Christ in the school of prayer

Speaker: David Sommerdorf
Windsor Baptist Church
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Sunday School Lesson

Text:  Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

1. The call to prayer
A. The Word of the Father is a call to prayer.
Matthew 7:7...Ask
Matthew 9:38...Pray ye
Luke 18:1...Men ought always to pray
Matthew 26:41...Pray that ye enter not into temptation
I Thessalonians 5:17...Pray without ceasing

B. The example of the Son is a call to prayer.
1) While on earth
- in His baptism, before sending the disciples, at the grave of Lazarus, for Peter's faith, on the Mt. of Transfiguration, at the last supper, in Gethsemane,  on the cross for His enemies

2) While in Heaven
- Hebrews 7:25 - Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.

C. The urging of the Spirit is a call to prayer.
- Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

D. The needs of our life are a call to prayer.
- Psalm 72:12 - For He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.

E. The anxiety of out hearts is a call to prayer.
"The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith." ~ Andrew Murray
- Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known unto God.
1) Hinders our faith in God
2) Hinders the power of God
3) Hinders our peace with God

F. The temptations of the flesh are a call to prayer.
- Matthew 26:41 - He went away again the second time and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

2. The practice of prayer
Begins by asking....Matthew 7:7
1. Be instant in asking.
2. Be constant in asking.
3. Be complete in asking.

There is a 'giving of God' that only comes from our asking.

3. The certainty in prayer
Everyone that asketh, receiveth...Matthew 7:8

A. Every one that asketh, receiveth something.
B. Every one that asketh, receiveth good things.  Matthew 7:7-11
1) light and understanding
2) peace
3) Holy Spirit
C. Every one that asketh, receiveth the very thing he NEEDS.  Matthew 6:8