Our
Attitude in Prayer
Introduction:
One cannot pray acceptably w/o an awareness
of the divine laws that govern prayer & make it acceptable to God. We must pray
with a proper understanding of the characteristics, conditions, & the
contents of prayer. We cannot pray acceptably w/o an awareness of God’s divine
laws that govern prayer. Obviously, we should live so close to God, be so
filled w/admiration for Him, that our spirit is always one of thankfulness. Attitude
is everything in prayer!
A.
This is a quality of life that MUST characterize
our every thought/activity!
1.
Pride is a cause of spiritual failure.
a)
16:18 – leads to destruction
b)
29:23 – brings one low
c)
13:10 – leads to contention
d)
11:2 – brings about dishonor.
B.
Js. 4:1-10 – James links humility to prayer!
1.
4:2b-3 – note some praying w/wrong
motives!
2.
4:6 – God gives grace to the humble –
from Prov. 3:34
3.
4:10 – God will exalt the humble
4.
4:7-8 – The Humble person will submit to God
& draw near to Him!
C.
Look to Jesus’ teaching on this matter – Lk.
18:9-14
1.
Pharisee – self glorification
2.
Tax Collector – shame of sin committed
against God.
II. Love is an Essential Quality.
A.
Love
not easily defined. Best understood in what it does.
B.
Mt. 6:12 – God’s love must echo in us
1.
6:14-15 – mercy given only to those who show
mercy to others.
C.
Mt. 18:21-35 – question here: is there a limit to forgiveness?
D. What’s the lesson here?
1.
To pray for forgiveness & yet be unforgiving
makes our request to God futile.
III. We Must Pray With Expectancy!
A.
We must expect God to look favorably upon
our requests!
1.
Mt. 17:14-20 – disciples unable to cast out
demons in boy. Why? See 19-20.
B.
Mk. 11:22-24 – Jesus uses same
illustration in conversation w/Peter.
1.
23b-24 – Jesus emphasizes the need for
genuine faith in prayer.
2.
If we question whether God will in fact grant our
needs – we have made it impossible for God to grant them! See also Js.
1:6-7
IV. Must Pray with Watchfulness.
A.
Mt. 26:38-41 – Contrast here: sleep vs. watchfulness.
1.
Watching is often connected w/prayer. Lk. 21:36; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2
B.
Watch for: the Lord’s return – Mk. 13:33; guard
against temptation – Mt. 26:41
C.
When we fail to watch in prayer – our
mental/spiritual awareness is impaired.
Conclusion:
A.
Not a Christian? It is my prayer that you will see the need to get your life
right w/God.