Knowing Him, Calling on Him: Praying in Light of Who God Is Redemptive Thread Because God reveals Himself as our ever-near God, unshakeable Refuge, sovereign Lord, merciful High Priest, and faithful Helper, prayer is not an exhausting religious performance to persuade a distant deity, but the grace-bought privilege of drawing near to the God who has made Himself known to us through Jesus Christ. Series Outline 1. Our Near God: Praying to the One Who Is Near Text: Psalm 145:14-21 (ESV: "The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.") Keyword: nearness - Principle: God reveals His gracious nearness to all who call on Him in truth, inviting us into intimate fellowship with Him. - Problem: We treat God as distant and unapproachable, doubting His nearness when we experience difficulty or spiritual dryness. - Gospel: On the cross, Jesus was forsaken and cast far off so that we could be brought into eternal nearness with God. - Response: Secure in Christ, we seek God in daily prayer, walking in the joy of His faithful nearness. - Opportunity for Change: From viewing God as a distant observer to walking in daily communion with Him through His promised nearness. 2. Our Refuge: Praying to the God Who Is Unshakeable Text: Psalm 62:1-12 (ESV: "For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence? They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.") Keyword: refuge