prayer_rejected

Rejected Prayers

Adapted from the writings of E. M. Bounds

A Goodsoil Discipleship Lesson - Bro. A. Madonio

Lesson Introduction

What this lesson teaches:

* This lesson teaches that there are 3 kinds of answers to prayer: answered, unanswered, and rejected.

* We will learn that our prayers are heard before we ask

* We will see that the prayers of the unrighteous are ignored.

Scripture references used:

* Genesis 22:17, 1 Kings 3:5-13, Luke 1:5-17, Isaiah 65:24, Matthew 6:8, Matthew 7:7, John 17:20, Psalm 66:18, Proverbs 1:28, Psalm 50:16, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Matthew 20:20-22, Matthew 26:36-39.

Other scripture that may be helpful:

* Previous "Prayer Scriptures", Psalm 35:13, Psalm 66:18-20, Psalm 80:4, Proverbs 15:18, Proverbs 28:9, Isaiah 1:15, Isaiah 16:12, Jeremiah 7:16, Jeremiah 11:14, Jeremiah 14:11, Acts 4:24-31, Acts 7:55-60.

Discussion questions for study:

1. Did you read this lesson in preparation for this week's discussion?

2. Do you think that you have NEVER had a prayer answered? If you're a Christian, do you realize that this can not be true?

3. Would you still have the faith to pray, knowing that the answer you desire may not occur until after you are dead and gone? Can you think of someone you know (Biblical or personal) who has had this kind of faith?

4. Have you ever seen an answer to prayer that you KNOW was set in motion by God BEFORE you could have prayed your prayer?

5. Can you see the contradiction of the person speaking in Psalm 66:18? Can you "cherish sin" and still feel that prayer is an option? Can you "cherish sin" without knowing it?

6. Why don't ALL of our prayers get answered? (James 4:3 is one reason.) Why wasn't Paul's prayer answered (2 Cor 12:7-9)? Or, was it answered?

7. How does God's glory fit into the answering of prayers? How are we stronger when we are weak (2 Cor 12:9-10)

All prayers fall into 3 categories: ANSWERED - UNANSWERED - REJECTED

ANSWERED PRAYERS -- Here are some examples:

Abraham: His descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore (Genesis 22:17).

Solomon: He prayed for wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-13).

Zachariah & Elizabeth: They prayed to have a child. They became the parents of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-17).

Obviously - Our prayers are not offered up in vain!!

* Many times, as we have shown above, the answers will come to those who prayed - even while they are alive to see those answers!

* Sometimes the answer is on it's way even before the prayer is prayed!

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you.

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need

before you ask him.

UNANSWERED PRAYERS: -- Here's some examples:

Old Testament Saints: Those who prayed for the coming of the Messiah. These prayers were not answered in their earthly lifetimes, so they may have thought them to be unanswered. We know however, that these prayers will be answered when Jesus returns!

The Prophets: Prophets and Kings of old sought to see the Messiah, but they too died without that fulfillment.

Jesus: Yes, even Jesus had a last intercessory prayer that all His followers would be as one -- but that obviously has not happened yet .

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, {21} that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. {22} I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: {23} I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me," John 17:20.

REJECTED PRAYERS -- Here's some examples:

The "wicked": The prayers of the wicked will always be rejected.

If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

Then they will call to me but I will not answer;

they will look for me but will not find me.

But to the wicked, God says: "What right have you to recite my laws

or take my covenant on your lips?"

The prayers of the "wicked" will always be rejected because of the character and purpose of the requestors.

The "Saints": Some of the prayers of the saints were also rejected!

Why don't the saints (Christians) have all their prayers answered? Because where human nature cries out for one thing, and the Spirit of God dictates another, it is sometimes God's Mercy that doesn't allow us our request.

Is that confusing? Here's a famous example to help you understand ......

The Apostle Paul: He did so much for the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, yet when he asked God in 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 to remove the "thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me" - what do you think happened?

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

2 Corinthians 12:7-8

Do you think Paul's request was reasonable? Did he ask it because of personal ambition or was it simply to remove a disability so he could serve his Lord better?

How many times did Paul ask (pray) to God about this?

What did God tell Paul? Read the following . . .

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Because God loved Paul so much, He rejected his prayer. It is so difficult for us (actually it's impossible!), as mere flesh and blood humans to understand. God is trying to tell us that we are only strong when we are willing to be weak.

IS THAT A MESSAGE THAT TODAY'S WORLD IS PROCLAIMING TO US ?!?!

Here are more examples of rejected prayers . . .

The Sons of Zebedee: In Matthew 20:20-21 they, along with their mother, asked Jesus to allow them to sit on Jesus right and left in Heaven. What was Jesus' reply in verse 22? "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?"

Jesus knew that they had very ambitious desires - these guys were known of as the "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17). But Jesus also knew their desires were better off refused.

If our desires are of the flesh, we usually are better off without them. In a short time, these two brothers, as well as the rest of the apostles, deserted Jesus in His time of need. He didn't want to pump them up because He knew they would feel even worse when they deserted Him when His time came.

How about Jesus Himself? - In the Garden of Gesthemane (Matthew 26:36-39) He prayed that, "If possible, this cup might pass from Me."

He, like Paul, prayed it 3 times

He, like Paul, had His prayer rejected 3 times.

If, then, God rejects some of your prayers, should you feel hurt or upset? NO! Look at what it taught Jesus and Paul. Just think of the tremendous lesson you will learn from your rejection experience!! God will surely bless your socks off!

God Hears The Prayers Of The Saints,

Just As He Heard The Prayers Of His Son!

And He Will Hear Yours Too!




	Prayer Rejected Prayers Adapted from the writings of E. M. Bounds A Goodsoil Discipleship Lesson - Bro. A. Madonio




Lesson Introduction What this lesson teaches: * This lesson teaches that there are 3 kinds of answers to prayer: answered, unanswered, and rejected. * We will learn that our prayers are heard before we ask * We will see that the prayers of the unrighteous are ignored. Scripture references used: * Genesis 22:17, 1 Kings 3:5-13, Luke 1:5-17, Isaiah 65:24, Matthew 6:8, Matthew 7:7, John 17:20, Psalm 66:18, Proverbs 1:28, Psalm 50:16, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Matthew 20:20-22, Matthew 26:36-39. Other scripture that may be helpful: * Previous "Prayer Scriptures", Psalm 35:13, Psalm 66:18-20, Psalm 80:4, Proverbs 15:18, Proverbs 28:9, Isaiah 1:15, Isaiah 16:12, Jeremiah 7:16, Jeremiah 11:14, Jeremiah 14:11, Acts 4:24-31, Acts 7:55-60. Discussion questions for study: 1. Did you read this lesson in preparation for this week's discussion? 2. Do you think that you have NEVER had a prayer answered? If you're a Christian, do you realize that this can not be true? 3. Would you still have the faith to pray, knowing that the answer you desire may not occur until after you are dead and gone? Can you think of someone you know (Biblical or personal) who has had this kind of faith? 4. Have you ever seen an answer to prayer that you KNOW was set in motion by God BEFORE you could have prayed your prayer? 5. Can you see the contradiction of the person speaking in Psalm 66:18? Can you "cherish sin" and still feel that prayer is an option? Can you "cherish sin" without knowing it? 6. Why don't ALL of our prayers get answered? (James 4:3 is one reason.) Why wasn't Paul's prayer answered (2 Cor 12:7-9)? Or, was it answered? 7. How does God's glory fit into the answering of prayers? How are we stronger when we are weak (2 Cor 12:9-10)



All prayers fall into 3 categories: ANSWERED - UNANSWERED - REJECTED ANSWERED PRAYERS -- Here are some examples: Abraham: His descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore (Genesis 22:17). Solomon: He prayed for wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-13). Zachariah & Elizabeth: They prayed to have a child. They became the parents of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-17). Obviously - Our prayers are not offered up in vain!! * Many times, as we have shown above, the answers will come to those who prayed - even while they are alive to see those answers! * Sometimes the answer is on it's way even before the prayer is prayed! Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:8 UNANSWERED PRAYERS: -- Here's some examples: Old Testament Saints: Those who prayed for the coming of the Messiah. These prayers were not answered in their earthly lifetimes, so they may have thought them to be unanswered. We know however, that these prayers will be answered when Jesus returns! The Prophets: Prophets and Kings of old sought to see the Messiah, but they too died without that fulfillment. Jesus: Yes, even Jesus had a last intercessory prayer that all His followers would be as one -- but that obviously has not happened yet . "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, {21} that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. {22} I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: {23} I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me," John 17:20. REJECTED PRAYERS -- Here's some examples: The "wicked": The prayers of the wicked will always be rejected. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66:18 Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. Proverbs 1:28 But to the wicked, God says: "What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips?" Psalm 50:16 The prayers of the "wicked" will always be rejected because of the character and purpose of the requestors. The "Saints": Some of the prayers of the saints were also rejected! "Y" Is That?: Why don't the saints (Christians) have all their prayers answered? Because where human nature cries out for one thing, and the Spirit of God dictates another, it is sometimes God's Mercy that doesn't allow us our request. Is that confusing? Here's a famous example to help you understand ...... The Apostle Paul: He did so much for the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, yet when he asked God in 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 to remove the "thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me" - what do you think happened? To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 Do you think Paul's request was reasonable? Did he ask it because of personal ambition or was it simply to remove a disability so he could serve his Lord better? How many times did Paul ask (pray) to God about this? What did God tell Paul? Read the following . . . But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Because God loved Paul so much, He rejected his prayer. It is so difficult for us (actually it's impossible!), as mere flesh and blood humans to understand. God is trying to tell us that we are only strong when we are willing to be weak. IS THAT A MESSAGE THAT TODAY'S WORLD IS PROCLAIMING TO US ?!?! Here are more examples of rejected prayers . . . The Sons of Zebedee: In Matthew 20:20-21 they, along with their mother, asked Jesus to allow them to sit on Jesus right and left in Heaven. What was Jesus' reply in verse 22? "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" Jesus knew that they had very ambitious desires - these guys were known of as the "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17). But Jesus also knew their desires were better off refused. If our desires are of the flesh, we usually are better off without them. In a short time, these two brothers, as well as the rest of the apostles, deserted Jesus in His time of need. He didn't want to pump them up because He knew they would feel even worse when they deserted Him when His time came. How about Jesus Himself? - In the Garden of Gesthemane (Matthew 26:36-39) He prayed that, "If possible, this cup might pass from Me." He, like Paul, prayed it 3 times He, like Paul, had His prayer rejected 3 times. If, then, God rejects some of your prayers, should you feel hurt or upset? NO! Look at what it taught Jesus and Paul. Just think of the tremendous lesson you will learn from your rejection experience!! God will surely bless your socks off! God Hears The Prayers Of The Saints, Just As He Heard The Prayers Of His Son! And He Will Hear Yours Too!

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