1. I. We Must Ask. A.Prayer involves more than requests, but asking of God is an important element of prayer. B.“Ask and it will be given” (Matt. 7:7-11). C.“You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:1-3).

2. II. We Must Be Righteous. A.“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous” (1 Pet. 3:10-12). B.The prayers of the wicked are an abomination (Prov. 28:9). C.Sin causes God not to hear prayers (Isa. 59:1-2).

3. III. We Must Ask What is According to God’s Will. A.“Anything according to His will” (1 John 5:14-15). B.We know His revealed will by His word (Eph. 5:17). C.Not all requests are God’s will (James 4:13-15).

4. IV. We Must Ask in Faith. A.“Ask in faith, with no doubting” (James 1:5-7). B.Faith doesn’t mean we get every request (1 John 5:14- 15). C.Faith trusts God even when the answer is no (Heb. 11:6).

5. V. We Must Ask with a Forgiving Heart. A.We are forgiven as we forgive (Matt. 6:9-15). B.Worship is not acceptable with unreconciled wrongs (Matt. 5:23-24).

6. VI. We Must Ask with a Thankful Heart. A.Any request must be offered with gratitude for past blessings (Phil. 4:6-7). B.“In everything, give thanks” (1 Thess. 5:17-18).

7. VII. We Must Ask in the Name of Christ. A.Jesus taught to ask in His name (John 14:13-14). B.All we do should be under the authority of Christ (Col. 3:17).