The Nature of Prayer
The Nature of Prayer6
The Sermon on the Mount-(Continued 3) Matthew 6:1-18
By R.A. Torrey0MAT 6:1R.A. Torrey continues his exposition of the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the principles of giving, praying, and fasting. He emphasizes that acts of righteousness should be done in secret to please God rather than to gain human approval, highlighting the importance of a sincere heart in all spiritual practices. Torrey explains that prayer should be directed to the Father, avoiding vain repetitions, and should prioritize God's glory and will. He also discusses the significance of fasting, urging believers to seek God's presence rather than public recognition. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a genuine relationship with God, marked by humility, sincerity, and a focus on His kingdom.
About Prayer.
By J.R. Miller0PHP 4:6J.R. Miller emphasizes the multifaceted nature of prayer, explaining that it encompasses making requests, confessing sins, expressing gratitude, and fostering communion with God. He reassures that God hears and answers prayers, but often in ways that align with His wisdom rather than our immediate desires. Miller encourages believers to approach prayer with humility and trust, understanding that God's responses may not always match our expectations but are ultimately for our good. He highlights the importance of maintaining a continuous spirit of prayer throughout daily life, fostering a close relationship with Christ. The sermon concludes by affirming that prayer is a privilege for God's children, allowing them to communicate with their loving Father.
The Divine Basis of All Acceptable Prayer
By T. Austin-Sparks1EXO 30:34T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the divine foundation of acceptable prayer, highlighting that true prayer is rooted in the moral excellencies of Jesus Christ, which must be present in our prayers for them to be effective. He explains that prayer encompasses five aspects: communion, submission, petition, co-operation, and conflict, with communion being the foundational element akin to respiration in our spiritual lives. Submission is described as an active alignment with God's will, while petition involves asking with faith and assurance. Co-operation with God is presented as the ultimate purpose of prayer, ensuring that our requests align with His divine plan. Sparks warns against the dangers of mechanical prayer and the importance of maintaining a living relationship with God through prayer.
Knowing God in Prayer - Part 3
By A.W. Tozer21JN 3:21A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of understanding prayer in the context of God's will and obedience. He challenges the notion that God always answers prayer in the way we expect, asserting that true prayer requires a clear request and a life aligned with God's commandments. Tozer argues that prayer is not merely about asking for things but about cultivating a relationship with God, where our desires align with His will. He encourages believers to engage in prayer as a means of transformation, both personally and in their circumstances, while recognizing that prayer must be coupled with obedience to be effective.
Oh!
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 46:10ISA 6:5JER 1:6ROM 11:33A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of the exclamatory expression 'Oh!' in our relationship with God, contrasting it with the intellectual confines of theology. He argues that true spiritual experience transcends mere knowledge and invites a heartfelt response to God's presence, which often leaves us in silence and awe. Tozer warns that losing the 'Oh!' in our prayers signifies a dangerous shift towards self-reliance and a lack of genuine connection with God. He encourages Christians to maintain a sense of wonder and reverence in their spiritual lives, ensuring that their prayers are heartfelt rather than merely routine. The sermon concludes with a plea to never lose that profound sense of awe before God.
If God Answers Prayer
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 100:5ISA 6:5ROM 3:23EPH 2:8JAS 1:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes that God answers prayer not because of human merit or goodness, but solely due to His inherent goodness and lovingkindness. He challenges the notion that certain individuals are favored by God due to their righteousness, asserting that all have fallen short and deserve punishment. Instead, it is God's benevolence that leads Him to respond to our prayers. Tozer encourages gratitude for God's faithfulness and grace, reminding us that prayer is answered out of His goodness, not our deserving.