Prayer: God's Invitation to Intimacy

Prayer and Intimacy

James 4:1-10

Life Lesson: Prayer is our response to God’s invitation to Intimacy. 

** C.S. Lewis (Letters to Malcolm) – 4 Habits that Keep us from Intimacy with God

1. Inattention

2. Distraction

3. Greed

4. Conceit and Arrogance

 

I. Truths about Prayer

Truth 1 – James teaches us that God yearns to be intimate with us.

James 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

James 4:5 – “God yearns jealously for the spirit that he has made to dwell in us.”

Point: Any flirtation with the world cause jealousy in the Lord’s heart. 

Truth 2 – When we are ready to come close to God, he welcomes us.

 

James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

 

Point: “Drawing near” is the first step to Peace   

II. Stepping Stones to Intimacy

Stepping Stone 1 – Follow God’s five Guidelines to intimacy. (See: James 4:7-10)

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Guideline 1 – Submit... no matter the cost.

Guideline 2 – Resist...because Satan WILL attack.

Guideline 3 – Draw Near...after all, your intimacy journey is a choice.

Guideline 4 – Cleanse and Purify...so there are no barriers or pretenses in your heart.

Note: Daily confession is a great gift you give yourself.

Guideline 5 – Humble yourself...since God’s grace is discovered in Humility.

Stepping Stone 2 – Have a daily “Heart to Heart” with God.

Galatians 4:6 – “Because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”

Point: Totally open up...Tell God all your fears, failures, hopes, dreams

Stepping Stone 3 – Have a daily “Praise” session.

Ephesians 5:19-20 – “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Note: Ask for nothing during this Session.

Point: Love God for himself.

Psalm 106:3 – “Oh give thanks to the LORD for he is good.”

Faith Fellowship Boca · Prayer: God's Invitation to Intimacy