Series: Taking Off The Mask [#1]
I DON’T WANT TO PRAY
James 5:13-16
Introduction:
James 5:13-16
Through the years, God has hit me really hard with this Scripture. There have been times that the majority of my relationships have not been good; but I kept those things secret from everyone. I will not go into details; but I will say that God was trying to get me to take the mask that everything is o.k. off. Tonight, I am beginning a series titled “Taking Off The Mask”. I want to confess that there are times that I do not want to pray- I do not feel like it.
1. Why people do not feel like praying.
* You are not sure God will answer your prayers.
Why would you not be sure that God will answer? Maybe it is because you know you are asking for the wrong things. Maybe it’s because you think that your requests are small, and you don’t want to bother God. Maybe it is a lack of faith.
* You're not sure you really know how to pray.
* You get bored praying.
Before you start judging me, be honest about this. You stopped praying; because every time you do your mind wanders off, you fall asleep, you can’t focus, etc…
So, what do we do to start wanting to pray again?
2. We need to redefine prayer.
What is prayer? Prayer is communicating with God. Look with me at some helpful ways to redefine prayer from some Scriptural examples.
Jeremiah 20:7
* Pray honestly.
Jeremiah was angry at God, and he told Him so. It is ok for us to be honest with God and tell Him how we really feel. It’s not like He doesn’t know anyhow.
2 things not to do in your prayer life:
* Do not pray to be seen.
* Do not pray long, empty prayers.
Quantity does not equal quality. Praying for the sake of saying you did it does not mean anything.
* Pray creatively.
David worshipped God and communicated to God in many ways.
Here are some ways that might help your prayer life:
* Try writing your prayers.
* Try praying during routine tasks.
* Try praying in different places.
* Try praying in different positions.
* Try praying by listening to God.
* Pray about everything.
Philippians 4:6
God had revealed to Nehemiah that he was to leave his job as cup bearer to King Artaxerxes and travel a long distance to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall that had been destroyed. Before he would ever do anything, he would always pray.
Isaiah 40:31
* Pray continually.
Hannah prayed and prayed and prayed for a child. She would not give up. She continued to cry out to God. Sometimes God teaches us perseverance and endurance through our waiting on Him.
Conclusion:
I want you to realize that without prayer, your life is not going to be successful. If you need strength, hope, joy, and peace; seek the Lord.
