PRAYER DEFINED
Matthew 7:7-11
INTRODUCTION: Prayer is more than saying words. From the Scriptures we learn that true prayer is a combination of bowing the soul before God, pouring out the heart to God. Prayer is asking, talking to God, making our request known to Him.
I. PRAYER IS BOWING THE SOUL AND KNEES BEFORE GOD
Ephesians 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Bowing the knees before God is a good act, and an attitude of prayer, faith, and worship. The act and attitude of getting low before God is taking the right attitude before Him.
II. PRAYER IS POURING OUT THE HEART TO GOD
I Sam. 1:15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my Lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured my soul before the Lord.
Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
III. PRAYER IS LIFTIING UP THE SOUL UNTO GOD
Psalm 25:1 Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
Lamentations 3:41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the Heavens.
The soul which expresses the spiritual life, feelings, and will, can be lifted up to God. The soul that bows itself low before the Lord can then lift itself up unto God.
IV. PRAYER IS LOOKING UP TO GOD IN EXPECTANCY
Psalm 5:3 My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.
V. PRAYER IS SEEKING THE FACE AND FAVOR OF GOD
Psalm 27:8 When Thou saidst, Seek ye My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
VI. PRAYER IS CALLING UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD
Genesis 12:8 And there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord.
High father to father of a multitude.
VII. PRAYER IS MAKING SUPPLICATION TO GOD. - ,.
Job 8:5 Make thy supplication to the Almighty.
