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"And whatever we ask we receive from Him..."

Text: 1 John 3:22

THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER

Prayer is a precious privilege that we fail to fully appreciate. Many are the promises made by the Lord but sadly few are fully comprehended.

“And whatever we ask we receive from Him,
because we keep His commandments and do those things
that are pleasing in His sight.”
1 John 3:22

1. Misunderstanding of God’s promises

a) Many jump at the phrase “whatever we ask we receive from Him”.

b) Many ask but they do not receive.

c) Discouragement sets in and people give up on praying to the Lord.

2. “And whatever we ask we receive from Him”

a) This was written as a conditional sentence.

b) Hypothetically what John wrote is true.

c) God does hear and answer our prayers.

d) Wherein lies the problem?

3. “Because”

a) This is where the problem may lie.

b) John cites two things for us to ponder over carefully.

c) We must give careful considerations to these things.

4. Two matters

a) We keep His commandments.

i) Do we know the Lord’s commandments?

ii) Do we keep His commandments?

iii) If we do not keep His commandments our petitions in prayer may be denied.

b) We do those things which are pleasing in His sight.

i) Do we know what is pleasing in God’s sight?

ii) Do we do those things which are pleasing in His sight?

iii) If we do not do the things which are pleasing in His sight our petitions may not be granted.

c) The challenge is to examine our hearts as to whether we truly keep the Lord’s word.