A Conversational Relationship with God

SERMON OUTLINE & SUMMARY

A Conversational Relationship with God September 13, 2009 | by Don Bromley SERMON OUTLINE & SUMMARY Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.  (Mark 1:35; p.684) ...But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.  (Luke 5:16; p.705) solitary does not mean alone Loneliness is the most terrible poverty.    -Mother Teresa we weren't made to be alone The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18; p.2) friends of God The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. (Exodus 33:11; p.62) "But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend... (Isaiah 41:8; p.493) You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because servants do not know their master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:14-15; p.739) friendship        conversation    intimacy do you talk to God? 78% of all Americans pray at least once a week 57% pray at least once a day Of the 13% of Americans who are atheists or agnostics, nearly 20% pray daily. does God talk to you? problem #1: it's hard to believe God would talk to me But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. (1 Corinthians 1:27; p.780) I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Luke 18:17; p.718) problem #2: "God said to me..." problem #3: it's harder to listen than to speak problem #4: I can't seem to hear it what's it like? The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:11-13; p.244) a still small voice thoughts        impressions            dreams God is talking are we listening? making space to converse with God what works for you? For complete sermon notes online, visit our sermons page.

PRACTICAL TIPS

1.  If you can, schedule a silent retreat for yourself. There are many places you can do a directed retreat, such as Manresa Jesuit Retreat House. 2. If you can't do a directed silent retreat, try to set aside a day or half-day where you are in a quiet place, without phones, computers, or other media. Spend the time praying, walking, reading the Bible, or meditating. 3. Try a few prayer/meditation methods you haven't used before: prayer walking, praying as you listen to worship, praying as you drive, The Spanine Hours, listening to the Bible on your MP3 player, or pray-as-you-go.org. 4. Write down the thoughts, images, impressions, or sensations you experience as you pray or meditate.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Do you agree that loneliness is the most terrible poverty? Why? 2. Who in your life do you have regular conversations with? Are these the people you feel the most intimate relationship with? 3. Do you think of Jesus or God as your "friend"? Why, or why not? 4. How often do you pray? What's the form of prayer that works the best for you? 5. Have you ever experienced God "speaking" to you?  What was it like? How often does that happen?