What are we praying for?

Introduction:

As we continue our House of Prayer sermon series, today's message is titled "What Are We Praying For?" We will delve into the profound topic of God answering prayers, understanding the heart of our prayers, and aligning our desires with God's will. Let us begin by turning to the Word of God, Matthew 21:12-15.

Bible Reading: Matthew 21:12-15 (ESV)

And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers." And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant.

As we explore this passage, we see Jesus cleansing the temple, emphasizing the importance of the house of God as a place of prayer. It's a reminder that prayer is a central and transformative act that draws us closer to God.

People Want the Kingdom, but Not the King:

Before we delve into the power of prayer, let's reflect on the phrase, "People want the Kingdom, but not the King." It's a poignant reminder that sometimes our desires and prayers focus on the blessings rather than the One who bestows them. Our prayers should not only seek God's hand but also His heart.

Prayer for Kingdom Living: Matthew 6:9-15 (ESV)

9 Pray then like this:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

10 Your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread,

12 and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses,

your heavenly Father will also forgive you,

15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses,

neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

In these verses, commonly known as the Lord's Prayer, Jesus provides a model for our prayers. Notice the emphasis on God's kingdom and His will. It starts by acknowledging God's holiness and then praying for His kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

God Answers Prayer:

God is not indifferent to our prayers. He is a loving Father who desires to hear and respond to the cries of His children. Matthew 7:7-8 reminds us, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, it will be opened."

Prayer for Others: Matthew 25:34-40 (ESV)

34 Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40 And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

Our prayers should not only be centered on our personal needs but also on the well-being of others. As Jesus says in Matthew 25:40, when we serve others, we are serving the King Himself.

Power of Unified Prayer: Acts 4:1-3 (ESV)

1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.

In Acts 4, we see the early disciples facing opposition for their bold proclamation of the Gospel. Yet, their response was not to retreat but to gather together in prayer for strength and courage. The power of unified prayer can overcome obstacles and opposition.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, dear brothers and sisters, let us approach our prayers with a heart aligned with God's kingdom and His will. Remember, "People want the Kingdom, but not the King." May our prayers be not just a list of requests but an intimate conversation with our Heavenly Father, seeking His presence and desiring His will to be done in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

As we pray for ourselves and others, let us be mindful of the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." When we prioritize God's kingdom, He takes care of our needs.

May our house of prayer be a place where the presence of God dwells, and our prayers become a powerful force for His glory.