Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies. Here is why we must pray for things agreeable to His will 1. We are sinful and we just want it! “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly to spend it on your passions” (James 4:3)
2. We are self-centered and self-absorbed.
3. We lack wisdom and foresight! We don't know what will come of this.
4. Our spiritual perception of God’s ways are severely limited.
5. We don’t know what is good for us.
Things agreeable to His will 1. Your sanctification — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…” (1Thess. 4:3).
2. Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23 — “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”)
3. For wisdom (“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5)
4. To be a light, a faithful witness to your unbelieving friends (“let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” ) Mt. 5:16
5. Forgive you of your sins (“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” 1Jn. 1:9)
6. That you would glorify God in times of difficulty and times of plenty. |