This morning I want to continue on with yesterday’s teaching on prayer. I have had people tell me, “Kristi I pray but you just never know what God is going to do”.
If that’s your attitude on prayer let me share some Scriptures that will give you a greater confidence in your prayer life.
“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” I John 5:14-15 NLT
Here is the biggest key to answered prayer. Asking for those things that we know please the Father. I can hear you asking, “Ok, so how do I know what pleases Him?”.
When we ask for things that He has already promised us in His word we know that those requests will be answered in the affirmative.
“ If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” James 1:5-8 NLT
Do you need wisdom? Ask for it and be assured that God will give it to you. Do you need strength? Then ask for it because He has promised that we can do all things through Him who gives us strength.
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NLT
Jesus gave his disciples specific instructions on prayer. “Our Father”.
“Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:9-13 NLT
The Father has promised to provide and we can trust Him to do just that. He provides forgiveness, He promises our need for food, clothing and shelter. He promises to give us protection from the works of Satan.
Jesus went on to say in this teaching:
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 NLT
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 NLT
The Father doesn’t want us asking prompted by selfish ambition but when our eyes are focused on Him and His word He says ask and you will receive.
Yes, prayer works!