What Is Prayer?
Notes
Transcript
3. WHAT IS PRAYER?
INTRODUCTION: The Bible is the great source book on prayer. It offers no theories about prayer. It preaches no sermons on prayer. It does not define prayer. It tells us that when men prayed, God acted.
What is prayer?
I. Prayer is our approach to God.
I. Prayer is our approach to God.
A. Draw near to God (James 4:8; Ps. 42:1; 84:2).
A. Draw near to God (James 4:8; Ps. 42:1; 84:2).
B. Seek the Lord (Isa. 55:6).
B. Seek the Lord (Isa. 55:6).
C. Go out to God (Exod. 33:7–11).
C. Go out to God (Exod. 33:7–11).
D. Approach God (Matt. 6:5–14; 7:7–11).
D. Approach God (Matt. 6:5–14; 7:7–11).
E. “Let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6
E. “Let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6
II. Prayer is God’s approach to us. And He comes to us first, but we do not always discern this.
II. Prayer is God’s approach to us. And He comes to us first, but we do not always discern this.
A. The first five books of the Bible have 189 chapters. In 139 of those chapters, God approaches men: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jacob, and others.
A. The first five books of the Bible have 189 chapters. In 139 of those chapters, God approaches men: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jacob, and others.
B. God approached the prophets, both in their call and very often in their ministry.
B. God approached the prophets, both in their call and very often in their ministry.
C. In the New Testament God comes in Jesus! The Holy Spirit moves us to pray.
C. In the New Testament God comes in Jesus! The Holy Spirit moves us to pray.
D. God works in us (Phil. 2:13).
D. God works in us (Phil. 2:13).
E. God approaches us continually through our Bible reading.
E. God approaches us continually through our Bible reading.
III. Prayer is receiving.
III. Prayer is receiving.
A. Receiving the Lord who approaches us (Rev. 3:20; John 14:23).
A. Receiving the Lord who approaches us (Rev. 3:20; John 14:23).
B. Receiving His promises, commands, and instructions.
B. Receiving His promises, commands, and instructions.
C. Receiving His plans for His work (Phil. 2:13).
C. Receiving His plans for His work (Phil. 2:13).
D. Receiving the things requested (Mark 11:24).
D. Receiving the things requested (Mark 11:24).
E. Receiving His provision for our needs (Ps. 23; 37:5; 91; 92).
E. Receiving His provision for our needs (Ps. 23; 37:5; 91; 92).
CONCLUSION: Prayer is comprised of at least three things—our going to God, God coming to us, and our receiving by faith. Therefore, pray and do not give up (Luke 18:1).