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Practical Prayer- The Audacity of Prayer

-Prayer isn’t about getting what we want, its about a relationship with God.

Matthew 14:22-33

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. 25 Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning.

26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear.

27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.”

29 He said, “Come.”

And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

1. Audacity of God

Matthew 14:24-27

24 Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. 25 Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning.

26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear.

27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

-There is no reason that we should be able to commune with the God of the universe, but He chose to remove that limitation.

2. Audacity to Pray

Matthew 14:28-29

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.”

29 He said, “Come.”

And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.

Hebrews 4:14-16

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 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.

Does your prayer life look more like Peter’s response or the disciples in the boat?

3. Audacity to Believe

Matthew 14:29-33

29 He said, “Come.”

And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

We have to stop trying to find the right word combination to get the result we want. Instead, we need to learn to trust Jesus’ heart and believe His answer is the right one.

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Discipline = “Training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.”

Luke 11:1-4 – 1 He was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “Whenever you pray, say, Father, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone in debt to us. And do not bring us into

temptation.”

SERMON TITLE: “THE DISCIPLINE OF PRAYER”

1. PRAYER IS *LEARNED.

Luke 11:1b – …“Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”

Matthew 6:9-13 – 9 “Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ,'

PRAYER IS PRACTICED.

Definition of Practice = “The regular, repeated performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

3. PRAYER IS *PROVEN.

Psalms 34:4 – I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

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2025 Victory Hill Church:

Average Attendance: 818

Small Group Participation: 53%

Serve Team Members: 271

Conversions: 150

Baptisms: 67

Community Involvement:

Operation Bless a Child: 170+ Kids

Meals Served: 6,000 (160 Days)

DC Conversions: 66

DC Baptisms: 15

“What could God do if we only believed?”

“We see a church built on prayer — where prayer is our foundation, our first response, and our greatest weapon!”

21 days of Prayer and Fasting

January 7-27, 2026

Matthew 6:16a – 16 “Whenever you fast,...

What is Fasting?:

Biblical fasting is a voluntary, temporary denial of physical nourishment in order to seek God with greater focus, humility, and dependence through prayer.

1. FASTING *STARVES OUR FLESH AND *FEEDS OUR SPIRIT

Galatians 5:24 – 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

2. FASTING ISN’T A *PERFORMANCE, IT'S AN *OPPORTUNITY TO DRAW NEAR

Matthew 6:16-18 – 16 “Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

3. FASTING ALIGNS OUR HEART WITH THE *HEART *OF *GOD

Psalms 37:4 – 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Main Goal:

Connect to God through prayer, and disconnect from the world through fasting.

1. For Wisdom and Favor for Our Church Leadership

2. That People Would Be Saved and Baptized

3. That God Would Resource and Equip Us

4. That We Would Boldly Step in Unity as a Church Body

5. That We Would Empower the Next Generation

Special Message - Prayer and Fasting

What if the lasting peace you are looking for is found in the place that you least expect it?

Isaiah 9:6 – 6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Everything we need is found in the name of Jesus

Luke 2:8-14 – 8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!

SERMON TITLE: “THE PRINCE IN THE PASTURE”

1. THE CHAOS *THEN IS THE SAME CHAOS *NOW

1 Corinthians 10:13a – 13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful;...

2. THE ANSWER *THEN IS STILL THE ANSWER *NOW

Luke 2:10-12 – 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

3. LASTING *PEACE IS NOT THE *ABSENCE OF CHAOS BUT THE *PRESENCE OF THE *PRINCE.

Luke 2:14 – 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!

*EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS *FOUND IN THE NAME OF *JESUS!

Romans 10:13 – 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

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(Isaiah 9:6 csb) 6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

(Philippians 2:5–11 csb) Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1. The Might Of Christ Is *Revealed In *Humility

(Philippians 2:6-7a) who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity.

(‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭CSB‬‬) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.”

2. The Might Of Christ Is *Proven Through *Obedience

(Philippians 2:7-8) Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross.

3. The Might Of Christ Is *Declared In *Exhalation

(Philippians 2:9–11) For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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Everything we need is found in the name of Jesus.



Isaiah 9:1-6 (NASB)

9 But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He will make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles.



2 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. 3 You will multiply the nation, You will increase their joy; They will rejoice in Your presence As with the joy of harvest, As people rejoice when they divide the spoils.4 For You will break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.



5 For every boot of the marching warrior in the roar of battle, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. 6 For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.



Point 1 — Jesus Doesn’t *Counsel From A *Distance



John 1:14 (New American Standard Bible)

14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.



Point 2 — Jesus Brings *Clarity Where *Confusion Blocks Our *Vision



John 16:7

“It is better for you that I go away. Because if I go, I will send you another Counselor…”



John 14:26

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.



Colossians 2:3 —

“In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

He IS wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:30 —

Christ has become “wisdom from God for us.”

He GIVES wisdom.

Hebrews 4:14–16 —

Because He sympathizes with our weakness,

we can “approach the throne of grace for help in time of need.”

He APPLIES wisdom.



Point 3 — Jesus *Stays With Us As We Take the *Next *Step



Psalm 32:8

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will advise you with My eye upon you.



Isaiah 30:21

21 Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.



John 16:13

13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

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Gratitude for a Future and a Hope

Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT

8“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT

11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

12‭‭ “In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

James 1:13-18 NLT

13“And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.”

1. Gratitude for what I have *been *through and what *HE has saved me from

2. Gratitude *changes your *expectations

3. Gratitude that can *start *today

JOHN 8:1-12 NLT

1“Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11“No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” 12Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.””

Jesus is our Future and our Hope today