INTRODUCTION
Our nation is physically separated from one another but united by stress and worry. Every day seems to be a battle of the mind and will to do what is right and have a healthy outlook. Your spiritual life is important and must be given attention if you are going to thrive. In this collection of talks, we will explore how to maintain spiritual fitness. We will discover that spiritual health helps bring all the other facets of life back into balance.
“The LORD will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose water never runs dry.” —Isaiah 58:11
Memory Verse:
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” —Matthew 16:26
We are going to cope with the stress and worry swirling around us, either positively or negatively, and we need “hope to cope”! During this collection of talks, we will explore how we can find that hope and soothe our souls in the following areas:
September 13 Soothing Your Soul through Spiritual Habits
September 20 Soothing Your Soul through Prayer
September 27 Soothing Your Soul through Biblical Money Management
October 4 Soothing Your Soul through Connection
October 11 Soothing Your Soul through Spiritual Health
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 (CSB, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: Prayer comforts your soul.
SOOTHING YOUR SOUL WEEK 2: Soothing Your Soul through Prayer
“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’” —Billy Graham
“You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you. 4Trust in the Lord forever, because in the Lord, the Lord himself, is an everlasting rock!” —Isaiah 26:3-4
“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving;” —Colossians 4:2
I. PRAY IN ALL
(v 11)
A. Prayerlessness is a
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.” —John 15:5
“Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up;” —Luke 18:1
B. Prayerfulness is a
“Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” —Hebrews 4:16
“Pray constantly.” —I Thessalonians 5:17
Soothing Your Soul Next Step #1:
Schedule your prayer time with God this week. Even when you don’t feel like it or think you don’t have time!
II. ASK
TO PRAY WITH YOU AND FOR YOU (v 11a)
A. Ask the
“In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.” —Romans 8:26
B. Ask
The word sunupourgeo translated “helping together” is used only here in the New Testament and is composed of three words: with, under, work.
In at least seven of his letters, Paul ask people for prayer support (Romans 15:30-32; Ephesians 6:18-19; Philippians 1:19; Colossians 4:3; I Thessalonians 5:25; II Thessalonians 3:1; Philemon 22).
Soothing Your Soul Next Step #2:
Ask someone you trust to pray for you this week, and add your prayer requests to the digital Connect Card.
Join a United Group or Micro-Group today!
Check out our Community Page
III. GIVE
FOR ANSWERED PRAYER (v 11b)
A. We are quick to
“While traveling to Jerusalem, he passed between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten men with leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And while they were going, they were cleansed. 15 But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God. 16 He fell facedown at his feet, thanking him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” —Luke 17:11-18
B. Don’t
“My soul, bless the Lord, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 My soul, bless the Lord, and do not forget all his benefits.” —Psalm 103:1-2
“Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16 Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.” —Hebrews 13:15-16
Soothing Your Soul Next Step #3:
This week, make a list of things you are thankful for, and spend some time in prayer just saying “Thank You Lord.”
How Prayer Soothes Our Souls (II Corinthians 1:1-11):
It helps us know God (1:3)
Remember what God is to you.It helps us serve God (1:4-7)
Remember what God does through you.It helps us trust God (1:8-10)
Remember what God does in you.It helps us thank God (1:11)
Remember what God does for you.
“I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” —Psalm 121:1-2
We are going to be entering into a 40-Day of Prayer and Fasting for our nation starting September 25th.
Check out the webpage for more info.
“I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right; but it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation may be on the Lord’s side.” - —Abraham Lincoln
CONCLUSION:
Will you soothe your soul through praying and depending on God?
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS:
Pastor Gary encouraged us to “Pray In All Seasons.” What season of life do you find it the hardest to pray in? What season is the easiest?
How have you seen God answer your prayers this year?
Review the 4 ways that prayer helps soothe our souls. Which one means the most to you?
Purpose this week to put the Soothing Your Soul Next Steps into action in your life.
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