Praying Through a Problem | Bryan L. Carter | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Praying Through a Problem

Bryan L. Carter

Concord Church Dallas • Jun 7, 2026 • 40 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

When life brings prolonged pain, unanswered prayers, or difficult circumstances, we often wonder if God has forgotten us. In this message on Psalm 13, Pastor Bryan Carter walks through David's honest prayer, reminding us that honesty is the pathway to intimacy with God. By moving from protest to petition and ultimately to praise, believers learn to trust God's unfailing love even while waiting for answers.

Themes

PrayerLamentFaithfulness in TrialsTrust in GodSpiritual Intimacy

Pastor's Points

1.

The Protest (Psalm 13:1–2): Bringing honest questions to God

2.

The Petition (Psalm 13:3–4): Asking God to look, answer, and enlighten

3.

The Praise (Psalm 13:5–6): Trusting, rejoicing, and singing because God has been good

Key Points

1.
Honesty is the pathway to intimacy; God welcomes open, transparent, and unmasked prayer.
2.
Bringing hard questions to God does not reveal a lack of faith, but rather demonstrates the presence of faith in His sovereignty.
3.
Lament psalms represent 33% to 40% of the book of Psalms, showing that crying out in distress is a normal aspect of walking with God.
4.
When praying, we must remember whom we address: Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God, and Elohim, the Creator of the universe.
5.
It is acceptable to be human and acknowledge seasons where life feels heavier than we can bear.
6.
Like the Chinese bamboo tree that grows downward unseen for five years before shooting up, God forms deep root systems in us during seasons of waiting.
7.
Inactivity in our visible circumstances does not mean God is inactive in our spiritual formation.
8.

Sermon Moments

“Honesty is the pathway to intimacy.”

“Questions don't show a lack of faith; they show the presence of faith.”

“When you pray, you got to know you're not just talking to your boss... You are talking to the ruler of all rulers, Lord of lords, King of kings, Creator of the universe, and Sovereign God.”

“It's okay to be human. It's okay to have struggles.”

“When you can't trace His hand, you got to learn how to trust His heart.”

“Just because you can't see it doesn't mean God ain't moving.”

“Joy is a choice. You don't get joy; you choose joy.”

“For He has been good to me.”

This Week

Take off spiritual masks and pray with complete transparency about current struggles and doubts.

Bring specific 'How long?' questions directly to God in prayer rather than carrying them alone.

Remind yourself during prayer that you are addressing Yahweh (the covenant keeper) and Elohim (the Creator).

Grant yourself and others permission to grieve and process heavy seasons without resorting to quick spiritual cliches.

Reflect on seasons of waiting as root-building time, trusting God is working beneath the surface.

Choose joy intentionally each morning, relying on God's character rather than daily circumstances.

Write down specific ways God has been good to you in the past to fuel your trust during current trials.

Remember This

Honesty with God is the pathway to true intimacy, allowing us to move from honest protest to heartfelt petition and firm praise.

A Challenge for You

Look back over your past, your family, and your walk with God, and testify to yourself and others: 'He has been good to me.'

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.