Developing a Life of Prayer
Memory Verses: Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4 KJV This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us. 1 John 5:14 KJV
Pray: Lord teach us to pray.
Reasons God Answers Prayers - The prayer acknowledges God
- The prayer is supported by the intercession of Jesus through His priesthood
- The prayer is supported by the intercession of the Holy Spirit
- The prayer comes from one who is related to God and Jesus
Read Ezra 7 & 8:21-23. The king granted his request. Ezra was concerned about the safety of the people as they traveled to Jerusalem carrying a large quantity of gold and silver for the temple. How was God's honor involved in this request?
Numbers 14:17-19. In this prayer, Moses identified several qualities of God's character, and he asked God to respond to his request on the basis of those qualities. He believe that God's power would be magnified in the eyes of the people when they experienced these qualities of God. List 3 qualities of God's character that Moses felt would be reasons for God not to destroy the people of Israel.
Hebrews 4:14-16. Now answer the following questions: - Who is our High Priest?
- Where is He?
- How is He like the people He represents?
- How does He differ from His people?
- For what purpose do we approach God's throne and our High Priest?
- What is our attitude to be toward approaching God's throne?
***Walking in Fellowship with God Today*** - Reflect on the integrity of God's character. Has His perfection ever been diminished or blemished in any way? If not, His integrity has been maintained. Praise Him for the honor His integrity points to.
- Ask God to reveal to you any areas or activities of your life that dishonor Him. Pledge to Him a determination to maintain His honor and integrity in every area of your life.
- Think of something you are praying for. Ask yourself: Why would God want to grant this request? What quality would God demonstrate if He granted that request? Acknowledge that quality of God as a basis for your prayer.
- Referring to the four reasons God Answers Prayer, try to base your requests today on God's honor and character. Record each request, the basis of the request, and the answer in your prayer journal.
- As you have your quiet time each day in your journal ask and answer these questions: What God said to me. What I said to God.
As you pray daily, check your prayers to see that they have the right bases. Regularly review the four reasons God answers prayer until you have learned to use these concepts naturally. |