Should Prayer Be Structured or Spontaneous?

But our goal today is not to be either But our goal today is not to be either legalistic or prescriptive about what legalistic or prescriptive about what legalistic or prescriptive about what your prayer life should look like. And your prayer life should look like. And your prayer life should look like. And neither Melissa nor I would claim to be neither Melissa nor I would claim to be neither Melissa nor I would claim to be the examples in any way. But what we do the examples in any way. But what we do the examples in any way. But what we do want to do is just talk about what we've want to do is just talk about what we've want to do is just talk about what we've learned over the years of praying and learned over the years of praying and learned over the years of praying and what has worked for us um which might or what has worked for us um which might or what has worked for us um which might or might not work for you. And so, so we might not work for you. And so, so we might not work for you. And so, so we just want to just like you said, get in just want to just like you said, get in just want to just like you said, get in the weeds. Get in the weeds. Get on the the weeds. Get in the weeds. Get on the the weeds. Get in the weeds. Get on the dance floor. I love that. I love the dance floor. I love that. I love the dance floor. I love that. I love the balcony dance floor uh metaphor. So, so balcony dance floor uh metaphor. So, so balcony dance floor uh metaphor. So, so we're going to just talk about doing we're going to just talk about doing we're going to just talk about doing this thing that is such an integral part this thing that is such an integral part this thing that is such an integral part of the Christian life. So, I want to of the Christian life. So, I want to of the Christian life. So, I want to start by asking you, Melissa, where and start by asking you, Melissa, where and start by asking you, Melissa, where and when do you pray? Probably the most when do you pray? Probably the most when do you pray? Probably the most regular pray place of prayer for me is regular pray place of prayer for me is regular pray place of prayer for me is my back porch. You've sat with me on my my back porch. You've sat with me on my my back porch. You've sat with me on my back porch. And um there is something back porch. And um there is something back porch. And um there is something about it that it it's just relaxing to about it that it it's just relaxing to about it that it it's just relaxing to me. It's the place where um I go every me. It's the place where um I go every me. It's the place where um I go every morning with my tea and I sit out there morning with my tea and I sit out there morning with my tea and I sit out there and I read my Bible and I pray and I I and I read my Bible and I pray and I I and I read my Bible and I pray and I I tell you my dog Gus because Gus needs to tell you my dog Gus because Gus needs to tell you my dog Gus because Gus needs to be a regular part of our conversation as be a regular part of our conversation as be a regular part of our conversation as well. Um I feel like he is my quiet time well. Um I feel like he is my quiet time well. Um I feel like he is my quiet time companion.

companion. companion. >> Like you know if you have support dogs, >> Like you know if you have support dogs, >> Like you know if you have support dogs, he is my quiet time support dog. If I he is my quiet time support dog. If I he is my quiet time support dog. If I pick up my tea in the kitchen, he pick up my tea in the kitchen, he pick up my tea in the kitchen, he immediately scurries to the back door immediately scurries to the back door immediately scurries to the back door like it's time. You need Jesus, like like it's time. You need Jesus, like like it's time. You need Jesus, like he'll [laughter] probably sense you he'll [laughter] probably sense you he'll [laughter] probably sense you really need Jesus, you go to the door. really need Jesus, you go to the door. really need Jesus, you go to the door. >> That is precious. I love God so much. >> That is precious. I love God so much. >> That is precious. I love God so much. It's like he's like hurting you out It's like he's like hurting you out It's like he's like hurting you out there. Like, you know, like he's going there. Like, you know, like he's going there. Like, you know, like he's going to make sure you get your time with to make sure you get your time with to make sure you get your time with Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> I love that. >> I love that. >> I love that. >> Yes. What about you? Where do you do you >> Yes. What about you? Where do you do you >> Yes. What about you? Where do you do you have a place? have a place? have a place? >> I do. And you know, we've moved uh a >> I do. And you know, we've moved uh a >> I do. And you know, we've moved uh a significant number of times and so it significant number of times and so it significant number of times and so it has shifted in different houses, but the has shifted in different houses, but the has shifted in different houses, but the one thing that's consistent and so the one thing that's consistent and so the one thing that's consistent and so the morning is and I'm hearing you say that morning is and I'm hearing you say that morning is and I'm hearing you say that too. I do as far as that kind of too. I do as far as that kind of too. I do as far as that kind of structured formal time of prayer. I structured formal time of prayer. I structured formal time of prayer. I mean, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray mean, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray mean, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray without ceasing." So obviously this without ceasing." So obviously this without ceasing." So obviously this isn't the the only time that I pray isn't the the only time that I pray isn't the the only time that I pray throughout the day. In fact, I went throughout the day. In fact, I went throughout the day. In fact, I went through a season when I didn't even end through a season when I didn't even end through a season when I didn't even end my morning prayer with amen because I it my morning prayer with amen because I it my morning prayer with amen because I it was a reminder to me to continue to just was a reminder to me to continue to just was a reminder to me to continue to just be in prayer. Exactly.

be in prayer. Exactly. be in prayer. Exactly. >> And I wouldn't say it until I went to >> And I wouldn't say it until I went to >> And I wouldn't say it until I went to bed, until I prayed um just reflecting bed, until I prayed um just reflecting bed, until I prayed um just reflecting on the day. But I do have a I'm pretty on the day. But I do have a I'm pretty on the day. But I do have a I'm pretty consistent about a morning prayer time. consistent about a morning prayer time. consistent about a morning prayer time. And in this house, it's upstairs. We And in this house, it's upstairs. We And in this house, it's upstairs. We have um kind of a TV family room and have um kind of a TV family room and have um kind of a TV family room and I've got a chair and I I for years have I've got a chair and I I for years have I've got a chair and I I for years have um prayed on my knees. I mean I we can um prayed on my knees. I mean I we can um prayed on my knees. I mean I we can talk about this in a minute, but I mean talk about this in a minute, but I mean talk about this in a minute, but I mean I I had a season that I would I would I I had a season that I would I would I I had a season that I would I would lie on my face uh but I found myself lie on my face uh but I found myself lie on my face uh but I found myself [laughter] drifting off a little. So but [laughter] drifting off a little. So but [laughter] drifting off a little. So but I remember a long time I remember a long time I remember a long time >> I know. Well, no, I can fall asleep. >> I know. Well, no, I can fall asleep. >> I know. Well, no, I can fall asleep. Craig says it's my spiritual gift. I can Craig says it's my spiritual gift. I can Craig says it's my spiritual gift. I can fall asleep so fast. So I do I do get on fall asleep so fast. So I do I do get on fall asleep so fast. So I do I do get on my knees and I find a ch like I I find a my knees and I find a ch like I I find a my knees and I find a ch like I I find a chair and that's just my posture of chair and that's just my posture of chair and that's just my posture of prayer, right? So I find a chair to kind prayer, right? So I find a chair to kind prayer, right? So I find a chair to kind of lean on while I'm praying. So it's of lean on while I'm praying. So it's of lean on while I'm praying. So it's the morning, it's upstairs, it's by my the morning, it's upstairs, it's by my the morning, it's upstairs, it's by my comfy chair and um yeah, and it just comfy chair and um yeah, and it just comfy chair and um yeah, and it just that that routine in and of itself, that that routine in and of itself, that that routine in and of itself, having that place. Uh when my kids were having that place. Uh when my kids were having that place. Uh when my kids were little, it was the dining room and I had little, it was the dining room and I had little, it was the dining room and I had a chair again. I mean, it's just finding a chair again. I mean, it's just finding a chair again. I mean, it's just finding that place where you know you're going that place where you know you're going that place where you know you're going to go is actually really helpful, isn't to go is actually really helpful, isn't to go is actually really helpful, isn't it?

it? it? >> Yeah. It It's almost >> Yeah. It It's almost >> Yeah. It It's almost It just settles you. It just settles you. It just settles you. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I I think into it. You're like, "This is >> I I think into it. You're like, "This is >> I I think into it. You're like, "This is what we do here." what we do here." what we do here." >> Exactly. Exactly. And it just helps you >> Exactly. Exactly. And it just helps you >> Exactly. Exactly. And it just helps you get there quicker than if you were just get there quicker than if you were just get there quicker than if you were just always in a different place or or always in a different place or or always in a different place or or whatever. So, what benefits have you whatever. So, what benefits have you whatever. So, what benefits have you found? Because obviously we're going to found? Because obviously we're going to found? Because obviously we're going to talk about this in a minute. It's or or talk about this in a minute. It's or or talk about this in a minute. It's or or we would probably talk about this in we would probably talk about this in we would probably talk about this in general. It's fine to pray anytime. I general. It's fine to pray anytime. I general. It's fine to pray anytime. I mean like sometimes I mean you you and I mean like sometimes I mean you you and I mean like sometimes I mean you you and I do this all the time when we're just do this all the time when we're just do this all the time when we're just discussing our day and we'll say okay discussing our day and we'll say okay discussing our day and we'll say okay let's pray about that right now. So we let's pray about that right now. So we let's pray about that right now. So we are all for spontaneous prayer like that are all for spontaneous prayer like that are all for spontaneous prayer like that is a good and godly thing to do. Um is a good and godly thing to do. Um is a good and godly thing to do. Um especially when you're getting like an especially when you're getting like an especially when you're getting like an email someone asking to pray or a text email someone asking to pray or a text email someone asking to pray or a text and just pray right then. and just pray right then. and just pray right then. >> But what are some of the benefits you've >> But what are some of the benefits you've >> But what are some of the benefits you've had from taking that structured time? had from taking that structured time? had from taking that structured time? because I think it's good to have both. because I think it's good to have both. because I think it's good to have both. So, what are some of the benefits you So, what are some of the benefits you So, what are some of the benefits you found from that? found from that? found from that? >> Oh, the structure helps and I'm sure >> Oh, the structure helps and I'm sure >> Oh, the structure helps and I'm sure we'll talk about different structures we'll talk about different structures we'll talk about different structures that we've used, but the structure that we've used, but the structure that we've used, but the structure really helps me orient my heart.

really helps me orient my heart. really helps me orient my heart. >> Um, it reminds me to not just and I I >> Um, it reminds me to not just and I I >> Um, it reminds me to not just and I I mean because we will bring kind of this mean because we will bring kind of this mean because we will bring kind of this wish list, this things these things that wish list, this things these things that wish list, this things these things that we need to our father, but it reminds me we need to our father, but it reminds me we need to our father, but it reminds me to not just bring that to him. And I to not just bring that to him. And I to not just bring that to him. And I think I think often of Psalm 100 vers4 think I think often of Psalm 100 vers4 think I think often of Psalm 100 vers4 that says, "Enter his gates with that says, "Enter his gates with that says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. thanksgiving and his courts with praise. thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him. Bless his name." Give thanks to him. Bless his name." Give thanks to him. Bless his name." Which is almost the reverse of those Which is almost the reverse of those Which is almost the reverse of those things. So this idea of praise and things. So this idea of praise and things. So this idea of praise and thanksgiving. thanksgiving. thanksgiving. >> Um so I've long used just Acts, >> Um so I've long used just Acts, >> Um so I've long used just Acts, adoration, confession, thanksgiving, adoration, confession, thanksgiving, adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, and I I know there are supplication, and I I know there are supplication, and I I know there are many others. That is one that has has many others. That is one that has has many others. That is one that has has really helped me. And so there's the really helped me. And so there's the really helped me. And so there's the structure of the time of day and then structure of the time of day and then structure of the time of day and then there's the structure of actually how I there's the structure of actually how I there's the structure of actually how I pray. And that one, that adoration, pray. And that one, that adoration, pray. And that one, that adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication confession, thanksgiving, supplication confession, thanksgiving, supplication really helps me orient my heart to the really helps me orient my heart to the really helps me orient my heart to the Lord. And it's helped me understand the Lord. And it's helped me understand the Lord. And it's helped me understand the difference between praise and difference between praise and difference between praise and thanksgiving. They're not the same thanksgiving. They're not the same thanksgiving. They're not the same things. And I remember we had a prayer things. And I remember we had a prayer things. And I remember we had a prayer night at church one night and the pastor night at church one night and the pastor night at church one night and the pastor was asking us just to have a time of was asking us just to have a time of was asking us just to have a time of praise. And it was just constant praise. And it was just constant praise. And it was just constant thanksgiving. We thank you for this. We thanksgiving. We thank you for this. We thanksgiving. We thank you for this. We thank you. And it's like, no, they're thank you. And it's like, no, they're thank you. And it's like, no, they're different things. And so to praise God different things. And so to praise God different things. And so to praise God simply for who he is, like I praise you simply for who he is, like I praise you simply for who he is, like I praise you that you are the creator and the that you are the creator and the that you are the creator and the sustainer and the redeemer and the sustainer and the redeemer and the sustainer and the redeemer and the deliverer, that you are sovereign over deliverer, that you are sovereign over deliverer, that you are sovereign over all things, that you are enthroned in all things, that you are enthroned in all things, that you are enthroned in the heavens. Like you just praise his the heavens. Like you just praise his the heavens. Like you just praise his holy name. And then I start thanking him

holy name. And then I start thanking him holy name. And then I start thanking him for what he's done. So one is who he is. for what he's done. So one is who he is. for what he's done. So one is who he is. The other is who he, you know, who he is The other is who he, you know, who he is The other is who he, you know, who he is and then what he's done. And then and then what he's done. And then and then what he's done. And then because I would so I'd be so prone to because I would so I'd be so prone to because I would so I'd be so prone to move right into then supplication or move right into then supplication or move right into then supplication or asking for um but confession because asking for um but confession because asking for um but confession because when you praise him for who he is, then when you praise him for who he is, then when you praise him for who he is, then it reminds me of who I am. And I I think it reminds me of who I am. And I I think it reminds me of who I am. And I I think this prayer that I've prayed almost this prayer that I've prayed almost this prayer that I've prayed almost every morning for a long time and I every morning for a long time and I every morning for a long time and I don't do it as a routine. And I do it don't do it as a routine. And I do it don't do it as a routine. And I do it because my heart just gets there almost because my heart just gets there almost because my heart just gets there almost every morning is every morning is every morning is Lord, I don't love you the way I should Lord, I don't love you the way I should Lord, I don't love you the way I should and I love I I don't love you as much as and I love I I don't love you as much as and I love I I don't love you as much as I should and I love myself more than I I should and I love myself more than I I should and I love myself more than I should. should. should. >> And it's just that confession of like >> And it's just that confession of like >> And it's just that confession of like pure self-centeredness that I need him pure self-centeredness that I need him pure self-centeredness that I need him to like strip me of. Right. to like strip me of. Right. to like strip me of. Right. >> Well, I was just going to say I think >> Well, I was just going to say I think >> Well, I was just going to say I think it's so important. You were talking it's so important. You were talking it's so important. You were talking about the order of those things. This is about the order of those things. This is about the order of those things. This is really interesting. I hadn't never really interesting. I hadn't never really interesting. I hadn't never thought about this before. you know, you thought about this before. you know, you thought about this before. you know, you were saying, okay, so our praise is were saying, okay, so our praise is were saying, okay, so our praise is God's character, our thanksgiving is God's character, our thanksgiving is God's character, our thanksgiving is what he's accomplished in some sense, what he's accomplished in some sense, what he's accomplished in some sense, but I also think and and the order kind but I also think and and the order kind but I also think and and the order kind of matters. I also think it's so of matters. I also think it's so of matters. I also think it's so important to have confession before important to have confession before important to have confession before supplication. Yes.

supplication. Yes. supplication. Yes. >> And here's why. After confession, I'm >> And here's why. After confession, I'm >> And here's why. After confession, I'm praying for different things. praying for different things. praying for different things. >> That's so good. >> That's so good. >> That's so good. >> Melissa comes in with supplication >> Melissa comes in with supplication >> Melissa comes in with supplication first. It's all about my will be done, first. It's all about my will be done, first. It's all about my will be done, my kingdom come. Thanks Jesus. You know, my kingdom come. Thanks Jesus. You know, my kingdom come. Thanks Jesus. You know, >> like honestly, that's how it would start >> like honestly, that's how it would start >> like honestly, that's how it would start versus, oh, after I've confessed, I versus, oh, after I've confessed, I versus, oh, after I've confessed, I realized, oh, I need to be praying a lot realized, oh, I need to be praying a lot realized, oh, I need to be praying a lot bigger things. bigger things. bigger things. >> I was praying that, you know, my day >> I was praying that, you know, my day >> I was praying that, you know, my day would go well. I need to pray that my would go well. I need to pray that my would go well. I need to pray that my heart would be changed, right? And it heart would be changed, right? And it heart would be changed, right? And it confession kind of tills the soil to confession kind of tills the soil to confession kind of tills the soil to change our supplication in so many ways. change our supplication in so many ways. change our supplication in so many ways. Um one one thing I pray and I started Um one one thing I pray and I started Um one one thing I pray and I started doing this years ago when I did KA doing this years ago when I did KA doing this years ago when I did KA Arthur's Lord teach me to pray in 28 Arthur's Lord teach me to pray in 28 Arthur's Lord teach me to pray in 28 days. I don't know if you ever did that days. I don't know if you ever did that days. I don't know if you ever did that study. I love it. It goes through the study. I love it. It goes through the study. I love it. It goes through the Lord's prayer Lord's prayer Lord's prayer >> and that really structured it changed >> and that really structured it changed >> and that really structured it changed how I prayed and it started structuring how I prayed and it started structuring how I prayed and it started structuring my prayer time with beginning with our my prayer time with beginning with our my prayer time with beginning with our father who art in heaven hallowed be father who art in heaven hallowed be father who art in heaven hallowed be your name. So the first thing I your name. So the first thing I your name. So the first thing I sometimes when I I'm because I often sometimes when I I'm because I often sometimes when I I'm because I often will write my prayers out. We'll talk will write my prayers out. We'll talk will write my prayers out. We'll talk about that in a minute. I I'm ready to about that in a minute. I I'm ready to about that in a minute. I I'm ready to go with my list.

go with my list. go with my list. >> Pray for this child. Pray for that >> Pray for this child. Pray for that >> Pray for this child. Pray for that child. Do this. you know what I got my child. Do this. you know what I got my child. Do this. you know what I got my list and it just stops me list and it just stops me list and it just stops me >> and it says Lord may your name be >> and it says Lord may your name be >> and it says Lord may your name be declared holy in the world declared holy in the world declared holy in the world >> like that becomes such a ro but when I >> like that becomes such a ro but when I >> like that becomes such a ro but when I really say it when I say it my own words really say it when I say it my own words really say it when I say it my own words may your name be declared holy in the may your name be declared holy in the may your name be declared holy in the whole world I realize if that would whole world I realize if that would whole world I realize if that would happen my prayer list would be gone happen my prayer list would be gone happen my prayer list would be gone right right well and even the first right right well and even the first right right well and even the first three things in the Lord's prayer it's three things in the Lord's prayer it's three things in the Lord's prayer it's his name it's his kingdom and it's his his name it's his kingdom and it's his his name it's his kingdom and it's his will how much do we want our name our will how much do we want our name our will how much do we want our name our kingdom and our will, right? And so it's kingdom and our will, right? And so it's kingdom and our will, right? And so it's that reorienting again of like, that's that reorienting again of like, that's that reorienting again of like, that's right. I'm not here for my name. I'm not right. I'm not here for my name. I'm not right. I'm not here for my name. I'm not here for my kingdom and I'm not here for here for my kingdom and I'm not here for here for my kingdom and I'm not here for my will. It's I I've said this so many my will. It's I I've said this so many my will. It's I I've said this so many times, but that question of, you know, times, but that question of, you know, times, but that question of, you know, we all ask the Lord, how can my life or we all ask the Lord, how can my life or we all ask the Lord, how can my life or what is your will for my life? Like what what is your will for my life? Like what what is your will for my life? Like what is, you know, show me your will for my is, you know, show me your will for my is, you know, show me your will for my life? And the better question, I think, life? And the better question, I think, life? And the better question, I think, is to ask, how can my life serve your is to ask, how can my life serve your is to ask, how can my life serve your will? Because he has a will. And he has will? Because he has a will. And he has will? Because he has a will. And he has a kingdom that he's advancing. And it's a kingdom that he's advancing. And it's a kingdom that he's advancing. And it's not my kingdom. And it's not your not my kingdom. And it's not your not my kingdom. And it's not your kingdom. It's his kingdom that we get to kingdom. It's his kingdom that we get to kingdom. It's his kingdom that we get to tether our lives to. And so I love that tether our lives to. And so I love that tether our lives to. And so I love that even in that like the Lord's prayer, he even in that like the Lord's prayer, he even in that like the Lord's prayer, he just rightly orients us right at the just rightly orients us right at the just rightly orients us right at the beginning that it this is about him.

beginning that it this is about him. beginning that it this is about him. This is about him. Okay. I want to go I This is about him. Okay. I want to go I This is about him. Okay. I want to go I want to ask you a follow-up question to want to ask you a follow-up question to want to ask you a follow-up question to that then because I think so often we that then because I think so often we that then because I think so often we have been taught or there's an entire have been taught or there's an entire have been taught or there's an entire you know theology built around this idea you know theology built around this idea you know theology built around this idea that first of all what is powerful is that first of all what is powerful is that first of all what is powerful is our prayer our prayer our prayer >> and that if we pray in the right way it >> and that if we pray in the right way it >> and that if we pray in the right way it obligates God to answer that prayer obligates God to answer that prayer obligates God to answer that prayer right if we claim it in the name of right if we claim it in the name of right if we claim it in the name of Jesus if we um declare are it to be. So Jesus if we um declare are it to be. So Jesus if we um declare are it to be. So if we declare, you know, victory over if we declare, you know, victory over if we declare, you know, victory over it, then then God is obligated to do it, then then God is obligated to do it, then then God is obligated to do that. And so I think that's a really that. And so I think that's a really that. And so I think that's a really important thing of how prayer is not important thing of how prayer is not important thing of how prayer is not only effective, but it's formative for only effective, but it's formative for only effective, but it's formative for us. And so what like what are your us. And so what like what are your us. And so what like what are your thoughts on this idea that prayer is thoughts on this idea that prayer is thoughts on this idea that prayer is submitting submitting submitting our our our desires to the Lord's versus requiring desires to the Lord's versus requiring desires to the Lord's versus requiring our desires to become the Lord's?

our desires to become the Lord's? our desires to become the Lord's? >> Yeah, I mean that is a great question >> Yeah, I mean that is a great question >> Yeah, I mean that is a great question and and I think we can even say there and and I think we can even say there and and I think we can even say there are certain scriptures that can make us are certain scriptures that can make us are certain scriptures that can make us feel confused when we read them. And and feel confused when we read them. And and feel confused when we read them. And and this is what a really important this is what a really important this is what a really important principle. There are certain scripture principle. There are certain scripture principle. There are certain scripture that say things like if you ask it will that say things like if you ask it will that say things like if you ask it will be given. If you say to this mountain be given. If you say to this mountain be given. If you say to this mountain move into the sea it will be given. And move into the sea it will be given. And move into the sea it will be given. And you're like huh okay I'm not praying big you're like huh okay I'm not praying big you're like huh okay I'm not praying big enough prayers. But then scripture enough prayers. But then scripture enough prayers. But then scripture interprets scripture. So we need to see interprets scripture. So we need to see interprets scripture. So we need to see all of scripture in light of other all of scripture in light of other all of scripture in light of other scriptures because there are other ones scriptures because there are other ones scriptures because there are other ones that say you know as you pray basically that say you know as you pray basically that say you know as you pray basically in the Lord's will it's going to be in the Lord's will it's going to be in the Lord's will it's going to be done. And so it's it's we we have to done. And so it's it's we we have to done. And so it's it's we we have to realize it's not the amount of prayers realize it's not the amount of prayers realize it's not the amount of prayers we give. It's not the faith of the we give. It's not the faith of the we give. It's not the faith of the person praying, person praying, person praying, >> right? Say that again. >> right? Say that again. >> right? Say that again. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] It's the object. It's whom we're praying It's the object. It's whom we're praying It's the object. It's whom we're praying to. He has the power and praise God, he to. He has the power and praise God, he to. He has the power and praise God, he has the power to take my prayers that has the power to take my prayers that has the power to take my prayers that would not be good. I mean, there are would not be good. I mean, there are would not be good. I mean, there are things that I'm desperately praying for things that I'm desperately praying for things that I'm desperately praying for that might not be the best for me, the that might not be the best for me, the that might not be the best for me, the best for the kingdom, the be, you know, best for the kingdom, the be, you know, best for the kingdom, the be, you know, that that in my limited view, they look, that that in my limited view, they look, that that in my limited view, they look, oh, this needs to happen, Lord. How can oh, this needs to happen, Lord. How can oh, this needs to happen, Lord. How can it not be good that lots of women show it not be good that lots of women show it not be good that lots of women show up for this event, up for this event, up for this event, >> right? How how can that it might not be >> right? How how can that it might not be >> right? How how can that it might not be good there? There are purposes that he good there? There are purposes that he good there? There are purposes that he is wiser than us. And so all of prayer is wiser than us. And so all of prayer is wiser than us. And so all of prayer is a submission to his bigger is a submission to his bigger is a submission to his bigger understanding, his bigger knowledge.

understanding, his bigger knowledge. understanding, his bigger knowledge. It's a it's a right right saying. And I It's a it's a right right saying. And I It's a it's a right right saying. And I think this is why the Lord's prayer think this is why the Lord's prayer think this is why the Lord's prayer begins with thy will be done. Thy begins with thy will be done. Thy begins with thy will be done. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in kingdom come on earth as it is in kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Because we simply actually don't heaven. Because we simply actually don't heaven. Because we simply actually don't know even what to pray for what is best. know even what to pray for what is best. know even what to pray for what is best. And so I'm actually so thankful that the And so I'm actually so thankful that the And so I'm actually so thankful that the Lord is always taking our prayers and he Lord is always taking our prayers and he Lord is always taking our prayers and he is they they do matter. This is the is they they do matter. This is the is they they do matter. This is the thing and and this is the mystery thing and and this is the mystery thing and and this is the mystery because you know I I have gone there because you know I I have gone there because you know I I have gone there with my husband many many times saying with my husband many many times saying with my husband many many times saying if God's sovereign why do we pray? Well if God's sovereign why do we pray? Well if God's sovereign why do we pray? Well because he asked us to because he asked us to because he asked us to >> and if God's not sovereign why would we >> and if God's not sovereign why would we >> and if God's not sovereign why would we pray? Exa. Yes. Yes. Exactly. And pray? Exa. Yes. Yes. Exactly. And pray? Exa. Yes. Yes. Exactly. And somehow they are doing they are somehow they are doing they are somehow they are doing they are effectual. They are actually doing effectual. They are actually doing effectual. They are actually doing things. I don't know how all that works things. I don't know how all that works things. I don't know how all that works because I'm not God. This is the thing because I'm not God. This is the thing because I'm not God. This is the thing prayer teaches us. We're not God. prayer teaches us. We're not God. prayer teaches us. We're not God. Thankfully, he is. And he invites us to Thankfully, he is. And he invites us to Thankfully, he is. And he invites us to come and pray and bring all these come and pray and bring all these come and pray and bring all these requests to him. And it does matter.

requests to him. And it does matter. requests to him. And it does matter. Like my lack of prayerfulness is a Like my lack of prayerfulness is a Like my lack of prayerfulness is a problem. Mhm. problem. Mhm. problem. Mhm. >> And my prayerfulness, the Lord does >> And my prayerfulness, the Lord does >> And my prayerfulness, the Lord does establish his will through the prayers establish his will through the prayers establish his will through the prayers of the saints and yet his his will will of the saints and yet his his will will of the saints and yet his his will will be done. And so all of that gets into be done. And so all of that gets into be done. And so all of that gets into these larger theological conversations, these larger theological conversations, these larger theological conversations, you know, that we have to we have to you know, that we have to we have to you know, that we have to we have to wrestle with. So what do you think about wrestle with. So what do you think about wrestle with. So what do you think about that? How do you I mean, because I think that? How do you I mean, because I think that? How do you I mean, because I think this is one thing that's really hard and this is one thing that's really hard and this is one thing that's really hard and I mean, I think we've seen it in really I mean, I think we've seen it in really I mean, I think we've seen it in really hard places. Um, I can remember hard places. Um, I can remember hard places. Um, I can remember discussing with a friend of mine who was discussing with a friend of mine who was discussing with a friend of mine who was dying of cancer and she had gone to a dying of cancer and she had gone to a dying of cancer and she had gone to a prayer ministry and the prayer ministry prayer ministry and the prayer ministry prayer ministry and the prayer ministry had said, "No, you're going to be had said, "No, you're going to be had said, "No, you're going to be healed." And um, and I I you know, it healed." And um, and I I you know, it healed." And um, and I I you know, it was a really hard conversation. I said, was a really hard conversation. I said, was a really hard conversation. I said, you know, I do believe you'll be healed. you know, I do believe you'll be healed. you know, I do believe you'll be healed. You you may be healed in heaven, the You you may be healed in heaven, the You you may be healed in heaven, the heavenly kingdom. You may be healed heavenly kingdom. You may be healed heavenly kingdom. You may be healed here. I don't believe that their prayer here. I don't believe that their prayer here. I don't believe that their prayer is what is going to heal you. you know, is what is going to heal you. you know, is what is going to heal you. you know, in that moment, in that moment, in that moment, >> the Lord is the one and he always >> the Lord is the one and he always >> the Lord is the one and he always answers prayer. He always answers answers prayer. He always answers answers prayer. He always answers prayer. Sometimes it's a yes, sometimes prayer. Sometimes it's a yes, sometimes prayer. Sometimes it's a yes, sometimes it's a wait, and sometimes it's a no.

it's a wait, and sometimes it's a no. it's a wait, and sometimes it's a no. But he always answers it. And so that But he always answers it. And so that But he always answers it. And so that idea of receiving his answer. We think idea of receiving his answer. We think idea of receiving his answer. We think he only answers it if it's yes according he only answers it if it's yes according he only answers it if it's yes according to our will. But that's just not true. to our will. But that's just not true. to our will. But that's just not true. And that's that's not true with us with And that's that's not true with us with And that's that's not true with us with our children. We tell them no sometimes. our children. We tell them no sometimes. our children. We tell them no sometimes. And we want them to accept that. And so And we want them to accept that. And so And we want them to accept that. And so what I heard you saying that I just want what I heard you saying that I just want what I heard you saying that I just want to reiterate or restate is that the the to reiterate or restate is that the the to reiterate or restate is that the the power of prayer is the one to whom we're power of prayer is the one to whom we're power of prayer is the one to whom we're praying. He is the powerful one. He is praying. He is the powerful one. He is praying. He is the powerful one. He is the sovereign one. He is the good one. the sovereign one. He is the good one. the sovereign one. He is the good one. And he is working all things out. And And he is working all things out. And And he is working all things out. And and even when Romans 8 tells us, you and even when Romans 8 tells us, you and even when Romans 8 tells us, you know, his son and his spirit are know, his son and his spirit are know, his son and his spirit are interceding for us. I mean Jesus and the interceding for us. I mean Jesus and the interceding for us. I mean Jesus and the spirit are constantly praying to the spirit are constantly praying to the spirit are constantly praying to the father. That's an amazing thing. So father. That's an amazing thing. So father. That's an amazing thing. So prayer matters but we have to understand prayer matters but we have to understand prayer matters but we have to understand and start accepting all of his answers. and start accepting all of his answers. and start accepting all of his answers. Now there are we all have things I'm Now there are we all have things I'm Now there are we all have things I'm sure I have something that I've prayed sure I have something that I've prayed sure I have something that I've prayed for years and I feel convicted to for years and I feel convicted to for years and I feel convicted to continue to pray for it. I do think the continue to pray for it. I do think the continue to pray for it. I do think the Lord has said not now Lord has said not now Lord has said not now but I am going to continue to pray for but I am going to continue to pray for but I am going to continue to pray for it. And I think scripture also commend it. And I think scripture also commend it. And I think scripture also commend >> that would be nicer to you. [laughter] >> that would be nicer to you. [laughter] >> that would be nicer to you. [laughter] Well, no. The Lord has said no to that Well, no. The Lord has said no to that Well, no. The Lord has said no to that and so I've stopped praying.

and so I've stopped praying. and so I've stopped praying. >> Okay. You just stopped praying for me >> Okay. You just stopped praying for me >> Okay. You just stopped praying for me all together. I just wanted to get it all together. I just wanted to get it all together. I just wanted to get it straight. I was like, "Huh, this straight. I was like, "Huh, this straight. I was like, "Huh, this mysterious something that Courtney's mysterious something that Courtney's mysterious something that Courtney's [laughter] been praying for. [laughter] been praying for. [laughter] been praying for. >> I will continue to pray for it. I will >> I will continue to pray for it. I will >> I will continue to pray for it. I will continue to pray because I do know." continue to pray because I do know." continue to pray because I do know." [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] But I just think it's really important But I just think it's really important But I just think it's really important to orient even our prayers under that to orient even our prayers under that to orient even our prayers under that concept of, you know, who the Lord is concept of, you know, who the Lord is concept of, you know, who the Lord is and the fact that he is answering. And and the fact that he is answering. And and the fact that he is answering. And again, it's not even the strength of our again, it's not even the strength of our again, it's not even the strength of our faith. It is the strength of our God faith. It is the strength of our God faith. It is the strength of our God that answers. that answers. that answers. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Prayers. >> Prayers. >> Prayers. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Um, okay. So, we've been talking about >> Um, okay. So, we've been talking about >> Um, okay. So, we've been talking about you didn't did you tell us what you didn't did you tell us what you didn't did you tell us what structure you use to your prayer times structure you use to your prayer times structure you use to your prayer times and then if it's changed? and then if it's changed? and then if it's changed? >> Just kind of the Lord's prayer. I I >> Just kind of the Lord's prayer. I I >> Just kind of the Lord's prayer. I I mean, I will say the biggest thing that mean, I will say the biggest thing that mean, I will say the biggest thing that has structured my prayer life really has structured my prayer life really has structured my prayer life really since I became a Christian. So when I since I became a Christian. So when I since I became a Christian. So when I was 14 or 15, I was doing um I was doing was 14 or 15, I was doing um I was doing was 14 or 15, I was doing um I was doing a daily devotional and there was a week a daily devotional and there was a week a daily devotional and there was a week on the discipline of journaling and on the discipline of journaling and on the discipline of journaling and writing out your prayers. And so I writing out your prayers. And so I writing out your prayers. And so I started it and I just never stopped. I started it and I just never stopped. I started it and I just never stopped. I just kept writing out my prayers. So I just kept writing out my prayers. So I just kept writing out my prayers. So I have prayer journals from 15year-old have prayer journals from 15year-old have prayer journals from 15year-old Melissa that I have never read. I do not Melissa that I have never read. I do not Melissa that I have never read. I do not go back. Some people go back. Um go back. Some people go back. Um go back. Some people go back. Um >> but you have them.

>> but you have them. >> but you have them. >> I have them which is a little >> I have them which is a little >> I have them which is a little terrifying. um because who knows what terrifying. um because who knows what terrifying. um because who knows what 15-year-old Melissa was praying for um 15-year-old Melissa was praying for um 15-year-old Melissa was praying for um back in the day. But I will say this, I back in the day. But I will say this, I back in the day. But I will say this, I don't always go back, but some I rarely don't always go back, but some I rarely don't always go back, but some I rarely go back and like reread them. But go back and like reread them. But go back and like reread them. But sometimes when it's recent history, sometimes when it's recent history, sometimes when it's recent history, >> and I'm thinking, "Oh, I think I just >> and I'm thinking, "Oh, I think I just >> and I'm thinking, "Oh, I think I just prayed about this." I will go back and prayed about this." I will go back and prayed about this." I will go back and then I will write, then I will write, then I will write, >> "Oh my goodness, the Lord answered >> "Oh my goodness, the Lord answered >> "Oh my goodness, the Lord answered this." You know, and so if I remember to this." You know, and so if I remember to this." You know, and so if I remember to do that, normally it's close close to do that, normally it's close close to do that, normally it's close close to the date. I'll be like, "Oh yeah, this the date. I'll be like, "Oh yeah, this the date. I'll be like, "Oh yeah, this is exactly what we were praying for and is exactly what we were praying for and is exactly what we were praying for and oh my goodness, Lord, you did it." So, I oh my goodness, Lord, you did it." So, I oh my goodness, Lord, you did it." So, I like writing for that reason because the like writing for that reason because the like writing for that reason because the recorded helps me remember and praise recorded helps me remember and praise recorded helps me remember and praise the Lord.