A Theology of Prayer #8

WHY IS SECRET PRAYER SO DIFFICULT? – because;

(1) We Are Not As Consistent As We Should Be In Our Prayer Life – Dan 6:10.

(2) We Are Oblivious To Our Real Needs – Ps 70:1,5; 88:1-6.

(3) We Are Not As Faithful To Deal With Our Sins As We Should – Psalm 66:17-20.

(4) We Are Too Impatient – Micah 7:7; Ps 40:1; Ps 130:5-6; Ps 27:14

(5) Quick To Come Up With Excuses For Not Praying

· ‘The Spirit hasn't moved me' – Ps 25:15-21; 123:1-2.

· ‘I don't have enough time' - Ps 63:1-6; 119:62,147.

· ‘I can't find a secret place to pray' – Richard Baxter – ‘Remember how easy it was for you to find secret places for sin before you were converted? Oh, that you were now as ingenious as you once were, to find private places so that you might meet with God. If you really love God you will find a convenient corner somewhere to pour out your soul to Him.

· ‘God already knows what I need' – Ezek 36:37; Mt 7:7

· ‘Whenever I try to pray I just can't' – Gal 5:17; Rom 7:18-25; Jam 5:17-18