A Closer Walk With God

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A Closer Walk With God

• Principles of Prayer

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Introduction

• Through prayer the Christian finds and receives
• Forgiveness 1 John 1.9
• Peace Philippians 4.6-7
• Strength Ephesians 3.14-16

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Introduction

• Pauls exhortation to pray
• Praying at all timeswith all prayer and
  supplication Ephesians 6.18
• Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful
  in it with thanksgiving Colossians 4.2
• Pray without ceasing 1 Thessalonians 5.17

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Introduction

• Jesus teaching to pray continually
• And he told them a parable to the effect that
  they ought always to pray and not lose heart
  Luke 18.1

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Characteristics of Acceptable Prayer

• Offered in FAITH
• And whatever you ask in prayer, you will
  receive, if you have faith Matthew 21.22
• If we do not have faith, prayer is in vain James
  1.5-8
• We increase in faith through the word Romans 1.17

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Characteristics of Acceptable Prayer

• Offered in the spirit of HUMILITY
• Pharisee vs. Publican Luke 18.9-14
• The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves
  the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34.18
• Godgives grace to the humble James 4.8

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Characteristics of Acceptable Prayer

• Offered in harmony with GODS WILL
• And this is the confidence that we have toward
  him, that if we ask anything according to his
  will he hears us. 1 John 5.14
• Example of Jesus in Luke 22.42
• Prayers go unanswered because we ask according to
  our will instead of Gods will, James 4.3

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Characteristics of Acceptable Prayer

• Offered by those RIGHTEOUS before God
• For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
  and his ears are open to their prayer. But the
  face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
  1 Peter 3.12
• The prayer of a righteous person has great
  power James 5.16-18
• cf. Proverbs 28.9 Isaiah 59.1-2

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Characteristics of Acceptable Prayer

• Offered in the spirit of THANKSGIVING
• Giving thanks always and for everything to God
  Ephesians 5.20
• in everything by prayer and supplication with
  thanksgiving Philippians 4.6
• Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful
  in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4.2
• Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all
  circumstances 1 Thessalonians 5.17-18

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Characteristics of Acceptable Prayer

• Offered with PERSISTENCE
• The persistent friend in Luke 11.5-10
• The persistent widow in Luke 18.1-8
• Jesus at Gethsemane in Matthew 26.44
• Paul in 2 Corinthians 12.7-8
• The early church in Acts 2.42

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Characteristics of Acceptable Prayer

• Offered in the NAME OF JESUS
• Giving thanks always and for everythingin the
  name of our Lord Jesus Christ Ephesians 5.20
• More than just a phrase
• According to his will Colossians 3.17
• Only approach God through Jesus John 14.6
• Jesus our high priest intercedes for us Heb.
  7.24-25

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Obstacles To Acceptable Prayer

• Unconfessed sin Psalm 66.18
• Improper treatment of others
• The poor Psalm 41.1-3
• Our friends Matthew 5.23-24
• Our spouse 1 Peter 3.7

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Answers To Prayer

• Yes, if we are doing his will 1 John 3.22
• Yes, but wait, Ecclesiastes 3.1
• Yes, but different than you expect, Isaiah
  55.8-9
• No, must trust God in whats best
• For our own good Hebrews 12.5-11
• May not fully understand Hebrews 3.17-19
• God is true to promises 1 Corinthians 10.13

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Conclusion

• The ability to pray to God is one of the greatest
  blessings of this life for a child of God!
• Are you spending time every day in prayer?

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Gods Plan For Your Salvation

• Hear Gods Word Matthew 17.5 Romans 10.17
• Believe in Christ John 8.24 Romans10.9
• Repent of Sins Luke 13.3 Acts 2.38
• Confess Faith in Christ Romans 10.10
• Be Immersed in Water Mark 16.16
• Live Faithfully Revelation 2.10 Coloss.
  1.21-23
• Repent of Sins Pray for Forgiveness- Acts 8.22
• Confess Sins - James 5.16 1 John 1.9

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