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Message: “Model Prayer” from John Ploog

A message from the series “With Christ in the School of Prayer.” Many of us grew up praying this prayer in the course of a worship service. The pastor may have led in a pastoral prayer and concluded it saying, “ We pray all this in the Name of the one who taught us to pray, ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.’”
A friend recently told me that he prays this prayer every day. Whether we pray it often, or as a formal part of a worship service, remember, Jesus said, “Pray, then, in this way:”

Message: “Go to your room!” from John Ploog

A message from the series “With Christ in the School of Prayer.” Jesus was talking to his disciples about God’s desires for his own when he said, “And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have received their reward [in full]. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father, who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (vs 5-6, NKJV)

Message: “Praying in Spirit and in Truth” from John Ploog

A message from the series “With Christ in the School of Prayer.” How do you feel knowing that God is always listening? What’s your understanding about his interest in listening to you when you pray? What turns his ear to toward you?
I am reassured to know that “he bends down to listen,” to “my prayer for mercy” (NLT), and that he seeks those who, “worship the Father in spirit and truth,” as they pray.

Message: “The Many Faces of One” from John Ploog

A message from the series “Colossians.” The body of Christ, the church, is His amazing idea and creation. Its very existence encourages and humbles us. It reminds us of His grace and gives opportunity for us to express that grace in many ways. God gives to each one of us gifts so that as we use them, He is glorified among us and in the eyes of those who have yet come to know Him. The apostle Paul said, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Cor. 12: 4-7, NASB)

Message: “Fully Mature in Christ” from John Ploog

A message from the series “Colossians.” I haven’t decided what I’m going to be when I grow up. I know many of us use that line in hopes someone will agree with our attempt to create a more youthful persona. Hmm! At my age, who’s going to believe that? So,when can we say we’ve grown up? And, what does it take to be fully mature in Christ?

Message: “Praying for You…In the Sprit” from John Ploog

A message from the series “Colossians.” I say it. You too are likely to say it. “I’m praying for you!” What does that mean? How am I praying? For what am I praying? What’s my frame of reference and what’s on my mind as I pray for friends, family, missionaries, young people, co-workers, and those who are facing transitions or disturbing circumstances? Last Sunday, I said that I’m so thankful for every opportunity to pray every week with the elders. One text from God’s Word often shapes our prayers for you as we ask God, “to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”So, we pray today, “Lord, teach us to pray.”