MEMORISE:

Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: Isaiah 59:1

READ: Matthew 6:9-13.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

MESSAGE: 

Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us what the contents of our prayers should be in the Scripture reading of today. We must draw some eternal lessons from this passage. One, we must acknowledge the Fatherhood of God if we want to receive answers to our prayers. Jesus Christ said “….” – Matthew 15:26. Who are the dogs? The Bible in Revelation 22:15 says:

“For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”

Secondly, we must learn that only those who honor the name of the Lord can have their prayers answered. The Bible says:

“…for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” 1 Samuel 2:30

Finally, every child of God must seek that the will of God be done in this perverse generation. For this reason, Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:1-2:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Children of God who want to be successful in life must ensure that they are not influenced by anything contrary to the word of God.

If you want your prayers answered, abide in Christ and let His word abide in you, as recorded in John 15:7:

“ If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

Psalm 66:18 also says:

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”

Abide in Jesus, turn your back on sin completely, exercise your faith (James 1:6) and your prayers will surely be answered.

PRAYER POINT:

Lord, grant me the grace to abide in You, live in holiness and exercise my faith, that all my prayers may be answered, in the mighty name of Jesus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 7-8.

HYMN 32:   SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER.

1. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! 

that calls me from a world of care, 

and bids me at my Father's throne 

make all my wants and wishes known. 

In seasons of distress and grief, 

my soul has often found relief, 

and oft escaped the tempter's snare 

by thy return, sweet hour of prayer! 

2. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! 

the joys I feel, the bliss I share 

of those whose anxious spirits burn 

with strong desires for thy return! 

With such I hasten to the place 

where God my Savior shows his face, 

and gladly take my station there, 

and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer! 

3. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! 

thy wings shall my petition bear 

to him whose truth and faithfulness 

engage the waiting soul to bless. 

And since he bids me seek his face, 

believe his word, and trust his grace, 

I'll cast on him my every care, 

and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!