What Happens When We Prey?

James 4:2 – . . . You do not have, because you do not ask. (English Standard Version)

James 4:3 – You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. (New American Standard Bible)

The Anatomy of a Prayer Request

He can say __________ to our petition but __________ to our motive

Genesis 19:15-16 – 15 At dawn the next morning the angels became insistent. “Hurry,” they said to Lot. “Take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Get out right now, or you will be swept away in the destruction of the city!”

16 When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the Lord was merciful. (New Living Translation)

He can say __________ to our petition and ___________ to our motive

He can say __________ to our petition and __________ to our motive

Psalm 66:17-19 – 17 For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I spoke. 18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. 19 But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. (New Living Translation)

1 Peter 3:7 – In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. . . . Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. (New Living Translation)

God’s Responses Can Take Three Additional Forms

Sometimes God responds with an immediate __________

Sometimes God says __________

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 – 7 . . . So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (New Living Translation)

Sometimes God says, “______________”