Attitude of Prayer

Pastor Cory Herthel

Midland SDA Church

January 9, 2016

Key Texts: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22; Mark 1:35; Matthew 14:23; Luke 23:34; John 11:41-42; Hebrews 5:7

SOP Reference: Steps to Christ, pg. 94 & 97

Introduction: Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His presence. (Steps to Christ, pg. 94.1)

I. Jesus’ Example

  A. Regular Private Prayer

    1. He would retreat in order to mitigate distraction (Mark 1:35-39)

      a. This gave Him alone time with the Father

      b. If He saw that His strength would be tested, this was His method of triumph

      c. His day began with this prayer time

    2. This time in prayer with the Father was more crucial to Him than food

      a. He said “Man shall not live by bread alone…”

      b. This practice helped Him “go through” with the cross, though He earnestly prayed for it to pass

  B. Source of Power (John 11:38-44)

    1. He had no doubt that God would hear Him (v. 41-42)

    2. This connection to His Father guaranteed the result of raising Lazarus

  C. Ultimate Forgiveness Came Through Prayer (Luke 23:34)

II. Personal Prayer & Its Affect

  A. Prayer Brings Growth Leading to Victory (Hebrews 5:5-11)

    1. Jesus’ example offers us the key to success (v. 7)

    2. Through prayer our faith is perfected

  B. Jesus Authored Eternal Life/We Inherit Eternal Life (Hebrews 5:9)

III. Persevering Prayer

  A. Pray Without Ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

    1. We must adopt an “attitude of prayer”

      a. Rejoicing, Giving Thanks, Affirming Others (Not to build arrogance or pride, but to edify in Christ)

      b. How would an attitude of prayer differ from the typical human attitude? (Example: Responses to others)

    2. How do we give thanks in everything?

  B. Staying Connected to God (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

    1. Never ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit

    2. Place God constantly upon the throne upon your mind and heart

Conclusion: Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be “instant in prayer,” to “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2. Peter exhorts believers to be “sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7. Paul directs, “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6. “But ye, beloved,” says Jude, “praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God.” Jude 20, 21. Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God. (Steps to Christ, pg. 97.2)