Prayer
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: FWPSM
Hebrews 4:14-5:10 (ESV)
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
5:1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”;
6 as he says also in another place,
“You are a priest forever,
after the order of Melchizedek.”
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Sermon Outline
In prayer we “draw near” (4:16) to God.
1. Praise
4:16 “draw near to the throne of grace”
2. Petition
4:16 “that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need”
3. Confession
4:15 “we do not have… unable to sympathize with our weakness… yet without sin”
5:7 “Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death”
5:9 “he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him”
4:16 “let us then with confidence…”
5:2 “He can deal gently with the ignorant and the wayward”
Prayer of Confession
Gracious and merciful Father, we approach you, seated on your heavenly throne, for help in our time of need. We confess our sin. We admit we are guilty of pride. We have sought praise for ourselves but have not given it to you. In folly, we have lived as if we don’t need you. When we have made requests, we have done so as if you owe us, or as if you are our servant. When we have not asked, it is because of fear, shame, cynicism, and arrogance. The whole of our lives evidence that we need your forgiveness and help. We thank you for Jesus, our great high priest, who offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears, but also offered himself for us. We thank you for a mercy that extends even to the forgiveness of our sins. Deal gently with us. Save us. We come with confidence to your throne of grace in the name of Jesus Christ our advocate. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
When do you pray? What do you pray about? Is your prayer life concentrated on particular occasions or types of prayers?
What do you find to be the most difficult aspects of prayer? What keeps you from praying with consistency?
How is prayer tied to “drawing near” to God?
Why is adoration of God and thanksgiving important? What benefits can you experience from praising God? How can you be more consistent in this practice?
Why is confession of sin important? What happens if you don’t confess your sin?
Why is it important to petition God, to ask God for things?
How is dependence on God ordinary and necessary? What kinds of things do you get wrong regarding dependence on God?
Why are grace and mercy essential for a consistent prayer life? In what ways should you be mindful of grace and mercy as you pray (in the various ways you pray)?
Why do we pray “in Jesus’ name”? How is it helpful to have an advocate seated at the right hand of God?
What can give you confidence that God will deal gently with you? Is your confidence because of things in you or things you will do? What sources of confidence for God’s kind dealings with us can we draw from Hebrews 4:14-5:10?