Put God Over Everything and Pray First! | Morning Prayer

Key Concepts:

• Humility and service to Jesus Christ and His kingdom
• Prayer and seeking God's presence
• Turning away from sinful practices
• Following Christ's example through self-denial and commitment
• Seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all decisions
• Finding pride and joy in God alone
• Steadfastness and dedication to the work of the Lord
• Seeking God's approval over the approval of people

Humble Ourselves (Based on 2 Chronicles 7:14):

• The Bible guides believers to humble themselves, emphasizing the need to serve wholeheartedly.
• Serving involves putting others before oneself and embracing a servant's heart.
• This humility is essential for reaching a place where one is willing to serve Jesus Christ, the body of Christ, and His kingdom.

Pray and Seek God's Face (Based on Psalm 42:1 and Matthew 6:33):

• Psalm 42:1 illustrates the deep longing and yearning for God that should reside in believers' hearts.
• The Lord desires genuine seeking of His presence, not just approaching Him with requests.
• Communion with God and building a meaningful relationship with Him are crucial.
• Matthew 6:33 emphasizes prioritizing seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else.
• When God is put first, everything else falls into place.

Turn from Wicked Ways (Based on 1 Peter 2:21):

• God is holy and calls believers to live differently from the world, avoiding sinful practices.
• Turning away from wrongdoings is essential for aligning with God's holiness.
• 1 Peter 2:21 highlights Christ's suffering and life as a model for believers to follow.
• Following Christ involves self-denial, putting aside selfish desires, and facing challenges with trust in Jesus.
• It requires a deep commitment to live as Christ lived, even amidst suffering and difficulties.

Prayer:

• A prayer is offered to God, acknowledging His glory and honor.
• The prayer expresses a desperate need for God's presence, guidance, love, and grace.
• It seeks strength and resolve to take up one's cross daily, forsaking worldly pleasures.
• The prayer asks for a heart filled with the fear of the Lord, pursuing Him above all else.
• It acknowledges being lost and directionless without God.
• The prayer seeks God's wisdom and counsel in every decision, refusing to rely on personal understanding.
• It asks for an attitude of humility and a servant's heart, ready to serve others with love and compassion.
• The prayer requests that the individual decrease as the glory of the Lord increases, lifting the name of Jesus higher.
• It seeks to live a life reflecting God's love and grace, drawing others closer to Him.
• The prayer asks for guidance to find pride and joy in God alone, avoiding boasting about talents and gifts.
• It seeks satisfaction in God, boasting of His strength in weakness and His saving power in trials.
• The prayer emphasizes boasting solely in God, not in people, abilities, or resources.
• It acknowledges God as the source of all good things, with life being a testament to His greatness and love.
• The prayer seeks steadfastness, unwavering faith, and dedication to the work of the Lord.
• It asks for actions to be for God's glory, not personal recognition, performing good deeds to please Him and lead others to goodness.
• The prayer seeks forgiveness for seeking the approval of people over God's approval, crucifying these desires and humbling oneself before God.

Conclusion:

• The message emphasizes the importance of humility, prayer, turning from sin, and following Christ's example.
• It encourages believers to seek God's guidance, find joy in Him, and remain steadfast in their faith.
• The prayer encapsulates these principles, seeking God's grace, wisdom, and strength to live a life dedicated to His glory.