When Making A Request In Prayer Lesson 3 Series

“David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground … Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died.” 2 Samuel 12:16, 18

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’” Mark 9:23-24

“So He said to them, ‘This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.’” Mark 9:29

1. Fasting is not just a price you pay to purchase an answer to prayer, fasting established a relationship with God. It is your relationship with God that leads to answers.

2. The effectiveness of prayer is based on your prayer relationship with God.

a. God is your Heavenly Father. “We call Him Abba Father … we are His children, we are His heirs” (Romans 8:15, 17, NLT).

b. A father gives to his children. “If your son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father ... if you give good gifts to your children … how much more shall your Heavenly Father give ... to them that shall ask” (Luke 11:11, 13, KJV).

3. David fasted in desperation. Remember, the child was the result of his sin. God didn’t answer.

4. When all facts are viewed, David accepted his consequences.

5. Timing is everything with God. “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under Heaven. A time to be born and a time to die … a time to search, a time to quit searching” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 6, NLT).

6. You can fast and pray for anything … but don’t demand. There are times God doesn’t answer.

a. Contrary to Scriptures.

b. Sin in life of intercessor.

c. Sin attached to request or project.

d. Contrary to the laws of nature (God).

e. Wrong timing.

f. All avenues of prayer are exhausted.

g. Contrary to God’s nature and/or will.

7. However, God recognizes bold asking. “Let us come boldly to the throne … in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

8. The conditions that get your prayer answered:

a. Make sure to ask for what you want (John 14:13).

b. Ask in Jesus’ name (He is your intercessor).

c. Ask according to Scriptures (John 15:7).

d. Ask in faith (Hebrews 11:6).

e. Ask with joyful attitude (John 15:22-24).

f. Ask because you obey God (1 John 3:22).

g. Confess all sin in your heart (Isaiah 59:1-2; Psalm 66:18)

9. Prepare your heart before prayer – read Scriptures (Ps. 1:1-2). You will be stunned by the power of Scriptures in prayer.

10. You find God’s presence in united prayer. “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

11. Results from prayer support. “If two of you agree … concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them” (Matthew 18;18).

12. Fasting requires a made up mind (vow) to withhold food. Then God honors your attitude when extended into prayer.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.