Scripture Reading: Psalm 145:14-21
The Focus of Our Prayers
Intro.
1. Prayer is based on and the expression of the Christian’s relationship with God, Matt. 6:9; 7:11; 1 Pet. 3:10-12 (Psa. 34:11-16).
2. God’s house (church) is a house of prayer, Isa. 56:7 (1 Pet. 2:5; Rev. 8:3-4).
3. Prayer should have a regular place in our lives, 1 Thess. 5:17; Col. 4:2. If it does not, then why not?
I. THE FOCUS OF PRAYER.
A. Our Father in Heaven, Matt. 6:9.
1. God as our Provider and Protector (physically and spiritually), Matt. 6:25-33; Gal. 4:4-7 (provisions, preservation and redemption).
2. Prayer expresses our humble dependence upon our Father.
3. Reverence is due Him in our prayers, Matt. 6:9.
B. It is Our Privilege to Seek Favor from Our Heavenly
Father,
Phil. 4:6-7.
(cf.
Isa. 55:6-7
– Salvation and continued favor)
1. Ask and receive, Matt. 7:7-8.
a. With right motives, cf. Jas. 4:3.
b. With the right faith, 1 Jno. 5:14-15.
c. For right things, Matt. 6:10-13 (praise, needs, entreaty, intercession, blessings, confession, thanksgiving, etc.).
2. A child of God can pray about everything to his heavenly Father within the framework of faith in Him, respecting His will, and with a sincere heart, cf. Heb. 4:16; 1 Jno. 3:22.
C. Our Faith in Our Heavenly Father, Jas. 1:5-8.
1. Prayer expresses our trust in God (presence, power and protection), Psa. 40:1-4; 34:4-9.
2. Devotion (singleness of heart) must characterize our prayers, cf. Jesus, Matt. 26:36-44.
3. Trust God is not far from us: Hears and answers us, Matt. 7:7-11.
4. Don’t become discouraged in prayer, Lk. 18:1, 8.
-Persistence in our faith that prayer works, Jas. 5:16.
II. WHY DO WE LOSE CONCENTRATION (FOCUS) WHEN WE PRAY?
Distractions of the sinful world, Lk. 21:34-36.
Too busy with other things, Eph. 6:18.
Self-reliance instead of humble dependency upon God, Lk. 18:9-14.
Do not expect God to answer: Little faith in the presence and power of God to hear and answer our prayers, Mk. 11:23-24.
Discontented with God’s answers, 2 Cor. 12:8-10.
III. WE CAN BRING OUR PRAYERS INTO FOCUS BY REMEMBERING…
Who we speak to in prayer, Acts 1:24.
What we want to pray about, cf. Col. 1:9.
Why we are praying about it, cf. Col. 1:10-11 (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
That God hears and answers our prayers, Jas. 5:16 (1 Jno. 3:22).
When possible, to choose an environment that is conducive to prayer, Mk. 1:35; Acts 10:9-10. [We can pray anywhere, anytime.]
Give up the prideful, self-reliant, “I can do it alone” mentality, 1 Pet. 5:5-6; cf. Jesus, Heb. 5:7.
Conclusion
1. Prayer is a tremendous spiritual blessing we have in Christ!
2. It is not a casual, half-hearted exercise.
3. Not a recital of rehearsed phrases, but the genuine, sincere sentiment of our heart before and unto God.
4. Every honor, reverence, humility and praise must attend our prayers as we focus on our Heavenly Father, His favor, and our faith in Him to hear and to answer according to His will.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: November 17, 2017