UNSEASONAL PRAYER
Exodus 14:15-16
INTRO: There may come a time when this question needs to be asked, even of a Moses. There is a period when crying should give place to action. When Mo ses prayer is heard and the Red Sea is parting, it would be shameful disobedience to God to remain trembling and praying.
ILLUS: Man on thin ice. It’s time to stop praying and start running!
Each fruit of the spirit comes in it’s season, and is then most precious. Prayer itself is not perfect out of season. We must ask for things, but we must also prepare to receive them.
I. SOMETIMES THE ANSWER WILL BE VERY UNSATIS
FACTORY.
A. Because I was brought up to do so.
1. Some people pray the same prayers they prayed as a
child.
2. This kind of praying is the prayer of a child in
Christ.
B. It is part of my religion.
1. These pray but know nothing of the spiritual reality
of prayer.
2. See Matthew 6:7.
C. It is the right thing to do.
1. This is true if we pray right.
2. The mere repetition of pious words is vanity.
D. I feel easier in my mind after I pray.
1. Ought we feel better?
a. About some things — yes.
b. About other things — no.
2. Could our formal prayers be a mockery of God and so
increase our sin (Isaiah 1:12-15).
II. SOMETIMES THE ANSWER WILL BETRAY IGNORANCE.
A. When it hinders immediate repentance. Instead of
quitting sin, some men just pray (1 Samuel 15:22).
B. When it keeps from faith in Jesus. The gospel is
not "pray and be saved."
C. When we suppose that it fits us for Jesus’ presence.
We must come to Jesus as sinners, not set up our
prayers as righteousness.
D. When we think that prayer alone will bring a blessing.
III. SOMETIMES THE ANSWER WILL BE QUIET CORRECT.
A. Because I must. I am in trouble and must pray or
perish.
B. Because I know I will be heard.
C. Because I delight in it.
D. Because I feel that I can best express repentance and
the little faith I have by asking God for more.
E. Because these grow as I pray.
F. Because I look for all from God.
CONC: Prayer is an important part of the Christian’s daily life. It is important to the growth of the Christian and the church. Maybe this is why many churches are not growing.
