Running to Pray to the Father in Heaven*

What would happen if your first response to every situation was to run to God in prayer? In this heartfelt message, Pastor Chris Teien invites us to deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Drawing from the Lord’s Prayer, John 4, Matthew 6, and personal reflections, we are reminded that prayer isn't a ritual, it’s a life-giving connection to the God who seeks us, knows us, loves us, and rewards those who seek Him. 

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335631

Key Points:

#1 Our Father Seeks Worshipers – John 4:23. God actively looks for those who will worship Him in spirit and truth.

#2 Our Father Knows Our Needs – Matthew 6:4–8. God sees our giving, prayers, and struggles—and invites us to pray with faith.

#3 Our Father Loves Us Deeply – John 3:16. God's love is demonstrated through Christ, who opens the way for us to become His children.

#4 Our Father Rewards Faithfulness – Hebrews 11:6. God blesses and rewards those who seek Him sincerely and trust Him daily.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:

• Honest reflection on personal seasons of strong and weak prayer habits.
• Building a deck project and realizing the need for better balance between work and time with God.
• Fun and meaningful dog illustration about genuine relationship over programmed obedience.
• Challenges of preaching topics like marriage or spiritual warfare while navigating personal spiritual battles.

Notable Quotes:

• "We should run to God—not just when life falls apart, but every day we wake up breathing."
• "God doesn’t want robotic worship—He seeks a real relationship with real people who really love Him."
• "You don't have to be perfect to pray—you just have to come."

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Start each day by acknowledging God in prayer, even if it’s brief.
2. Seek God's presence first when challenges or choices arise.
3. Practice worshiping God daily, not just when you feel spiritual.
4. Reflect on God's rewards in your life to build greater trust for the future.

Scripture References:

• John 4:23 – Worshiping in spirit and truth
• Matthew 6:4–8 – Private prayer and giving
• John 3:16 – God's love through Jesus
• Hebrews 11:6 – God rewards those who seek Him
• Psalm 139 – God’s intimate knowledge of our lives

Keywords:
 prayer life, seeking God, Lord’s Prayer, Heavenly Father, worship, God’s rewards, faithfulness, John 4, Matthew 6, Christian prayer habits

Challenge:
 God is not distant—He is your loving Father, inviting you to run to Him every moment of every day. Start today by drawing near, praying boldly, and trusting Him with your life.

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Well Faith shares recent sermons from Pastor Chris Teien and occasional Rockwell Church guest speakers, along with highlighting timeless replay messages from his earlier years (marked with *). These Biblical messages apply timeless truth to everyday life, offering practical guidance, encouragement, and hope for living out WELL Faith: Worshiping, Encouraging, Learning, and Loving. Get more resources ChrisTeien.com and Find sermons by topic, series, and year at WELL.faith Come worship with us Sundays at 10:15 AM at Rockwell.church 93 Midway Drive, Virginia, MN. If this message encouraged you, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and let us know what you think at [e-mail]