Matthew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
I John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
WE MUST PRAY IN HARMONY WITH GOD’S WILL
GOD’S WILL AND OUR PRAYERS…
Prayers are answered favorably if we ask “according to His will” – 1John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
Big reason for unanswered prayer is our own selfishness
James 4:3 – Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
HIS WILL BE DONE…
Jesus taught us to pray –
Matthew 6:9-13 – After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
He prayed in the garden at Gethsemane –
Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Such praying is made easier when our will is to do God’s will
John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
[With faith in God and humility toward Him, we will gladly yield to His will for us. Note also…]
WE MUST PRAY WITH THANKSGIVING
PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING…
“giving thanks always for all things to God” –
Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Trust Him completely with an attitude of thankfulness –
Philippians 4:6 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
being vigilant in prayer with thanksgiving” –
Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Always stay in an attitude of prayer and thanksgiving. –
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 – 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE…
God’s people should always to be thankful –
Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.;
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Ingratitude an indication of apostasy –
Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.;
2 Timothy 3:2-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away
