Teach Us To Pray: When We've Messed It All Up | Brian Smith

Teach Us To Pray: When We've Messed It All Up | Brian Smith

From digitalDBC by Dunwoody Baptist Church

April 20, 2026 · 38 min · Season 2024 · Episode 243

About this episode

Brian Smith discusses how to pray and seek restoration after making mistakes in life.

In week two of the series,"Teach Us To Pray," Brian Smith, Young Adults and Teaching Pastor, explores the theme of how to pray when we have made a mess of our own lives. He uses the narrative of King David in 2nd Samuel , tracing David's journey from a "man after God’s own heart" to a man who committed adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrated the murder of Uriah. Brian emphasizes that while we often blame others for the chaos in our lives, our "small" choices frequently lead to significant, destructive consequences that can leave us spiritually blind. Drawing from Psalm 51 , Brian outlines a pattern for restoration: first, developing a personal relationship with God to understand His character; second, owning the severity of our sins without making excuses; third, asking for forgiveness; and finally, begging God to create a "clean heart" and do the internal work we cannot do for ourselves. Brian concludes by reminding the congregation that God does not seek outward religious performances or sacrifices, but rather a broken and humble spirit that acknowledges its need for His presence and the Holy Spirit.

People in this episode

Guest: Brian Smith

Topics covered

  • prayer
  • forgiveness
  • spiritual restoration
  • personal relationship with God
  • consequences of sin

Keywords

  • prayer
  • King David
  • Psalm 51
  • forgiveness
  • spiritual blindness
  • restoration
  • humility

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Dunwoody Baptist Church

Books & works: Psalm 51

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