Seven Steps to Answered Prayer

SEVEN STEPS TO ANSWERED PRAYER

TEXT: Matthew 6:5

INTRODUCTION: Sometimes Christians complain that God doesn't answer their prayers. Here are seven steps to answered prayer. Violation of any one of them could be a reason why our prayer is not answered.

I. WE MUST DEAL WITH OUR SINS

- Isaiah 59:1-2, I Peter 3:12

II. WE MUST DELIGHT IN GOD'S WORD

- Proverbs 28:9, John 15:7

III. WE MUST BE IN FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHERS

A. Other brothers or believers --Matt. 5:23-25, Lk 17:1-4

B. Our mate -- 1 Peter 3:7, 1 Corinthians 7:5

IV. WE MUST OBEY GOD'S COMMANDMENTS

- I JOHN 3:22

V. WE MUST ASK IN GOD'S WILL

- I JOHN 5:14-15

VI. WE MUST ASK WITHOUT SELFISHNESS

- JAMES 4:3

VII. WE MUST ASK UNTIL THE ANSWER COMES - LUKE 11:5-8

CONCLUSION: Sometimes we oversimplify prayer. A careful study of Scripture shows prayer in its various aspects. Harmony with God's instructions is the best assurance of His answer to our prayers.