All last year we were in one sermon series: Preach Jesus. The point of that was simply that you and I would see Jesus. But, once you see Jesus: what's next? You worship Him. But then what? What's next? There is a simple phrase Jesus used over and over again when interacting with people, "Follow Me." Jesus was inviting people (then and now) to go with Him on a journey. He was offering to be their guide, and as their guide, he was going to take them to places they could not and would not go without Him..  The words "Follow Me" were mission-critical for the church. It was an invitation to a way of life. So, for much of the year to come, we are going to talk about "going through the motions" with Jesus. How are you following Him?

Until we learn to go through the motions and rhythms and disciplines of our faith journey, we will not experience all that Jesus has to show us. Prayer is the first essential movement of going deeper with Him.  There was a prayer rhythm to Jesus' life.  What is your rhythm? Maybe you can pray in the early morning - before daylight time. Maybe you can pray before you take that first sip of coffee. Maybe you could pause to pray at lunchtime or at bedtime.  In the weeks to come, we will be laying out for you many rhythms of prayer that you can weave into your life.

Going Through the Motions of Prayer

Rejoice

Psalm 63, Psalm 37:4, Philippians 4:4

Luke 18:19, "Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked him. "Only God is truly good."

The first step in the dance of prayer: Pause

The second step in the dance of prayer: Rejoice

Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Rejoicing is the primary purpose in prayer.

Key: Prayer is DELIGHTING in God's PRESENCE.

Psalm 37:4, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires."

The God of the Universe, wants to spend time with you.

Ephesians 5:1, "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children."

Three questions:

1. Who is Our Father?

2. What has "Our Father" done for you?

3. What difference has "Our Father" made in you?

Zephaniah 3:17, "For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."

Psalm 68:5-6a, "Father to the fatherless, defender of widows - this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families..."