Watch and Pray
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of praying wisely and using the light God has given us to make decisions.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of both watching our prayers and being attentive to the answers we receive. He shares the story of a Christian who struggled with doubt due to unanswered prayers, only to realize that his requests were misguided and unnecessary. Simpson highlights that wisdom in prayer is crucial, as many things require action rather than prayer, and that believers should utilize the guidance God has already provided. By doing so, they can find clarity and receive further direction from God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a balanced approach to prayer, combining faith with practical wisdom.
Text
We need to watch our prayers as well as watch for the answers to our prayers. It requires as much wisdom to pray rightly as it does faith to receive the answers to our prayers. A Christian confided that he had been in years of darkness because God had failed to answer certain of his prayers. As a result, he had been in a state bordering on infidelity. A very few moments were sufficient to convince this friend that his prayers had been entirely unauthorized and that God had never promised to answer such prayers. They were for things which, in the exercise of ordinary wisdom, he should have accomplished himself.
The result was deliverance from the cloud of unbelief which was almost wrecking his Christian life.
There are some things about which we do not need to pray as much as to take the light which God has already given. Many people are asking God to give them peculiar signs, tokens and supernatural intimations of His will. Our business is to use the light He has given, and then He will give whatever more we need.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Watching Our Prayers
- Wisdom is required to pray rightly
- Unauthorized prayers can lead to unbelief
Key Quotes
“It requires as much wisdom to pray rightly as it does faith to receive the answers to our prayers.” — A.B. Simpson
“Our business is to use the light He has given, and then He will give whatever more we need.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should be careful not to pray for things we should accomplish ourselves.
- We should use the light God has given us to make decisions and then seek further guidance if needed.
- Praying wisely requires both faith and wisdom.