Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

1. The time may vary for different individuals
a. For “night owls”, the best time may be late at night, after the children are in bed
b. For “morning larks”, early morning before the children wake up might be better
c. The key is to find a quiet time, free from worldly distractions
2. The place may also vary for different people
a. Some may prefer a place outside, following the example of Jesus - cf. Mk 1:35
b. Some may prefer a place inside, following the teaching of Jesus - cf. Mt 6:6
c. The key is to find a solitary place, free from worldly distractions
-- To develop a habit, the time and place should be the same each day
Mark A. Copeland
B. ENGAGE IN PRAYER, MEDITATION, AND PRAISE...
1. Approach God in prayer
a. Thank Him for your blessings - cf. Co 4:2
b. Confess your sins - cf. 1 Jn 1:9
c. Make supplication for your needs - cf. Ph 4:6
d. Intercede on behalf of others - cf. 1 Ti 2:1-2
2. Spend time in meditation - contemplate on such things as:
a. The Lord Himself (His character) - Psa 63:6
b. His wonderful Works (both creative and redemptive) - cf. Psa 77:12
c. His revealed Word - Psa 119:15,23,48,97-99,148
d. Things that are wholesome and praiseworthy - cf. Ph 4:8
3. Praise God in song - perhaps aided by recorded hymns
a. A natural response to joy in the heart - cf. Ja 5:13
b. Making melody in your heart - cf. Ep 5:19
-- Talk with God through prayer, praise; listen to Him by contemplating His Word
CONCLUSION
1. Living in world filled with sin, there is much that would...
a. Fill our lives with stress and anxiety
b. Pull us away from God and things that are good
2. Making room for private devotions in our lives, will help greatly to...
a. Walk closer with our Father in heaven
b. Receive strength of heart and peace of mind in doing His will
If David, a man after God’s own heart, and Jesus, the Son of God Himself, found it needful to spend
time alone with God, how much more do we...!
“I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word. My
eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word.”
- Psa 119:147-148
Topical Sermons 283