Our Attitude in Prayer

Introduction:

One cannot pray acceptably w/o an awareness of the divine laws that govern prayer & make it acceptable to God. We must pray with a proper understanding of the characteristics, conditions, & the contents of prayer. We cannot pray acceptably w/o an awareness of God’s divine laws that govern prayer. Obviously, we should live so close to God, be so filled w/admiration for Him, that our spirit is always one of thankfulness. Attitude is everything in prayer!

I. Humility is a Necessity!

A. This is a quality of life that MUST characterize our every thought/activity!

1. Pride is a cause of spiritual failure.

a) 16:18 – leads to destruction

b) 29:23 – brings one low

c) 13:10 – leads to contention

d) 11:2 – brings about dishonor.

B. Js. 4:1-10 – James links humility to prayer!

1. 4:2b-3 – note some praying w/wrong motives!

2. 4:6 – God gives grace to the humble – from Prov. 3:34

3. 4:10 – God will exalt the humble

4. 4:7-8 – The Humble person will submit to God & draw near to Him!

C. Look to Jesus’ teaching on this matter – Lk. 18:9-14

1. Pharisee – self glorification

2. Tax Collector – shame of sin committed against God.

II. Love is an Essential Quality.

A. Love not easily defined. Best understood in what it does.

B. Mt. 6:12 – God’s love must echo in us

1. 6:14-15 – mercy given only to those who show mercy to others.

C. Mt. 18:21-35 – question here: is there a limit to forgiveness?

D. What’s the lesson here?

1. To pray for forgiveness & yet be unforgiving makes our request to God futile.

III. We Must Pray With Expectancy!

A. We must expect God to look favorably upon our requests!

1. Mt. 17:14-20 – disciples unable to cast out demons in boy. Why? See 19-20.

B. Mk. 11:22-24 – Jesus uses same illustration in conversation w/Peter.

1. 23b-24 – Jesus emphasizes the need for genuine faith in prayer.

2. If we question whether God will in fact grant our needs – we have made it impossible for God to grant them! See also Js. 1:6-7

IV. Must Pray with Watchfulness.

A. Mt. 26:38-41 – Contrast here: sleep vs. watchfulness.

1. Watching is often connected w/prayer. Lk. 21:36; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2

B. Watch for: the Lord’s return – Mk. 13:33; guard against temptation – Mt. 26:41

C. When we fail to watch in prayer – our mental/spiritual awareness is impaired.

Conclusion:

A. Not a Christian? It is my prayer that you will see the need to get your life right w/God.



Our Attitude in Prayer Introduction: One cannot pray acceptably w/o an awareness of the divine laws that govern prayer & make it acceptable to God. We must pray with a proper understanding of the characteristics, conditions, & the contents of prayer. We cannot pray acceptably w/o an awareness of God’s divine laws that govern prayer. Obviously, we should live so close to God, be so filled w/admiration for Him, that our spirit is always one of thankfulness. Attitude is everything in prayer! I. Humility is a Necessity! A. This is a quality of life that MUST characterize our every thought/activity! 1. Pride is a cause of spiritual failure. a) 16:18 – leads to destruction b) 29:23 – brings one low c) 13:10 – leads to contention d) 11:2 – brings about dishonor. B. Js. 4:1-10 – James links humility to prayer! 1. 4:2b-3 – note some praying w/wrong motives! 2. 4:6 – God gives grace to the humble – from Prov. 3:34 3. 4:10 – God will exalt the humble 4. 4:7-8 – The Humble person will submit to God & draw near to Him! C. Look to Jesus’ teaching on this matter – Lk. 18:9-14 1. Pharisee – self glorification 2. Tax Collector – shame of sin committed against God. II. Love is an Essential Quality. A. Love not easily defined. Best understood in what it does. B. Mt. 6:12 – God’s love must echo in us 1. 6:14-15 – mercy given only to those who show mercy to others. C. Mt. 18:21-35 – question here: is there a limit to forgiveness? D. What’s the lesson here? 1. To pray for forgiveness & yet be unforgiving makes our request to God futile. III. We Must Pray With Expectancy! A. We must expect God to look favorably upon our requests! 1. Mt. 17:14-20 – disciples unable to cast out demons in boy. Why? See 19-20. B. Mk. 11:22-24 – Jesus uses same illustration in conversation w/Peter. 1. 23b-24 – Jesus emphasizes the need for genuine faith in prayer. 2. If we question whether God will in fact grant our needs – we have made it impossible for God to grant them! See also Js. 1:6-7 IV. Must Pray with Watchfulness. A. Mt. 26:38-41 – Contrast here: sleep vs. watchfulness. 1. Watching is often connected w/prayer. Lk. 21:36; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2 B. Watch for: the Lord’s return – Mk. 13:33; guard against temptation – Mt. 26:41 C. When we fail to watch in prayer – our mental/spiritual awareness is impaired. Conclusion: A. Not a Christian? It is my prayer that you will see the need to get your life right w/God.