Unity & Intimacy | Scott Hawk

·39 min·3 clips

A study found 61% of people pray regularly, but Scott Hawk feels like a bad Christian compared to the 18-minute average.

The episode begins with Scott Hawk sharing a study that found 61% of people pray regularly, with an average prayer length of 18 minutes, which he humorously contrasts with his own habits. He then tells a story about his teenage son having a 'do not disturb' phone setting with a special list for certain callers, using it as a metaphor for feeling distant from God in prayer. Hawk transitions to the main scripture, John 17, where Jesus prays for his disciples and all future believers. He highlights two themes from the prayer: unity among believers and intimacy with Jesus. The host discusses how disunity arises from topics like infant baptism, political affiliations, and social issues, but the gospel unites people through common sinfulness and need for a Savior. He cites Romans 3:23 and 5:8 to support this. Hawk explains that unity is not about uniformity but about loving one another as a witness to the world, referencing John 13:34-35. He offers practical ways to promote unity, such as praying for others, joining small groups, working through conflict, and avoiding gossip. The sermon then shifts to intimacy with Jesus, defined as closeness rather than just sexual intimacy. Hawk shares a personal story about a getaway with his wife, Amber, to Pensacola Beach, Florida, to illustrate the importance of closeness in relationships. He connects this to the need for experiential knowledge of Jesus, beyond head knowledge, citing Eugene Peterson's interpretation of John 14:6. Hawk suggests practical steps for following Jesus, including silence, solitude, Sabbath, and simplicity, and mentions John Mark Comer's book 'Practicing the Way'. He concludes by inviting listeners to slow down and listen to God's voice, emphasizing that the invitation to walk with Jesus remains open. The episode ends with a prayer and closing remarks about Praise Church's mission.

As heard by us

A sermon on prayer, Christian unity, and love that makes faith visible.

Prayer sits at the center of this Praise Church sermon, framed as both nearness to God and a witness that others can see. The speaker moves from a note about regular prayer and a light story about a teenager's phone on do not disturb into Jesus' prayer for his followers to be…

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Want a church message that connects prayer, listening for Jesus, and loving other Christians across real differences?

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