P27 is now "Faith Journey"

Selected Scriptures from the Book of Ephesians
#1 in a series on PRAYER
PRAYER: IT'S HONOR

Prayer in our home has always been important, but I confess that it should have been practiced more often. There's something a family needs more than a good income, newest gadgets, fine home, family cheering on the side lines at a sports game, finer education. At the top of the list should be a child hearing their Daddy pray and live what he prays.

I remember holding our girls moments after they were born. One of the first things we told them was about Jesus Christ. One of the first family activities was praying together. To bring our needs to the Lord, as a family, has been the norm.

The next few weeks I want to speak on prayer. Not to reinvent it. Maybe help you reestablish it, re-aquaint you with it. Help you put prayer back in its right place. Treat it with the right respect. Understand it.

Going to Grandpa and Grandma's house was always special as a child. They had this older house with a glass door closing off the living room. When we would come, that door was closed. I could look inside. Everything was in its place. My fondest memories are of Grandpa opening the door, he would sit in his easy chair, set me on his lap, and then he would show me photo albums and story books. We would talk.

To be in that room was an honor. "Honor is a decision we make to place high value, worth, and importance on another person, place or activity. Honor is viewing someone / something as a priceless gift and granting him / it a position in our lives worthy of great respect."

Supposing I would come to Grandma's home, dirty boots, dripping ice cream, walk into her living room and demand, "Read me a story." What would happen. Out on my ears. Why? A place of honor was shown dishonor, shown a lack of respect.

We can do that with prayer. Perhaps it's not premeditated. Deny it the respect it deserves. Dishonor it by how we enter into prayer, our motives, our relationship to God. Maybe we have forgotten to whom we are praying. We rob prayer of its honor if we limit it to a string of beads or a recitation. A religious exercise.

A. When Did Prayer Begin?

It started back in the Garden of Eden. Gen.3:8 gives a picture of what God and Adam & Eve did at certain times of the day. They would have a talk. Walk together. They would have a relationship. That's what prayer is.

B. To Whom Are We Praying?

1. Father (3:14) The words, Paternity & Fatherhood, will help us understand. Paternity means fatherhood in a purely physical sense. It is possible to be adopted at birth. The father may never see the child, but is responsible. On the other hand there is the fatherhood, which describes the most intimate relationship of love and of fellowship and of care. That's the word Paul is using here. Paul wanted you to grasp the love of God for you (3:18). God welcomes you, all that seek a relationship. Sinner, doubter.

2. Source (3:15) For all that live in heaven & earth, God of this Bible is the One that ultimately deserves our worship and praise.

3. All Power (3:20; 1:19,21,22) We are praying to the one that can do. "My problem is too big." For you, it is. Bring it to God.

4. Eternal Glory (3:21) The God of this book is in for the long haul. When you come to God in prayer, his interest, love and care will not waiver. You are praying to someone willing to walk the entire road with you.

C. Paul's Respect (3:14)

Paul drops to his knees, not out of religious habit. Respect. He knows to Whom he is speaking. Matt 5:3(beatitudes) begins "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Humility. Respect. No Pride. That's where it starts.

D. What Price Was Paid For This Honor?

1. The Role of the High Priest (Leviticus 16:16) In the OT, I see God teaching the people many principles as to their attitude toward God and obedience. As to prayer, God wanted man to know that it was sacred, holy, an honor. He had them build a temple. Back room was reserved only for the High Priest to enter on a particular day after much time spent in ceremonial cleansing. He would enter that chamber to confess the sins of the people. When the Priest entered that place, it was also a promise, reminder to the people of God that a Messiah, God's own Son, would come.

2. The Curtain was ripped (Luke 23:45) Jesus is being crucified. He is the Son of God. His is our atonement, our sacrifice, forgiveness. Historical records confirm that at the moment of Jesus' death, the sun stopped shining and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. You may enter in.

E. Why Do I Have This Honor? (2:18; 3:12)

1. Because of who God is and what He did.

2. Because of who you are. (Eph.1)

a. Blessed you with every spiritual blessing (3)

b. God chose you (4)

c. In Christ you are seen as Holy and Blameless (4)

d. God has adopted you into his family (5)

e. God sees you as redeemed (7)

f. God sees you as forgiven (7)

Look at 1:15 "For this reason...I remember you in my prayers.

Prayer is an honor and privilege that the Children of God have. It is something we do in reverence and respect. How can you return this sacred privilege to its place of honor in your life?

Growth Group Questions

1. What one thing did you discover about prayer?
2. What does the tabernacle, and specifically the Most Holy Place teach us about prayer? Or when the temple curtain was ripped?
3. Do you have any pictures / analogies that help us understand the honor of prayer? Describe Honor? Is it important to think of prayer as an honor?
4. What does Matthew 5:3-12 teach us about prayer?
5. How have we allowed the honor of prayer to be slip from its rightful place of respect
   a. As individuals
   b. As a Church?
   
6. What should be done?
   a. As an individual
   b. As a Church?
7. How does our Memory Verse of the Month (2 Chron.7:14) relate to this study?