Genesis 18 & Luke 11

Intro:  My spiritual breakthrough

I.  Abraham talking to God

A.  No matter that our conversations are not face-to-face

B.  Abraham pleads for a group of people

1.  Why?

2.  Is Abraham’s prayer effective?

3.  Doesn’t God already know the answer and have the   

                          plan?

4.  What is God’s “will”?

a.  God has some immovable plans

b.  God has foreknowledge

c.  God has plans as He experiences the moment

d.  Our prayer can influence those plans if what we  

                                    ask isn’t detrimental

C.  Abraham’s interaction enhances his relationship with God

II.  Jesus speaks on speaking to the Father

A.  Disciples are encouraged to approach God as Father

B.  What should we make of the difference?

C.  Focus on God’s plan and on spiritual warfare

D.  Your petitions get there, so keep at it

E.  A parent-childlike relationship

F.  Don’t be careful what you pray for

Conclusion:  Where does your improvement need to be?

Have you ever concluded that prayer was useless?  Why?  What were your assumptions about how your prayer should be answered?

What was your most exciting results of prayer?