REFLECTION: PSALM 145:10-13 BENEDICTION: REVELATION 1:5b-6 SUMMARY: Jesus shows us how we can invest wisely in prayer and people - with a guaranteed return! We cannot live out the virtues of the Sermon on the Mount on our own. We cannot earn a place in God's Kingdom. 1. INVEST IN ! Matthew 7:7-11 Jesus has spoken of prayer many times in this sermon. PRAYERLESS? No Christian is greater than their prayer life! PERSISTENCE - Prayer that is a burning pursuit of God Himself. Keep on ! [James 4:2-3] Keep on ! [Isaiah 55:6] Keep on ! [Ephesians 3:12] See Jeremiah 29:13 2. INVEST IN ! Matthew 7:12 “The Golden Rule” start with what WE WOULD WANT we finish with OTHERS WANT then we can rejoice in WHAT GOD WANTS (The Law & the Prophets)! See Philippians 2:3 “So” / "Therefore" - We cannot live out the Golden Rule without persisting in prayer. QUESTION: Do we PERSIST in our prayers for spiritual growth for ourselves and others? CALL TO ACTION: WHERE IS YOUR GROWTH IN CHRIST STALLED? Search out some spiritual qualities that you lack but would like to have…go back through the Sermon on the Mount. List them on your prayer list. Keep praying passionately, confidently for them! Begin investing in others!