Greg Laurie - How To (And How Not To) Pray

May 30, 2025 | S25:E129

Join Pastor Greg Laurie for a time of encouragement, worship, and Bible study.

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie | Greg Laurie - How To (And How Not To) Pray | May 30, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.343
  • Greg laurie: so when we say to god,
  • 00:00:04.147 --> 00:00:05.348
  • "give me this day my daily bread,"
  • 00:00:05.482 --> 00:00:07.117
  • I'm not just speaking about bread, or even about food,
  • 00:00:07.217 --> 00:00:10.353
  • I'm talking about everything.
  • 00:00:10.487 --> 00:00:10.987
  • You know, when you ask someone to give you something,
  • 00:00:12.622 --> 00:00:14.824
  • You're acknowledging they own it.
  • 00:00:14.824 --> 00:00:17.994
  • You're acknowledging also that you need it.
  • 00:00:17.994 --> 00:00:21.231
  • They don't owe it to you, you don't deserve it.
  • 00:00:21.231 --> 00:00:24.934
  • He's not saying we should pray, "pay us our daily bread."
  • 00:00:24.934 --> 00:00:28.772
  • Give us our daily bread.
  • 00:00:28.772 --> 00:00:30.807
  • This reminds us we're completely dependent on god.
  • 00:00:30.807 --> 00:00:34.177
  • ♪ this is the day ♪
  • 00:00:37.547 --> 00:00:39.649
  • ♪ the day when life begins ♪
  • 00:00:39.649 --> 00:00:44.954
  • ♪ this is the day ♪
  • 00:00:44.954 --> 00:00:47.457
  • ♪ the day when life begins ♪♪
  • 00:00:47.457 --> 00:00:52.095
  • Greg: heard the story of a pilot,
  • 00:00:55.899 --> 00:00:57.834
  • He was flying a planeload of passengers to their destination.
  • 00:00:57.834 --> 00:01:01.137
  • Suddenly, the rudder malfunctioned.
  • 00:01:01.137 --> 00:01:03.740
  • He radioed the control tower in panic and said, "the rudder
  • 00:01:03.740 --> 00:01:08.511
  • Has malfunctioned, what should i do?"
  • 00:01:08.511 --> 00:01:10.780
  • The air traffic controller said, "keep calm, captain.
  • 00:01:10.847 --> 00:01:14.851
  • Just repeat after me, 'wings flap, check.
  • 00:01:14.851 --> 00:01:18.455
  • Velocity, check.
  • 00:01:18.455 --> 00:01:20.323
  • Altitude, check.'"
  • 00:01:20.323 --> 00:01:22.125
  • The pilot made the appropriate adjustments and everything
  • 00:01:22.125 --> 00:01:24.594
  • Was fine.
  • 00:01:24.594 --> 00:01:25.929
  • A few moments passed and the starboard engine failed.
  • 00:01:25.929 --> 00:01:29.099
  • He goes back to the radio tower, "the starboard engine
  • 00:01:29.099 --> 00:01:32.235
  • Just stalled, what should i do?"
  • 00:01:32.235 --> 00:01:33.570
  • The air traffic controller radioed back and said,
  • 00:01:33.570 --> 00:01:37.307
  • "okay, keep calm, captain.
  • 00:01:37.307 --> 00:01:39.209
  • Repeat after me, 'wings flap, check.
  • 00:01:39.209 --> 00:01:42.912
  • Velocity, check.
  • 00:01:42.912 --> 00:01:44.914
  • Altitude, check.'"
  • 00:01:44.914 --> 00:01:46.850
  • Now both engines went out.
  • 00:01:46.850 --> 00:01:48.885
  • "mayday, mayday.
  • 00:01:48.885 --> 00:01:50.220
  • Both engines have gone out, what should i do?"
  • 00:01:50.220 --> 00:01:53.056
  • The air controller said, "now, keep calm, captain, and repeat
  • 00:01:53.056 --> 00:01:56.759
  • After me, 'our father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name.'"
  • 00:01:56.759 --> 00:02:03.933
  • The lord's prayer.
  • 00:02:03.933 --> 00:02:05.335
  • Most of us know it, or at least we know parts of it.
  • 00:02:05.335 --> 00:02:08.771
  • It's a prayer that is sort of behind glass.
  • 00:02:08.771 --> 00:02:11.207
  • In case of emergency, pull this prayer out, and there's
  • 00:02:11.207 --> 00:02:14.844
  • Certainly nothing wrong with praying the lord's prayer
  • 00:02:14.844 --> 00:02:17.413
  • Verbatim, but it's more than that.
  • 00:02:17.413 --> 00:02:20.450
  • It's really the words of jesus given to us and how we can pray.
  • 00:02:20.450 --> 00:02:25.188
  • Imagine if you went to an elite university and you were able to
  • 00:02:25.188 --> 00:02:28.858
  • Be taught by the most impressive people throughout history.
  • 00:02:28.858 --> 00:02:33.029
  • For instance, you could study music under beethoven himself,
  • 00:02:33.029 --> 00:02:37.267
  • Or you could have a drama class taught by william shakespeare,
  • 00:02:37.267 --> 00:02:41.437
  • Or a political science class taught by thomas jefferson, or a
  • 00:02:41.437 --> 00:02:46.109
  • Philosophy class taught by c.s. lewis.
  • 00:02:46.109 --> 00:02:48.745
  • How about this: a class on prayer taught by jesus christ.
  • 00:02:48.745 --> 00:02:53.416
  • Mmm, i'd sign up for that.
  • 00:02:53.416 --> 00:02:56.553
  • I'd be all over that course.
  • 00:02:56.553 --> 00:02:57.954
  • I'd wanna know what jesus had to say about prayer, and that's
  • 00:02:57.954 --> 00:03:01.391
  • What the lord's prayer is.
  • 00:03:01.391 --> 00:03:03.193
  • It all started when his disciples came to him and said,
  • 00:03:03.193 --> 00:03:06.296
  • "lord, would you teach us how to pray?"
  • 00:03:06.296 --> 00:03:10.266
  • And the encouraging thing is jesus did what they asked, and
  • 00:03:10.266 --> 00:03:13.102
  • In doing so, acknowledging that prayer is something
  • 00:03:13.102 --> 00:03:16.172
  • You can learn.
  • 00:03:16.172 --> 00:03:17.607
  • But before we learn how to pray, let's learn how not to pray.
  • 00:03:17.607 --> 00:03:21.244
  • Matthew 6, verse 5.
  • 00:03:21.244 --> 00:03:23.379
  • Jesus says, "when you pray, you shall not
  • 00:03:23.379 --> 00:03:25.415
  • Be like the hypocrites.
  • 00:03:25.415 --> 00:03:27.050
  • For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the
  • 00:03:27.050 --> 00:03:29.819
  • Corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men."
  • 00:03:29.819 --> 00:03:33.556
  • You might underline that.
  • 00:03:33.556 --> 00:03:34.891
  • "that they may be seen by men.
  • 00:03:34.891 --> 00:03:36.793
  • Assuredly, i say to you, they have their reward.
  • 00:03:36.793 --> 00:03:39.395
  • But when you pray, go to your room, when you have shut your
  • 00:03:39.395 --> 00:03:42.599
  • Door, pray to your father who is in the secret place, and your
  • 00:03:42.599 --> 00:03:46.202
  • Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
  • 00:03:46.202 --> 00:03:50.473
  • When you pray, don't use vain repetitions as the heathen do.
  • 00:03:50.473 --> 00:03:54.744
  • For they think they'll be heard for their many words.
  • 00:03:54.744 --> 00:03:57.413
  • Therefore do not be like like them.
  • 00:03:57.413 --> 00:03:58.948
  • For your father knows the things you have need of before you
  • 00:03:58.948 --> 00:04:02.585
  • Ask him."
  • 00:04:02.585 --> 00:04:03.920
  • We'll stop there.
  • 00:04:03.920 --> 00:04:05.288
  • It's a tragic thing, but really sin knows no boundaries.
  • 00:04:05.288 --> 00:04:08.925
  • It can follow us to the very throne of heaven, where i'm
  • 00:04:08.925 --> 00:04:12.996
  • Actually missing the whole point of what prayer should be,
  • 00:04:12.996 --> 00:04:16.899
  • Focusing the intention upon myself.
  • 00:04:16.899 --> 00:04:20.203
  • This was the problem with the pharisees.
  • 00:04:20.203 --> 00:04:22.405
  • They prayed to be seen by men.
  • 00:04:22.405 --> 00:04:24.173
  • The pharisees love the theater of prayer.
  • 00:04:24.173 --> 00:04:27.610
  • It was sort of like a performance.
  • 00:04:27.610 --> 00:04:30.046
  • They would go to a street corner and stop and pray loudly and
  • 00:04:30.046 --> 00:04:33.449
  • People would look, "oh, look at that religious man.
  • 00:04:33.449 --> 00:04:36.352
  • Oh, how devout he is, how impressive he is."
  • 00:04:36.352 --> 00:04:39.656
  • Jesus is saying, "god's not impressed."
  • 00:04:39.656 --> 00:04:42.325
  • He's not impressed one bit because you're doing it for
  • 00:04:42.325 --> 00:04:45.061
  • Others to see.
  • 00:04:45.061 --> 00:04:46.963
  • And so, he's showing us that is not how we should pray, nor
  • 00:04:46.963 --> 00:04:49.799
  • Should we offer ritualized repeated prayers.
  • 00:04:49.799 --> 00:04:54.504
  • That's why i don't really love memorized prayers that people
  • 00:04:54.504 --> 00:04:58.374
  • Pray over and over again.
  • 00:04:58.374 --> 00:04:59.742
  • "just say ten our fathers and you'll be okay."
  • 00:04:59.742 --> 00:05:01.911
  • Well, is there some magic in a little prayer that we pray?
  • 00:05:01.911 --> 00:05:05.848
  • When we pray, god looks on the heart.
  • 00:05:05.848 --> 00:05:08.251
  • It's a conversation with god.
  • 00:05:08.251 --> 00:05:10.687
  • The objective of prayer is not to change god, it's to
  • 00:05:10.687 --> 00:05:14.724
  • Change you.
  • 00:05:14.724 --> 00:05:16.292
  • God knows what you need, but prayer is not to inform god,
  • 00:05:16.292 --> 00:05:20.430
  • Prayer is to invite god.
  • 00:05:20.430 --> 00:05:21.964
  • Let me say that again.
  • 00:05:21.964 --> 00:05:23.333
  • Prayer is not to inform god, prayer is to invite god.
  • 00:05:23.333 --> 00:05:27.970
  • The value of prayer is it keeps me in touch with god.
  • 00:05:27.970 --> 00:05:31.674
  • Prayer is getting closer to god.
  • 00:05:31.674 --> 00:05:35.144
  • Sometimes god allows things in my life to bring me to him
  • 00:05:35.144 --> 00:05:38.715
  • In prayer.
  • 00:05:38.715 --> 00:05:40.083
  • It can be a challenge, it can be a need, it could even be a
  • 00:05:40.083 --> 00:05:43.019
  • Tragedy, and i come to the lord, and i call upon the lord.
  • 00:05:43.019 --> 00:05:47.690
  • So, that's how not to pray.
  • 00:05:47.690 --> 00:05:49.692
  • Let's talk about how to pray.
  • 00:05:49.692 --> 00:05:51.894
  • Matthew 6, verse 9.
  • 00:05:51.894 --> 00:05:54.030
  • Now, this is the lord's prayer.
  • 00:05:54.030 --> 00:05:55.498
  • I'm gonna put it up on the screen because i would like us
  • 00:05:55.498 --> 00:05:58.634
  • All to say this out loud together.
  • 00:05:58.634 --> 00:06:01.738
  • Let's see what jesus says.
  • 00:06:01.738 --> 00:06:03.506
  • "our father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name.
  • 00:06:03.506 --> 00:06:08.144
  • Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is
  • 00:06:08.144 --> 00:06:12.648
  • In heaven.
  • 00:06:12.648 --> 00:06:13.983
  • Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts,
  • 00:06:13.983 --> 00:06:17.687
  • As we forgive our debtors.
  • 00:06:17.687 --> 00:06:19.689
  • And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from
  • 00:06:19.689 --> 00:06:23.526
  • The evil one.
  • 00:06:23.526 --> 00:06:24.894
  • For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever."
  • 00:06:24.894 --> 00:06:29.031
  • Amen.
  • 00:06:29.031 --> 00:06:30.366
  • The lord's prayer.
  • 00:06:30.366 --> 00:06:31.734
  • Great one, memorize that.
  • 00:06:31.734 --> 00:06:33.136
  • It's not too long.
  • 00:06:33.136 --> 00:06:34.637
  • A template for all prayer.
  • 00:06:34.637 --> 00:06:36.472
  • The first three requests in the lord's prayer deal with the
  • 00:06:36.472 --> 00:06:40.309
  • Glory of god.
  • 00:06:40.309 --> 00:06:41.677
  • "our father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name.
  • 00:06:41.677 --> 00:06:44.514
  • Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth, as it is
  • 00:06:44.514 --> 00:06:46.983
  • In heaven."
  • 00:06:46.983 --> 00:06:48.351
  • The final petitions deal with the needs of man.
  • 00:06:48.351 --> 00:06:51.354
  • "give us this day our daily bread, forgive us our sins,
  • 00:06:51.354 --> 00:06:54.190
  • As we forgive those who sin against us.
  • 00:06:54.190 --> 00:06:56.259
  • Don't lead us into temptation."
  • 00:06:56.259 --> 00:06:58.394
  • So how do we pray?
  • 00:06:58.394 --> 00:06:59.729
  • Here's point number one if you're taking notes:
  • 00:06:59.729 --> 00:07:02.265
  • We pray to a father in heaven who loves us.
  • 00:07:02.265 --> 00:07:05.134
  • We pray to a father who art in heaven.
  • 00:07:05.134 --> 00:07:07.937
  • "our father who art in heaven."
  • 00:07:07.937 --> 00:07:10.907
  • Not, "our vending machine who art in heaven."
  • 00:07:10.907 --> 00:07:14.243
  • Not, "our butler who are in heaven."
  • 00:07:14.243 --> 00:07:16.279
  • Our father.
  • 00:07:16.279 --> 00:07:17.814
  • A father who longs for communication and fellowship
  • 00:07:17.814 --> 00:07:20.850
  • With us.
  • 00:07:20.850 --> 00:07:22.218
  • A father who loves to bless us.
  • 00:07:22.218 --> 00:07:24.620
  • He's a generous father.
  • 00:07:24.620 --> 00:07:26.589
  • He's a good father.
  • 00:07:26.589 --> 00:07:28.424
  • Jesus said, "it is your father's good pleasure to give to you
  • 00:07:28.424 --> 00:07:32.261
  • The kingdom."
  • 00:07:32.261 --> 00:07:33.596
  • He's not a stingy god, he's a generous god, so i come
  • 00:07:33.596 --> 00:07:38.000
  • To my father.
  • 00:07:38.000 --> 00:07:39.535
  • Greg: we all know the lord's prayer, right?
  • 00:07:41.904 --> 00:07:44.640
  • "our father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name.
  • 00:07:44.640 --> 00:07:48.177
  • Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth, as it is
  • 00:07:48.177 --> 00:07:51.914
  • In heaven.
  • 00:07:51.914 --> 00:07:53.249
  • Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins,
  • 00:07:53.249 --> 00:07:56.452
  • As we forgive those who have sinned against us.
  • 00:07:56.452 --> 00:07:59.255
  • Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
  • 00:07:59.255 --> 00:08:03.559
  • For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever."
  • 00:08:03.559 --> 00:08:07.196
  • Amen.
  • 00:08:07.196 --> 00:08:08.631
  • That's the prayer we usually pull out in case of emergency,
  • 00:08:08.631 --> 00:08:12.535
  • And it can be that.
  • 00:08:12.535 --> 00:08:13.903
  • It's fine to pray the lord's prayer verbatim, i encourage you
  • 00:08:13.903 --> 00:08:16.606
  • To do so.
  • 00:08:16.606 --> 00:08:17.974
  • But it's also a model or a template for prayer.
  • 00:08:17.974 --> 00:08:20.776
  • You know, like when you go to a housing track and they're gonna
  • 00:08:20.776 --> 00:08:23.679
  • Build a bunch of homes and you can go visit the model homes,
  • 00:08:23.679 --> 00:08:26.716
  • And you walk through and look at how this family that doesn't
  • 00:08:26.716 --> 00:08:30.253
  • Really exist lives and pictures of people that don't live there
  • 00:08:30.253 --> 00:08:33.689
  • Are there, but you get a sense of what the track will
  • 00:08:33.689 --> 00:08:36.526
  • Look like.
  • 00:08:36.526 --> 00:08:37.860
  • The lord's prayer is a template for prayer, and jesus teaches us
  • 00:08:37.860 --> 00:08:41.531
  • When we pray, it should begin with, "our father who art in
  • 00:08:41.531 --> 00:08:45.334
  • Heaven," reminding us that god is a loving father that wants to
  • 00:08:45.334 --> 00:08:50.373
  • Hear from us.
  • 00:08:50.373 --> 00:08:51.741
  • I love the fact that we can have this relationship with god.
  • 00:08:51.741 --> 00:08:55.044
  • Years ago, when i was first getting to know billy graham, i
  • 00:08:55.044 --> 00:08:58.681
  • Addressed him as dr. graham out of respect.
  • 00:08:58.681 --> 00:09:01.350
  • That's what everyone called him, dr. graham.
  • 00:09:01.350 --> 00:09:04.053
  • And one day he said to me, "don't call me dr. graham,
  • 00:09:04.053 --> 00:09:07.156
  • Call me billy."
  • 00:09:07.156 --> 00:09:08.524
  • Well, i was not real comfortable with that because it's
  • 00:09:08.524 --> 00:09:10.993
  • Billy graham.
  • 00:09:10.993 --> 00:09:12.361
  • And finally, i got comfortable enough to call him billy, but i
  • 00:09:12.361 --> 00:09:15.398
  • Noticed his son called him daddy and his grandchildren called him
  • 00:09:15.398 --> 00:09:19.001
  • Daddy bill.
  • 00:09:19.001 --> 00:09:20.336
  • Well, he didn't tell me i could call him that.
  • 00:09:20.336 --> 00:09:21.971
  • That was a privilege afforded only for his family.
  • 00:09:21.971 --> 00:09:26.042
  • Did you know you have a privilege like that with god,
  • 00:09:26.042 --> 00:09:28.644
  • Your father?
  • 00:09:28.644 --> 00:09:29.979
  • The bible says, "god has not given us a spirit of bondage
  • 00:09:29.979 --> 00:09:32.682
  • Again to fear, but one of adoption, whereby we cry,
  • 00:09:32.682 --> 00:09:37.019
  • 'abba, father.'"
  • 00:09:37.019 --> 00:09:38.354
  • "abba, father," is another way of saying daddy.
  • 00:09:38.354 --> 00:09:41.223
  • It's the hebrew equivalent of daddy.
  • 00:09:41.223 --> 00:09:43.626
  • If you go to israel today, you'll see a little boy calling
  • 00:09:43.626 --> 00:09:46.796
  • Out "abba" or "eema" to their mother.
  • 00:09:46.796 --> 00:09:49.665
  • God is saying we can approach him as a heavenly father, a
  • 00:09:49.665 --> 00:09:53.035
  • Heavenly daddy, if you will.
  • 00:09:53.035 --> 00:09:55.304
  • It speaks of intimacy and closeness.
  • 00:09:55.304 --> 00:09:57.974
  • So when you pray, just remember, you have a loving heavenly
  • 00:09:57.974 --> 00:10:02.144
  • Father who wants to hear from you.
  • 00:10:02.144 --> 00:10:04.213
  • A loving heavenly father who wants to bless you even more
  • 00:10:04.213 --> 00:10:08.250
  • Than you want to be blessed.
  • 00:10:08.250 --> 00:10:10.620
  • Jesus said, "it is your father's good pleasure to give to you
  • 00:10:10.620 --> 00:10:15.024
  • The kingdom."
  • 00:10:15.024 --> 00:10:16.359
  • So remember that when you pray, your father is listening.
  • 00:10:16.359 --> 00:10:19.895
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:10:20.296 --> 00:10:23.799
  • Greg: and then i say, verse 9, "hallowed be your name.
  • 00:10:23.799 --> 00:10:27.036
  • Hallowed be your name."
  • 00:10:27.036 --> 00:10:28.371
  • It means, "i set god apart in my life."
  • 00:10:28.371 --> 00:10:31.807
  • In other words, he is above everything else,
  • 00:10:31.874 --> 00:10:34.944
  • He is lord of all.
  • 00:10:34.944 --> 00:10:36.312
  • Because if he is not lord of all, he is not lord at all.
  • 00:10:36.312 --> 00:10:40.783
  • When i say, "hallowed be your name,"
  • 00:10:40.783 --> 00:10:43.119
  • It means in my life and character, i'm setting christ
  • 00:10:43.119 --> 00:10:45.888
  • Apart, and i'm seeking to live a holy life.
  • 00:10:45.888 --> 00:10:49.392
  • Therefore, i should ask myself about things i pursue,
  • 00:10:49.392 --> 00:10:53.462
  • My ambitions, my interests,
  • 00:10:53.462 --> 00:10:55.464
  • Is this for his glory?
  • 00:10:55.464 --> 00:10:57.400
  • Can i write, "hallowed be your name," over this, this
  • 00:10:57.400 --> 00:11:00.403
  • Career choice?
  • 00:11:00.403 --> 00:11:01.737
  • Can i write, "hallowed be your name," over this, this tv
  • 00:11:01.737 --> 00:11:05.675
  • Program, the music i listen to,
  • 00:11:05.675 --> 00:11:07.510
  • The sites i visit, the things i stream, et cetera?
  • 00:11:07.510 --> 00:11:10.913
  • Can i write, "hallowed be your name," over it?
  • 00:11:10.913 --> 00:11:13.949
  • If i can't ask the lord to bless it, then i shouldn't do it.
  • 00:11:13.949 --> 00:11:18.454
  • So when you got up this morning, "let's go to church."
  • 00:11:18.454 --> 00:11:20.556
  • Can you say, "this is for god's glory."
  • 00:11:20.556 --> 00:11:23.092
  • Of course you can.
  • 00:11:23.092 --> 00:11:24.427
  • "let's go to lunch."
  • 00:11:24.427 --> 00:11:25.761
  • Can you say, "this is for god's glory."
  • 00:11:25.761 --> 00:11:27.129
  • For the most part, yes.
  • 00:11:27.129 --> 00:11:29.865
  • But now you're gonna go to a party and get drunk.
  • 00:11:29.865 --> 00:11:32.101
  • "lord, just bless this night as we go get drunk."
  • 00:11:32.101 --> 00:11:34.637
  • No, you can't ask god to bless that.
  • 00:11:34.637 --> 00:11:37.373
  • Or, "lord, i'm gonna go with my boyfriend tonight and we're
  • 00:11:37.373 --> 00:11:40.309
  • Gonna have sexual relations, just--" no, no, there's no
  • 00:11:40.309 --> 00:11:42.745
  • Blessing there.
  • 00:11:42.745 --> 00:11:44.146
  • Now you're outside of the will of god.
  • 00:11:44.146 --> 00:11:46.382
  • You can only ask god to bless the things that will bring
  • 00:11:46.382 --> 00:11:49.518
  • Him glory.
  • 00:11:49.518 --> 00:11:50.853
  • Point number two: when we pray, we should always ask for god's
  • 00:11:50.853 --> 00:11:54.323
  • Will to be done.
  • 00:11:54.323 --> 00:11:55.691
  • Look at verse 10.
  • 00:11:55.691 --> 00:11:57.026
  • "your kingdom come, your will be done."
  • 00:11:57.026 --> 00:11:59.795
  • Did not jesus model this for us in the garden of gethsemane?
  • 00:11:59.795 --> 00:12:04.233
  • He said, "father, if it's possible, let this cup pass from
  • 00:12:04.233 --> 00:12:06.736
  • Me; nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done."
  • 00:12:06.736 --> 00:12:11.307
  • Reminding me the primary objective of prayer is to line
  • 00:12:11.307 --> 00:12:14.276
  • My will up with the will of god.
  • 00:12:14.276 --> 00:12:17.813
  • True praying is not overcoming god's reluctance, it's laying
  • 00:12:17.813 --> 00:12:22.351
  • Hold of his willingness.
  • 00:12:22.351 --> 00:12:24.186
  • Prayer is not getting my will in heaven, it's getting god's will
  • 00:12:24.186 --> 00:12:28.457
  • On earth.
  • 00:12:28.457 --> 00:12:29.925
  • Prayer's not getting my will in heaven.
  • 00:12:29.925 --> 00:12:31.761
  • You don't want your will in heaven, you want god's will
  • 00:12:31.761 --> 00:12:34.697
  • On earth.
  • 00:12:34.697 --> 00:12:36.031
  • First john 5:14 says, "this is the confidence we have in him:
  • 00:12:36.031 --> 00:12:39.468
  • If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
  • 00:12:39.468 --> 00:12:44.006
  • And we'll have the petitions desired of him."
  • 00:12:44.006 --> 00:12:46.976
  • Prayer is surrender to the will of god.
  • 00:12:46.976 --> 00:12:51.447
  • So, "our father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name."
  • 00:12:51.447 --> 00:12:55.684
  • Point number three: we should pray for god's kingdom to come.
  • 00:12:55.684 --> 00:13:01.323
  • "your kingdom come, your will be done on earth, as it is
  • 00:13:01.323 --> 00:13:05.294
  • In heaven."
  • 00:13:05.294 --> 00:13:06.662
  • Now, this is a multi-leveled request with different shades
  • 00:13:06.662 --> 00:13:09.932
  • Of meaning.
  • 00:13:09.932 --> 00:13:11.300
  • What is the kingdom of god?
  • 00:13:11.300 --> 00:13:13.002
  • It's the rule and reign of christ in your life.
  • 00:13:13.002 --> 00:13:16.071
  • And jesus said on one occasion, "the kingdom of god is in the
  • 00:13:16.071 --> 00:13:19.642
  • Midst of you," and what he meant was, "i'm here.
  • 00:13:19.642 --> 00:13:22.344
  • Wherever i am, that's where the kingdom of god is."
  • 00:13:22.344 --> 00:13:25.147
  • So when we're told in matthew 6:33 to, "seek first the kingdom
  • 00:13:25.147 --> 00:13:28.717
  • Of god in his righteousness," that means put christ first, put
  • 00:13:28.717 --> 00:13:33.222
  • The will of god first, have jesus rule and reign in
  • 00:13:33.222 --> 00:13:37.993
  • Your life.
  • 00:13:37.993 --> 00:13:39.428
  • But it's also a prayer for jesus to return to the earth.
  • 00:13:39.428 --> 00:13:44.600
  • The word that he uses here for kingdom does not refer to a
  • 00:13:44.600 --> 00:13:47.369
  • Geographical territory, but his sovereignty and dominion.
  • 00:13:47.369 --> 00:13:52.341
  • So when i'm praying, "your kingdom come," i'm praying for
  • 00:13:52.341 --> 00:13:54.877
  • The rule of god on earth.
  • 00:13:54.877 --> 00:13:56.679
  • In other words, i'm saying, "jesus, come back really soon.
  • 00:13:56.679 --> 00:14:00.549
  • I really want you to return."
  • 00:14:00.549 --> 00:14:02.985
  • This should be the heart cry of every christian.
  • 00:14:02.985 --> 00:14:06.121
  • Like the apostle john, we should say, "even so, come, lord jesus.
  • 00:14:06.121 --> 00:14:12.161
  • Come back soon."
  • 00:14:12.161 --> 00:14:14.196
  • And you should live in such a way that you long for and desire
  • 00:14:14.196 --> 00:14:17.967
  • The return of christ.
  • 00:14:17.967 --> 00:14:19.335
  • When jesus uses this phrase: "your kingdom come," it
  • 00:14:19.335 --> 00:14:22.471
  • Essentially speaks of a sudden, instantaneous coming.
  • 00:14:22.471 --> 00:14:26.041
  • "lord, i'm praying your kingdom comes, and it comes soon."
  • 00:14:26.041 --> 00:14:29.678
  • But it's also a personal request where i'm asking him to rule and
  • 00:14:29.678 --> 00:14:33.349
  • Reign on my life, but also it's a request for the salvation of
  • 00:14:33.349 --> 00:14:37.353
  • Those that don't know the lord.
  • 00:14:37.353 --> 00:14:39.755
  • Jesus modeled this as isaiah 53:12 says, "he interceded for
  • 00:14:39.755 --> 00:14:44.260
  • The transgressors."
  • 00:14:44.260 --> 00:14:46.295
  • He effectively prayed for the nonbelievers, remember?
  • 00:14:46.295 --> 00:14:49.565
  • His first words from the cross were, "father, forgive them, for
  • 00:14:49.565 --> 00:14:53.269
  • They know not what they do."
  • 00:14:53.269 --> 00:14:55.237
  • Who was that prayer for?
  • 00:14:55.237 --> 00:14:56.639
  • It was for the people that pounded the spikes in his hands
  • 00:14:56.639 --> 00:15:00.542
  • And feet and pressed the crown of thorns on his head and tore
  • 00:15:00.542 --> 00:15:04.546
  • His back open with a whip.
  • 00:15:04.546 --> 00:15:06.682
  • "lord, father, forgive them, they know not what they do."
  • 00:15:06.682 --> 00:15:10.753
  • Here's number four: we need to bring our personal needs
  • 00:15:10.753 --> 00:15:14.490
  • Before god.
  • 00:15:14.490 --> 00:15:16.225
  • Bring our personal needs before god.
  • 00:15:16.225 --> 00:15:17.927
  • Verse 11, "give us day by day our daily bread."
  • 00:15:17.927 --> 00:15:23.599
  • It's really an amazing thing that this all-knowing,
  • 00:15:23.666 --> 00:15:26.368
  • All-powerful, omnipotent god who created the entire universe
  • 00:15:26.368 --> 00:15:31.740
  • Would have any interest in us personally, but he does.
  • 00:15:31.740 --> 00:15:37.012
  • He cares about you.
  • 00:15:37.012 --> 00:15:39.248
  • Why would he make so much of this?
  • 00:15:39.248 --> 00:15:41.183
  • Why would he care about our needs?
  • 00:15:41.183 --> 00:15:42.518
  • I don't know, but job 7:17 says, "what is man, that you make so
  • 00:15:42.518 --> 00:15:46.989
  • Much of him, and give him so much attention," the answer is
  • 00:15:46.989 --> 00:15:51.927
  • Pretty simple.
  • 00:15:51.927 --> 00:15:53.262
  • I think it's because he just loves you, and he loves me,
  • 00:15:53.262 --> 00:15:57.199
  • And he's not going to hold something back if you need it.
  • 00:15:57.199 --> 00:15:59.868
  • Jesus says in matthew 7:9, "you parents--if your children ask
  • 00:15:59.868 --> 00:16:04.139
  • For a loaf of bread, are you gonna give them a stone instead?
  • 00:16:04.139 --> 00:16:07.409
  • If they ask for a fish, would you give them a snake?
  • 00:16:07.409 --> 00:16:10.079
  • Of course not!
  • 00:16:10.079 --> 00:16:11.447
  • If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your
  • 00:16:11.447 --> 00:16:14.917
  • Children, how much more will your heavenly father give good
  • 00:16:14.917 --> 00:16:18.320
  • Gifts to those who ask him."
  • 00:16:18.320 --> 00:16:21.390
  • So if your little kid comes up, "mommy, i'm so hungry.
  • 00:16:21.390 --> 00:16:24.093
  • Can i have a little piece of bread?"
  • 00:16:24.093 --> 00:16:25.928
  • "no, but you can have a rock instead."
  • 00:16:25.928 --> 00:16:28.998
  • "mommy, can i have some fresh fish?"
  • 00:16:28.998 --> 00:16:30.666
  • "no, but i have a live snake!
  • 00:16:30.666 --> 00:16:32.001
  • Here you go, kid."
  • 00:16:32.001 --> 00:16:33.369
  • Who would do that?
  • 00:16:33.369 --> 00:16:35.237
  • We take care of our children, god takes care of us as well.
  • 00:16:35.237 --> 00:16:39.274
  • So when we say to god, "give me this day my daily bread," i'm
  • 00:16:39.274 --> 00:16:42.444
  • Not just speaking about bread, or even about food, i'm talking
  • 00:16:42.444 --> 00:16:46.081
  • About everything.
  • 00:16:46.081 --> 00:16:47.716
  • Lord, give me everything that i need.
  • 00:16:47.716 --> 00:16:49.585
  • It's a funny thing, back in the '60s, we used to use the word
  • 00:16:49.585 --> 00:16:53.022
  • "bread" to speak of money.
  • 00:16:53.022 --> 00:16:55.157
  • You'd walk up to someone, "hey dude, you got any bread," right?
  • 00:16:55.157 --> 00:16:58.761
  • How many of you remember that?
  • 00:16:58.761 --> 00:17:00.396
  • All the old people, "hey."
  • 00:17:00.396 --> 00:17:04.700
  • I feel as an older person, i can mock older people, okay?
  • 00:17:04.700 --> 00:17:07.669
  • So.
  • 00:17:07.669 --> 00:17:10.272
  • "give us day to day our daily bread."
  • 00:17:10.272 --> 00:17:13.842
  • You know, when you ask someone to give you something, you're
  • 00:17:13.842 --> 00:17:16.378
  • Acknowledging they own it.
  • 00:17:16.378 --> 00:17:19.281
  • You're acknowledging also that you need it.
  • 00:17:19.281 --> 00:17:22.484
  • They don't owe it to you, you don't deserve it.
  • 00:17:22.484 --> 00:17:26.188
  • He's not saying we should pray, "pay us our daily bread."
  • 00:17:26.188 --> 00:17:30.025
  • "give us our daily bread."
  • 00:17:30.025 --> 00:17:32.094
  • This reminds us we're completely dependent on god, and it's
  • 00:17:32.094 --> 00:17:36.298
  • An affirmation that everything you have comes from god.
  • 00:17:36.298 --> 00:17:40.235
  • Everything you have comes from god.
  • 00:17:40.235 --> 00:17:42.071
  • James 1:17 says, "every good gift and perfect gift is from
  • 00:17:42.071 --> 00:17:46.508
  • Above, and comes down from the father of lights, with whom
  • 00:17:46.508 --> 00:17:49.878
  • There is no variation or shadow of turning."
  • 00:17:49.878 --> 00:17:53.215
  • You can work hard, you can invest your money wisely, you
  • 00:17:53.215 --> 00:17:57.553
  • Can do all the things that you do, but ultimately, remember, it
  • 00:17:57.553 --> 00:18:01.790
  • All came from god.
  • 00:18:01.790 --> 00:18:04.426
  • Deuteronomy 8:18 says, "remember the lord your god, he is the
  • 00:18:04.426 --> 00:18:08.097
  • One who gave you the ability to produce wealth," so we thank
  • 00:18:08.097 --> 00:18:12.000
  • Him, but we also pray about our needs.
  • 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:14.570
  • If you have a need, pray about it.
  • 00:18:14.570 --> 00:18:17.106
  • James says, "you have not because you ask not."
  • 00:18:17.106 --> 00:18:19.708
  • Do you have a need right now?
  • 00:18:19.708 --> 00:18:21.143
  • It's a physical need, a financial need, a medical need,
  • 00:18:21.143 --> 00:18:26.081
  • Something else.
  • 00:18:26.081 --> 00:18:27.416
  • Pray about it, "lord, would you give this to me?
  • 00:18:27.416 --> 00:18:29.952
  • Now, of course, lord, i pray your kingdom come, your will be
  • 00:18:29.952 --> 00:18:33.655
  • Done on earth, as it is in heaven.
  • 00:18:33.655 --> 00:18:35.524
  • If there's something in this request that is outside of your
  • 00:18:35.524 --> 00:18:38.193
  • Will, overrule it.
  • 00:18:38.193 --> 00:18:40.129
  • But lord, i do need this, and i'm calling out to you, and i'm
  • 00:18:40.129 --> 00:18:43.899
  • Praying about it."
  • 00:18:43.899 --> 00:18:45.901
  • God almighty has promised to answer your prayers, but that
  • 00:18:45.901 --> 00:18:49.938
  • Does not mean that we sit around like lazy bums and say, "lord,
  • 00:18:49.938 --> 00:18:55.677
  • Just provide."
  • 00:18:55.677 --> 00:18:57.946
  • You know, get off your big, fat, la-z-boy recliner.
  • 00:18:57.946 --> 00:19:04.253
  • What did you think i was gonna say?
  • 00:19:04.253 --> 00:19:08.457
  • And get a job.
  • 00:19:08.457 --> 00:19:10.292
  • Somehow people think the world owes them a living, the
  • 00:19:10.292 --> 00:19:12.661
  • Government owes them a living, their parents owe them a living.
  • 00:19:12.661 --> 00:19:15.831
  • "well, my mom and dad will take care of me even though
  • 00:19:15.831 --> 00:19:18.300
  • I'm 50 still."
  • 00:19:18.300 --> 00:19:19.668
  • Wait, get a job.
  • 00:19:19.668 --> 00:19:21.170
  • Have a little self-respect.
  • 00:19:21.170 --> 00:19:23.438
  • "well, they don't pay enough."
  • 00:19:23.438 --> 00:19:24.806
  • Just go out and have a work ethic.
  • 00:19:24.806 --> 00:19:26.942
  • The christian should be the hardest of all workers,
  • 00:19:26.942 --> 00:19:30.179
  • Doing it for the glory of god.
  • 00:19:30.179 --> 00:19:33.081
  • The bible says, "if a man doesn't work,
  • 00:19:36.985 --> 00:19:38.487
  • He should not eat."
  • 00:19:38.487 --> 00:19:39.855
  • You need to work.
  • 00:19:40.489 --> 00:19:41.823
  • Now, maybe you're not able to work.
  • 00:19:41.823 --> 00:19:43.158
  • Well, that's another situation.
  • 00:19:43.158 --> 00:19:44.593
  • I'm talking about those who are able.
  • 00:19:44.593 --> 00:19:47.930
  • So we need to do our part, god will do his part, and he'll
  • 00:19:47.930 --> 00:19:51.133
  • Provide your needs, and number five: we need to pray
  • 00:19:51.133 --> 00:19:54.870
  • For personal forgiveness, and extend forgiveness to others.
  • 00:19:54.870 --> 00:19:59.408
  • We need to pray for personal forgiveness
  • 00:19:59.408 --> 00:20:01.743
  • And extend forgiveness to others,
  • 00:20:01.743 --> 00:20:03.512
  • And this is in the context of daily.
  • 00:20:03.512 --> 00:20:05.614
  • "give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins,
  • 00:20:05.614 --> 00:20:09.518
  • As we forgive those who have sinned against us."
  • 00:20:09.518 --> 00:20:12.955
  • Just as i need to pray for daily provision, i need to pray for
  • 00:20:13.021 --> 00:20:17.593
  • Daily forgiveness.
  • 00:20:17.593 --> 00:20:20.395
  • You sin every day more than you think, and i don't mean you
  • 00:20:20.395 --> 00:20:23.498
  • Only, i mean me.
  • 00:20:23.498 --> 00:20:24.866
  • All of us do.
  • 00:20:24.866 --> 00:20:26.268
  • The bible says, "if we say we have no sin, we deceive
  • 00:20:26.268 --> 00:20:28.971
  • Ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
  • 00:20:28.971 --> 00:20:31.006
  • So we say, "lord, cleanse me of all sin.
  • 00:20:31.006 --> 00:20:35.110
  • Forgive me my debts, as i forgive my debtors."
  • 00:20:35.110 --> 00:20:40.716
  • Some people don't think they need forgiveness, but they do.
  • 00:20:40.716 --> 00:20:43.785
  • Everyone does.
  • 00:20:43.785 --> 00:20:45.654
  • Having received that forgiveness, i should also
  • 00:20:45.654 --> 00:20:48.123
  • Extend it to others.
  • 00:20:48.123 --> 00:20:50.425
  • Forgiven people should be forgiving people.
  • 00:20:50.425 --> 00:20:54.763
  • And according to jesus, our generous and constant
  • 00:20:54.763 --> 00:20:57.332
  • Forgiveness of others should be the natural result of our
  • 00:20:57.332 --> 00:21:00.736
  • Understanding of the forgiveness that god has extended toward us.
  • 00:21:00.736 --> 00:21:06.308
  • I loved the statement by c.s. lewis, or loved the statement
  • 00:21:06.308 --> 00:21:09.878
  • By lewis, where he says, quote, "everyone thinks forgiveness
  • 00:21:09.878 --> 00:21:13.482
  • Is a lovely idea until they have someone to forgive."
  • 00:21:13.482 --> 00:21:17.953
  • Right?
  • 00:21:17.953 --> 00:21:19.288
  • It's a great concept.
  • 00:21:19.288 --> 00:21:20.656
  • "oh, yes, i love forgiveness.
  • 00:21:20.656 --> 00:21:21.990
  • Oh, let's all forgive," till someone wrongs you, till someone
  • 00:21:21.990 --> 00:21:24.426
  • Hurts you, but you, too, should forgive.
  • 00:21:24.426 --> 00:21:28.230
  • "well, they don't deserve forgiveness."
  • 00:21:28.230 --> 00:21:29.965
  • Do you?
  • 00:21:29.965 --> 00:21:31.366
  • I'll answer it for you, you don't.
  • 00:21:31.366 --> 00:21:34.102
  • Again, what did jesus do?
  • 00:21:34.102 --> 00:21:35.971
  • Praying for his very enemies, "father, forgive them,
  • 00:21:35.971 --> 00:21:39.041
  • They don't know what they're doing."
  • 00:21:39.041 --> 00:21:41.209
  • If you harbor resentment and fail to forgive people,
  • 00:21:41.209 --> 00:21:45.514
  • You grieve the holy spirit.
  • 00:21:45.514 --> 00:21:47.349
  • The word "grieves" means to make sad or sorrowful.
  • 00:21:47.349 --> 00:21:51.920
  • Ephesians 4:30 says, "don't bring sorrow to god's holy
  • 00:21:51.920 --> 00:21:54.856
  • Spirit by the way that you live.
  • 00:21:54.856 --> 00:21:56.625
  • Get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words.
  • 00:21:56.625 --> 00:22:00.128
  • Instead, be tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as god
  • 00:22:00.128 --> 00:22:04.299
  • Through christ has forgiven you."
  • 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:06.168
  • By the way, there are fringe benefits to forgiving others.
  • 00:22:06.168 --> 00:22:10.305
  • You'll live longer, literally.
  • 00:22:10.305 --> 00:22:13.442
  • A new field of research has developed on the subject of
  • 00:22:13.442 --> 00:22:16.378
  • Forgiveness, and recent studies suggest that those that do not
  • 00:22:16.378 --> 00:22:20.582
  • Forgive are more likely to experience high blood pressure,
  • 00:22:20.582 --> 00:22:24.753
  • Bouts of depression, and problems with anger, stress,
  • 00:22:24.753 --> 00:22:28.590
  • And anxiety.
  • 00:22:28.590 --> 00:22:30.192
  • So you can keep it all inside, and you can be that person
  • 00:22:30.192 --> 00:22:34.162
  • In the restaurant and they call out your name,
  • 00:22:34.162 --> 00:22:36.531
  • "bitter, party of one."
  • 00:22:36.531 --> 00:22:41.069
  • Or you can be a forgiving person.
  • 00:22:41.069 --> 00:22:44.106
  • It's your choice.
  • 00:22:44.106 --> 00:22:45.474
  • "forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned
  • 00:22:45.474 --> 00:22:48.710
  • Against us, and don't lead us into temptation."
  • 00:22:48.710 --> 00:22:52.381
  • We need to pray to not fall into temptation.
  • 00:22:52.381 --> 00:22:55.684
  • We're saying, "lord, don't let me be tempted above my capacity
  • 00:22:55.684 --> 00:22:59.654
  • To resist."
  • 00:22:59.654 --> 00:23:01.323
  • The problem with temptation is we find a way to rationalize it.
  • 00:23:01.323 --> 00:23:05.727
  • The problem with temptation is, well, it's just so tempting.
  • 00:23:05.727 --> 00:23:10.332
  • And we say, "it's okay for me."
  • 00:23:10.332 --> 00:23:12.200
  • We're so quick to jump down the throat of someone else doing
  • 00:23:12.200 --> 00:23:15.270
  • Something, but somehow we excuse it in our own lives.
  • 00:23:15.270 --> 00:23:19.541
  • Lord, don't let me be tempted above my capacity to resist, and
  • 00:23:19.541 --> 00:23:23.145
  • Listen to this: there's always a way out of every temptation.
  • 00:23:23.145 --> 00:23:27.315
  • 1 corinthians 10:13 says, "there is no temptation taking
  • 00:23:27.315 --> 00:23:31.186
  • You but such as is common to man: but god who is faithful
  • 00:23:31.186 --> 00:23:35.357
  • Will not allow you to be tempted above your capacity to resist,
  • 00:23:35.357 --> 00:23:39.428
  • But will with the temptation make a way of escape,
  • 00:23:39.428 --> 00:23:42.531
  • That you may be able to bear it."
  • 00:23:42.531 --> 00:23:44.533
  • Let me paraphrase it: there's always a way out.
  • 00:23:44.533 --> 00:23:48.203
  • He'll never give you too much.
  • 00:23:48.203 --> 00:23:50.338
  • Sometimes it's as simple as the door, as simple as the off
  • 00:23:50.338 --> 00:23:54.209
  • Button, as simple as terminating a conversation, whatever it is.
  • 00:23:54.209 --> 00:23:59.047
  • "lord, don't lead me into temptation, but deliver me
  • 00:23:59.047 --> 00:24:03.885
  • From evil."
  • 00:24:03.885 --> 00:24:05.220
  • But what a privilege it is to pray.
  • 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:07.823
  • But does it ever seem to you as though you pray, and no one
  • 00:24:07.823 --> 00:24:11.526
  • Is listening?
  • 00:24:11.526 --> 00:24:13.061
  • Has it ever seemed to you like god doesn't hear or answer
  • 00:24:13.061 --> 00:24:17.999
  • Your prayers?
  • 00:24:17.999 --> 00:24:19.334
  • Well, look, prayer is a privilege for a christian.
  • 00:24:19.334 --> 00:24:22.537
  • Now, anyone can pray, but a christian has the privilege of
  • 00:24:22.537 --> 00:24:27.342
  • Constant communication with god.
  • 00:24:27.342 --> 00:24:30.312
  • Now, a non-believer can pray.
  • 00:24:30.312 --> 00:24:32.614
  • They can say, "god, be merciful to me, a sinner."
  • 00:24:32.614 --> 00:24:34.816
  • God will hear that prayer, and you can begin a whole new life
  • 00:24:34.816 --> 00:24:37.919
  • And relationship with christ.
  • 00:24:37.919 --> 00:24:39.855
  • But if you're a non-believer living in sin, you're not gonna
  • 00:24:39.855 --> 00:24:43.058
  • Have what we might call a prayer life because your sin separates
  • 00:24:43.058 --> 00:24:48.163
  • You from god.
  • 00:24:48.163 --> 00:24:49.731
  • So god says, "it's not like my ear is deaf, where it can't hear
  • 00:24:49.731 --> 00:24:53.735
  • You, or my arm is short and i can't reach you, but your sins
  • 00:24:53.735 --> 00:24:57.239
  • Have separated you from me," see?
  • 00:24:57.239 --> 00:25:00.442
  • So as long as i'm living with sin in my life,
  • 00:25:00.442 --> 00:25:03.545
  • It puts like a barrier in front of me and god.
  • 00:25:03.545 --> 00:25:07.415
  • And the only way that barrier will come down is if i will
  • 00:25:07.415 --> 00:25:10.218
  • Acknowledge my sin and turn from it and ask for his forgiveness,
  • 00:25:10.218 --> 00:25:14.256
  • Which he will generously extend.
  • 00:25:14.256 --> 00:25:17.993
  • God wants a close relationship with you.
  • 00:25:17.993 --> 00:25:20.028
  • He doesn't wanna just be the man upstairs.
  • 00:25:20.028 --> 00:25:23.632
  • "the man upstairs."
  • 00:25:23.632 --> 00:25:24.966
  • Who are we talking about exactly?
  • 00:25:24.966 --> 00:25:26.735
  • "the good lord is what i call him."
  • 00:25:26.735 --> 00:25:28.637
  • Always the good.
  • 00:25:28.637 --> 00:25:29.971
  • Make sure you get good in there.
  • 00:25:29.971 --> 00:25:31.339
  • "the good lord."
  • 00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:32.908
  • He wants to be more than the good lord or the man upstairs.
  • 00:25:32.908 --> 00:25:36.711
  • He wants to be your best friend.
  • 00:25:36.711 --> 00:25:39.180
  • He wants to be your father.
  • 00:25:39.180 --> 00:25:41.182
  • He wants to hear from you, and he wants to speak to you,
  • 00:25:41.182 --> 00:25:44.619
  • And that can all happen for you right now if you'll admit
  • 00:25:44.619 --> 00:25:48.557
  • You're a sinner.
  • 00:25:48.557 --> 00:25:49.891
  • Come back to that story jesus told, he just said, "god,
  • 00:25:49.891 --> 00:25:52.794
  • Have mercy on me, the sinner," and god did.
  • 00:25:52.794 --> 00:25:55.897
  • And if you'll say that to god, he'll hear your prayer.
  • 00:25:55.897 --> 00:25:59.701
  • Greg: have you ever wondered how to find personal happiness?
  • 00:26:03.872 --> 00:26:07.242
  • Hi, i'm pastor greg laurie.
  • 00:26:07.242 --> 00:26:08.944
  • Let me tell you a secret about finding happiness.
  • 00:26:08.944 --> 00:26:12.247
  • The least happy people are the people that live to be happy.
  • 00:26:12.247 --> 00:26:16.585
  • But here's the secret: the bible says, "happy are the people
  • 00:26:16.585 --> 00:26:21.022
  • Whose god is the lord."
  • 00:26:21.022 --> 00:26:23.358
  • You will never find happiness from seeking it, but if you come
  • 00:26:23.358 --> 00:26:27.062
  • Into a relationship with god through jesus, you'll find
  • 00:26:27.062 --> 00:26:30.832
  • The happiness you've been looking for in life.
  • 00:26:30.832 --> 00:26:34.569
  • He's just a prayer away.
  • 00:26:34.569 --> 00:26:36.805
  • There's a number on the screen, you can call that number.
  • 00:26:36.805 --> 00:26:40.308
  • And i wanna send you a free bible and tell you how to be
  • 00:26:40.308 --> 00:26:43.778
  • A happy person and come into a relationship with god
  • 00:26:43.778 --> 00:26:47.849
  • So you have purpose in this life and the life to come.
  • 00:26:47.849 --> 00:26:51.620
  • You have the hope of heaven.
  • 00:26:51.620 --> 00:26:56.091
  • ♪ for god so loved the world that he gave us ♪
  • 00:27:00.061 --> 00:27:04.799
  • ♪ his one and only son to save us. ♪
  • 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:09.671
  • ♪ whoever believes in him ♪
  • 00:27:09.671 --> 00:27:13.274
  • ♪ will live forever. ♪
  • 00:27:13.274 --> 00:27:19.347
  • ♪ the power of hell forever defeated. ♪
  • 00:27:19.347 --> 00:27:24.085
  • ♪ now in his will, i walk in, and freedom. ♪♪
  • 00:27:24.085 --> 00:27:24.085