Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. We commenced 2021 on the topic of prayer

a. Why we ought to pray

b. How we should (or should not) pray

2. But as we pray, how should we respond to God?

3. Psalm 116

a. A description of how the Psalmist responded to God

b. An illustration of how we too can respond to God

“I LOVE THE LORD”

1. The Psalmist begins with a declaration of love to the Lord

2. The reasons stated

“because…” (v. 1)

a. God heard his prayers and supplications

b. God inclined His ear to him

3. This expression of love by the Psalmist was a response to how God heard his prayer

a. Good

b. Genuine

c. Heartfelt!

THE PSALMIST REMEMBERED HOW GOD HEARD HIS PRAYERS

1. He remembered the tough times he faced (v. 3)

a. Pains of death

b. Pangs of Sheol

c. Sorrow and trouble

2. He remember how God helped him

a. God was gracious, righteous, and merciful to him (v. 5)

b. God preserved him (v. 6)

c. God saved him (v. 6)

d. God dealt bountifully with him (v. 7)

3. He remembered God again (v. 8)

a. Deliverance from death

b. Deliverance from tears

APPROPRIATE RESPONSES THAT THE PSALMIST CONSIDERED FURTHER

“What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?” (v. 12)

1. The Psalmist sought to respond appropriately to God

2. The LORD’s benefits were not taken for granted!

3. Appropriate responses that the Psalmist made

a. Take up the cup of salvation (v. 12)

b. Call upon the name of the LORD (v. 13)

c. Paying of vows to the LORD (v. 14, 18)

d. Serving (v. 16)

e. Thanksgiving offering (v. 17)

ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE BILINGUAL BRETHREN

1. Do not stop praying – we have every reason to pray!

2. But let us not forget how God has answered our prayers

3. May we respond appropriately to God

a. In love

b. In servitude

c. In thanksgiving