Prayer Principles

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(The Principles of Prayer)

Introduction

1. In last weeks sermon we saw that few truly benefited from prayer

a. Children of God, who became such through obedience to Jesus Christ

b. Sinners, seeking after truth and righteousness, who will be heard in that God will provide them opportunity to hear and obey the truth

2. The full benefit of prayer comes only as the principles of prayer are observed

a. Principles laid down by Jesus and His inspired apostles

b. Principles that determine the final outcome of our prayers

Body

I. WE MUST PRAY IN FAITH

A. PRAYER REQUIRES FAITH…

1. And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. – Matthew 21:22

2. Otherwise, prayer will not be answered – cf. James 1:5-8

B. FAITH IN GOD

1. That He is, and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him – Hebrews 11:6

2. Such faith comes from the Word of God – Romans 10:17

II. WE MUST PRAY WITH HUMILITY

A. HUMILITY BEFORE GOD

1. A virtue highly valued by God – Isaiah 57:15; 66:1-2

2. The Lord is near, and saves those with contrite spirits – Psalm 34:18

3. He gives grace to the humble – Proverbs 3:34

B. HUMILITY IN PRAYER

1. Exemplified in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector – Luke 18:9-14

2. Humility leads to exaltation by God – Luke 18:14; James 4:10

III.WE MUST PRAY IN HARMONY WITH GOD’S WILL

A. GOD’S WILL AND OUR PRAYERS…

1. Prayers are answered favorably if we ask according to His will – 1 John 5:14

2. Prayers more concerned with our will than God’s are turned down – James 4:3

B. HIS WILL BE DONE

1. So Jesus taught us to pray – Matthew 6:9-10

2. So He prayed in the garden at Gethsemane – Luke 22:42

3. Such praying made easier when our will is to do God’s will – John 4:34

IV. WE MUST PRAY WITH THANKSGIVING

A. PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING…

1. Giving thanks always for all things to God – Ephesians 5:20

2. in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving – Philippians 4:6

3. prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving – Colossians 4:2

4. “pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

B. THE ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

1. God’s people were always to be thankful – Psalm 100:4; Colossians 3:15

2. Ingratitude an indication of apostasy – Romans 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:2

3. Do we seriously think God will help us with our present burdens if don’t take the time to thank Him for past blessings?

V. WE MUST PRAY IN THE NAME OF JESUS

A. PRAYING IN THE NAME OF JESUS

1. Taught by Jesus Himself to His disciples – John 14:13-14; 16:23

2. Commanded by Paul to the Christians at <a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.biblemap.org/#Ephesus”>Ephesus</a> – Ephesians 5:20

B. THE NAME OF JESUS AND PRAYER

1. Means more than simply adding “in Jesus’ name” at the end of our prayers

2. We acknowledge Jesus as the only way by which we can approach God – John 14:6

3. We recognize Him as our high priest who intercedes for us – Hebrews 7:24-25; John 14:13

Conclusion

1. In summary, the principles of prayer we have examined are these

a. We must pray in faith

b. We must pray with humility

c. We must pray in harmony with the will of God

d. We must pray with thanksgiving

e. We must pray in the name of Jesus