Thoughts on Prayer
God answers prayer, and our prayers can be powerful and effective when we pray in the Name of the Lord Jesus and come from a strong, inward necessity.
William MacDonald emphasizes the power and significance of prayer, explaining that God answers prayers with infinite wisdom, love, and power, often providing what we truly need rather than just what we want. He highlights the conditions of prayer, particularly the importance of asking in Jesus' name, and acknowledges the mysteries surrounding prayer that may not always be understood. MacDonald encourages believers to trust in God's timing and to recognize that true prayer stems from a deep dependence on the Lord, leading to supernatural outcomes in their lives and the lives of others.
Text
"If ye ask anything in my name, I will do it. " 1John 14:14
God answers prayer. He answers it exactly the same way we would if we had infinite wisdom, love and power. Sometimes He gives us what we want, sometimes He gives us something better, but always what we need. Sometimes He answers our prayers quickly; at other times He teaches us to wait patiently.
God answers prayer; sometimes when hearts are weak,
He gives the very gifts His children seek.
But often faith must learn a deeper rest,
And trust God's silence when He cannot speak;
For He whose name is love will send the best.
Stars may burn out, nor mountain walls endure,
But God is true, His promises are sure
To those who seek.
There are conditions to prayer. Often what seems like a blank check ("if ye ask anything") has conditions attached ("in My Name"). Individual prayer promises must be considered in the light of all other Scriptures on the subject.
There are mysteries to prayer. It is easy to think up all kinds of questions about the "whys" and "wherefores." But, for the most part, they are not edifying. It is better to pray and to see God work than to solve all the mysteries connected with prayer. I like what Archbishop Temple said: "When I pray, coincidences happen. When I do not, they don't."
When we pray to God in the Name of the Lord Jesus, it is just the same as if He were making those requests to the Father. This is what gives such significance and power to our prayers. And this is why we never come closer to omnipotence than when we pray. Of course, we will never be omnipotent, even in eternity. But when we pray in the Name of the Lord Jesus, we lay hold on infinite power.
The best prayer comes from a strong, inward necessity. This means that the more we are dependent on the Lord, the more effective our prayer life will be.
When we pray, we see things happen that would never happen according to the laws of chance or probability. Our lives crackle with the supernatural. They become radioactive with the Holy Spirit. And when we touch other lives, something happens for God.
We should be like the saint who said, "I measure my influence by the number who need my prayers and the number who pray for me."
Sermon Outline
- I. God Answers Prayer
- A. God answers prayer exactly as if He had infinite wisdom, love, and power
- B. Sometimes He gives us what we want, sometimes something better, but always what we need
- II. Conditions to Prayer
- A. Prayer promises must be considered in the light of all other Scriptures on the subject
- B. Conditions are attached to prayer, such as praying in the Name of the Lord Jesus
- III. Mysteries of Prayer
- A. Some questions about prayer are not edifying and should not be focused on
- B. Prayer is more about seeing God work than solving mysteries
- IV. The Power of Prayer
- A. Praying in the Name of the Lord Jesus gives significance and power to our prayers
- B. Our prayers lay hold on infinite power when we pray in the Name of the Lord Jesus
- V. Effective Prayer
- A. The best prayer comes from a strong, inward necessity
- B. The more we are dependent on the Lord, the more effective our prayer life will be
Key Quotes
“When I pray, coincidences happen. When I do not, they don't.” — William MacDonald
“I measure my influence by the number who need my prayers and the number who pray for me.” — William MacDonald
“God answers prayer exactly the same way we would if we had infinite wisdom, love, and power.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Make sure to pray in the Name of the Lord Jesus to give significance and power to your prayers.
- Come from a strong, inward necessity when praying to make your prayers more effective.
- Pray for others and seek prayer from others to increase your influence for God.