Honest and Humble Prayers | July 23, 2023

Honest and Humble Prayers | July 23, 2023
Logan Holloman | NextGen Pastor

When we don’t know what to pray or what to feel, we have the Psalms.

Psalms…”the anatomy of the all the parts of the soul” - John Calvin

“God’s way of reshaping our desires and perceptions so that [we] learn to lament the right things and take joy in the right things” - J. Todd Billings on Augustine

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.” Psalms 22: 1-2 (NIV)

Permission to be honest

It is better to come to God with sharp words than to remain distant from him, never voicing our doubts and disappointments. Better to rage at the Creator than to smolder in polite devotion. God did not smite the psalmist. Through the Psalms, he dares us to speak to him bluntly. - Tish Harrsion Warren

“Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.” Psalms 22:3-5 (NIV)

Reflection of God’s faithfulness in the past

“But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.” Psalms 22:19 (NIV)

In spite of circumstances, a reliance on God

They never say “Chin up” or “It’s not so bad.” Nor do they tell us why we suffer. Instead they fix our vision on God’s love for us… - Tish Harrsion Warren

“I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” Psalms 22:22-24 (NIV)

“Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!” Psalms 22:01-31 (NIV)

Vow to praise and declare God’s goodness

Permission to be honest (tell God what's on your heart)

Reflection of God’s faithfulness in the past (what has he done in the past?)

In spite of circumstances, a reliance on God (How can you trust him? How do you know he is good?)

Vow to praise and declare God’s goodness (How will you praise? Who can you tell?)

Reflection Questions:
1) Does knowing what to pray ever feel daunting? Whether yes or no, explain why?

2) Have you ever used the Psalms as a prayer template? Does that feel too rigid or inauthentic?

3) What might I need to be honest with God about? What might I need to surrender and trust God with?

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Notes Page: https://journeyweb.net/sermons/notes/2023.07.23.pdf