Olsen Park Church of Christ


Prayer That is Acceptable to God

Introduction. As Christians there is something that we do often. Already today, as we have assembled together we have done it several times this morning and already a number of times tonight. We have prayed to God. It is something we are to do “without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). It is important, however, that we make certain that when we do this important act of worship to God we do it in a manner that is acceptable to God. Tonight let’s consider seven things about acceptable prayer to God.

I.      We Must Ask.

A.    Prayer involves more than requests, but asking of God is an important element of prayer.

B.     “Ask and it will be given” (Matt. 7:7-11).

C.     “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:1-3).

II.      We Must Be Righteous.

A.    “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous” (1 Pet. 3:10-12).

B.     The prayers of the wicked are an abomination (Prov. 28:9).

C.     Sin causes God not to hear prayers (Isa. 59:1-2).

III.        We Must Ask What is According to God’s Will.

A.    “Anything according to His will” (1 John 5:14-15).

B.     We know His revealed will by His word (Eph. 5:17).

C.     Not all requests are God’s will (James 4:13-15).

IV.     We Must Ask in Faith.

A.    “Ask in faith, with no doubting” (James 1:5-7).

B.     Faith doesn’t mean we get every request (1 John 5:14-15).

C.     Faith trusts God even when the answer is no (Heb. 11:6).

V.         We Must Ask with a Forgiving Heart.

A.    We are forgiven as we forgive (Matt. 6:9-15).

B.     Worship is not acceptable with unreconciled wrongs (Matt. 5:23-24).

VI.           We Must Ask with a Thankful Heart.

A.    Any request must be offered with gratitude for past blessings (Phil. 4:6-7).

B.     “In everything, give thanks” (1 Thess. 5:17-18).

VII.        We Must Ask in the Name of Christ.

A.    Jesus taught to ask in His name (John 14:13-14).

B.     All we do should be under the authority of Christ (Col. 3:17).

Kyle Pope 2014
Modified from a lesson
by Johnie Edwards

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