5 Day Sermon Devotional Series: Rooted - Week 4 - Prayer?

June 2, 2025

Prayer Is Simple, But Sacred

• Matthew 6:5–8

• Psalm 145:18

• Hebrews 4:16

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Devotional Thought:

Prayer isn't about impressing God with words. It's not reserved for the poetic or the eloquent. It's a conversation—a sacred one—with the God who made you. The fact that a perfect, holy, eternal God would make Himself personally available to us is staggering. Yet, He does. Not because we’ve earned the right to talk to Him, but because He delights in listening to us. Whether your prayers are loud or whispered, flowing or fumbling, they reach the throne of grace because of Jesus.

Self-Reflection:

Do I truly believe that God is listening when I pray—or do I pray more like I’m leaving a message, hoping someone gets back to me?

June 3, 2025

Prayer Deepens Dependence

• Luke 11:9–13

• James 1:5–6

• Proverbs 3:5–6

  
  

Devotional Thought:

God knows what you need before you ask. So why ask? Because prayer isn’t just about getting answers—it’s about building trust. When we come to God, we admit we don’t have all the answers. We’re asking because we’re leaning on Someone greater. Persistent prayer isn’t nagging God—it’s drawing closer in faith, even when we’re unsure. God honors our trust, not our performance.

Self-Reflection:

Am I praying like someone who trusts God—or like someone who’s just trying to control outcomes?

June 4, 2025

Prayer Strengthens Relationship

• James 4:8

• John 15:4–7

• Psalm 63:1–8

  
  

Devotional Thought:

Prayer is the fuel of relationship with God. The more we pray, the more we become aware of His presence. Like any relationship, intimacy grows with communication. You can’t draw near to God if you don’t talk to Him. You can’t stay close if you’re only checking in when things go wrong. The health of your prayer life is often the clearest indicator of the health of your walk with Christ.

Self-Reflection:

How would I describe my relationship with God right now—and what does my prayer life reveal about it?

June 5, 2025

Why God Sometimes Says “No”

• 2 Corinthians 12:7–10

• 1 John 5:14–15

• Romans 8:28

  
  

Devotional Thought:

Sometimes the answer to your prayer is “no,” or worse—nothing at all. That can hurt. But God is not ignoring you. He’s not punishing you. He’s often protecting or preparing you. Sometimes, He’s inviting you to trust Him even when you don’t understand. Paul begged for relief from his suffering, and God said no—not because He didn’t care, but because He had a better purpose. Faith doesn’t mean you always get what you want. It means you trust God no matter what.

Self-Reflection:

When God doesn’t answer the way I hoped, do I walk away—or do I lean in closer?

June 6, 2025

Jesus Makes Prayer Possible

• John 14:6

• Hebrews 7:25

• 1 Timothy 2:5–6

  
  

Devotional Thought:

Let’s be honest—we don’t deserve an audience with God. We’ve messed up. We doubt. We drift. But because of Jesus, we are welcomed into God's presence. His sacrifice opened the way. He bridges the gap. He takes your flawed prayers and carries them to the Father. This is grace. So when you feel too unworthy to pray, that’s the very moment you should. Your access to God doesn’t depend on your goodness—it depends on Jesus.

Self-Reflection:

Do I approach God as a child who is welcomed—or as a stranger who doesn’t belong?