A Praying Church

August 27, 2015 Save Article

Matthew 7:7-8
(Program 2499DVD, Airing on 9-5)

INTRODUCTION
1. A church can be no greater than its prayer life.
2. The disciples prayed: “Lord, teach us to pray.”
  1. Matthew 7:7-8
A PRAYING CHURCH
1. The greatest problem in our prayer life is unoffered prayer.
  1. Our Lord has commanded us to pray.
    1. James 4:2
    2. Luke 18:1
    3. Mark 14:38
    4. Philippians 4:6
  2. Why should we pray? Matthew 6:7-8
    1. We don't pray to impress God.
    2. We don't pray to inform God.
    3. We don't pray to instruct God.
    4. We pray to invite God.
      1. 2 Corinthians 6:1
      2. John 15:7
THREE FACTORS FOR OUR PRAYER LIFE
1. The desire factor: ask and express your desires to God.
  1. Mark 11:24
  2. Psalm 37:4
  3. Philippians 4:6
    1. Ways in which God answers prayers
      1. Direct
      2. Different
      3. Delayed
2. The direction factor: seek and expect direction from God.
3. The determination factor: knock and exercise determination with God.
  1. Luke 11:5-6
  2. Luke 11:7-9
  3. Luke 18:4-8
  4. Matthew 15:21-28
  5. How long should we continue to pray?
    1. Until we have the answer in our hand, in our heart or until God says no.