In the sixth lesson in the series on prayer, we look at the historical perspective of the progression of prayer thorough the scriptures. The first prayer occurred in the garden between God and Adam after the fall, Genesis 3:8-12. We see that Adam approached God in fear and tried to blame his sin on God and the woman that God had given him. This brings out two very important aspects about prayer: we should not approach God in fear but rather in reverential trust, and we should take accountability and responsibility for our actions before God. God already knows what we have done, and He knows what we are going to ask for. The question then arises, “why do we need to confess, and ask?” We are commanded to ask God for the things we need in prayer (Luke 11:9, James 4:2). By asking God we are expressing our dependence on Him and showing that we understand we must depend on Him for everything. It is also an expression of humility toward God. When we fail to ask God for the things we need, it is an act of disobedience before God and an expression of our independence (arrogance). Prayer is God’s project in our life. If we keep walking away from God in prayer we are going to miss what God is trying to unfold in our lives, the creation God is trying to mold us in to. Through prayer, God shapes our thoughts, our actions, and our motivations. Bypassing prayer with diversions, bunny trails, and side roads leads us away from God and provides minimal bits and pieces of what God wants for our lives. Yet, in our arrogance, we think that we already know. Our lack of reverence for God in prayer interferes with our ability to give Him the respect and honor due Him. Our lack of fellowship with God through prayer prevents us from learning His will for our lives and understanding the paths that He would have us to take. Call to me Part VI, Sunday Message September 1, 2013 gracedoctrinechurch.net/
Posted on: Mon, 02 Sep 2013 14:48:49 +0000
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