Harvest DNA – Part 3: Unceasing Prayer.

Review / Introduction:


James 4:2-3 - You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.


Three Powerless Prayers:

  1. The "pray it Safe" prayer.
  2. The "Santa Claus" prayer.
  3. The "public Performance" prayer.

How to Have Your Prayers Answered, Every Time (Matthew 7:7-11):

  1. Pray in Humility. (Matt 7:7-8)
    1. I need your Provision.
    2. I need your Wisdom.
    3. Proverbs 2:4 - if you seek it like silver and search for it as hidden treasure

      James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

    4. I need to Serve you.
    5. Acts 14:7 - ...they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.

      1 Corinthians 16:9 - ...for a wide door for effective work has opened to me...

  2. Receive like a Child. (Matt 7:9-11)
  3. Psalm 62:11-12 - Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint:
Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Matthew 7:7-11

  1. Why do you think prayer is such a struggle for many sincere Christians?

  2. How would you respond to someone who says, "I tried praying, and it didn't work."

  3. State Jesus' teaching in Matt 7:7-8 in your own words, regarding "asking... seeking...  knocking".

  4. How does Jesus' parent / child illustration help you understand prayer in a better way (Matt 7:9-11)?

Breakout Questions:

Pray for each other, using Jesus' instructions here!