Lessons from The Prophet Daniel P2 - Effective Prayer (3) | Rev. Andra D. Sparks

Sept 20, 2020 “Effective Prayer: Lessons From the Prophet Daniel” Part 2 PRAYER MONTH 2020 Sermon Series: “Powerful Prayers for People With Problems” Speaker: Pastor Sparks Text: Daniel, chapters 9:12(b)-20 -When Daniel got put in the lion’s den, he was 80 years old -The enemy is crafty; he’ll either try to lead you into wrong or pervert the right you’re doing and try to make it wrong -When the king signed that decree aimed at making Daniel’s prayer time wrong, Daniel went to his house and do what he normally did: Prayed. -God appreciates relationship! While He hears the most random, out-of-the-blue prayer, how much better is it to be someone God hears from regularly?! -Daniel tried to keep his LIVING right, so it wouldn’t affect God’s LISTENING to Him -When your internal person is on point, it typically results in positive external relationships Prayer Pointers to Consider 1. Blaming God Isn’t Really Prayer * God doesn’t cause disaster, He allows it * The same God you choose to call on afterward is the same God you can call on beforehand; so don’t blame God for trouble 2. Review God’s Record in General—and in Your Life * God is the God that not only gets you outta trouble, but keeps you outta trouble! * Look back at all He’s done for you and others! He hasn’t changed and He won’t change! * Ain’t no such thing as God “going out of business” 3. Pray for His Sake * When you pray for His sake, you’re telling Him it’s for His glory; you’re asking Him to do something in accordance with His character * If we wanna bring glory to God, let’s talk to Him more! 4. Remember, If It Wasn’t For His Grace... * We don’t deserve any good thing God gives us! 5. God’s Response to Our Prayers is Immediate * God doesn’t have to “think about” anything * You may pray for something today that takes 5 years to come; God said “yes” the second you prayed, but you won’t be ready for it until 5 years from now! * God responds IMMEDIATELY—there is no delay to His response! You may have to grow into the “yes” or He may say “no” because He has something better prepared for you 6. When You Pray, Help Is On the Way 7. Angels Are Watching Over Us * You have no clue how many situations you’ve been saved from—that you had no idea were even situations—bc angels were watching over you! Sermon Notes courtesy of Deacon Anthony Sparks