Prayer, Praise and Promises 8/1

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Matthew 7:7 Jeremiah 33:3 James 4:2 Psalm 86:1-10

Encouragements to Pray

Read Psalm 86:1-10

"For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You" (v. 5). What a promise to claim today! Just two verses later the psalmist says, "In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me" (v. 7).

The psalmist gives a number of encouragements to pray.

First, remember who God is. Never forget His attributes. The better we know Him, the better we are able to pray. What kind of God are we praying to? One who is good, merciful and ready to forgive. You may say, "I can't pray to God. My hands are dirty. My heart is dirty. I'm not what I ought to be." Then come to Him and say, "I know You are ready to forgive; You are abundant in mercy." And God will forgive you. He hears all who cry out to Him.

Second, remember what God does. "For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God" (v. 10). "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jer. 33:3).

Third, remember what God promises. He promises to answer us. Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you" (Matt. 7:7). "You do not have because you do not ask" (James 4:2).

Remember who God is, the kind of God to whom you are praying. Remember the great and wonderful things He does. He can do the impossible for you today. And remember, He promises to answer.

* * *

These are wonderful encouragements to pray. When you pray, keep them before you. Contemplate God's character. Remember what He has done in your life. Recount His faithfulness to you. And be sure to claim the promises of the Bible.


Psalm 86:1-10 (New International Version)
A prayer of David.

1 Hear, O LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.

2 Guard my life, for I am devoted to you.
You are my God; save your servant
who trusts in you.

3 Have mercy on me, O Lord,
for I call to you all day long.

4 Bring joy to your servant,
for to you, O Lord,
I lift up my soul.

5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord,
abounding in love to all who call to you.

6 Hear my prayer, O LORD;
listen to my cry for mercy.

7 In the day of my trouble I will call to you,
for you will answer me.

8 Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.

9 All the nations you have made
will come and worship before you, O Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.

10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
you alone are God.