My NT 6221 class requires a sermon on either Luke 5:1-11 or Luke 11:1-13. I selected the latter passage.
The requirements were that it be 7-8 pages long in outline form and utilize at least three commentaries or journal articles.
I’ve never composed a sermon, let alone preached one, so this is new territory for me. For all I know, this sermon is awful.
But, here it is just the same.
(Originally posted at ClobberBlog)
Of course I’m not too familiar with sermoning, but I can imagine that the personal touch (stories of Harley) would serve as an effective “hook” to keep the audience’s attention—as well as reach those who don’t really care for scriptural exegesis and original Greek. That seems to be the big challenge with any sermon: how to reach a diverse audience.
I also liked where you discussed the audacious neighbor. I’ve always glossed over those verses.
If I had to say that one thing was missing, I’d say it was the “motivation/challenge” portion—the part where people feel a direct push to do or act differently/better. It’s there in your sermon, but not really clear.
Now, to be fair, I think that your topic makes that difficult. The reason is that prayer is so open-ended—we can and should pray for all sorts of things—and it’s impossible to predict (or promise) how God will respond. Sometimes people struggle and agonize to receive answers to prayers that are seemingly the most pure and therefore the ones that seem 100% guaranteed to get an answer; e.g., praying for a witness of the Comforter.
BFF ~ I think you raise a good point here:
If I had to say that one thing was missing, I’d say it was the “motivation/challenge” portion—the part where people feel a direct push to do or act differently/better. It’s there in your sermon, but not really clear.
I actually found out that the sermon isn’t due until Dec. 1 when I thought it was due Nov. 23, so I think I’m actually going to re-work this a little bit and re-post it when I hand it in.
Sermon is updated with some minor changes and ready to hand in.