1. In our study of God's promises we have shown from the Scriptures that: a. they are "exceeding great and precious" (2 Peter 1:4a) b. they are "trustworthy" -- God "is not slack concerning His promise" (2 Peter 3:9) c. they are "effective" -- by them we can be "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4b) d. some of them are "conditional." 2. In this lesson we are examining passages that relate to "God's promise to answer prayer." 3. Let us first consider some . . .
Discussion:
I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES RELATING TO PRAYER
A. Prayer is basically defined as "talking to God." B. (1 Timothy 2:1) Various ways of talking to God include "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks." C. God's people are repeatedly instructed to pray (Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
II. GOD'S PROMISE TO ANSWER PRAYER IS DECLARED IN MANY PASSAGES
A. See Matthew 7:7-11; 21:22; James 5:16b. B. We must keep in mind that God's response to prayer: 1. may be positive (James 5:17-18) 2. may be negative (Matthew 26:39, 42, 44) 3. may be different than requested (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
III. 10 CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTABLE PRAYER
A. We must pray "sincerely" (Matthew 6:5-6, 7-8). B. We must pray "in faith" (Matthew 21:22). C. We must pray ”persistently" (Luke 18:1-8). D. We must pray "in humility" (Luke 18:9-14). E. We must pray "in the name of Christ" (John 16:23). F. We must pray "with proper motives" (James 4:3). G. We must pray "fervently" (James 5:16b). H. We must pray "with our lives in good standing with God" (1 Peter 3:12). I. We must pray "while doing the Lord's will" (1 John 3:22). J. We must pray "according to God's will" (1 John 5:14-15).
