Receiving Answers to Prayer

Scripture

Matthew 7:7-8, 11

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Observation

1. One of the purposes of prayer is to receive answers of prayer.

We are to grow in our relationship with Jesus as we pray and we are to grow in our character as we pray but those are not the only reasons to pray.  Jesus taught that he desires to answer our request, to give us the desires of our hearts.  

2. Jesus promises that if I persist in prayer that I will receive, find, and doors will be opened to me.  This is a sure thing, this promise is backed by all the honor of His name.

3. My father only gives good gifts.

He will not give me a snake or a stone.  He will not give me something that will harm me or disappoint me.  His gifts are always good because He is good.

Application

1. Be persistent in prayer.

2. Pray my dreams and desires

3. Pray in faith, believing I will receive what I ask for.

Prayer

Forgive me for my doubts and times of discouragement.  Enable to persist in prayer and to pray in faith.  I believe in your character.  I believe you will give me good gifts.