Prayer That God Hears | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of reverent prayer, highlighting that God hears prayers only when they are offered with reverence. The speaker encourages believers to approach prayer with a sense of awe and submission, recognizing that God is holy and worthy of worship. By doing so, we can experience the transformative power of prayer in our lives.

Key Scripture References

• Hebrews 5:7 - This verse reveals Jesus' example of prayer, stating that he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to God. He was heard because of his reverence, demonstrating the importance of approaching God with a sense of awe and submission.
• James 1:6-8 - This passage emphasizes the conditionality of prayer, warning that if we doubt or are double-minded, we will not receive anything from the Lord. It highlights the need to approach prayer with faith and confidence in God's ability to answer.
• 1 Peter 3:7 - This verse shows how our relationships and actions can affect our prayers, stating that husbands should live with their wives in an understanding way, showing honor to them as fellow heirs. If we treat others poorly, our prayers will be hindered.
• 2 Chronicles 7:14 - This passage presents a conditional promise from God, stating that if his people humble themselves and seek His face, He will hear from heaven and forgive their sin. It emphasizes the importance of humility and reverence in prayer.
• Jeremiah 32:38-40 - This verse offers a profound promise from God, stating that He will give His people one heart and one way to fear Him forever for their own good and the good of their children. He will put the fear of Himself in their hearts, making them His people and causing them to never turn away.

Key Takeaways

The speaker emphasizes that God's presence is not just a distant concept but a living reality that can be experienced by those who approach Him with reverence. The fear of God is presented as a gift from the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to live in obedience and submission to God's will.

Prayer for Reverence

The speaker concludes by praying for the fear of God to be placed in the hearts of those present, that they may never turn away from Him. He acknowledges that this is not just a momentary experience but a deep and abiding reverence that will shape their lives and relationships.

Application

This message encourages believers to approach prayer with a sense of awe and submission, recognizing God's holiness and worthiness of worship. By doing so, we can experience the transformative power of prayer in our lives and live in obedience to God's will.