Scripture Reading: Luke 11:1-4
Prayer: Our Forgotten Blessing
Intro.
1. Children learn early in life that by asking their parents, many of needs, wants and wishes will be met.
2. We have a similar relationship with our heavenly Father, Matt. 7:7-11.
3. Yet, Christians forget to pray.
a. We forget the great advantage that our God hears and answers our prayers.
b. We neglect the power and privilege of prayer.
c. We become sufficient in our abundance, cf. Deut. 8:1-20.
4. Neglecting our relationship with God is reflected by lack of prayer.
I. THE PROMISE OF PRAYER.
A. God Hears and Answers Our Prayers, Matt. 7:11; 21:22; 1 Pet. 3:10-12; 1 Jno. 5:14-15.
1. God's promise is rooted in the power and integrity of God, Jer. 32:27; Matt. 19:26; Heb. 6:18.
-We must trust His word and power.
2. God answers are always be in our best interest: Expressions of His love for us.
3. Our prayers must respect God:
a. Truth and fear, Psa. 145:18-19.
b. Ask in faith, Jas. 1:5-8 (Matt. 21:22).
c. According to God's will, 1 Jno. 5:14.
II. THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER. Pray about...
A. Our Attitudes, Phil. 4:6-8. From anxiety to pure thoughts.
-Some things prayer helps:
1. Our lives in general, 1 Tim. 2:1-2; 1Thess. 5:17-22.
2. Temptations, Matt. 26:41; Heb. 4:14-16.
3. Sin, Psa. 69:5; Acts 8:22; 1 Jno. 1:9; Jas. 5:16.
4. Spiritual growth, Lk. 17:5.
5. Others, Col. 1:3, 9-12; 4:2-3 (intercessory).
6. Heaven, 1 Pet.1:3-5 (expectation, thanks, endurance...).
B. Our Actions, cf. 1 Pet. 3:7; Eph. 6:18-20.
III. THE PATIENCE OF PRAYER, Psa. 55:16-17.
A. The Endurance to Keep on Praying, Lk. 18:1, 8; Acts 2:42; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2 (1 Thess. 5:17).
B. The Faith to Accept God's Answers, Matt. 26:39, 42; 2 Cor. 12:7-10.
1. Contentment with God's answer is contentment with God - That He knows best, and that His will is (always) right.
2. The secret to being content with God's answers is faith in the power of Christ, Phil. 4:10-13.
Conclusion
1. If prayer does not have a regular, permanent place in our life, then we need to examine ourselves and find out why not, 2 Cor. 13:5.
2. Then, you need to repair your relationship with your heavenly Father so that you will want to speak with Him regularly.
3. Never forget the blessings of prayer: Its promise, its practice and its patience.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: October 16, 2015