Speak Life: The LORD Answers Prayer

Speak Life: The LORD Answers Prayer      

Jonah 2:1-10

October 13, 2019    

I.  God Answers the Prayers of the Humble.  (Jonah 2:1-2)

“Humility” - Confidence in God and not self.

James 4:6 – “…Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”

Psalm 76:10 - “Surely the wrath (Prideful anger of mankind) … shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.”

1 Peter 5:6 - “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”

II. God Answers Desperate Prayers.  (Jonah 2:3-7)   

Ephesians 2:1-6 - “You were dead in (your) sins…ButGod, being rich in mercy, because of the great love… made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved-and raised up with Him…”

Crying Out Prayers:

1. For rescue and God’s glory.

Psalm 50:15 - “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”      

2. When there is no rest.

Psalm 22:2 - “O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.”

3. When there is no strength.

Psalm 88:1-4 - “O Lord… I cry out day and night before you…my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to (death).. I am a man who has no strength.”

4. When we want an answer now.

Psalm 102:1-2- “…O Lord; let my cry come to you! Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily…”

5. When others are in need.

Psalm 22:31 - “His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.”

Psalm 145:4 - “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.”

Psalm 71:18 - “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.”

III. Worship, Obedience and Thankfulness Flow from Answered Prayers.   (Jonah 2:8-10)

1. “Worship”- Enjoying and proclaiming the worth of Christ in everyday life.

2. “Obedience” - Following Christ and His truth in everyday life.

3. “Thankfulness” - Expressing gratitude for Christ and His work in everyday life.

                           Go Deeper and Apply Truth This Week:

1. What is one way you have seen God work in your life this week?

2. Ask one person this week to read and explain the overall passage in their own words.

3. Ask at least one person to share the Gospel and discuss.

4. Why do we tend to run from God rather than to Him when we are disobedient?

5. How important is gratitude to our prayers and why?

6. What is an urgent need or situation you are presently praying for that you want the group to know?

7. Review Jesus’ Kingdom Prayer and use it to pray as a family or C- group. (Matthew 6:9-15)