Title: The Practice Of Prayer
Bible Book: Jeremiah 33 : 3
Author: Franklin L. Kirksey
Subject: Prayer
Objective:
Introduction
Dr. M.R. DeHaan, founder of Radio Bible Class (RBC) and Our Daily Bread, tells about a British soldier who was caught sneaking back into the encampment from the woods. When he was called to account for his actions, the soldier simply explained that he was in the woods praying. Doubting his response, the officer asked if he was accustomed to hours of prayer. "Yes sir," replied the soldier. The officer commanded him to drop to his knees and pray, because he was going to need it now. At this point the soldier expected to die, so he dropped to the ground and prayed earnestly. His prayer was so eloquent the commanding officer knew his story was true.
I. A Superb Invitation
One of the greatest prayer promises in the entire Bible is found in Jeremiah 33:3. This verse offers a superb invitation to God's children, when He says, "Call unto Me."(v.3a) Imagine the Creator and Ruler of the universe making such an offer to you and me! The writer to the Hebrews encourages all believers to "...come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
II. A Superior Expectation
From Jeremiah 33:3b we have God's word to those who will call unto Him, he says, " . . . I will answer you . . ."
This promise gives us a superior expectation. We can expect a reply from God Himself and He will basically answer in one of three ways: yes, no and wait. However, sometimes we discover that we have asked the for the wrong thing, something outside of God's will, (1 John 5:14-15) or we have asked in the wrong way (James 1:6-8) or for the wrong reason (James 4:3). In "The Cotter's Saturday Night," Robert Burns said, "They never sought in vain that sought God aright!"
III. A Supernatural Revelation
According to Jeremiah 33:3c God will give a supernatural revelation to those who will call unto Him. He will "...show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." These are things that we would not discover or receive without prayer.
Henry Blackaby and his son, Richard write in Experiencing God Day-by-Day, "It is one thing to believe God could perform a miracle in the Bible, or a thousand years ago, or even in the life of a friend; it is quite another matter to wholeheartedly believe God can do anything He chooses to do in our lives!"
Dr. Samuel Johnson advises, "Still raise for good the supplicating voice, but leave to heaven the measure and the choice." The apostle Paul encourages us to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
