JUST PRAY (II)

Mt. 7:7-8


Pastor Rick Jackson

I. GOD'S PROMISES

1. Mean Exactly What They Say [Mt. 7:7-8, James 4:2, Heb. 12:1]

The only "limitation" in Matthew is here it means to keep on asking, keep on seeking, be persistent in prayer. James is saying practically the same thing. Hebrews reminds us of besetting sins, one of which is unbelief, or lack of faith.

2. Are Not Extra "Conditions" But Are Additional Promises! [Psalm 81:10]

I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

Some seem to think God is hard-hearted and has set up these barriers to keep from having to answer your prayers but such an idea is shameful and wicked! These additional promises are meant to encourage prayer not hinder prayer.

3. Every Christian Can Claim At Least One of these Promises [Mt. 18:19, Mk. 11:22-24, Jn. 14:13-14]

II. ASKING IS THE BASIS FOR ALL OTHER SPECIFIC CONDITIONS OF PRAYER

Asking really fulfills these "conditions" and opens doors rather than closing them.

1. Asking in Faith [Mt. 9:29, 17:20, 21:22]

Small faith can get answers too (when Peter was in jail). Everyone who asks has some faith [Rm. 10:13-14] Continue to pray and faith will grow. This fits what Moody Stuart said, "Pray till you pray."

2. Asking According to His Will [I Jn. 5:14-15]

"Knowing" is spoken of here, not "believing". If you know something is God's will it gives confidence.

3. Asking in Jesus' Name [Jn. 14:13-14, 15:7, 16:24]

You don't even have to say "in Jesus' name" --- God knows if Jesus wants it, we can have great confidence in prayer.

4. Asking Agreed With Another [Mt. 18:19]

This is not simply agreeing to ask, but agreed as touching what to ask as both are led of the Holy Spirit.

5. Asking Persistently [Lk. 11:5-10]

III. HINDRANCES TO PRAYER

1. Marital Problems [I Pt. 3:1-7]

2. Unresolved Issues [Matthew 5:23-24]

3. Unforgiveness [Matthew 6:12, 15]

4. Unconfessed Sin [Ps. 66:18, Is. 59:1-2, Jm. 4:3, I Pt. 3:12]

I openly acknowledge my views on prayer were highly influenced by Dr. John R. Rice to whom (earthly speaking) I owe much of my Christian growth. I have not found Scriptural grounds to not believe what he taught that the Bible says concerning prayer.