We cannot
expect to live defectively and pray effectively.
I've had people take strong exception to the above statement. But, God agrees with it! And we need to learn this about prayer in a day when praying too often has become a mere empathetic expression when trying to identify with a troubled person or situation.
Listen to God's Word on the subject. Are there conditions for powerful praying?
"The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers" (1 Peter 4:7). Certain behavior is required "for the sake of" our prayers.
The man, David, who was so very dear to God, declared: "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened" (Psalms 66:18). This man who at one point sinned so grievously, sought God's restoration with a deep prayer of repentance, no mere "I'm sorry" stuff.
James instructs us: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting..." (James 1:5-6). Doubting defies faith and without faith we cannot please God (Heb. 11:6).
And, other verses could be cited to affirm the truth of the statement that we cannot expect to live defectively and pray effectively.
dc
I've had people take strong exception to the above statement. But, God agrees with it! And we need to learn this about prayer in a day when praying too often has become a mere empathetic expression when trying to identify with a troubled person or situation.
Listen to God's Word on the subject. Are there conditions for powerful praying?
"The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers" (1 Peter 4:7). Certain behavior is required "for the sake of" our prayers.
The man, David, who was so very dear to God, declared: "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened" (Psalms 66:18). This man who at one point sinned so grievously, sought God's restoration with a deep prayer of repentance, no mere "I'm sorry" stuff.
James instructs us: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting..." (James 1:5-6). Doubting defies faith and without faith we cannot please God (Heb. 11:6).
And, other verses could be cited to affirm the truth of the statement that we cannot expect to live defectively and pray effectively.
dc
