1. Introduction
1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
1 John 5:14-15 AMPC And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. 15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.
#1 reason for unanswered prayer is that people pray incorrectly
2. Lifestyle of Prayer
Pray constantly – not just when you need something | Not just when you need help
James 4:2-3 You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 [Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures.
1 Peter 3:1-12 AMPC
Recognize the things in your life that hinder your prayers and root it out
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances…”
We should be in constant communication with the Lord. I talk to the Lord all throughout my day
God is not my last resort, He’s the one that I run too FIRST
3. Attitude of Gratitude
Be thankful for all that you have been given.
Do not come to the Lord like He owes you something.
We had this guy at the Church not long ago who would say things like he was upset at the Lord. Like He knew better the God.
I’m convinced he thought he was qualified to give God advice. Always striving, always trying to get ahead, but I never heard thankfulnes for what God had already done – which was SO MUCH.
When you are not thankful for what you have, you’ll lose it.
Matt 25:28-29 Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
deu 28:47-48 Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness of [mind and] heart [in gratitude] for the abundance of all [with which He had blessed you], 48 Therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord shall send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and in want of all things; and He will put a yoke of iron upon your neck until He has destroyed you.
Phil 4:6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
1 peter 5:5-6 For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)—[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble. 6 Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,
When we come before the Lord it should be with thanksgiving, it should be with gratitude
Gratitude: “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”
Recognize the things God has done, and what He does do for you already every single day!
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
4. Abide in Him: Pray According to the Word
John 15
ALTAR: Are you abiding in Him today?