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Prayer

  • Our relationship with Christ ought to be one of constant dependence and communion.  Prayer is a natural outflow of that dependence and communion.
  • Prayer isn't the way to get God to do whatever we want.  Prayer is an expression of our trust in God's power, wisdom and grace.
 
  • The Holy Spirit, Our Prayer Partner 24/7
Romans 8:26-27
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
  • Prayers of the Saints are Precious
Revelation 5:8
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
  • Prayer, Our Strength and Power
     Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
     Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
     Ephesians 6:18 - part of our armor
 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 HINDRANCES TO ANSWERED PRAYER:
  • Disobedience - Deut. 1:45
  • Secret Sin - Psalm 66:18
  • Indifference - Prov. 1:28
  • Neglect of Mercy - Prov. 21:13
  • Despising the Law - Prov. 28:9
  • Blood-guiltiness - Is. 1:15
  • Iniquity - Is. 59:2, Mi. 3:4
  • Stubbornness - Zech. 7:13
  • Instability - James 1:6-7
  • Self-indulgence - James 4:3
 
CONDITIONS TO ANSWERED PRAYER:
  • Contrition - 2 Chr. 7:14
  • Godly - Psalm 4:3
  • Whole-heartedness - Jer. 29:13
  • Faith - Mark 11:24
  • Righteousness - James 5:16
  • Obedience - 1 John 3:22

Think, too, these are the things God is most pleased with.  Why wouldn't He answer a prayer such as  this?!  If you were to look up each of these Bible references, I think you would find an "if" phrase or a "when" clause...in other words, conditional phrases.  God puts forth certain conditions--conditions of which I already listed above--and if we will just follow those conditions God sets forth, He promises to answer our prayers!  I love God's promises.  They are so precious.  Just think for a moment:  God, our Heavenly Father has made us certain promises, and He cannot lie!  He desires a rich, wonderful relationship with us--one which includes answered prayer--all we have to do is trust and obey.  I love that song too!  "Trust and Obey...for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!"   

     
       May we truly learn to
             Trust & Obey!
    
      Merle
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