Two Conditions Must Be Met
To pray with confidence, we must meet two conditions: pray in the will of God and live a life pleasing to Him.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that for our prayers to be effective, two essential conditions must be met: we must pray in accordance with God's will and live lives that are pleasing to Him. He explains that it is pointless to ask God to act against His revealed purposes, and that only those who are obedient and trustful can expect their prayers to be answered. Tozer encourages believers to ensure their requests align with God's will and to maintain a lifestyle that reflects obedience to His commandments. He concludes with a prayer for the Holy Spirit's help in living a life that is pleasing to God.
Text
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. --1 John 3:21-22
When we go to God with a request that He modify the existing situation for us, that is, that He answer prayer, there are two conditions that we must meet: (1) We must pray in the will of God and (2) we must be on what old-fashioned Christians often call "praying ground"; that is, we must be living lives pleasing to God.
It is futile to beg God to act contrary to His revealed purposes. To pray with confidence the petitioner must be certain that his request falls within the broad will of God for His people.
The second condition is also vitally important. God has not placed Himself under obligation to honor the requests of worldly, carnal or disobedient Christians. He hears and answers the prayers only of those who walk in His way...(1 John 3:21-22; John 15:7)....
The truth is that God always answers the prayer that accords with His will as revealed in the Scriptures, provided the one who prays is obedient and trustful. Further than this we dare not go. Man, the Dwelling Place of God, pp. 86-87
"Lord, in the power of Your Holy Spirit, help me to be obedient today. May everything I think and do be pleasing in Your sight. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- Two Conditions Must Be Met
- Futility of Begging God to Act Contrary to His Purposes
- God Answers Prayers of Obedient Christians
- Pray in the Will of God
- Be on 'Praying Ground'
- God's Will Revealed in Scriptures
- Importance of Obedience and Trust
Key Quotes
“It is futile to beg God to act contrary to His revealed purposes.” — A.W. Tozer
“God always answers the prayer that accords with His will as revealed in the Scriptures, provided the one who prays is obedient and trustful.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Pray in the will of God by seeking to understand His purposes and plans.
- Live a life pleasing to God by being obedient and trustful.
- Recognize that God's will is revealed in Scripture and seek to align your prayers with it.