DOES GOD ANSWER ALL PRAYERS?
Text: John 15:7
I. Introduction
A. Prayer is a personal, profound, deep event in many lives.
B. Jesus prayed often.
C. We are told to pray, without ceasing.
D. We cannot explore all the facets of prayer in a short time. Nor can we completely explore our topic today.
E. The Bible is full of answered prayers from Genesis to Revelation.
F. We are all commanded to pray and God has promised to answer. Jer 33:3
G. A little boy, playing on the roof, began to slip toward the edge. Immediately, he began to pray, " O, Lord, save me! Save me!" Then, "Never mind, Lord, I'm caught on a nail."
H. A minister prayed loudly. His voice thundered through the sanctuary. A little boy was asked what he though of the prayer. He thought a minute, then answered, "If that man lived nearer to God, he wouldn't have to pray so loud!"
I. The pastor asked Bobby, "Do you pray every night?" Bobby replied, "Not every night. Some nights I don't want anything."
J. In our scriptures from John, there are two requirements for answers to prayer.
1. Abide in Him, Continue in Him, Be in His Will at any cost. Rm 12:1,2
2. His words abide in us-in you. They become a vital part of your life. Be filled with and guided by His word. Col 3:16,17
K. Meet the above and prayers will be answered.
II. BODY
A. Answers are sometimes immediate.
1. Peter walked on the water. Lord save me or I perish. Mt 14:20-31. Read 14: 30-31.
B. Answers are sometimes delayed.
1. The delay is according to His will.
a. Rm 8:28
b. Resurrection of Lazarus is a good example. Lazarus was sick. Mary and Martha sent for Jesus. Jesus delayed until Lazarus died.
c. The answer was delayed, but it was not denied. John 11:1-44 (don't read).
C. The answer is sometimes no.
1. When no He always accompanies no with peace and grace.
a. Ever experience No?
b. Peace. Phil 4: 6-7
c. Grace. 2 Cor 12: 7-10
D. The answer is sometimes different from what we expect.
1. You pray for perseverance and God sends tribulations because tribulation produces perseverance. Rm 5:3
2. God answers all prayers, but not according to our wishes, but according to His perfect will.
III. CLOSING
A. There are hindrances, short-circuits which we need to discuss but at a later time. These cut the request.
B. We know if we abide in Him, and His word is us, we can ask what we will and it will be done!
C. Where are you abiding?
D. Where is His word abiding?
E. Are we closed out or sold out?