Mar 17, 2014
Scripture References: Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 18:1-8; James 4:2-3
Nothing Too Difficult . . .
“Ah, Lord God! It is You who have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17
“The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, ‘Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh, Is anything too hard for Me?’” Jeremiah 32:26-27
Without prayer we render ourselves ineffective, because apart from prayer we are merely human in our efforts.
Just Ask . . . (Matthew 7:7-11)
· Ask God humbly.
o Because we are in need.
§ We are asking because we cannot provide this on our own.
§ We are seeking because we cannot find our way on our own.
§ We are knocking because only God can open doors.
· Knocking always precedes entrance.
· Ask God sincerely.
o Because there is no room for inauthenticity in prayer.
§ Our motives are not self-seeking, but God-pursuing.
§ Our motives are not self-promoting, but God-glorifying.
Where self is exalted, God is excluded.
· Ask God specifically.
o Because we need to be aware of our specific need.
§ We are asking specifically because God cares about that which burdens us.
§ When we pray specifically, we see God answer specifically.
· Ask God persistently.
o Because we will not relent until God moves.
o Because our persistence shows our deep trust in God.