Posts with the tag “pray”

The message at Mercy City Church focused on Matthew 25:1-13, the parable of the ten bridesmaids. The speaker emphasized the importance of spiritual preparedness, likening oil to the Holy Spirit and the lamps to our salvation. The wise bridesmaids, who had extra oil, symbolized those spiritually prepared, while the foolish bridesmaids, who ran out of oil, represented those unprepared. Key points included the necessity of personal responsibility, avoiding procrastination, and setting appropriate boundaries. The message encouraged listeners to assess their spiritual condition, seek fresh oil, and strive for spiritual maturity.  Read More

Pastor Matt introduces a new series called "Follow the Leader," emphasizing the importance of making intentional decisions before opportunities arise. He stresses that choices lead, and feelings follow, urging listeners to commit to their goals and decisions before the moment presents itself. Using biblical examples, he illustrates the immediate response of Jesus' first disciples to His call, highlighting their faith and readiness. Pastor Matt also discusses the concept of 100% responsibility for personal decisions and encourages listeners to choose their leader, new life, and level of involvement, aiming for a strong start and finish in the coming year.  Read More

The message emphasized the importance of dreaming and aligning our dreams with God's divine plan. Pastor Carrie highlighted that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, as stated in Isaiah 55. God's creativity, evident in Genesis 1:1, is reflected in our unique gifts and dreams. She encouraged the congregation to seek God's dreams for their lives, which are rooted in intimacy and relationship with Him. She shared examples of how God's faithfulness has manifested in the lives of church members, including starting businesses, marriages, and healing. The message concluded with a call to slow down, connect with God, and seek His dreams for the upcoming year.  Read More

The message emphasized the importance of becoming people of prayer to become a house of prayer. Key points included the inconvenience of prayer, requiring intentional effort to create margin for God. Prayer was described as speaking and listening to God, trusting in His promises, and enjoying a friendship with Him. The speaker highlighted that prayer builds a legacy, influencing future generations. Practical advice included focusing on friendship with God rather than formalities, holding fast to God's promises, and remembering the impact of prayer on others. The session concluded with a call to embrace prayer for deeper intimacy with God.  Read More

Pastor Matt discusses the importance of both personal and corporate prayer. He emphasizes that while personal prayer is essential, corporate prayer is crucial for moving others towards God. He references Matthew 21:12-13, where Jesus criticizes those who turn the temple into a marketplace. Pastor Matt shares that he and his wife, Pastor Carrie, moved to Lincoln to raise a passionate community of believers, not just a churchgoers. He introduces a panel of individuals who have experienced significant prayer changes, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and the impact of prayer on their lives. The panel members discuss their personal prayer journeys, the importance of modeling prayer, and the encouragement they've received from others. They also share specific prayer moments that transformed their faith and offer advice for those starting their prayer journey.  Read More

Pastor Carrie shared personal experiences and insights on the transformative power of prayer and intercession in connecting with God and others. She emphasized prioritizing prayer, recognizing and repenting of sins, and seeking a deeper understanding of prayer as a way to connect with God's heart. Pastor Carrie also encouraged listeners to approach God as a loving and intimate Father, rather than a strict authority figure, and to pray for provision in their daily lives. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of honoring God's name through prayer, providing biblical examples and encouraging listeners to accept a three-week prayer challenge.  Read More

Pastor Sean emphasizes the importance of daily and date conversations in marriage, highlighting the benefits of balancing practical and romantic interactions, and compares this to communication with God. He argues that prayer is a daily conversation with God, emphasizing the significance of prioritizing prayer in daily life. Pastor Sean offers practical tips for making prayer more manageable and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship through balancing daily and d"ate" conversations.  Read More