We have started a new Sunday Series on what it means to follow Jesus as our Messiah and Rabbi.  The Way of Jesus is the life we live in Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit.  It is the life Jesus demonstrated while He came to fulfill His Father’s mission.  His offer of Salvation is more than the forgiveness of sins.  It is also a new life here on Earth leading into eternity.

The first factor for a Christ-follower seeking to live the Way of Jesus is Meditation and Prayer.  The outline below is a guideline to our discussion and is offered as a starting point to adopting a lifestyle of meditation and prayer.

I.    Introduction to the Way of Jesus (Colossians 3:12-14)
II.   First Garment of the Way: Mediation and Prayer
      A.  Misconception of Christian Meditation
          1.  Emptying the Mind
          2.  Attaining some higher state or holiness
          3.  For other religions
      B.  Misconceptions of Christian Prayer
          1.  One Way Communications
          2.  Christmas list
          3.  Has to be boring or monotonous
III.    Meditation and Prayer
       A.  Meditation (Joshua 1:8, Psalms 143:5, Philippians 4:8)
          1.  What is Meditation?
               a)  Hearing God through His Word (Psalm 119)
               b)  Places God’s Word as central and primary to our spiritual growth and development with Him.
       B.  Prayer
          1.  What is Prayer?
               a)  God’s chosen means of communication
               b)  A Response to Meditation and relationship
          2.  What the Bible Says
               a)  Psalms 32:6a, Matthew 6:5-14, 1 Thess. 5:17
       C.  What is your Church known for?
          1.  Programs, Music, Preaching, Kids, Teens, etc…
          2.  Being known by prayer
IV.    Time of Prayer:
         A.   Becoming a people of Prayer in the Way of Jesus
         B.   Mark 11:20-25.  
        C.   Gather at altar for prayer, James 5:13-16