04/10/05 – “PRAYER – A CONVERSATION WITH GOD”
Prayer is essentially a conversation with God – It is a choice and the fundamental dynamic that builds our relationship with God
Individual prayer is a private conversation, it’s confidential, it’s personal, it’s you and God…one on one in a relational dynamic
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Phil.4:6
“In the early morning, while it was still dark, He (Jesus) arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there.” Mark.1:35
Jesus’ prayer life had intentionality – Praying was not about comfort or convenience…prayer with the Father was a priority
“And Simon and his companions hunted for Him; and they found Him and said to Him, ‘Everyone is looking for You.’”
Jesus had a full schedule and was in constant demand –The future of humanity was at stake, yet He withdrew to a place of prayer before the Father
Disciples also got tired – Not even time to eat - “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while.” – Mark 6:31 – To be with God
Prayer is powerful – Not just for intercessors and specialists - Prayer is sacrificial in nature and requires us to draw close to Lord
Prayer leads to salvation, restores the backslider, strengthens the saints, heals the sick, glorifies His name
“God things” happen when we pray to our heavenly Father…He imparts wisdom to us, gives us peace and leads us not into temptation
Our attitude in prayer is to be humble, bold, sincere, loving, persistent, definite and fervent – and above all honest
The early church was a praying church – Prayer preceded Pentecost! – Prayer moves us from the natural realm to the spiritual
True prayer will shield our hearts from bitterness – Circumstances don’t always change but we are changed in relation to our circumstances
HINDRANCES TO PRAYER
1. Unconfessed Sin – Sin causes us to pull away from God and a vital relationship descending to a nominal religious activity
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” – James 5:16 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us…”
2. Lack of Sincerity – Do you enjoy being with insincere people? Religious routine does not necessarily touch God’s heart – Must be honest
3. Wrong Motives – “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may append it on your pleasures.” – James 4:3
“For in Him we live and move and exist…” – Acts 17:28 – Self serving motives will miss the mark…It’s not about us…It’s about Him
4. Unbelief – “But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.” – Without faith it’s impossible to please God – It’s personal believing faith
5. Satanic Activity – “The god of this age has blinded the hearts and minds of the unbelieving.” 2 Corinthians 4:4
The devil seeks to dissuade, confuse and bring chaos…as an angel of light, deceitfully appealing to our self interests
Be wary of, “You deserve it” or “You don’t deserve that” - “…we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” – 2 Cor. 10:5
6. Domestic Problems – How men treat their wives directly affects their prayer life – A man is to love his wife as Christ loved the church
“You husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way…grant her honor as a fellow-heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” – 1Peter 3:3-4 - Husbands prayers only go to the ceiling unless we live with our wife in an understanding way
7. Pride – There is nothing good about sinful pride–Clothe ourselves with humility–1 Peter 5:5 - God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble
Pride is something we easily recognize in others, but much more rarely see in ourselves - Before honor comes humility
8. Robbing God –Tithing preceded Mosaic Law - The Principle of the tithe was in place for the new church on the Day of Pentecost
“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed Thee?’ In tithes and offerings. – Malachi 3:8
Selfishness hinders our prayer life - If God gets our money, He’s close to getting our hearts – He opens windows of heaven…rebukes the devourer…pour out blessing that overflows – God loves a cheerful giver!
9..Unforgiveness – When presenting our gift at the altar, if we have something against someone, go and get it reconciled first
“For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” – Matthew 6:14-15 – Just as our eternal salvation is based on forgiveness – So also are we to forgive others
If we don’t deal with hindrances they will deal with you! – The Lord will help us
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30