Bikers Church Cape Town

THE HABIT OF PRAYER

Pst. Kobus Massyn



“How our posture in prayer shapes our outcomes”

If we say “ Prayer changes circumstances”. We need to take note of the fact that it is a effort from us to God. It is our action, focus and intention to connect with the King of Kings. The beauty of it is that He enables, encourage and responds to our every effort.

But the result is not in the dynamic of prayer. Not the technique of prayer. Or the amount of prayer.
But the habit of prayer.

Because prayer is not built in moments of crisis —
prayer is built in habits of posture.

In Luke 11:1 we read:

“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him,
‘Lord, teach us to pray…’”

They didn’t ask Him:

Teach us how to preach
Teach us how to heal
Teach us how to lead

They said:
“Teach us to pray.”

Because they understood something:
Prayer shapes everything else.

Prayer shapes:

our perspective
our patience
our faith
our relationships
our identity

Prayer is not only words…
Prayer is posture.

And I want to structure this message around four habits that shape powerful prayer.

BE CURIOUS, NOT CRITICAL

How: Say “Wow” (Rom 11:33)

When we come to God in prayer, our posture matters.

Critical prayer sounds like:

“Why, God?”
“This is not fair.”
“This should not be happening.”



But curious prayer sounds like:

“Lord… what are You doing here?”
“How is Your hand at work?”
“What can I learn from this?”

Curiosity opens heaven.
Criticism closes hearts.

Mary and the Angel

Luke 1:34–38

“Mary asked the angel, ‘How will this be, since I am a virgin?’
The angel answered… ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you…’
Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.’”

Mary does not say:

“This is impossible.”
“Choose someone else.”
“This is too much.”

She says:
“How will this be?”

That is not doubt —
that is curiosity.

And because of that posture, she becomes the carrier of the Messiah.

Outcome

Curiosity positioned Mary for:

miracle
destiny
calling
history

James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God…”

Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Application

In prayer:

Don’t begin with judgment
Begin with wonder

Teach your heart to say:
“Wow, God… what are You doing here?”



Because:

Critical hearts see problems.
Curious hearts see possibilities.

BE CAREFUL, NOT CRUSHING

How: Respect the growth

God works in processes, not shortcuts.

Prayer must respect:

timing
seasons
maturity
development

We often want:

instant answers
fast breakthroughs
immediate results

But God often works:

slowly
deeply
steadily

Elijah and the Rain

1 Kings 18:41–44

Elijah prays for rain.

Once — nothing.
Twice — nothing.
Third time — nothing.

On the seventh time, the servant says:

“A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.”

Small sign.
But Elijah knows —
big breakthrough is coming.

He does not despise the small cloud.
He respects the growth.

Outcome

That small cloud produced:

heavy rain
national restoration
answered prophecy

Zechariah 4:10
“Do not despise these small beginnings…”

Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest…”

Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him…”

Application

In prayer:

Don’t rush God
Don’t crush the process
Don’t despise small signs

Because:

Crushing kills faith.
Careful cultivates miracles.

Sometimes the greatest prayer is not:
“Lord, hurry.”

But:
“Lord, help me wait well.”

ASK, DON’T ASSUME

How: Create the opportunity for answers

Many believers assume:

“God already knows.”
“God sees my need.”
“God understands.”

Yes — He does.

But God responds not to need…
He responds to faith expressed through asking.

Unasked prayers remain unanswered prayers.

Blind Bartimaeus

Mark 10:46–52

Jesus stops and asks him:

“What do you want Me to do for you?”

Jesus already knows he is blind.
But He still asks.

Why?

Because God wants us to:

articulate our faith
define our desire
express our trust

Bartimaeus answers clearly:

“Rabbi, I want to see.”

Outcome

Jesus responds:

“Go… your faith has healed you.”

And immediately he receives sight.

Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find…”

John 16:24
“Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

James 4:2
“You do not have because you do not ask God.”

Application

In prayer:

Stop assuming
Start asking

Be:

specific
honest
bold

Because:

Assumption is silent faith.
Asking is activated faith.

CONNECT, BEFORE YOU CORRECT

How: Relationship before instruction

Prayer is not first about fixing.
Prayer is first about fellowship.

Correction without connection creates resistance.
Connection creates transformation.

God changes us more through:

closeness
than through
criticism

Jesus and Peter after failure

John 21:15–17

Peter denied Jesus three times.

Jesus meets him on the beach.

He does not say:

“Why did you fail?”
“Where were you?”
“Explain yourself.”

He says:

“Simon… do you love Me?”

Three times — restoring the heart
before restoring the calling.

Only after connection does Jesus say:

“Feed My sheep.”

Outcome

Connection restored:

identity
confidence
leadership
destiny

Peter becomes the preacher of Pentecost.

Psalm 25:14
“The Lord confides in those who fear Him…”

John 15:4
“Remain in Me, as I also remain in you…”

2 Corinthians 3:18
“We are transformed… as we behold the Lord…”

Application

In prayer:

Don’t rush into fixing
First sit in God’s presence

Because:

God heals more in presence
than in pressure.

Sometimes prayer is not talking.
Sometimes prayer is simply:
being with Him.



IT IS THE HABIT THAT SHAPES EVERYTHING

Prayer is not just an event.
Prayer is a habit.

And habits shape outcomes.

When we pray with:

Curiosity → we see revelation
Carefulness → we see growth
Asking → we see answers
Connection → we see transformation

Jesus lived a life of power
because He lived a life of prayer habits.

OUR CHALLENGE

This week:

Be curious with God
Be patient with process
Be bold in asking
Be present before correcting

Because:

The habit of prayer
builds the heart
that can carry the power of God.

What is the Meaning of Prayer?

“Do not make prayer a monologue* …. make it a conversation”
(A long speech by one person not allowing others to speak. It often leaves you feeling unheard, empty and uncertain.)

“Luke 18:7 – Will not God bring about justice for His chosen who cry out to Him day and night.”

We need to increase the intensity of our prayers! Crying day and night!!! We just don’t pray enough! It takes time spent in earnest prayer to receive revelation from God! Little time and hurry just spoil the picture! More time and early hours would most surely revive and invigorate dead spiritual lives!

Time spent with God will bring abundance to our lives!  When we are devoted to Him in our quiet time, we will be devoted to Him in public!! Lingering in God’s presence and waiting upon Him opens spiritual eyes and ears!

More time and early hours produce holy living! A holy life would not be so rare and difficult if our devotional “quiet times” were not so short and hurried!

Silent and patient waiting on Him in prayer is lifeblood to the true believer!! Cry out to Him day and night and you will never be the same again!!” – Peter Pollock

Prayer is simply defined as communication from humans to God, involving earnest requests or entreaties,(smekinge) and it serves as a direct means of speaking one-on-one with the great God of the universe.

Scripture affirms that God hears the prayers of those who trust in Him,

Jeremiah 33:3 (Amp) – Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).

As seen in numerous Psalms, and Jesus emphasizes its importance by teaching the disciples to pray regularly.

He used phrases like "when you pray" rather than "if you pray."

This highlights prayer as essential to the Christian life.

It was modelled by Jesus Himself who frequently prayed to His Father, highlighting prayers role in developing humility, praise for God's holiness, oneness with His kingdom, and submission to His will.

The English word "pray" derived from Latin "prex," meaning a request, supplication(Smeking), or petition,(asking for things)

Prayer is approaching a Sovereign King, beginning with reverence toward "Our Father in heaven."

It includes intimate fellowship, emphasizing the believers' privileged access to God's power.

Hebrews 4:16 (Amp) - “Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].”

Prayer varies, from reflecting emotions from complaint to supplication, - and it is essential for seeking God, spiritual warfare, and aligning ourselves with His purpose.

Matthew 6:9-13 -  "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed (to treat Gods name as set apart, pure, and deserving of ultimate reverence) be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

Jesus provides the model prayer, beginning with praise for God's holiness and submission to His kingdom and will, it produces a humble attitude.

It includes daily requests for provisions and forgiveness, while prioritizing God's purpose over material needs, to be in line with heaven's order.

The prayer addresses God as "Our Father," implying a shared relationship with us and God.

Luke 18:1 -  "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart

Jesus commands persistent prayer, to avoid discouragement, Which He illustrated by the persistent widow, showing us how God responds to His children who cry out day and night.

Philippians 4:6 - "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication(a humble, earnest, respectful prayer), with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."

Psalm 55:17 -  "Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice."

David affirms regular prayer times, reflecting on our commitment to God's kingdom work and submission to His will, with assurance of being heard by Him.

James 5:15-16 -  "And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Fervent(vurig) prayer, rooted in faith and fellowship, is effective, impacting healing and forgiveness through a sincere praying heart.

Scripture is very clear that prayer is a privilege which must fit into God's purpose and plan for our lives.

We cannot alter this clear instruction to pray – many don’t take prayer serious enough, we pray when we have time, or when we have a crises.

James 4:3 - “And even when you do ask you don’t get it because your whole aim is wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”

In conclusion:

“Prayer is the measure of a man’s real spiritual condition” - E.M. Bounds

“Prayer is presented as a lifestyle of “Constant Communication” with God, not a mere duty or occasional activity”

1Thessalonians 5:17- “Never stop praying.”

To Stand in Awe — Expecting the God Who can…

By Pastor Kobus Massyn

Sunday 04-01-2026



God still invites His people into moments of holy awe — and those moments mark transformation, intimacy, and calling.

 

What Does It Mean to Stand in Awe?

God isn’t distant — He invites us into moments where we see the holy and we stand in awe of Him.

 

Definition of Awe:

Awe = reverence + wonder + fear of the Lord.
It’s not terror without love, but holy awethat draws us closer.

 

Theme Scripture:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” — Psalm 111:10



holy fear isn’t negative; it opens the door to intimacy, wisdom, and transformation. (John Bevere “in Awe”)

 

Why can we stand in awe?

 

Psalms 139:17-18

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! [Ps 40:5] If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.”

 

1 Corinthians 15:19

“If we who are [abiding] in Christ have hoped only in this life [and this is all there is], then we are of all people most miserable and to be pitied. “

 

Romans 8:11

'And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you. '

 

How do we see when People are in Awe?

 

Pattern #1 — Awe Moves People to Worship and Submission

 

Moses at the Burning Bush

 

Exodus 3:1–6 (AMP)

“Then Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.” (v.6)

 

He hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.

Moses didn’t just see God — he realized his own smallness and God’s holiness. This set him up for obedience.

When we stand in Awe, it reorients our hearts from self-focus to God-focus.

 

Pattern #2 — Awe Happens When God’s Presence Is Manifested

 

Israel at Sinai

 

Exodus 19:16–19; 20:18–20 (AMP)

 

“All the people trembled and stood at a distance.” (20:18)

 

“Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and so that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you will not sin.” (20:20)



When God came down with thunder, smoke, and fire, the people stood at a distance.
They didn’t rush in — they feared, they respected, they listened.

When we stand in Awe, it creates reverent distance and godly fear, not casual familiarity.

 

Pattern #3 — Awe Creates Confession and Repentance

 

Isaiah 6:1–5 (AMP)

“Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips…” (v.5)

“The foundations of the thresholds trembled…” (v.4)

 

Isaiah’s Vision

“I am lost… a man of unclean lips.”

Encountering God’s holiness unveiled sin and invited confession.

Awe reveals reality — who God is and who we are.



Pattern #4 — Awe Prepares People for Mission

 

Peter at the Miraculous Catch

 

Luke 5:8–11 (AMP)

“Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (v.8)

 

“From now on you will be catching men.” (v.10)



Peter doesn’t first ask why — he confesses who Jesus is.

His awe leads to “depart from me” and “follow me.”

When we stand in awe, it always leads people toward purpose.

 

Pattern #5 — Awe Brings Joy and Transformation

 

The Resurrection Encounter

 

Matthew 28:8 (AMP)

“They left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy.”

 

The women were afraid and full of joy.

They didn’t collapse in uncertainty — they ran to share the news.



When we stand in Awe, we are not paralyzed — it propels us.

 

Awe is Holy Fear and Holy Fear Is a Gift



Holy fear is not being scared of Godbut being terrified of being away from Him and sin.
It draws believers into intimacyand strengthens faith to endure.

 

“…a consuming fire.” — Hebrews 12:29

The awe of God is not cold distance but consuming presence.

 

Expecting “Awe” moments.

 

How Do We Prepare for Awe?

Hunger for His presence
Pray Scripture like Psalm 42: “As the deer pants for water…”
Practice reverence
Slow down in worship, confession, prayer.
Make space for God’s presence
Spiritual awe often shows up where sin is confessed and hearts are soft.
Anticipate God to move
God is not hiding — He is revealing Himself to those who seek Him with reverence.

At the Right Time, Through Me

By Pastor Kobus Massyn

31 December 2025

 

God Has Always Chosen to Work Through Ordinary People

Key Truth: God delights in using ordinary, willing people to accomplish extraordinary purposes.



Scripture References:

 

1 Corinthians 1:27–29
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
Exodus 4:10–12
Moses says he is not eloquent, yet God responds:
“Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
Judges 6:15–16
Gideon: “My clan is the weakest… and I am the least.”
God: “I will be with you.”



Preaching Emphasis:
God doesn’t ask who you are — He asks who you trust.



“Through Me” Requires Trust in God’s Timing

Key Truth: God’s purposes unfold at the right time, not our preferred time.

 

Scripture References:

Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Habakkuk 2:3
“For the revelation awaits an appointed time… Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
Galatians 4:4
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son.”



Preaching Emphasis:
God is never late — heaven runs on divine appointments.

 

God Changes Circumstances by Changing People

Key Truth: God often answers our prayers for change by working through us.

 

Scripture References:

Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”
Matthew 5:14–16
“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others.”



Preaching Emphasis:
You are not just praying for change — you are positioned to carry it.

 

God’s Power Is Released Through Obedience

Key Truth: God’s power flows most freely through surrendered obedience.

 

Scripture References:

John 14:12
“Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these.”
James 2:17
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Zechariah 4:6
“‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”

 

Preaching Emphasis:
Obedience turns faith into movement.

 

A New Year Begins With a Willing Heart

Key Truth: God’s question for the new season is not “Can you?” but “Will you?”

 

Scripture References:

Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
Romans 12:1
“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

 

Preaching Emphasis:
A surrendered life becomes a powerful instrument in God’s hands.

 

New Years Declaration

Ephesians 3:20
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”



“Within us… through us.”

 

Declaration:

Lord, at the right time,
through me,
use my life for Your glory.
Here I am — send me.

Thus Far… and Forward on the Cornerstone

By Pastor Kobus Massyn

28-12-2025



Key Scripture

1 Samuel 7:12 (NKJV / ESV sense) - “Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.’”

 

Introduction

As we come to the end of a year, we naturally pause and look back.
We remember moments of joy—but also seasons of loss, pressure, and unanswered questions.

Some experienced breakthroughs; others simply survived.

And today, God brings us to a simple but powerful truth:

Thus far the LORD has helped us.

 

The Road to Ebenezer

Ebenezer was not a victory without history.
For many years, Israel had drifted spiritually. Their hearts were divided. There was pressure from outside and unrest within.



Then Samuel speaks clearly:

1 Samuel 7:3 - “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods…”

The people respond:

1 Samuel 7:4 - “So the children of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only.”

At Mizpah:

1 Samuel 7:6 - “They fasted that day and said there, ‘We have sinned against the LORD.’”

Before they asked for deliverance from their enemies, they sought restoration with God.

The Attack and the Prayer

 

As soon as the Philistines heard Israel had gathered:

1 Samuel 7:7 - “The lords of the Philistines went up against Israel.”

Fear grips the people, but this time they do not run.
They turn to Samuel:



1 Samuel 7:8 - “Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us.”

And Scripture says:

1 Samuel 7:9 - “Samuel cried out to the LORD for Israel, and the LORD answered him.”



God’s Intervention

1 Samuel 7:10 - “The LORD thundered with a loud thunder upon the Philistines… and they were routed.”

The victory is clear:

1 Samuel 7:13 - “So the Philistines were subdued… and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.”

Israel did not win by strength or strategy.
God Himself fought for them.

 

The Meaning of Ebenezer

Only after repentance, prayer, and divine intervention does Samuel raise the stone and declare:



1 Samuel 7:12 - “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

This truth echoes throughout Scripture:

Psalm 127:1 - “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”

Ebenezer is not a statement of perfection—It is a confession of grace.



From Ebenezer to the Cornerstone

The Old Testament points forward:

 

Psalm 118:22 - “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”

Jesus applies it to Himself:

Matthew 21:42 - “Have you never read in the Scriptures…?”

The apostles affirm:

Ephesians 2:20 - “…Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.”

1 Peter 2:6 - “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious.”

And Paul declares:

1 Corinthians 3:11 - “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Conclusion

Today we look back and say with gratitude:

Ebenezer — Thus far the LORD has helped us
(1 Samuel 7:12)

 

But we also look forward with faith and declare:

Jesus Christ is our Cornerstone
(Psalm 118:22 | Ephesians 2:20 | 1 Peter 2:6)

 

The God who has carried you to this point
is the same God who will carry you forward.

And when your life is built on Christ,
it will stand—no matter what comes.