The Importance of Prayer

Guest Preacher: Pastor Jordan Rice, Renaissance Church Harlem

An excerpt of the prayer that Pastor Jordan led us in at the close of his message:

Our father in heaven. 
God, you promise me that I am something to you regardless of how I’m doing today. You are with me, you are for me, and you will guide me as a parent guides their children. 
 
Your name is to be honored as holy. 
God, you are separate and better than anything I could ever have or imagine. 
 
God, I confess that you know better than I do. So, I am asking:
For your kingdom to come––your way of things and not mine.
For your will to be done––not my preferences.
On earth as it is in Heaven. 
 
God, I cannot do it on my own, so I am asking you to give me my daily bread.
Provide for me what I cannot provide for myself. Remind me that I am not independent, but I need you at every single turn in my life. 
 
Forgive me of my sins––the things I would rather not people to know about me. 
I confess to you my inactivity, and my judgmental nature of other people.
I receive Jesus’ work on my behalf to liberate me and I will not trust in myself. 
 
I forgive those who have sinned against me.
I vow to give grace, because I need grace as well. 
 
Lead me not into temptation––to think that I could be independent or to go astray from your will. 
There are specific ways that I am prone to wander away from you. God, I pray for the discernment and strength to stay the course with you. 
 
Deliver me from the Evil One––who will try to distract and discourage me. 
 
For yours is the power and the kingdom and the glory forever and ever. Amen and Amen.