Introduction: Scripture Reading- Heb. 7:21-28
A. Philippians 4:6- "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
B. Matt. 6:9-15 “The Lord’s Prayer” [Read]
C. Introducing the hymn "Just A Little Talk With Jesus"
1. Written in 1937 by Cleavant Derricks
2. He preached and directed choirs at a number of Baptist churches
Discussion:
I. The Importance of Prayer
A. Matthew 6:6- "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
B. Emphasizing the biblical call for private and sincere prayer
C. Highlighting the personal nature of communication with God
II. The Role of the Holy Spirit (Verse 1)
A. 2 Pet. 1:19-21; John 14:15-26 [Read]
B. To teach the disciples/apostles and bring them into remembrance
C. I Cor. 13:8-10 [Read] the role of the HS is not the same as it was in the first century; now it teaches us through the word that has been left
D. Chorus- “Just a Little Talk With Jesus” is a hymn that encourages people to have a conversation with Jesus. The line “Now when you feel a little prayer-wheel turning” is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit’s presence in one’s life. The phrase “prayer-wheel” is not a Buddhist reference, but rather a simple device used in some Christian communities, including evangelicals and Pentecostals, to a series of prayer practices that focus the mind and spirit of Christians and encourage them to “pray without ceasing” 12. The song suggests that when one feels the Holy Spirit’s presence, they should talk to Jesus, and it will make everything right 3.
E. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing: “here I raise my Ebenezer”
1. Ebenezer- stone of help
2. I Sam. 7:12- The Israelites won a battle against the Philistines and Samual took a stone and made a memorial to God and named it Ebenezer meaning stone of help because God helped them win the battle.
3. Some people have taken this a step too far and they will have a prayer rock they keep in their pocket or wear a cross around their neck and rub on it. These items help them to remember to “Pray without ceasing.” I Thess. 5:17.
4. No where is the scriptures are Christians commanded, suggested, or do we see an example of physical objects being used to help remember to obey any commandment our Lord has given. These are idols and should be avoided.
III. Christ’s Role in Prayer
A. Heb. 7:21-28 [Read]
B. Intercession- mediator
C. Jesus’ role as High Priest
IV. The Depth of Communication with God
B. Examining Jesus' example of earnest and profound prayer
C. Contrasting with the superficial nature implied by "just a little talk"
1. Heb. 10:19; I Jn 4:17 says we can have boldness but boldness is different than the casual attitude implied with “just a little talk”
D. Our prayers should be personal toward God, not flashy, and should be meaningful.
1. Matt. 6:5-8 [Read]
V. The Role of Scripture in Prayer and Singing
A. Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
B. Emphasizing the importance of aligning our prayers and songs with God's Word
1. Col. 3:16-17 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Conclusion:
B. The hymn’s intention is to bring a focus to prayer and that is important; however, everything we do should be done according to the authority of Christ and His Word.
C. This includes always having biblical and sincere approach towards prayer and the songs that we sing.
D. This is because our worship is to please God and not simply to make us feel good or entertain us.
1. Revelation 4:11 “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
E. Invitation