Expectant Prayers Shaped by the Nature of God

Thesis: Christians need to consider God's nature and character before bringing requests to Him.

I THE EXPECTANT PRAYER (v. 1-3)
A. Prayers go directly to God
* We don't need any earthly, materialistic, humanistic mediator
* Christ, God in flesh, is our only mediator before God the Father
B. God is personal
* God is not a detached Force - He is "My" God
* You can indeed have a personal relationship with God
C. Eagerly Watch
* Prayer to God isn't a ritual - it is confidence in answer to a real
conversation with God of Universe.

II PRAYER THAT LINES UP WITH GOD'S NATURE (v. 4-10)
A. God doesn't delight in wickedness
* God, due to His perfect moral nature, must punish wickedness
* God loves all that is good, which evil opposes
B. God judges sin
* David calls for God's judgment on wrong-doing - not for punitive

reasons, but because of God's perfect and good character
C. God's steadfast love for his people
* Covenantal devotion God has for His people by grace

III REJOICING IN GOD'S FAVOR (v. 11-12)
* Reverance isn't always quiet, somber reflection, but joyous expression: ex: Psalm 47 - "Clap your hands and shout for joy"
* God hears and reacts to righteous prayer = cause for trust and joy

CONCLUSION
* Seek to know God and then pray personally, expectantly and trustingly
according to His perfect ighteousness.