WHY—3
WHY DIDN’T GOD ANSWER MY PRAYER?
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14
Joshua prayed the sun would stand still—did for a whole day.
Daniel prayed—starving lions went on a diet.
Jonah prayed—fish swallowed him & carried him safely shore.
I prayed—nothing happened
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Prayer at football game—ended early
Prayed for sick loved one—died!
Praying to conceive a child-still waiting
Prayed my parents wouldn’t get divorced—ugly!
Person with out Jesus—seem to go wrong direction!
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WHY DIDN’T GOD ANSWER MY PRAYER?
- MAYBE YOU HAVE A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:24-25
Cannot say you love God & hate your brother
Jesus, offering gift at altar (Matt 5)
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7
- MAYBE YOU HAVE THE WRONG MOTIVES.
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your own pleasures. James 4:3
Pharisees—Praying to be seen!
Bless my business, but not willing to tithe.
Help me win the lottery and I’ll give half
All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Prov 16:2
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- MAYBE YOU DON’T BELIEVE GOD WILL DO IT.
“But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”
Mark 9:22-23
Bar owner that believes in prayer and pastor that doesn’t
Over and over…according to your faith it will be done unto you.
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord…
James 1:6-7
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I can ask for anything… if I have enough faith
- MAYBE GOD HAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15
Name it and claim it! Blab! See!
Paul 3x… My grace is sufficient for you.
Get this house! * Help me to get this job! * Marry this person!
WHAT DO I BELIEVE ABOUT PRAYER?
Prayer is not as much about my wants—as God’s will.
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us… But even if he does not…we will not serve your gods… Dan 3:17-18
- I BELIEVE GOD CAN.
- I BELIEVE GOD WILL.
- EVEN IF HE DOESN’T, I STILL BELIEVE.