Answered Prayer - 1 John 5:14

Title: Answered Prayer
Date: September 20, 2009
Text: 1 John 5:14

Introduction
- How many of us would like to have answered prayers?
- Some say, God knows everything about me, so why do I need to ask Him for anything?
- Did you know that it is God’s intention and desire, to answer our prayers?
- But sometimes things get in the way and our prayers do not seem to be answered
- James 4:2-3
- You don’t have because you don’t ask God
- God is too busy with bigger things
- My need is too small
- I don’t know if God will answer
- We don’t have because we don’t ask
- When our motives are right, God will respond
- It is normal for a child to ask for things from their physical dad
- It is the same with God
- 1 John 5:14-15

1. Discover God’s will and then ask for it
- Read the Bible to find out how God thinks about it
- Be full of God’s word, and then pray accordingly
- When we find God’s will we can be confident in our request
- Mark 11:24
- James 1:5-6 – ask in faith not doubting
- Math 21:21-22 – if you believe you will receive whatever you ask for
- Knowing God’s will we bring our requests before Him
- Lord, I need wisdom
- Lord, I need financial help
- Lord, my body needs healing


2. Live a life that is pleasing to God
- 1 John 3:22 - We receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands
- John 8:29 - I do always those things that please him
- 1 Pet 3:7- When we behave contrary to God’s will, our prayers will be hindered
- Walk closely with God
- Mat 7:7 – ask and it will be given
- John 15:7 – if you remain in me, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you

3. Pray in the right manner
- James 1:5-6 - Ask in faith, not doubting
- Mat 21:22 – if you believe you will receive whatever you ask for
- Faith is the key to answered prayer
- Matt 18:19-20 – if two of you agree on earth. . .
- Have a prayer partner – share your needs and pray for them together
- Maybe your spouse, a believing relative, a trusted friend (same sex)
- Great benefit of praying in church – others agree with you in your prayers
- Persist in asking
- Mat 7:7-8
- Luke 18:1 – always pray and don’t give up

Conclusion
- God wants to answer our prayers
- When we have needs, don’t be afraid to ask God to respond
- 1. Discover God’s will
- 2. Live a life that is pleasing to God
- 3. Pray in the right manner
- Keep a prayer journal
- Write down your requests, and then make a note when they are answered
- Will encourage you in future prayer requests