Exodus 14:15
The sermon emphasizes the importance of praying from the heart and seeking guidance from God, rather than relying on memorized forms or rituals.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of genuine prayer over rote memorization, illustrating that true communication with God should come from the heart rather than mere repetition. He points out that there are moments when prayer is appropriate, but also times when action is required, as exemplified by Moses at the Red Sea. Smith encourages believers to seek communion with God in times of trouble and to pray for strength, rather than relying on traditional forms of prayer that may lack sincerity.
Text
I. SOMETIMES ANSWER VERY WRONG.
A. I was taught to as a child.
1. "Lord bless that which we are about..."
2. Memorized prayers have no value.
3. Repetition of phrase has no value.
a. Boy in Cairo; ILL.
B. It is part of my religion.
1. Life Fakir holding arm aloft.
2. Dancing through fire.
C. I felt better afterwards.
1. Ought you to feel better?
II. MANY TIMES PRAYER OUT OF PLACE.
A. Moses had come to time for action.
1. Man on thawing ice flow.
B. People pray for open doors.
C. There is a time to quit praying and start marching.
D. Praying for Lord's will in certain things.
1. Marriage to unbeliever.
III. SOMETIMES ANSWER CORRECT.
A. I feel a desire for communion.
B. I am in trouble; I must pray.
C. I need help and strengthening.
Pray from necessity not memorized forms but straight from the heart.
Sermon Outline
- Sometimes Answer Very Wrong points: - Taught to pray from childhood - Part of religion - Felt better afterwards
- Many Times Prayer Out of Place points: - Moses had come to time for action - Praying for open doors - Time to quit praying and start marching - Praying for Lord's will
- Sometimes Answer Correct points: - Feeling a desire for communion - In trouble, must pray - Need help and strengthening
Key Quotes
“Pray from necessity not memorized forms but straight from the heart.” — Chuck Smith
“There is a time to quit praying and start marching.” — Chuck Smith
“Moses had come to time for action.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Pray from a place of necessity and authenticity, rather than habit or routine.
- Listen to your heart and seek guidance from God when deciding whether to pray or take action.
- Recognize the importance of balance between prayer and action in your life.