Improving Our Prayer Life

C. Carroll
2009-09-27

(1) Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:18-22

In the morning, when he returned to the city, he was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road, he went to it and found nothing at all on it but leaves. Then he said to it, "May no fruit ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once. When the disciples saw it, they were amazed, saying, "How did the fig tree wither at once?" Jesus answered them, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' it will be done.  Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.  (Matthew 21:18-22, NOAB/NRSV)

(2) What type of Prayer Life are you seeking?

Do we desire the type of prayer life that:

  • Heals the sick
  • Moves God's heart to make a way out of no way
  • Calls on God's protection
  • Successfully requests healing of mind, soul, and body
  • Makes it possible for us to cover our loved ones in prayer

Do we desire a prayer life that matters not only to us, but also our relationships with others and God?

  • Believing beyond what we see will move our prayer life to new heights
  • Having a prayer life that matters is one way that ordinary people may do extraordinary things

    • (3) Prayer: a Simple Request to God

    • Prayer is being in communion with God
    • Prayer is speaking to God and it is also hearing from Him
    • Prayer is agreeing with God about who He says He is

    (4) Who Does God Say He is?

    We must agree with God about who He says He is.  God says He is

    • The Beginning and the End
    • One Who cannot lie
    • He Who has all power in His hands
    • The Name that demons tremble at
    • The One Who sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins

    (5) What is Belief?

  • Belief is what the woman with the issue of blood had - Matthew 9:20-22
  • Belief is what Lazarus' sisters Martha and Mary had - John 11:17-43
  • Belief is what Peter used to walk on water - Matthew 14:22-32
  • What will your belief give birth to?

    • (6) Why does Prayer go Unanswered?

    Unbelief is one of several reasons why many of our prayers go unanswered

  • We may be clear in what we want from the Lord and believe that we are in need, but do we really believe that God is able or willing to answer our requests?
  • We must not just believe in what we want, but also in the One to whom we are praying to

    What are the signs of unbelief?

  • Are we doubting that Jesus has the power to do it one more time?
  • Are we questioning ourselves if He'll hear our requests?

    How do we overcome unbelief?

  • We must activate our faith
  • Activating our faith will have a long term kingdom effect

    • (7) I believe; help my unbelief!

    And he [the father of a boy suffering convulsions] said [to Jesus], "From childhood, it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity oh us and help us."  Jesus said to him, "If you are able!--All things can be done for the one who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:22-24)

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