The Lord loves to hear the earnest prayers of His faithful followers. Sometimes He answers with a resounding "Yes!" But sometimes we have to wait because He has something better for us. Dr. Stanley urges us to trust God for His best and be willing to accept His wisdom and instruction.
Sermon Outline
Recognizing that God is in control is a positive thing, but it may sometimes lead you to wonder if your prayers truly matter. In today’s message, Dr. Stanley explains why they absolutely do.
Key Passage: Psalm 103:19-22
Supporting Passages: Exodus 32:8-14; 1 Samuel 15:28-29; Psalm 110:4; Jeremiah 4:27-28; Jeremiah 25:11-12; Jeremiah 26:11-13; James 1:17
Is it possible to change God’s mind? What difference do our prayers make?
► “God has certain policies and principles that no amount of praying is going to change.”
God’s sovereignty is absolute, but He makes room for our prayers. He impresses on our heart to pray for things He wants to do, because…
1. He wants to involve us in His work, miracles, and plans.
He always listens, but that doesn’t mean His will can be subverted.
He challenges and burdens us to pray.
2. When we pray and He answers, our faith grows.
This is especially true when we pray for a longer period of time or for things that seem impossible.
► “The more in agreement I am with the will of God, the more God is able to do in my life.”
3. He wants us to live with a sense of dependence on Him.
Through our dependence, God draws us to Himself.
The more you depend on Him, the more you’ll pray and the deeper your love for Him will grow.
4. He wants to bring us into agreement with His will, purposes, and plans.
When we pray, we grow in our desire to know, love, and serve God.
As we become more aligned with His will and His ways, we’ll become excited to be involved.
He burdens us about what to pray for. Conversely, if something is not His will, He’ll take away our interest in praying for it.
► “Praying for something will impact every single facet of your life—whether you receive your request or not.”
Can prayer change God’s mind?
If something is not in His will, no amount of fervent prayer will sway Him (1 Sam. 15:28-29; Ps. 110:4; Jer. 4:27-28).
God’s motive for anger against the people was to test Moses’ devotion as a leader, not to be swayed by His servant. He already knew Moses would intercede (Ex. 32:8-14).
There is no variability or turning with God (James 1:17).
At times, God states conditions and will relent if they are fulfilled (Jer. 26:11-13).
After Watching
Can you recall a prayer request being answered in a way that increased your faith?
Has God ever put something on your heart that led you to pray? How did the situation change? Did you change—and if so, how?
