Dedicated To The Men of God Who Preach the Word of God As It
Is To Men As They Are
"Preach The Word"
THE CHRISTIAN AND PRAYER
Matt. 7:7-11
In order to pray effectively we must be careful about our approach to God, and the purpose we have in mind. Let me mention three simple things that relate to the Christian and the all important matter of prayer:
l. The Possibility of Prayer. 2. The Purpose of Prayer. 3. The Practice of Prayer.
I. The Possibility of Prayer.
On what grounds may we approach God? There are three difficulties that arise out of God's attributes and our limitations.
A. First _ Our Insignificance in the light of His Almightiness. What right have I as a mere one out of earth's millions that populate this little speck in the universe called the earth, to dare approach the one who rules the universe? Why should He be bothered with me and my needs and requests?
We must remember that the Eternal God who holds the universe in His hand, the Infinite and Almighty God is my Father. He loves to look at us as His children.
On this basis we know God is willing to hear our cries and bless us. (Matt. 7:11)
Of course only Christians can regard God as their Father. (John 1:12)
B. Second _ Our Iniquity in the Light of His Holiness. This sinfulness must be overcome, ere we can approach God in prayer. We must find the way whereby a sinner can approach a Holy God. God has provided that way by the death of Christ. We can have boldness to enter into the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus. (Heb. 10:19)
C. Third _ Our Ignorance in the light of God's Infinite Wisdom. God knows everything. Are not our prayers often without point? Often our praying is without understanding of His will regarding the topic of praying. This is where the Holy Spirit comes to our aid. (Rom. 8:26_27) We can draw nigh to God. We are allowed the blessing of coming to God. He invites us to come and to come boldly.
II. The Purpose of Prayer.
May I suggest for this matter that the purpose is at least threefold:
A. To Deepen our Fellowship with God and Strengthen our lives.
By prayer we can become like Moses. The Lord said to him or spake to him,"As a man speaketh unto his friend". (Ex. 33:11)
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint". (Isa. 40:31)
B. To Derive God's Blessing.
Prayer is the method we use to ask God for things we need. "Ye have not, because ye ask not". (James 4:2b) It is part of God's purpose to give to His children. (Matt. 7:11)
We pray for others as for ourselves. Our needs are multiplied.
C. To Determine the Will of God.
Prayer is not "Getting our own way with God". We do not pray to persuade God. No, God uses our praying to do His will. Seek God's will in prayer. Pray in His will. (I John 5:13_14)
Prayer might be _
Delayed in being answered Different answer than expected Denied.
III. The Practice of Prayer.
A. There must be a Period for prayer. There must be in all our lives a time to pray.
B. There must be a Place to pray. Where will I pray? This may be difficult.
Apart _ from the crowd Away _ in a place somewhere Alone _ in a private place
C. The Posture in prayer. In Bible days some stood up and looked up and some kneeled _ Daniel.
We learn to Pray by Praying.
Sermon By Dr. Andrew Telford
