We Believe Better than We Behave

James 4:1-2 – 1 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. (New Living Translation)

How Can My Behavior Match My Belief?

1. See prayer as _______________________________

Jeremiah 29:13-14 – 13 “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me.

“Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, 14 I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” . . . (The Message)

2. Perceive the separating power of _____________________ ________________

Isaiah 59:1-2 – 1 Listen! The Lord is not too weak to save you, and he is not becoming deaf. He can hear you when you call. 2 But there is a problem – your sins have cut you off from God. Because of your sin, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. (New Living Translation, 1st ed.)

Judges 16:20 – . . . [Samson] woke up and thought, “I’ll get loose and go free, as always.” He did not know that the Lord had left him. (Good News Translation)

3. Understand prayer prepares me for ___________________ _______________________

Ephesians 6:18 – Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (New Living Translation)

4. Don’t crowd out prayer for ______________ ___________

Luke 10:41-42 – 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and so upset over all these details! 42 There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and I won’t take it away from her.” (New Living Translation)

Psalm 46:10 – Be still, and know that I am God; . . . (New King James Version)

5. Don’t think I can handle things _______ ______________

James 4:1-2 – 1 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. (New Living Translation)

2 Chronicles 16:9 – For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to Him. . . . (Christian Standard Bible)