Jonah's Prayer Series

“Accessing God’s Power through Prayer”

Victory Temple A/G

PO Box 911

Waco, Tx. 76703

Danny L. Williams

June 25, 2000 - PM

Jonah 1:17 – 2:10

Divine Aspect of Prayer

1. Appointment to pray.

“and the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah”

Vs. 17

I want you to Know that If you don’t make an appointment with God he may prepare one for you.

Question? When do you think Jonah started praying?

I don’t know about you but I think he started on the way down, and by the time he was there he said amen………..

Church Listen to me: God will not wait for you to talk to him, If he needs to talk to you he will shake you just a little to get your attention.

But Notice God prepared it….

When was the Last time you allowed God to move on you in prayer?

You don’t wait to pray until emergency!

What will an appointment with God revile?

It will show you the

2. Accessibility of God.

“Jonah prayed…from the stomach of the fish…Thou didst hear my voice.” Jonah 2:1,2

Notice first of all that God Heard him.

Where did he cry from?

Sheol or translated here The Grave of Hell.

Church: When ever we run from God and do it our way you will always find trouble….

Why?

Because most of the time We make decisions based on our abilities rather than on God’s desire.

Not only do I want you to see the divine aspect of Prayer but

Desperation of Prayer

“Then Jonah prayed” Jonah 2:1

Friends Listen ,,,,Our prayers must mean something to us if they are ever going to mean anything to God.

“I called out of my distress” Jonah 2:2

What do you call a prayer of distress Whaling…..

But I want you to understand that no matter how desperate you are If your motive is wrong or your heart is filthy you will struggle.

Three areas we struggle in.

The most common area of hindered prayer is

1. Iniquity - our sins separate us from God.

The only way to get back on your feet is to get on your knees first.

Believe me Jonah repented….

2. Ignorance of the mind and will of God.

If you do not pray according to his will and his way’s Satan will blind you with indignation.

If you are struggling with God in prayer

Remember this

Prayer is not conquering God’s reluctance but taking hold of God’s willingness.

The third hinderance is

3. Inability to withstand temptation, see into the future, maintain proper perspective and to do the will of the Lord.

But What happens out of break through

You enter into the

Delight of Prayer

“While I was fainting away, I remembered the Lord” Jonah 2:7

“Thou didst hear my voice” Jonah 2:2

Nothing is beyond the reach of prayer because no prayer is too hard for God to answer.

“The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

James 5:16

“The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available- dynamic in its working.”

James 5:16 (Amplified)

Do you know what the delight of prayer is ?

It is that God hears you.

But out of delight you will begin to make

Decisions Out of Prayer

Jonah 2:8

“Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own mercy.”

“That which I have vowed I will pay.” Jonah 2:9

Two characteristics I want to share with you that will come as a result of Prayer…

You begin to feel

1. Compassion

What is the compassion for? To -see our friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances as Jesus views them. Matthew 9:36

You will begin to Intercede for others….

Talking to men for God is a great thing but talking to God for men is greater….

But why don’t more people have an effective prayer life?

Have you ever noticed that People who don’t pray , do not have many friends?

He who has not learned how to talk to God for men will never talk well to men for God. Ab. Lincoln

What does it take to live an effective life?

2. Courage - to share and stand.

“Salvation is from the Lord,” Jonah 2:9

If you want God to hear you when you pray you need to listen when he speaks.

Church :If you are swept of your feet it is time to get on your knees.