All You Have to Do is Ask - Summary

Jul 19, 2024

Key Takeaways from the Lecture

Overview

  • Emphasis on prayer and its power.
  • Theme: Excuseless Living.
  • Main Message: All You Have to Do is Ask.

Introduction

  • The importance of sharing the message with others via social media.
  • Call to action: Stand together and make an excuseless covenant.
  • Covenant highlights:
    • Recognize excuses as detrimental.
    • Commit to prayer, health, and focus on essential things.
    • Reclaim time and energy.
    • Dismiss all excuses.

Scripture Reference: Book of Daniel Chapter 9

  • Context: Daniel intercedes in the 69th year of a 70-year exile as prophesied.
  • Daniel’s Prayer in Verses 1-19.
    • Acknowledgment of sins and rebellion.
    • Appeal for God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Key Points from the Sermon

The Constancy of God's Goodness

  • Importance of consistent faith in a changing world.
  • Daniel's life filled with trauma and change, yet he remains faithful.

Determination in Prayer

  • Praying despite unfavorable circumstances.
  • Persistence in prayer reveals its power.
  • Prayer should not be contingent upon ideal circumstances.

Specificity in Confession

  • Confessions should be specific, not general.
  • Daniel confessed the sins of the people in detail as an example for others.

The Necessity of Chastening

  • Chastening as proof of God's continued work in our lives.
  • Though painful, it is a lesser form of pain to prevent greater calamity.

Prayers That Are Overdue

  • Importance of making overdue prayers known to God.
  • Encouragement to pray persistently and not delay.

Trust in God's Mercy and Not Personal Merit

  • Approach God not on the basis of our good deeds but on His mercy.

Conclusion

  • Reinforcement of the main theme: All You Have to Do is Ask.
  • Encouragement to pray specifically and persistently.
  • Call to trust in God’s ability to bring about change, no matter the delay.

Final Call to Prayer

  • Opportunities to pray for specific needs and trust in God’s supernatural power.
  • Encouragement to maintain unrealistic faith in God’s ability to act.

Hymn Reflection: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

  • Reminder of the peace and relief found in bringing everything to God in prayer.

Final Encouragement

  • Importance of sharing the message with others.
  • Anticipation of the next gathering and continued journey in excuseless living.

We suffer needlessly because we carry cares that are God's responsibility. Remember, all you have to do is ask.