Assurance of Answered Prayer
(John 16:24 NIV) Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
Another attack of Satan may be to cause you to doubt the effectiveness of prayer. He may whisper to you,
"You don't think God is really personally interested in you? He's far away, and concerned about more important people and things. Surely you don't think He'll hear your prayers - much less answer them!"
But with Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you have the unique privilege of speaking directly with your heavenly Father through Him. God wants you to come confidently into His presence through Christ and to talk to Him about everything [look up Philippians 4:6 and Hebrews 4:14-16] He is intensely interested in you and your needs.
Memorize the following promise, apply its truth, and experience the joy of answered prayer.
Exploring John 16:24
What is prayer?
In whose name should you pray?
What results from prayer?
"…Until now you have not asked for anything in my name."
What does Jesus teach about prayer in Matthew 7:7-8?
What are some important conditions for answered prayer?
John 15:7 1 John 5:14-15
"Ask and You Will Receive."
What is characteristic of God's answer to prayer?
Jeremiah 33:3 Ephesians 3:20
Read Matthew 7:9-11. What kind of gifts does God give His children?
Read Philippians 4:6-7. What is the wrong reaction to have toward difficult circumstances?
What is the right response?
What is the result of this right response?
"Your Joy Will Be Complete."
From Philippians 4:7, what results from the peace that comes through prayer?
Read Luke 1:13-14. What resulted when Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed for a son?
What are some hindrances to answered prayer?
James 4:3 Psalm 66:18
Write Out John 16:24 From Memory
Four important areas of prayer are:
Adoration: - reflecting on God Himself. Praise Him for His love, His power and majesty, and His wonderful gift of Christ.
Confession: - admitting your sins to God. Be honest and humble. Remember He knows you and loves you still.
Thanksgiving - telling God how grateful you are for everything He has given.
Your thankfulness will help you see His purposes.
Supplication - making specific requests both for others and for you.
The first letters of these four words form the word, "ACTS". Use this as a mental guide for a balanced prayer life.
Applying John 16:24
List four specific things you can pray about today. Pause right now and talk to God about them.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanksgiving:
Supplication:
Add John 16:24 to your last verse you memorizes in these lesson series.