Learning to Pray the Proper Way: Principles of Praying Properly

I. Introduction

Today I want to speak to you on the topic of Learning to Pray the Proper Way: Principles of Praying Properly. All week something kept drawing me to the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Now I had no idea what God was wanting me to speak on so I sat down Thursday night and opened my Bible to Ezra Chapter 1 and just began to read.

Now Ezra picks up where 2nd Chronicles leaves off. The Children of Israel had been taken into Babylonian captivity where they spent the next 70 years exiled from their homeland until Cyrus the Great of Persia comes into power.

Cyrus, anointed by God (Isaiah 45:1), receives a burden from God to allow the Children of Israel to return home to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple of God. Cyrus said in:

2 Chronicles 36:23 — 23 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.

So a remnant of God’s people, around 50,000, led by a man named Zerubbabel, return home to Jerusalem and begin the work of rebuilding God’s temple. Now, Ezra was a Scribe or a Priest and he was very well versed in the laws of God that had been passed down from generation to generation.

And the Bible says of Ezra that he had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments and that’s exactly what he did!

He returned home to Jerusalem with another group of Israelites some 70+ years after the initial return but along the way, the people did that which was wrong in the sight of the Lord and did not listen to His commandments so when Ezra finds out, he basically calls them out for their transgressions and then they repented and got back on the right track.

So, the temple has been completed but the great city of Jerusalem still isn’t back to it’s former days of glory for the walls had been broken down and the gates burned with fire when the Babylonians ransacked it before which brings us to the Book of Nehemiah.

Nehemiah opens with an inquiry about his homeland to one of his brethren, Hanani, who had just returned from there. Hanani and some other friends inform Nehemiah that the people of Jerusalem are in great affliction and reproach and that the walls are still down and the gates burnt with fire.

This saddens Nehemiah and he immediately begins to pray to the God of Heaven which is where I want us to pick up at today as we look at Nehemiah’s prayer and glean some basic Principles of what it means to Pray Properly.

Nehemiah 1, if you have it would you stand and say, Amen!

II. The Constance of Prayer

The first Principle about Praying Properly that we need to look at this morning is The Constance of Prayer!

Something fascinating about the Book of Nehemiah is that it opens and closes with Nehemiah praying! And when you read the book through, you will find instance after instance where Nehemiah will be doing something and then just all of a sudden he will break into praying to God!

Dear friend, Principle #1 when it comes to Praying Properly is to never stop praying, Amen! Paul said in...

1 Thessalonians 5:17 — Pray without ceasing.

Pray without ceasing! As I was pondering on this thought, I began to see why it’s so important to never stop praying! Think about it…what are you doing when you’re praying?

You’re talking with God, right? You have an open line of communication going on with the one who holds everything in the palm of His hand! You are constantly talking with the one who created all things and is over all things!

And when we understand just who it is we’re talking with, then we understand why it’s so important to never close that open line of communication! We can appreciate why Paul stated that we are to pray without ceasing!

So, Principle # 1 is The Constance of Prayer. Principle # 2 is the Conviction for Prayer.

III. The Conviction for Prayer — (Vs. 4)

A. Nehemiah’s Sorrow of Heart

Nehemiah was so saddened by the news of his homeland that the Bible says he sat and wept and mourned!

“Wept” — Hebrew word (bakah) — means to bewail and lament, to weep bitterly with with voice. This wasn’t some silent tears Nehemiah was shedding. He was sorrowed in his heart and this sorrow was expressed with sound!

Not only was Nehemiah’s Conviction for Prayer with Sorrow of Heart but also Sincerity of Heart. Look at the length and breadth of his mourning.

B. Nehemiah’s Sincerity of Heart

The Bible says that Nehemiah wept and mourned for days! When was the last time any of us mourned for the decimation of our great country for days? Most of us do good to mourn for minutes much less days!

But Nehemiah was so burdened that he mourned for days and not only did he mourn for days but the Bible says that Nehemiah fasted and prayed to God!

When a person fasts, it shows God just how sincere they are about the thing of which they are praying! When was the last time you fasted for God to hear your prayer?

Nehemiah wanted God’s attention and he was willing to go to great lengths to get it! He came before the throne room of God with a Sorrowful Heart and a Sincere Heart!

His intentions were pure and persistent for he had a Conviction for Prayer!

Principle # 2 for Praying Properly is there must be some Conviction for Prayer! If you want to get God’s attention, let Him know how sincere you are about the problem you’re bringing before Him!

Principle # 1 is the Constance of Prayer. Principle # 2 is the Conviction for Prayer. Principle # 3 is the Composition of the Prayer.

IV. The Composition of the Prayer — (Vs. 5-7)

A. The Reverence for Who God Is — (Vs. 5)

B. The Recognition of Who We Are — (Vs. 6)

C. The Repentance for Our Sins Against God — (Vs. 6-7)

1 John 1:9 — If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Proverbs 28:13 — He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Lamentations 3:22-23 — 22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Nehemiah confesses the sins of his people and I just want to say this morning friend if you are here and lost, if you will but confess your sins to the same almighty God and repent of your wicked ways then you too can be saved!

Jesus said in...Luke 13:3 — “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

So, Principle # 1 is the Constance of Prayer. Principle # 2 is the Conviction for Prayer. Principle # 3 is the Composition of the Prayer. We must acknowledge who God is and who We are in comparison and then we must confess our sins so that he can cleanse us of all our unrighteousness!

Then, the final principle this morning, Principle # 4, is the Call to Action.

Nehemiah, after making sure he’s covered everything else, the most important parts, asks God to help him. But even then, notice the steps he takes before he makes his request.

V. The Call to Action — (Vs. 8-11)

A. Nehemiah’s Request for Regard/Attention — (Vs. 11 & 6)

Nehemiah says, “Lord, I’m begging you, please hear the prayer of your servant.” Back in verse 6 he makes the same request but also adds into his request that God’s eyes would also be open. God please look down on your servant and hear me. Please acknowledge my humility and hear my prayer Lord.

I know there are 7 1/2 billion other people in this world but God, just for one minute, can I get your full undivided attention? He begs God to be attentive and I’m here to tell you this morning friend, God heard his prayer! He seen his servant’s humility and He answered his prayer accordingly.

Friend, I believe when we get humble like Nehemiah was here and ask God for his attention, He will give it to us! Because I can guarantee you the other 7 1/2 billion people that live in this world aren’t asking for God’s undivided attention!

I believe God honors the sincere requests of His Saints as long as they are according to His will!

So, we see Nehemiah’s Request for Regard. Next, I want you to see Nehemiah’s Request for Remembrance. Look at verses 8-10.

B. Nehemiah’s Request for Remembrance — (Vs. 8-10)

1. A Request for Remembrance of His Promises — (Vs. 8-9)

He begins by saying, “Lord I beg of you to remember your promises. Yes, you did promise that if transgressed that you would scatter us abroad amongst the nations and you know what we did transgress Father. We messed up royally and we deserved everything we got!

But Father, you also promised that if we would repent and turn back to you that you would gather us together once again to the place that you chose to set your mighty name upon!”

One thing that stands out to me about Nehemiah’s prayer here is the meticulousness of it! Everything “i” was dotted and every “t” was crossed!

He admits that the Children of Israel made grave mistakes and deserved everything they got but he also brings to remembrance the other side of the coin that if they would repent, the God had promised to bring them home again!

You know, maybe you’re here this morning and like the Children of Israel, you have strayed and it seems as if God has scattered you abroad among the nations spiritually!

Well, just as God promised his Children Israel, that same promise holds true to you! If you will come and repent and call up on His name, He will bring you back Him as well!

So, Nehemiah begins with A Request for Remembrance of God’s Promises. Then he follows it up with a Request for Remembrance of God’s People. Look at Verse 10.

2. A Request for Remembrance of His People — (Vs. 10)

He says, Lord we are your servants, your people, the ones who you have redeemed by your great power and strong hand!

Listen, Nehemiah says is pointing to the fact that the Children of Israel were God’s chosen people. They were a Nation founded upon God and His principles.

Yes Lord, we’ve made some mistakes but we’re still your children and you are still our Father! We are the one’s you brought up out of Egypt with a mighty hand! We are the ones you marched across the Red Sea on dry ground! We are the ones who followed your through the wilderness! We are ones who conquered Nations through might and power! We are your people God! A Chosen People! A Royal Priesthood, set apart from the rest of the world!

You are our God and we are your people and in this moment, I pray God that you would remember who it is you have loved and brought out of bondage with a mighty outstretched arm!

So, we see Nehemiah’s Request for Regard and his Request for Remembrance and finally, we see his Request for Refuge! Look with me at Verse 11.

C. Nehemiah’s Request for Refuge — (Vs. 11)

Nehemiah says, “Lord, I say all that to ask this one thing of you. Please Father, prosper me that I might find mercy in the sight of this man.”

Who was the man he was talking about? None other than his king Artaxerxes. You see, Nehemiah tells us here that he was the kings cupbearer. Now, today that term would simply mean a butler or waitress but in this day and time the cupbearer was someone who was near and dear to the king.

He would be a very trusted individual as it was his job to not only provide the king with wine to drink but it was his job to test the wine beforehand to be sure it hadn’t been poisoned.

This individual would be someone who the king felt comfortable with. He would more than likely have been in meetings with the king and new much of the kings business. Someone who the king more than likely would have a hard time letting go.

This is why Nehemiah asks God to prosper him and help him to find mercy in the sight of the king for he wanted to return home but he was scared to tell the king.

As you will find out if you read on into chapter two, the day comes when his sorrow for his homeland exudes itself before the king and the king asks him what his problem is.

Nehemiah fearfully explains to the king that he has a burden to go home to Jerusalem and help his people rebuild the once great walls that surround the city.

And you know what the king does?

He could have banished him for his disloyalty or threw him in prison for the rest of his life so that he could never escape but instead, the king simply asks how long he will be gone and then gives him his blessing to go to his homeland and help with the rebuilding process.

And what’s even more, is the king sends army escorts with him to protect him and also gives him letters instructing all those around Jerusalem to help them with materials for the rebuilding process!

The mission had been accomplished! God heard the prayer of His Saint, Nehemiah and blessed him with more than he had even asked for!

And that my friend is how to pray the proper way!

Principle # 1 Be Constant in Prayer.

Pray without ceasing! All day, every day, in every situation, keep an open line of communication with the one who can answer your prayers!

Principle # 2 was the Conviction for Prayer.

When you go to God in prayer, go with a sincerity about the thing for which you are praying! Don’t just flippantly throw a prayer out there and hope it sticks! Get humble and sincere with God over the thing of which you are praying! Humility is honorable in the sight of God!

Principle # 3 is the Composition of your Prayer.

Remember to acknowledge who God and who We are in comparison and then remember to make sure and confess your sins so that he can cleanse you of all your unrighteousnesses!

And finally, Principle # 4, which was the Call to Action.

The most important thing to remember about this last principle is it’s placement.

Someone tell me...when did Nehemiah ask God for something for himself?

Last, right? We humans have a hard time with putting ourselves last, don’t we?

Most of the time the very first thing we do is petition God for something, am I right? God I need this and this and this! We don’t praise Him for who He is and what He has done for us in the beginning but we should!

And then, once we have ascribed to Him the benevolence and reverence He is due, we can make our request known.

VI. Closing

These are the Principles of Praying Properly and I want to encourage you this morning to put these principles into practice immediately! Yes, immediately!

As they come get us a song this morning, I want to encourage you to come during this invitation and put into practice what you have heard!

Well preacher I don’t have anything to pray for. If that’s your answer then you really should open your eyes!

Our country is in as bad a shape as it’s ever been and could desperately use your prayers!

Our leaders need your prayers!

There are lost people and sick people all around that need your prayers!

There are Churches that need your prayers! And ours is one of them! You may not see the toll this virus has taken on our congregation but I do! No, we may not have anyone here who has physically been bitten by the corona virus bug but rest assured, there are many who have been bitten spiritually by it!

What are you saying Pastor? What I’m saying is that many of us this morning have gotten lax in our worship. Many of us this morning have taken a step back from what we were doing for God pre-Covid-19.

How do I know? Because I see the crowds. I see how we were running 20, 30, 40 people on Wednesday nights and now we do good to run 10-15. And it’s not just the adult class. It’s the youth too!

Listen guys, if you have nothing else to pray for, pray that God would place a desire back in your own heart to get back closer to Him and grow in Him!

Before Covid-19 happened we were having a great time on Wednesday nights and everyone was loving it and don’t get me wrong, we still do have a good time I believe but not at the same level as we were because the discussion isn’t what it used to be.

Our Church needs to be prayed for and not just ours but Churches all across this Nation need our prayers!

So, as we give the invitation this morning, there are many things for you to come and pray for. Many different ways to put into practice what you have just heard!

One of my favorite things the Bible says about Ezra the Scribe is this...he prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments!

He didn’t just seek the law but he sought to do it! You came this morning for a message and I believe God has given you one…now the question is…what will you do with it?

Will you put it into practice or walk out the back doors and forget all about it? The end result relies on you!