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Christlikeness: Prayer and Seeking God's Will
Sunday May 12, 2024 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui
Luke 6:12

Key Verse: "One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." - Luke 6:12

Main Message: Seek communion with God to become more Christlike, following the example of Jesus, who intentionally spent time praying and discerning God's will.

The Importance of Communion with God

Luke 6:12

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

  1. Jesus frequently withdrew to pray, showing us the importance of spending time alone with God to discern His will and to renew our spiritual strength.

The Practice of Prayer in Jesus' Life

  1. Mountain Retreats: Emphasize how Jesus sought solitude to focus on His relationship with the Father, away from the distractions of daily life.
  2. All Night Prayer: Highlight Jesus' dedication to prayer, especially during significant times, such as before choosing His twelve apostles (Luke 6:13).

Various Forms of Prayer

  1. Centering Prayer: The technique of using a sacred word as a symbol of consenting to God's presence and action within.
  2. Examen Prayer: Reflective prayer developed by St. Ignatius to recognize God's presence throughout the day.
  3. Welcoming Prayer: Engage with emotions and experiences through acceptance and surrender to God.

"Seeking God and His Kingdom Through Various Forms of Prayer"

  1. Many Things To One Necessary Thing: Transition from being overwhelmed by many things to focusing on the necessary things through prayer.
  2. Question: How can we truly seek the kingdom of God in our busy lives?
  3. Jesus lived a full life yet He was focused on One thing- To do the will of His Father.
  4. Mark 1:32-34 - Highlight Jesus' ability to manage his ministry and personal time with God despite a demanding schedule.

And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" Luke 2:49.

Luke 6:13

And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself;

  1. Called: The act of calling indicates a purposeful gathering of His followers, highlighting that what follows is a deliberate action taken after reflective prayer
  2. Himself: The word expressed the nature of Jesus' ministry He became like us so we could become like Him. The Father called Jesus His beloved Son. Jesus's heart was set on God and His Kingdom

Jesus calls us into a deep, personal relationship with Him to unify us with Himself and the Father (Luke 6:13, John 15:15, John 14:12, John 17:21-23)

The Prayer for Unity (John 17:21-23)

...that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

  1. Verse 21: Jesus' prayer emphasizes the unity between Him and the Father as the model for our unity.
  2. Verse 22-23: The glory given to Jesus is shared with believers to make them one, as the Trinity is one.

Pentecost: The coming of the Holy Spirit marked the fulfillment of Jesus' mission, empowering the early church and all believers since.

Luke 6:13

...and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles

Chose: It is Jesus who chose you. You did not choose HIm.Jesus divine selection is intentional. Pray that Jesus will chose for you a person to invite and invest in him or her.

Twelve: The number twelve is particularly symbolic, echoing the twelve tribes of Israel. This parallel underlines Jesus' role in the establishment of a new Israel, a renewed people of God. It suggests a continuity with the old covenant but also the inauguration of a new covenant through Jesus' ministry.

Luke 6:14-16

Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.

  • 1. Simon,(Peter), and Andrew:Defactor leader and a bridge builder
  • 2. James and John: Sons of thunder ( Fiery zeal & Temperamental nature)
  • 3. Philip and Bartholomew: Pragmatic & Skeptics)
  • 4. Matthew and Thomas: Social Outcast & Doubter
  • 5. James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot: James the Less & Political Activist
  • 6. Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor

This selection also illustrates the universal call to follow Christ, transcending previous lifestyles, professions, and even personal flaws.

Diversity in Calling: God calls different people, each with unique characteristics, to serve diverse roles within His plan.

Unity with Jesus and God: Despite these differences, we can be one with Jesus and God.

Role of Prayer: Prayer is a vital tool that facilitates this communion, helping us align our lives with God's will and grow closer to becoming one with Him.

Prayer can be used to align our physiological posture-including our head, heart, and body-with our interior posture, characterized by silence, solitude, and stillness."

Daily Practice

Head - Silence the Mental Obsession:

Use prayer to quiet the continuous stream of thoughts and mental obsessions. By focusing on meditative or contemplative prayer, create moments of silence that bring clarity and peace to your mind.

Heart - Solitude and Communion with God:

Address the heart's compulsions for connection and comparison by seeking solitude.Foster a deeper communion with God, allowing this sacred time to strengthen your emotional resilience and inner peace.

Body - Embrace Stillness:

Encourage your body to rest in God through stillness. This is not merely physical rest, but a purposeful pause that refocuses actions and intentions. Use this stillness to reflect on your actions, ensuring they are thoughtful and aligned with the kingdom values.

CHALLENGE: What Step Can you take to cultivate Christlikeness through prayer and seeking God's will?

  • 1. Establish a daily prayer routine. Dedicate a specific time each day for prayer.
  • 2. Use this time to communicate openly with God, seek His guidance, and reflect on His word.
  • 3. This consistent daily practice will strengthen your relationship with God and help you grow in Christlikeness.