On Opening a Place for Social Prayer
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence in our lives through prayer and cultivating a humble and open heart.
William Cowper preaches about the omnipresence of Jesus, emphasizing that wherever His people gather to seek Him, He is present, sanctifying the place. He highlights the importance of inviting Jesus into our minds and hearts, allowing Him to dwell within us and accompany us wherever we go. Cowper calls upon Jesus, the Shepherd, to renew His mercies among His followers, inviting His saving presence into their midst to strengthen their faith and sweeten their burdens through prayer.
Text
Jesus, where'er thy people meet,
There they behold thy mercy-seat;
Where'er they seek thee thou art found,
And ev'ry place is hallow'd ground.
For thou, within no walls confin'd,
Inhabitest the humble mind;
Such ever bring thee, where they come,
And going, take thee to their home.
Dear Shepherd of thy chosen few!
Thy former mercies here renew;
Here, to our waiting hearts, proclaim
The sweetness of thy saving name.
Here may we prove the pow'r of pray'r,
To strengthen faith, and sweeten care;
To teach our faint desires to rise,
And bring all heav'n before our eyes.
Behold! At thy commanding word,
We stretch the curtain and the cord;
Come thou, and fill this wider space,
And help us with a large increase.
Lord, we are few, but thou art near;
Nor short thine arm, nor deaf thine ear;
Oh rend the heav'ns, come quickly down,
And make a thousand hearts thine own!
Sermon Outline
- The Presence of God
- The Power of Prayer
- Inviting God to be Present
- We invite God to fill our space
- We ask God to increase His presence among us
- Prayer can bring heaven before our eyes
Key Quotes
“For thou, within no walls confin'd, Inhabitest the humble mind;” — William Cowper
“Here may we prove the pow'r of pray'r, To strengthen faith, and sweeten care;” — William Cowper
“Lord, we are few, but thou art near;” — William Cowper
Application Points
- Seek God's presence in your life through prayer and meditation.
- Cultivate a humble and open heart to experience God's presence.
- Trust in God's promises and seek Him in times of need.