In our quest to understand the “Shepherd-Sheep interface,” we shall be gaining a new understanding about enjoying the sufficiency of prayer.
This privilege is meant to be enjoyed and not endured due to the established cordiality between God and His children.
Jesus said in Luke 11:2
“When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name..”
This confidence and assurance in the Father is an impetus to always approach Him in the place of prayer
Ezra’s confidence in God that answers Prayer:
The pattern and contents of Ezra’s prayer showed where his heart leaned towards.
What brought Ezra to God?
1. An Helpless situation
2. A national embarrassment
3. A need to move forward.
These three adamant problems would have remained unchange, but for the prayer of Ezra
There are reasons for approaching God in prayer. Approaching God in prayer offers numerous benefits and reasons for doing so.
Ezra employed the. “PUSH” approach; “Pray Until Something Happens”
PUSH emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer and trusting in God’s promises. Matt 7:7-8 It suggests that by continuing to seek God consistently through prayer, one will experience a fullness of joy that comes from their relationship with Him.
Jesus’s words in John 16:24, which says, “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full”
* Ezra took everything to God in prayer. Ezra 8: 21-23
* His focus was not on the problem, but God- vs 21-22a, vs 23
* Since He couldn’t help himself, he admitted the enourmosity of the problem but rolled the burden unto God- Psalm 68:19; I Peter 5:7
* He gathered people to pray – vs 15-20. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them”- Matt.18:20. Corporate prayer plays a role in our lives as believers- Acts 12:5 -So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him”
* He came to God in humility of heart vs. 21. II Chron.7:14; Daniel 10:12-Daniel 10:12 – Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. (NLT) Without humility, you can not approach Him. God is more concerned with our heart than our eloquence in prayer. The humility and sincerity create a more genuine connection with God, our Father. – Deut.4:29
* He offered specific, direct, straight prayer to God. He sought God for specific directions and protections. Mark 10;51; Luke 18:40-41
* Ezra testified of what their God can do – vs 22b. Testimony is key in prayer offered to God. It tells of the faithfulness of God- I Sam 17:34-37 (37); I John 5:14-15; Mark 11:24. Past experiences of God’s help gave confidence that God would help him now.
The God that Answers Prayer, The God of All:
Psalm 65:2 states, “O you who hear prayer, to you all people will come,”
* God always responds: This verse emphasizes God’s constant responsiveness to prayer, especially those of children – Jeremiah 33:3; Isaiah 65:24
* God welcome all people: This highlights that God is actively listening to and answering prayers from all people, regardless of their background or circumstances, once they come genuinely.-Zechariah 8:21-23; II Chron.7:14 People from all walks of life and all nations could find their way to God through prayer, including you- Micah 4:2,5
* Answers follow genuine seeking of God:- Ezra 8:23, 31. Ezra and the community testified to answered prayer.
* God has not called us to seek Him in vain-Isaiah 45:19
Conclusion
As you go this week, know that God is drawing you to His side, if only you will hear Him.
He answers everyone who calls upon HIM.