Scriptures: 1 John 5:1-17, Psalm 139
Introduction
Each of us has certain attitudes to particular situations, things, and people.
Sometimes we are embarrassed by our attitudes, even to the point where we feel we got foot and mouth disease.
Have you ever thought about your attitude toward prayer?
E.g. some come before the Lord in a very familiar way, others with the force of a mouse, some are bold, others flippant and some are just downright rude.
Attitude is key in everything we do, even in prayer.
It locks or unlocks our prayers.
Five positive attitudes towards prayer.
1. Reverence (to worship)
Reverence is a synonym for high respect, venerate, adore, glorify, honour, or worship.
In Genesis 18:27 Abraham displays this reverence. “Now behold I have ventured to speak to the Lord, although I am dust and ashes.” Derek Prime in his book
A Christian Guide to Prayer makes the following statement: "Prayer must have as its basis an understanding of Who and What God is.” p 31.
I would go one step further and say we also need an understanding of who we are in relation to God.
Once you are in the lord, your greatest endeavour is to offer total reverence to Him as your make.
After all, we were created for one ultimate purpose, TO WORSHIP THE LORD. Isaiah 43:21 reads “...the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.”
2. Humility (to be humble before God)
Humility means “the state of being humble.”
Both it and humble have their origin in the Latin word humilis, meaning "low."
It is when one considers themselves low irrespective of their status or personality.
In prayers humility is paramount.
Listen to what the psalmist in Psalm 10:17 Pens-down; “Lord You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear,”
If we are full of ourselves and our own self-importance, prayer will be rendered ineffective! As apostle James says in his book chapter 4 verse 6 “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
True humility is an ingredient vital for prayers.
3. Boldness
Boldness is the ability to be confident and fearless no matter the circumstances you are in.
Boldness is not irreverent it is the product of a relationship with God.
Like the child who boldly makes a request to his/her parents, the writer of Hebrews calls us to, “Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb.4:16.
The Lord Jesus has gone before us, He has opened the gateway to God, and He has made it possible for us to enter into God's presence.
Every day remember his endless promise Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
4. Be Pegged on Scriptures.
Prayer and the Word of God are intertwined, like a coin that has two sides.
No prayer should be contrary to the Word of God or Biblical principles.
In 1 John 5:14-15 Apostles John inspires “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
In whatever the situation ask, “What would the Word of God say to me about this? Or what would the Lord Jesus do?"
5. Being Definite
This is the ability to be sure, and confident in speaking with the Lord.
The Lord Jesus said; ASK, SEEK, AND KNOCK.
One of my favourite prayers is that of Jabez. He was definite in his prayer.
1 Chronicles 4:9,10 notes; "Jabez was more honorable."
Why? We do not know, except to say that he was right with God. For the Lord to regard a man as honorable is a great commendation. This is the only time that he is mentioned in the Scriptures.
Remember his name was JABEZ, which is translated as “SORROWFUL” because he caused his mother great pain in childbirth. Imagine having a name like Pain or Sorrowful. Imagine living with that all your life.
No matter the situation Jabez made the greatest transformative move he called on God, “Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, “would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil that I may not cause So God granted him what he requested.”
In all his requests Jabez was definite and indeed the Lord granted his submissions.
As we pray, the attitude of being definite or confident is key.
Conclusion
As we prepare to speak and allow the Lord to speak to us, Let us apply these attitudes in our prayer lives.
May we incorporate:
a. Reverence/ worship the lord wholeheartedly.
b. Humility by not esteeming ourselves, be humble for he will lift you up.
c. Boldness as you come before his presence for we are his own.
d. be pegged in scriptures for it the food to our souls and the guide to our lives.
d. Be definite as you come to him for he will grant you the desires of your heart.
Peace be with you all