Psalm 119 v 169 - 176 Keys to Answered Prayer
If Prayer is to be Answered -
1. It must be Asked - The Practice of Prayer - 169 Let my cry
James 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain:
ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
2. It must be Accepted - The Purpose of Prayer - come near before
Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
3. it must be Acknowledged.(As Prayer) - The Power of Prayer - O Lord:
Prayer is only as effective as the God we pray to. John Newton -
Come, my soul, thy suit prepare: Jesus loves to answer prayer;
He Himself has bid thee pray, Therefore will not say thee nay;
Thou art coming to a King, Large petitions with thee bring;
For His grace and power are such, None can ever ask too much;
4. It must be Assisted - The Partnership of Prayer - give me understanding
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
5. It must be Assured - The Principle of Prayer - according to thy word
Heb 4:15 we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy & find grace to help in time of need
6. It must be Applied - The Promise of Prayer -
170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
7. It must be Advised - The Path of Prayer -
171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. - Psalm 27:11
Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
8. It must be Affirmed - The Pattern of Prayer -
172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 26:39 he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
9. It must be Accompanied - The Promotion of Prayer -
173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
10. It must be Approved - The Perseverence of Prayer
174 I have longed for thy salvation O Lord; and thy law is my delight.
(salvation of the soul in the world to come)
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
11. It must be Applauded - The Product of Prayer -
175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee
12. It must be Appreciated - The Protection of Prayer -
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
Without Prayer - We would be -
Lost - 176 I have gone astray
Lifeless - like a lost sheep;
Lordless - seek thy servant;
Lawless - for I do not forget thy commandments.
