-CLOSER THROUGH- PRAYER Walking With God

23 Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. 24 So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them. Exodus 2:23–25 (NASB95)

INTRODUCTION Relationships require responsive interaction Communication with God is essential Prayer has a tremendous role in walking with God

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION Prayer offers the opportunity to express the depths of our heart to God This cannot be accomplished through formulaic repetitions “Pray then in this way” not “Repeat after me” - Matt. 6:9 6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. Matthew 6:6–7 (NASB95)

ACCESS NOT SEPARATION We have a High Priest who offers continual access to God – Heb. 4:14- 16 Such access had been lost due to fear and corruption – Ex. 20:18-21; Matt 21:13 Through Christ we can have confident access – Heb. 10:19-23 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (NASB95) 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a robbers’ den.” Matthew 21:13 (NASB95)

A TRUE RELATIONSHIP Such access makes a true relationship possible This removal of barriers promotes intimacy Allows us to learn to trust in God and thus walk closer to Him 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (NASB95)

PRAYER IS A STATEMENT OF FAITH Faith that we are heard 14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14 (NASB95)

PRAYER IS A STATEMENT OF FAITH Faith that we are heard Faith that He cares Faith that He will act 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? 10 “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? Matthew 7:7–10 (NASB95) Consistently taking our needs before Him, confident that He will act, is effectively practicing our faith and building greater trust in Him

THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS OUR SUFFERING Relationships grow strong in times of distress Prayer offers a means for us to turn toward God in trial and moments of fear 1 Hear my prayer, O Lord! And let my cry for help come to You. 2 Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my distress; Incline Your ear to me; In the day when I call answer me quickly. Psalm 102:1–2 (NASB95)

THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS OUR SUFFERING The “I laments” point out the individual nature of our relationship with God God is willing to hear our fears and doubts 4 My heart has been smitten like grass and has withered away, Indeed, I forget to eat my bread. 5 Because of the loudness of my groaning My bones cling to my flesh. 6 I resemble a pelican of the wilderness; I have become like an owl of the waste places. Psalm 102:4–6 (NASB95)

THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS OUR SUFFERING The “God laments” point out His willingness to allow us to question Him Such honest communication allows growth in a relationship 10 Because of Your indignation and Your wrath, For You have lifted me up and cast me away. 11 My days are like a lengthened shadow, And I wither away like grass. Psalm 102:10–11 (NASB95)

THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GOD’S GREATNESS Healthy relationships force us to look outside of ourselves The acknowledgement of God, forces us to consider the value of a relationship with Him Prayer leads the Psalmist from self oriented complaint to other oriented praise and recognition  12 But You, O Lord, abide forever, And Your name to all generations. 13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion; For it is time to be gracious to her, For the appointed time has come. …17 He has regarded the prayer of the destitute And has not despised their prayer. Psalm 102:12–17 (NASB95)

CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S WILLINGNESS TO HEAR The Psalmist had absolute confidence that God would hear and act God has demonstrated this willingness throughout history – Ex 2:23-25, 3:7; Is 61:1-3 This confidence leads to an eternal perspective  18 This will be written for the generation to come, That a people yet to be created may praise the Lord. 19 For He looked down from His holy height; From heaven the Lord gazed upon the earth, 20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner, To set free those who were doomed to death, Psalm 102:18–20 (NASB95)