Like Jesus, Part 3 – Luke 3:21-22

In the previous sermons, we learned that just as Jesus was baptized, we should also be baptized. When we are baptized, we are identifying with Christ. And just as Jesus prayed, we should also pray. Prayer is a powerful gift from the Lord. Jesus prayed in all occasions, as should we. When Jesus prayed, heaven was opened, and God answered Jesus’ prayer. If we are like Jesus, we must also have answered prayers. God answers the prayers of those who have a relationship with Him (Mt 7:7-11). He gives to those who ask Him because He is our Father.

Answered prayer is evidence of our salvation. It is one way to know whether or not we are really saved. “We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him” (Jn 9:31). When we pray, the peace of God will guard our hearts (Phil 4:6-7). Answered prayer is also God’s glory (Jn 14:13, Lk 10:21).

Answered prayer strengthens the church. As we pray for the church, our relationship is strengthened, as is our faith. We should take after the example of Paul, who urged the church to pray on his behalf (Eph 6:18-20). Jesus prayed for the body, too (Lk 22:32).

Answered prayer does not always mean that God will answer “yes.” He may also say “no” or “wait.” We trust that God is sovereign and knows what is best for us. Sometimes, God may have us wait because quick answers can spoil us; there is purpose in our waiting. Or God might have something even greater in store for us. Perhaps we are not mature enough to handle the situation right now. Even though God does not answer our prayers immediately, He still hears our prayers.

When God tells us to wait, how can we make our prayer more effective? What can we do when our prayers are stuck?

1. Examine your relationship with God. Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind (Lk 10:25, 27a)? Although we are being sanctified and not yet perfect, we still love God. Your love for God must be distinguished (Mt 10:37).
   Examine your relationship with others (Lk 10:27b). Is there someone you have yet to forgive (Mt 5:22-24)?
2. Examine your motives for praying (Jas 4:3). Are you serving God or yourself in your prayers? Are your motives selfish?
3. Examine your faith. Greater faith does not results in greater number of answered prayers. But if you have greater faith, the content of your prayers will be more in accord with God’s will. We are called to pray so that we will not fall into temptation (Lk 22:46). Faith gives us clarity. “Faith hangs onto Christ in the dark” (C.H. Spurgeon).
4. Examine your pattern of giving. Those who sow bountifully will also reap bountifully. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:6-7). Are you a cheerful giver? Have you given up all to follow Christ?
5. Examine your knowledge of Scripture. You must know the Bible in order to know the will of God (Ps 19:7-8). We can know the mind of Christ by knowing Scripture (1 Cor 2:16).
6. Examine yourself. Do you have unconfessed sins in your life? Our iniquities separate us from God (Is 59:1-2).

There is joy for Christians who know that God hears and answers all of our prayers. As we are sanctified day by day, our prayers will more closely resemble God’s will. Let us go to our Father in prayer, Who gives to those who ask.