Prerequisites For Prayer

Continuation for a message on prayer related to prerequisites.

B. Requirements for prayer related to the WALK OF CHRISTIANS

Access, standing and kinship deal with Christ’s work for us.

The following elements deal with our side of the equation, our walk with Him.

These things do not prevent access or union, but may waylay answers or may strain the communication between us and the Father. Our access to God does not depend on us, but often we are the key to when and whether some of those prayers get answered and the quality of our communication. We can be the key to the enjoyment and significance of interface with God.

We enter the throne room because of the sacrifice of Christ.

We have standing with God because of the righteousness of Christ.

We have kinship with God because of the name of Christ’s.

There are some additional considerations related to our walk that affect communication. There are some personal issues that get in the way of any relationship.

Do you wonder why you don’t get answers to your prayers? Do you feel like God stopped listening and responding? Are you reluctant to spend time in prayer? You are not alone in those feelings. Listen to some of God’s people in Scripture...

CONCERN ABOUT GOD HEARING

O Lord God Almighty, how long will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? Psa 80:4

Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Psa 69:17

Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer. Lam 3:8

He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked. Lam 3:9

You have covered yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can get through. Lam 3:44

As you can see from these passages, many of God’s people at one time or another wonder about the effectiveness of their prayer life.

CONFIDENCE ABOUT GOD HEARING

In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. Psa 86:7

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Psa 17:6

He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Psa 102:17

Let us look at some things related to prayer and Gods’ response to our requests. Interestingly, these are some of the very same things that block our communication with each other. I call these prayer boosters or prayer busters depending on which one you have.

The first two have to do with the attitude with which we approach God.

1. HUMBLE SUBMISSION VS PROUD SELF-RELIANCE

An attitude of self-serving pride will block communication with others in a hurry. If one senses an arrogant proud attitude in someone, you are less likely to reciprocate a warm response. We tend to resist someone who projects that kind of attitude. Scripture indicates that God responds in a similar way.

God gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Jam 4:6-8

The Lord tears down the proud man’s house but he keeps the widow’s boundaries intact. Pro 15:25

The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Pro 16:5

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1Pe 5:7

"But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word. Isaiah 66:1-2

Humility involves recognizing who I am in light of who God is. Humility before God acknowledges who is in charge. I come before God as a willing bondslave dedicated to accomplish His will in the world. Humility realizes that God is the source of all gifts, skills, talents, etc. and there is no room for pride. With this view in mind I am better able to demonstrate a proper attitude toward others.

I can be free from the necessity of thinking of myself more highly than I ought to think and to view others as more important than myself.

Because of my wealth and worth in Christ…

I have nothing to prove.

I have nothing to protect.

I have nothing to lose.