Summer Breaktime!

Show Notes

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4-7; 2:20; 9:1-6

SHOW NOTES:

An inspired leader, Nehemiah, served as King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer in Persia when an envoy delivered the report of Jerusalem’s distress. Nehemiah’s initial response to the discouraging news about Jerusalem’s condition was emotional. He then turned his face to the Lord and cried out in prayer.

When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people, Israel.”

– Nehemiah 1:4-6

However, the enemies surrounding Jerusalem tried to discourage, mock, and deny their right to the city. Nehemiah responded with firm confidence in the God of heaven and reported that the people in Jerusalem would start rebuilding the wall.

We conclude this lesson with the prayer in Chapter Nine. This is one of the great prayers of the Old Testament. It praises God for His character and His conduct.

“Stand up and praise the Lord your God, for he lives from everlasting to everlasting!”

Then they prayed: “May your glorious name be praised! May it be exalted above all blessing and praise! You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you.”

– Nehemiah 9:5-6

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Show Notes

Scripture: Luke 1:39-55

SHOW NOTES:

Two women, cousins, were brought together by God’s sovereign plan. In Luke 1, the young betrothed Mary quickly travels to the home of Elizabeth and stays with her for three months. Elizabeth welcomes her with words of blessing.

And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb.

And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”

– Luke 1:41-42

The word ‘blessed’ means to be especially favored because of God’s grace. Mary was most blessed because her Son would be blessed, and He is the greatest blessing ever given to all people.

Mary visited Elizabeth, an older, godly woman. Their time together was filled with praise and prayer. Elizabeth shared wise words, comfort, and encouragement. Mary gave glory to God for His power, holiness, and mercy.

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant.”

– Luke 1:46-48

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Show Notes

Scripture: Luke 11:5-10

SHOW NOTES:

Jesus often used parables to teach His disciples and followers. Today, we will examine one of His lessons about prayer from His earthly ministry.

In this parable, a neighbor knocks on his friend’s door at midnight and asks for three loaves of bread. Wow! This seems like a daring and bold act. However, Jesus uses this short story to teach some essential lessons about our prayer requests to the Father in heaven.

And so, I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

– Luke 11:9 (NLT)

In this parable, Jesus encouraged His followers to be persistent. Keep asking. Our Heavenly Father is not bothered by our requests—no matter the time of day. No matter how many times we have asked Him. We often hesitate to be truly bold in prayer because we don’t want to seem demanding or presumptuous. Surprisingly, Jesus tells us to come with bold prayer requests.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

– Hebrews 4:16

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Show Notes

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-8

SHOW NOTES:

We look for lessons and examples from Scripture to guide our walk with God. In the first part of this series, “The Power of Prayer,” we examined many examples from the Old Testament. Now, we turn to the pages of the New Testament. In today’s lesson, we will explore Jesus’ words in Matthew 6.

Jesus warns the disciples about hypocrisy. Yes, we are to live righteous lives, but “Watch out!”

“You are the light of the world … let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16). We are to perform good deeds openly in front of a watching world, not for our praise, but to draw attention to our Heavenly Father and give Him glory!

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others.

– Matthew 6:5

Again, “Do not be like the hypocrites.” He references the Pharisees and Sadducees, the two main religious groups. They are obsessed with what others think of them. They seek recognition for their “good and righteous acts.”

We pray for the same reasons children talk to their parents. We share concerns. We have a relationship and seek fellowship. We want help when facing tough times and confusing situations in life. Children need the wisdom of a Father and Mother.

Lord, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea! Do not turn away from me in my time of distress. Bend down to listen and answer me quickly when I call to you.

– Psalm 102:1-2

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Show Notes

Scripture: Matthew 6:9 / Luke 11:1-2

SHOW NOTES:

Prayer is a vital part of our Christian life. We communicate with our Heavenly Father and seek His wisdom, guidance, and direction. Jesus’ disciples traveled with Him for three years. They listened to His teachings, witnessed His miracles, and heard Him pray. Many times, He would go off to pray in the evening or early morning hours.

In today’s lesson, the disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. He responds with the prayer we often call The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15) or The Disciples’ Prayer (Luke 11:2-4). This prayer is the example or model Jesus gave to His disciples.

One day, Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of his disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name.’”

– Luke 11:1-2

God’s “name” reflects His nature. Jesus called God His Father. We also call Him our Heavenly Father to give Him glory and praise.

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.

– 1 Peter 1:15

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Show Notes

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-11 / Luke 11:2-3

SHOW NOTES:

Do you remember when you first memorized The Lord’s Prayer? How old were you?

This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

– Matthew 6:9-10 (NIV)

As children of God, we have a personal connection with our Heavenly Father. Each of us can approach Him to share our requests and burdens. He is holy and deserving of our praise.

See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us his children, and that is what we are!

– 1 John 3:1 (NLT)

The Kingdom of God is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, representing God’s rule and authority over His creation, especially among believers. It represents God’s presence and power, both now and in the future. During His earthly ministry, Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God. People’s lives are transformed and renewed as they turn away from their sin and follow God’s will.

Kingdom Come –

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