Resolving Personal Problems through Prayer

UNFORTUNATELY We tend to dismiss and cover up our problems. We think we are expected to always be "fine" or that people will think less of us. The fact is, we all have problems.

TWO MYTHS: 1. If I go to church, sing or teach and give my money then God will protect me from problems.

e.g. Like police protection or insurance - for 10% God provides a protective covering over my family.

2. If I trust God and obey Him, then he will remove the problem.

GOD'S WORD reminds us:

1. Do not fret

2. Do not fear

3. Do not worry

"Worry about nothing, pray about everything and that will get you through anything."

Philippians 4:6–9 (NKJV)

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

So how do we deal with our problems? The answer is, “let your heavenly Father help you with your problems.” How does He help us? He responds to our requests for help.

SEVEN MOTIVATIONS TO PRAY

MARK 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

1.DISEASE MARK 1:31, 34 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on him. 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

And the worst disease is the disease of Sin.

MARK 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

2.DECISION MARK 1:37-38 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" 38 Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else - to the nearby villages - so I can preach there also. That is why I have come."

3.DEMONS MARK 1:25, 3925"Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

4.DISCOURAGEMENT MARK 1:38 Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else-to the nearby villages-so I can preach there also. That is why I have come."

"Don't They Understand

MARK 1:44-45 44 "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing as a testimony to them." 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

e.g.Matt. 14 - Jesus walking on water in the storm

MATT. 14:30-3230 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said "Why did you doubt?"32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

5. DIFFICULTY MATT 14:23-3323 After he had dismissed them, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28 "Lord, if it's you, "Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

6. DEVOTION

Psalm 116:1 (NLT)

1 I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.

Love and gratitude for Jesus Love draws people together

7. DEVELOP

Philippians 3:8–10 (NKJV)

8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Desire to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus

e.g.Paul - that I may know Christ better, more intimately.

God is interested in your problem - All of them. Everything that concerns you concerns Him. Let them become God's problems - no problem to Him.

If it is big enough to worry about, it is big enough to pray about. Prayer is coming home. First place to go - assured you will find a perfect heavenly father who LOVES YOU.