Delighting in God
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of delighting in God through genuine prayer and fellowship, rather than mere obligation.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that prayer should be a delightful experience focused on fellowship with God rather than a mere obligation. He highlights the disciples' request to Jesus to teach them how to pray, indicating a desire for a deeper connection with the Lord. Wilkerson points out that many prayers are centered on personal needs, but true prayer delights God when it prioritizes knowing Him. He encourages believers to find joy in God's presence, especially during difficult times, and to seek a heart that longs for communion with Him. Ultimately, he calls for a transformative approach to prayer that fosters intimacy with God.
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The prayer that pleases God is very simple and easy to understand. The disciples said to Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). This request reflects an honest desire to learn to pray in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
Many Christians pray only out of a sense of obligation, but prayer is not for our own welfare or relief, it is for the delight of our Lord. God tells his disciples, "When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do ... Do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:7-8). In other words, "When you come into my presence, focus your attention on fellowship with me -- on getting to know me."
Too much of our prayer time is spent asking God for a better job, a bonus, food, clothes and other necessities. But our Father already has made provision for our daily needs: "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on" (Matthew 6:25).
The Bible says, "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). Delighting in the Lord doesn't mean simply being happy in his presence; it also means being able to say, "I long to be with him because all others leave me empty and unfulfilled. Only Jesus can touch my deepest needs."
Coming to the Lord with delight does not mean we cannot come to him during times of sadness and grief. During such times we prefer to be with him above all others. We were made for fellowship with him, even in our heaviest times.
Do you love to be with him? Do you prefer him above all others? Ask God to put in you a heart that is easily wooed to his presence. And then listen closely to his Holy Spirit during your times of communion with him. He will reveal his Word to you in new ways as he teaches you to pray.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the purpose of prayer
- Prayer as a delight, not obligation
- Focusing on fellowship with God
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II
- God's provision for our needs
- Avoiding vain repetitions in prayer
- Trusting God's knowledge of our needs
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III
- Delighting in the Lord
- Longing for God's presence
- Finding fulfillment in Jesus
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IV
- Coming to God in times of grief
- The importance of communion with God
- Listening to the Holy Spirit
Key Quotes
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” — David Wilkerson
“Only Jesus can touch my deepest needs.” — David Wilkerson
“Ask God to put in you a heart that is easily wooed to his presence.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Prioritize spending time in prayer to deepen your relationship with God.
- Seek to find joy and fulfillment in God's presence above all worldly distractions.
- Be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance during your prayer time for deeper insights.