up their search, but eventually gave up their search, but Yesu Yesu Yesu refused. refused. refused. And so at the age of 56, And ever since that time, And ever since that time, he's still diving into the freezing he's still diving into the freezing he's still diving into the freezing waters waters waters into the Pacific Ocean. Week after week, into the Pacific Ocean. Week after week, into the Pacific Ocean. Week after week, searching the ocean floor for any trace searching the ocean floor for any trace searching the ocean floor for any trace of his wife. He's dove over 700 now 760 of his wife. He's dove over 700 now 760 of his wife. He's dove over 700 now 760 times.

times. times. He was asked about this. He's kind of He was asked about this. He's kind of He was asked about this. He's kind of become a popular figure there in his become a popular figure there in his become a popular figure there in his city. They've been asked, they've been city. They've been asked, they've been city. They've been asked, they've been interviewed, interviewed, interviewed, why why do you keep doing this? He said, it's real simple. Her last text He said, it's real simple. Her last text to me was, I want to go home, and I know to me was, I want to go home, and I know to me was, I want to go home, and I know in my heart she still wants to come in my heart she still wants to come in my heart she still wants to come home, so I keep looking. home, so I keep looking. home, so I keep looking. It's what love does. It's what love does. It's what love does. It's what love does. Church, think about It's what love does. Church, think about It's what love does. Church, think about those words. I keep looking. It's what those words. I keep looking. It's what those words. I keep looking. It's what love does. Every single one of us in love does. Every single one of us in love does. Every single one of us in this room have been created with that this room have been created with that this room have been created with that same deep [music] restless ache in our same deep [music] restless ache in our same deep [music] restless ache in our souls. souls. souls. I want to go home. I want to go home. I want to go home. When we feel exhausted by business, when When we feel exhausted by business, when When we feel exhausted by business, when we feel weighed down by our brokenness, we feel weighed down by our brokenness, we feel weighed down by our brokenness, when life doesn't make sense, we're when life doesn't make sense, we're when life doesn't make sense, we're longing for home. We're longing for longing for home. We're longing for longing for home. We're longing for peace, for relationship with the God who peace, for relationship with the God who peace, for relationship with the God who made us.

made us. made us. And too many of us treat prayer And too many of us treat prayer And too many of us treat prayer like an activity where we're trying to like an activity where we're trying to like an activity where we're trying to track down a distant, busy, uninterested track down a distant, busy, uninterested track down a distant, busy, uninterested God, God, God, hoping if we shout loud enough, he'll hoping if we shout loud enough, he'll hoping if we shout loud enough, he'll hear us. But the gospel tells us the hear us. But the gospel tells us the hear us. But the gospel tells us the exact opposite. exact opposite. exact opposite. Long before you ever took a step toward Long before you ever took a step toward Long before you ever took a step toward God, God, God, the good shepherd came looking for you. the good shepherd came looking for you. the good shepherd came looking for you. When you're trapped in the noise, when When you're trapped in the noise, when When you're trapped in the noise, when you're covered with the mess, when you you're covered with the mess, when you you're covered with the mess, when you feel unworthy, feel unworthy, feel unworthy, he doesn't wait for us to get our life he doesn't wait for us to get our life he doesn't wait for us to get our life together. He doesn't wait for our lives together. He doesn't wait for our lives together. He doesn't wait for our lives to slow down. He dives into the depths to slow down. He dives into the depths to slow down. He dives into the depths of our reality of our reality of our reality to bring us home. You don't need fancy to bring us home. You don't need fancy to bring us home. You don't need fancy words to pray. You don't need to put on words to pray. You don't need to put on words to pray. You don't need to put on an act. an act. an act. Here's the truth of it all. Here's the truth of it all. Here's the truth of it all. Prayer is simply a lost child crying Prayer is simply a lost child crying Prayer is simply a lost child crying out, "I want to come home."

out, "I want to come home." out, "I want to come home." Pray continually. Pray continually. Pray continually. He's listening. He's listening. He's listening. Would you pray with me? Father, in this Would you pray with me? Father, in this Would you pray with me? Father, in this time of invitation, time of invitation, time of invitation, would you move in our lives? Father, would you move in our lives? Father, would you move in our lives? Father, would you call us to the things you have would you call us to the things you have would you call us to the things you have for us and for those in this room, for us and for those in this room, for us and for those in this room, Father, that need to be rescued, that Father, that need to be rescued, that Father, that need to be rescued, that need to be found, that need to be saved. need to be found, that need to be saved. need to be found, that need to be saved. Would you give them the courage, the Would you give them the courage, the Would you give them the courage, the strength, the boldness to respond, strength, the boldness to respond, strength, the boldness to respond, Father, as our pastor comes and offers Father, as our pastor comes and offers Father, as our pastor comes and offers this moment of invitation, Father, move this moment of invitation, Father, move this moment of invitation, Father, move in a way that only you can. We ask these in a way that only you can. We ask these in a way that only you can. We ask these things in Christ's name. Amen. Right now, we're entering into a time of Right now, we're entering into a time of invitation. invitation. invitation. And perhaps God is calling you home to And perhaps God is calling you home to And perhaps God is calling you home to him, to a relationship with him. him, to a relationship with him. him, to a relationship with him. And you're here today because someone And you're here today because someone And you're here today because someone has prayed for you that you would open has prayed for you that you would open has prayed for you that you would open your heart to relationship your heart to relationship your heart to relationship with this God who knows you and this God with this God who knows you and this God with this God who knows you and this God who pursues you.

who pursues you. who pursues you. So as we sing this song, this is the air So as we sing this song, this is the air So as we sing this song, this is the air I breathe. I want to invite you to stand I breathe. I want to invite you to stand I breathe. I want to invite you to stand from where you're seated right now and from where you're seated right now and from where you're seated right now and make your way down these aisles and say, make your way down these aisles and say, make your way down these aisles and say, "Today is the day. I'm coming home to a "Today is the day. I'm coming home to a "Today is the day. I'm coming home to a relationship with God or I'm coming back relationship with God or I'm coming back relationship with God or I'm coming back home to him." As God leads you, stand home to him." As God leads you, stand home to him." As God leads you, stand make your way down these aisles. Make make your way down these aisles. Make make your way down these aisles. Make that decision. Make this moment a moment that decision. Make this moment a moment that decision. Make this moment a moment you'll remember. you'll remember. you'll remember. Perhaps you're here and you say, "I know Perhaps you're here and you say, "I know Perhaps you're here and you say, "I know God. I have a relationship with them. God. I have a relationship with them. God. I have a relationship with them. I'm I'm at home with them already, but I I'm I'm at home with them already, but I I'm I'm at home with them already, but I want to have a church home." And God's want to have a church home." And God's want to have a church home." And God's leading me. God's leading us here. You leading me. God's leading us here. You leading me. God's leading us here. You stand to come as well. What a great time stand to come as well. What a great time stand to come as well. What a great time to be a part of this. We sing this song. to be a part of this. We sing this song. to be a part of this. We sing this song. You [music] stand to come as well. Make You [music] stand to come as well. Make You [music] stand to come as well. Make your way down front and simply face your way down front and simply face your way down front and simply face these steps right here. And we will these steps right here. And we will these steps right here. And we will joyfully, gladly receive you into this joyfully, gladly receive you into this joyfully, gladly receive you into this [music] his community. [music] his community. [music] his community. As God leads, as he leads, As God leads, as he leads, As God leads, as he leads, don't miss this opportunity to stand and don't miss this opportunity to stand and don't miss this opportunity to stand and come down front. Come home to him as we come down front. Come home to him as we come down front. Come home to him as we sing together.

sing together. sing together. This is the air I brea. >> Your holy >> Your holy presence [music] living living in me. [music] This [music] is my [singing] daily This [music] is my [singing] daily bread. >> This is [music and singing] my daily >> This is [music and singing] my daily bread. [music] [music] >> Your >> Your >> Your word This is [singing and music] the air I

This is [singing and music] the air I breathe. Your [singing] holy [music] Your [singing] holy [music] presence This is my daily [singing and music] This is my daily [singing and music] pray. This is [music and singing] my daily This is [music and singing] my daily bread. Your every [music] Your every [music] word >> Would you welcome these two have come >> Would you welcome these two have come down front this morning? If y'all would down front this morning? If y'all would down front this morning? If y'all would step out, we want to have a time of step out, we want to have a time of step out, we want to have a time of one-on-one prayer with you. Father, we one-on-one prayer with you. Father, we one-on-one prayer with you. Father, we thank you so much for those who have thank you so much for those who have thank you so much for those who have responded today to responded today to responded today to your call, your call, your call, your word, to come home to this your your word, to come home to this your your word, to come home to this your community, [music] to come home to your community, [music] to come home to your community, [music] to come home to your grace and your truth and your purposes grace and your truth and your purposes grace and your truth and your purposes for our lives. God, we're excited about for our lives. God, we're excited about for our lives. God, we're excited about all you're doing in our church, in our all you're doing in our church, in our all you're doing in our church, in our city, and in this world. God, help us to city, and in this world. God, help us to city, and in this world. God, help us to be a part of moving the ball down the be a part of moving the ball down the be a part of moving the ball down the field for you. This is our prayer in field for you. This is our prayer in field for you. This is our prayer in Jesus name. Amen.

Jesus name. Amen. Jesus name. Amen. Today we've spoken about the importance Today we've spoken about the importance Today we've spoken about the importance of prayer. And so today, as you leave, of prayer. And so today, as you leave, of prayer. And so today, as you leave, we have a free gift for everyone who is we have a free gift for everyone who is we have a free gift for everyone who is here today. Uh we have this book that's here today. Uh we have this book that's here today. Uh we have this book that's called Americans Who Pray. It is a book called Americans Who Pray. It is a book called Americans Who Pray. It is a book of prayer devotionals by our very own of prayer devotionals by our very own of prayer devotionals by our very own Elizabeth Carile and we have a free copy Elizabeth Carile and we have a free copy Elizabeth Carile and we have a free copy for everyone who's here. So, as you exit for everyone who's here. So, as you exit for everyone who's here. So, as you exit at all the doors, be sure and pick up at all the doors, be sure and pick up at all the doors, be sure and pick up your free copy. Also, Elizabeth will be your free copy. Also, Elizabeth will be your free copy. Also, Elizabeth will be uh in the atrium after our service is uh in the atrium after our service is uh in the atrium after our service is over with if you'd like to have her sign over with if you'd like to have her sign over with if you'd like to have her sign your copy. In fact, that's Elizabeth. your copy. In fact, that's Elizabeth. your copy. In fact, that's Elizabeth. Elizabeth, turn around, wave at us Elizabeth, turn around, wave at us Elizabeth, turn around, wave at us before you leave. Yes. Uh so, thank you, before you leave. Yes. Uh so, thank you, before you leave. Yes. Uh so, thank you, Elizabeth, for these uh books. It it is Elizabeth, for these uh books. It it is Elizabeth, for these uh books. It it is great. It is a great book. I've already great. It is a great book. I've already great. It is a great book. I've already looked at it and read through part of looked at it and read through part of looked at it and read through part of it. It is a fantastic book. This coming it. It is a fantastic book. This coming it. It is a fantastic book. This coming Thursday at 7:00 uh right here on the Thursday at 7:00 uh right here on the Thursday at 7:00 uh right here on the Woodway campus, we will have young Woodway campus, we will have young Woodway campus, we will have young adults from all over the city of Houston adults from all over the city of Houston adults from all over the city of Houston from all six of our campuses who will be from all six of our campuses who will be from all six of our campuses who will be gathering for the collective, which is a gathering for the collective, which is a gathering for the collective, which is a worship service, uh worship, Bible worship service, uh worship, Bible worship service, uh worship, Bible study, and community for young adults study, and community for young adults study, and community for young adults right here at the Woodway campus in the right here at the Woodway campus in the right here at the Woodway campus in the chapel. 7:00 on Thursday. Finally, uh a chapel. 7:00 on Thursday. Finally, uh a chapel. 7:00 on Thursday. Finally, uh a reminder that next Sunday afternoon at 4 reminder that next Sunday afternoon at 4 reminder that next Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock, we will have a leadership rally o'clock, we will have a leadership rally o'clock, we will have a leadership rally and training right here in this room uh and training right here in this room uh and training right here in this room uh for our church, for our campus. We'll for our church, for our campus. We'll for our church, for our campus. We'll hear a special message of challenge and hear a special message of challenge and hear a special message of challenge and vision from our pastor. And we would vision from our pastor. And we would vision from our pastor. And we would like for you to be a part of that 4:00 like for you to be a part of that 4:00 like for you to be a part of that 4:00 next not not today, but next Sunday

next not not today, but next Sunday next not not today, but next Sunday afternoon. Finally, again, if you are a afternoon. Finally, again, if you are a afternoon. Finally, again, if you are a guest with us today, we're so glad that guest with us today, we're so glad that guest with us today, we're so glad that you're here. Or maybe today you you you you're here. Or maybe today you you you you're here. Or maybe today you you you have uh thought about you want to know have uh thought about you want to know have uh thought about you want to know more about what it means to be a more about what it means to be a more about what it means to be a follower of Christ or a member of this follower of Christ or a member of this follower of Christ or a member of this church. We would invite you to come and church. We would invite you to come and church. We would invite you to come and join us [music] at the front of uh of join us [music] at the front of uh of join us [music] at the front of uh of the worship service at either one of our the worship service at either one of our the worship service at either one of our red doors. We would love to visit with red doors. We would love to visit with red doors. We would love to visit with you about [music] that. Again, thanks you about [music] that. Again, thanks you about [music] that. Again, thanks for being here. Let's stand together and for being here. Let's stand together and for being here. Let's stand together and sing our closing song. I believe in the risen one. I believe in the risen one. I [music] believe I overcome [singing] by the power of his [singing and music] by the power of his [singing and music] love.

Amen. Amen. Amen. [music and singing] I will I will because he lives. [music] because he lives. [music] because he lives. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] Let my [singing] soul join the one who Let my [singing] soul join the one who never ends never ends never ends because [music] he lives. [music] [music] Oh, I was [singing] dead in the grave. I was covered [singing] I was covered [singing] in sin and shame. [music] in sin and shame. [music] in sin and shame. [music] I have mercy on [singing] my name. Because [music and singing] he is Because [music and singing] he is everything.

everything. everything. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] My future My future behold my life. My future. [music] I'm alive. [music] I'm alive. [music] I'm alive because he lives. I'm alive because he lives. I'm alive because he lives. Amen. [music] Amen. Amen. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat.

>> Amen. God bless you. Have a great day. >> Amen. God bless you. Have a great day. >> Hey, second family. It's been an amazing >> Hey, second family. It's been an amazing >> Hey, second family. It's been an amazing summer through Next Level Camp, Mountain summer through Next Level Camp, Mountain summer through Next Level Camp, Mountain Retreat, VBS, and Creek Week. We've seen Retreat, VBS, and Creek Week. We've seen Retreat, VBS, and Creek Week. We've seen thousands of young people's lives thousands of young people's lives thousands of young people's lives changed by the power of the gospel. changed by the power of the gospel. changed by the power of the gospel. There's nothing more exciting [music] There's nothing more exciting [music] There's nothing more exciting [music] than to see what God is doing in the than to see what God is doing in the than to see what God is doing in the next generation. August 9th is [music] next generation. August 9th is [music] next generation. August 9th is [music] Life Together Sunday. It will be a time Life Together Sunday. It will be a time Life Together Sunday. It will be a time to celebrate all God has done in the to celebrate all God has done in the to celebrate all God has done in the life of our church this summer. [music] life of our church this summer. [music] life of our church this summer. [music] We're going to hear stories from our We're going to hear stories from our We're going to hear stories from our students and hear how God has worked in students and hear how God has worked in students and hear how God has worked in their lives and talk about the vision their lives and talk about the vision their lives and talk about the vision that God has for [music] us in this fall that God has for [music] us in this fall that God has for [music] us in this fall season. I promise you, you'll be season. I promise you, you'll be season. I promise you, you'll be encouraged by what [music] you hear. encouraged by what [music] you hear. encouraged by what [music] you hear. Don't miss this incredible Sunday and I Don't miss this incredible Sunday and I Don't miss this incredible Sunday and I look forward to seeing you there. >> Heat. Heat. N.

>> Heat. Heat. N. [music] >> Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. >> Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. [music]