THE FOUNDATION OF PRAYER: THE GOD WHO CARES

I.DOES GOD REALLY CARE ABOUT MY LIFE?

Isaiah 40:27: “God has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me.” (Message) Does that sound like something you have thought recently?

-When your emotions bottom out and your laughter has to be forced. -When the events of the day seem to be surrounded in a damp, heavy fog and it seems that lead weights are tied to your feet. -When you forget what it is like to wake up with anticipation and bounce out of bed ready for the day ahead.

-When you struggle with temptation to do what you KNOW is displeasing to God. -When every breath brings you pain.

II. THE BEGINNING OF EFFECTIVE PRAYER IS TO KNOW THAT GOD CARES FOR YOU NO MATTER WHAT!

Isaiah 40:28-30: “Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening? God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out.

He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall.” (Message)

Do hear the promises of God about Himself? -He is an everlasting God. -He always has plenty of strength. -He always has plenty of wisdom. -He is always ready to give His followers plenty of wisdom and power to make it through any storm.

Abraham Lincoln when at the worst part of the Civil War said, “Without Christ I cannot succeed. With Christ I cannot fail.”

III. PRAYER IS RELATIONSHIP.

Isaiah 40:31- “But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don't get tired. They walk and don't lag behind.” (Message)

“Lord, the world is big and I’m not. The future is long, and I’m short-sighted. Time is immense, and I am but a drop in the ocean of time. Great wisdom is needed, and I am very limited.”

THE BAT