1. In these verses, Jesus said that . . . a. we can know something special -- "the truth" b. the key to knowing the truth is "continuing in His word" c. knowing the truth provides a wonderful blessing -- it makes us "free." 2. Recently we have searched the Lord's word so we can know the truth about a variety of important subjects. 3. In this lesson we are searching the Lord's word so "we can know the truth about prayer." 4. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion:
I. THE LORD'S WORD EXPLAINS THAT PRAYER IS OUR MEANS OF TALKING TO GOD
A. When Jesus prayed He talked to His Father (Matthew 26:36, 39, 42). B. We learn from Philippians 4:6 that we "make our requests known to God" when we pray. C. Since we are to devote much time to prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), we need to know and understand the truth about prayer. D. This brings us to our second point. II. THE LORD'S WORD TEACHES THAT GOD ANSWERS PRAYER
A. We learn from passages such as Matthew 7:7-8 and James 5:16b that God answers prayer. B. However, 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). C. In addition to teaching what prayer is and showing how God answers prayer, . . . III. THE LORD'S WORD REVEALS THE CONDITIONS FOR 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). Conclusion:
1. By continuing in the Lord's word we can know the truth on any subject, including prayer. 2. Talking to God through prayer is a special blessing and privilege. 3. Let us adopt the philosophy of David (Psalm 5:1-3; 55:16-17).
