Be Definite in Prayer
Being definite in prayer is essential to experiencing the power and effectiveness of God's promises.
Charles E. Cowman preaches on the power of prayer, using Jacob's prayer in Genesis 32 as an example of pouring out our hearts to God in times of sorrow. He emphasizes the importance of anchoring our prayers on God's promises, as it gives us the leverage to open the gates of heaven and receive answers. Cowman encourages believers to be specific in their requests, reminding them that Jesus desires us to ask for specific things in faith. He also highlights the significance of trusting in God's word and promises, without altering or doubting His goodness and grace.
Text
"And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: Deliver me, I pray thee" (Gen. 32:9, 11).
There are many healthy symptoms in that prayer. In some respects it may serve as a mould into which our own spirits may pour themselves, when melted in the fiery furnace of sorrow.
He began by quoting God's promise: "Thou saidst." He did so twice (9 and 12). Ah, he has got God in his power then! God puts Himself within our reach in His promises; and when we can say to Him, "Thou saidst," He cannot say nay. He must do as He has said. If Herod was so particular for his oath's sake, what will not our God be? Be sure in prayer, to get your feet well on a promise; it will give you purchase enough to force open the gates of heaven, and to take it by force. --Practical Portions for the Prayer-life
Jesus desires that we shall be definite in our requests, and that we shall ask for some special thing. "What will ye that I shall do unto you?" is the question that He asks of every one who in affliction and trial comes to Him. Make your requests with definite earnestness if you would have definite answers. Aimlessness in prayer accounts for so many seemingly unanswered prayers. Be definite in your petition. Fill out your check for something definite, and it will be cashed at the bank of Heaven when presented in Jesus' Name. Dare to be definite with God. --Selected
Miss Havergal has said: "Every year, I might almost say every day, that I live, I seem to see more clearly how all the rest and gladness and power of our Christian life hinges on one thing; and that is, taking God at His word, believing that He really means exactly what He says, and accepting the very words in which He reveals His goodness and grace, without substituting others or altering the precise modes and tenses which He has seen fit to use."
Bring Christ's Word--Christ's promise, and Christ's sacrifice--His blood, with thee, and not one of Heaven's blessings can be denied thee. --Adam Clarke
Sermon Outline
- I. The Importance of Being Definite in Prayer
- A. God puts Himself within our reach in His promises
- B. We must be sure to get our feet well on a promise
- II. The Power of Promises in Prayer
- A. Promises give us purchase enough to force open the gates of heaven
- B. We must dare to be definite with God
- III. The Need for Definiteness in Prayer
- A. Aimlessness in prayer accounts for many unanswered prayers
- B. We must fill out our check for something definite
Key Quotes
“Be sure in prayer, to get your feet well on a promise; it will give you purchase enough to force open the gates of heaven, and to take it by force.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Make your requests with definite earnestness if you would have definite answers.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Dare to be definite with God.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Make sure to get your feet well on a promise from God's Word before praying.
- Be specific and clear in your prayers, rather than being vague or general.
- Trust in God's promises and dare to be definite with Him in prayer.