Teaching summary
In this heartfelt message, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola teach on the simplicity, confidence, and relational nature of prayer under the New Covenant of Grace. They contrast religious guilt-driven approaches to prayer with the bold, childlike access we have to our Heavenly Father through Jesus. Using scripture and personal anecdotes, they emphasize that prayer should be confident, simple, and rooted in relationship—not performance. Believers are reminded they are fully righteous, holy, and welcome in God’s presence without shame or hesitation.
Bible verses referenced
Romans 6:4- "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
1 John 4:17- "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world."
Romans 8:29-30-"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."
Ephesians 4:24- "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
Romans 8:38-39- "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. Nor height, depth, or any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Luke 15:12- "And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living."
Hebrews 4:16- "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Romans 8:1- "There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: A New Season in Ministry
- What This Ministry Is About
- United with Christ – New Creation Realities
- The Covenant of Grace vs. Legalism
- Fellowship vs. Petition – Redefining "Prayer"
- The Heart of the Father – Approaching Boldly
- Examples from Parenting: No Groveling Required
- What Prayer Should Sound Like
- The Role of Fellowship in Confidence
- Final Encouragement
Introduction: A New Season in Ministry
Pastor Leonard opens with updates about recent travels and ministry engagements. He and Pastor Lori were in Johnson City (Binghamton, New York) being introduced to a new network of pastors. Though it disrupted their normal Sunday broadcast, they are excited about the opportunity to grow the Kingdom of God through new partnerships.
They express deep appreciation for all the encouragement and support from their viewers—cards, emails, and financial gifts—especially noting that giving has been down, though they rarely ask. They clarify any support goes directly toward outreach, equipment, and venues to spread the message of grace and help others grow in their identity in Christ.
What This Ministry Is About
Pastor Leonard explains that their ministry is devoted to revealing the finished work of Christ, not trying to improve people through works, but awakening them to who they already are in the spirit: holy, righteous, and sanctified. He emphasizes:
Romans 6:4– "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Believers are not trying to become holy—they already are. The problem is the clouded soul, filled with lies, that needs unveiling. The message they preach is not common; many still teach legalism, telling people what they must do to achieve what God already gave freely.
United with Christ – New Creation Realities
This section emphasizes that believers are united with Christ in every aspect—death, resurrection, and glory.
1 John 4:17–"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world."
Romans 8:29-30 – "For whom he did foreknow, he also predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son… them he also glorified."
Pastor Leonard unpacks that the word image in Greek means “exact duplicate copy.” Believers are not trying to become like Jesus—they are like Him. It is finished. It is a done deal.
The Covenant of Grace vs. Legalism
Pastor Lori explains that the old covenant was flawed—not because of God, but because of us. Humanity was the flaw. The new covenant of grace removed those flaws by removing us from the equation.
Ephesians 4:24– "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Under grace, guilt, shame, and condemnation have no place. Yet many believers still operate under a mixture of law and grace, believing they must do something to be worthy. This is false.
Romans 8:1 – "There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…"
Fellowship vs. Petition – Redefining %22Prayer
Pastor Leonard introduces two dimensions of time with God:
- Fellowship/Relational Time – praising, worshiping, thanking God, reflecting on His blessings.
- Petition/Prayer Time – simply bringing requests.
He stresses not to over complicate prayer. Relational time builds confidence. And when it’s time to ask, ask simply.
The Heart of the Father – Approaching Boldly
Romans 8:38-39 – "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life… shall be able to separate us from the love of God…" Even when we are not fellowshipping, God never considers the relationship broken. The separation is only in our minds. He is always ready and happy to hear from us.
Luke 15:12 – "And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living."
The prodigal son came boldly. So can we.
Hebrews 4:16 – "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Examples from Parenting: No Groveling Required
Using their daughter Allison as an example, the pastors explain that she never needs to grovel or explain before making a request. She simply calls and asks. Lori lights up when she hears Allison’s ringtone. That’s how the Father responds when you come to Him.
Even if it’s been a while, or the need is big or small—there is never judgment, only joy.
What Prayer Should Sound Like
Believers are told not to grovel, not to rehash all their shortcomings, and not to feel they must remind God of His Word. Just ask. That’s it.
Examples of simple, grace-filled prayer:
- “Father, I come to you on behalf of my wife. I ask you to heal her in the name of Jesus, for your glory and her good.”
- “Father, I have some discomfort. Please touch my nasal passage. In Jesus’ name, for your glory.”
You can even pray for the salvation of loved ones: - “Father, I pray that my son would know you. Make it happen in Jesus’ name, for your glory and his good.”
The Role of Fellowship in Confidence
Pastor Lori adds that fellowship is when she quotes scripture and praises God—not to get something, but to grow the relationship. The more she does this, the more confident she feels when making requests. It builds an unshakable understanding of God’s love and faithfulness.
As Pastor Leonard explains, it’s not that the relationship grows—it’s that our understanding of the relationship grows. And this clarity gives us peace and boldness.
Final Encouragement
Believers are encouraged to pray simply, boldly, and without guilt, shame, or fear. God is not angry or distant. He is "Abba"—a loving, delighted Father.
So come.
- Ask.
- Believe.
- And receive—in Jesus’ name, for God’s glory and your good.
We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with anyone who struggles to understand how deeply loved and accepted they are by their Heavenly Father. Let them know they can come boldly, without shame, and make their requests known. Jesus made the way—now simply come.