James 4:1-3
Intro: Prayer, which allows the believer to communicate with God each day and at any time, is one of the most neglected resources we have in God.
The average believer oftentimes considers prayer the last resort, only used when life gets out of hand.
In this message, let us learn why we should pray, and hopefully we will all find the power in prayer.
Right now you may be asking, why pray?
1. Because God wants you to pray. (1-2).
A. James writes in this passage the reason there is so much conflict in our lives. Conflict comes because God is left out of our decisions and we follow our own understanding concerning problems, thus, our problems continue to increase. Lust, which comes from the desire of men to do their own thing and rather than following God, they follow their emotions or wants and therefore, each day we simply add to our issues, without finding a solution to them (1).
B. James then proclaims that often what we desire so much, or what we want so much, or what our fleshly lust leads us to attempt to obtain proves to be unprofitable. Many of us would have to admit our desire for things is a task we seem to never complete, and we never feel content with what we have. I always tell the people in my church, because of man's lust, we have so many garage sales, yard sales and junk sales. Let us learn that prayer is God's way for us to gain things. We find that often we strive to obtain fulfillment, contentment or happiness, yet this never comes because we do not ask God for it. (2).
C. In Luke 18:1-14, Jesus shares two parables about praying. In the first one, in Luke 18:1-8, because a widow asked diligently to be heard by the judge, she ultimately received the support of the judge. In the second, in Luke 18:9-14, two men went to the temple to pray, the one saw prayer as a stage to taut how great he was, the other saw it as his opportunity to ask God for forgiveness, help and cleansing. When prayer becomes important and a priority in our life, it works out for God's glory.
D. In I Timothy 2:1-2, Paul encouraged Timothy to pray for himself, to pray for others, also called supplication, to ask for God's will to be done or intercession, and although prayer is asking God for something, we can use the time we spend speaking with God as a time to say to Him thanks for His grace, mercy, love, and time.
2. Because it is God's Way for Us to Gain Things. (3).
A. What are you asking God for when you pray? The reason I am asking you this is that many of us have ceased praying, because we are asking for the wrong things. God says no, or makes us wait a while, this causes many to think that prayer is not effective. As James says, you do ask, but ask amiss or with the wrong attitude and asking for the wrong things. We should ask God for that which helps us to serve Him better. Don't ask God for a million dollars, ask Him for a job or the financial well being to pay your bills. Don't ask God for a fancy car, just one that will get you from one place to another. Rather than asking God for something that you will lose interest in tomorrow, ask God for opportunity to witness, for more love for your neighbor, for more care and concern for the souls of men (3).
B. James later shares in James 5:16b, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Literally, this part of the verse shares, the faith-filled prayer of a committed believer will experience the power of God in his life. God always answers our prayer; yes, no or wait. When prayer is understood as a means to communicate to God your desire, but also a means to show your faith in God to others, you will come to the conclusion-Pray before all else fails!
3. Because It Is Our Way Out of Trouble. (3).
A. Once again we look into what James says in our text, many times we are led by our fleshly desires, which do not reflect the will of God for us. Thus, we may adopt an attitude of pride, feeling that we are in charge of our lives. When we are led by the flesh, and not the Spirit of God, we multiply the problems in our life or we get ourselves into trouble spots. We should remember that prayer is not just for trouble spots, but praise God prayer is for all occasions and for all situations. When life is tough, go to God, and when life is going great, go to God! (3).
B. Peter wrote concerning life's issues in I Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." How many of us spend so much of our life worrying, under pressure, stressing out about everything, when God is right there telling us to empty the load of our cares off of our weak shoulders, and placing the load of our cares upon His strong ones.
C. Paul told the Philippians how to stop worrying and enjoy life. In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul said, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be know unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." As Paul is sharing, look at the blessings of life, not all of your problems. Therefore, determine not to complain, but rejoice in each day of your life. Witness of the Lord Who is giving you a reason to rejoice. Rather than being anxious or scared by the events of life, prayer about them, and let God know about your concerns. You will then be surprised by the result, you will feel a calm assurance, that you will not be able to explain or put into words. You will have God's peace, and God will protect you from Satan's attacks, by placing a hedge around your mind and heart, because you are a born again Christian.
D. David knew that God cared for him and that God would help him. In Psalm 34:6, David shared, "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles." Notice the humility David displays by calling himself a "poor" man, which of course refers to being weak and in need of help or assistance. David knew that he was also speaking to God Who would listen and respond to him. Lastly, David was ready for God's providential care to be evidenced as God would deliver him out of his troubles or problems.
E. Although not part of our original text, James shared in James 4:10, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." The reason many people do not pray is because it is hard for them to admit they need help from someone, even God. As you now see, if you will be humble before God, He will through His strength uplift you. Remember, God is in charge, not me!
Conclusion: It is my desire that this message has given to you a new understanding of how important prayer is to the believer wishing to serve God. God wants us to ask Him for things, prayer is also God's way of supplying our need, and of delivering us out of trouble. Have you prayed today? If not, begin today moving prayer into the position of being an activity that becomes part of your life each day.
