THE COMMUNION OF PRAYER (2)
December 21, 2003 AM
Sermon Outline
MATT 5:6
INTRO: When thou prayest... In conversations with numerous fellow disciples I think I hear agreement that prayer is a much neglected Christian resource. Both the study and the practice of prayer are often mentioned as needing more emphasis. And when I think of the position of prayer in maintaining our communication with God, I must agree. Prayer is one of the greatest power points in a Christians life. But if prayer is neglected, how are we to receive the blessing of prayer? In the brief moments of our study consider these prayer points.
I. PRIVACY OF PRAYER ... IT IS NOT FOR SHOW
A. Mt 6:5-7 - ...enter into thy closet...
1. not an injunction against public corporate prayer (cf. Acts 4:31a)
2. but the motive of prayer is the issue here
3. Pharisees loved to be heard & seen ... that is what they sought in praying ... They have their reward
B. Public & private prayer must be properly motivated
1. flowery prose, long speeches ... not necessary in praying
2. prayers should be honest, sincere, simple addresses to God
3. and prayer forms (vain repetitions?) must not creep into our prayers ... we need to speak personally to God
II. PREREQUISITE OF PRAYER ... AN OBLIGATION FOR ME
A. 1 Jno 3:22 - we receive...because we keep his commandments
1. we need to understand, appreciate what John is saying here
2. he plainly says some prayers are not going to penetrate into Gods presence ... which prayers are they?
3. those of Christians not obeying, not pleasing God!
B. God, Youve just got to answer my prayer!
1. whoa ... not so fast! how have you been living?
2. too often folks only want God when they have trouble ... how religious they become then (until the crisis passes)
3. if you want the power of prayer, give God your life in obedience ... prayers power depends on established, maintained relationship with God
III. PRESERVATION OF PRAYER ... GOD, HELP ME!
A. Acts 16:23-25 - ...at midnight Paul and Silas prayed...
1. when life tumbles in upon us, what do we do?
2. some folks just go to pieces (we have become breakdown prone) - any escape will do ... drugs, suicide, mental disorders
3. there is, however, another hopeful possibility ... prayer
B. Place the problem before our powerful, almighty, caring Father
1. that is what Paul and Silas did (think of Rom 8:28 here)
2. for many of us times will come when everything in our lives seems to collapse ... there is only one sensible thing to do then ... pray
3. Ps 18:3-6 - prayer (with confidence) is a strong anchor ... an invaluable aid in passing through tempestuous seas of life
IV. PATIENCE OF PRAYER ... WAIT AWHILE
A. Jas 5:17,18 with 1 Ki 18:41-44 - ...there is nothing...
1. Elijahs prayer was not immediately answered
2. rain did not begin with the first breathing of prayer ... and the servant sounded a bit despairing
3. but the rain did come ... in Gods time & way! and what is more, Elijah knew that Gods answer would come
B. Does the now generation have a problem with waiting?
1. listen: Ps 77:9 - do we feel this way?
2. an answer - the right answer- will come from God - but it will come when He and we are ready for it (we want the answer now; but God may see how unready we are for the answer now!)
3. patience is so necessary in every aspect of life - we must not become impatient with God
CLOSE: Are we making progress in prayer?
I know not by what methods rare,
But this I know: God answers prayer.
I know not if the blessing sought
will come in just the guise I thought.
I leave my prayer to Him alone
Whose will is wiser than my own.
Cecil A. Hutson
14 December 2003