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.

18m1020de Running to Pray the Father in Heaven

Subscribe to Well Faith with Chris Teien where you get your podcasts or go to wellfaith.buzzsprout.com Easily search these messages on our well.faith website. Find inspiring posts, faith building resources, and encouragement for a better life at ChrisTeien.com Join us 10:15am Sundays in person at 93 Midway Dr, Virginia, MN 55792 or online at rockwell.church #rockwellchurch218

Note: New messages shared Sundays. Encouraging replay messages from Pastor Chris’s previous ministry (2021 and earlier), marked with an asterisk (*), shared Wednesdays.