Sermon Outlines

By Frederick F. Schwindt, Evangelist

INCENTIVES FOR THE PRAYER LIFE

1. The Book of Psalms:
   1. Offers many and very convincing arguments for the prayer life - of that there can be no doubt
   2. But, note this carefully, that the words of our text are among the most enlightening appeals for the prayer life
2. "He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see?":
   1. The eyes of the Lord are involved
   2. And so is his hearing - what more can we expect

1. We know what the eye and the ear of man are:
   1. What it is to have the eye or the ear of a friend
   2. And what difference it makes at once in our thoughts and attitude
   3. This is specially true when we know that the eye and ear of one we love is focused upon us
2. Can it be:
   1. That for want of love and affection we are unaware that the ear and the eye of the Lord are upon us?
   2. Is there not room for serious self-examination on our part - "Search me, O God, and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead in the way ever; lasting - Ps. 139:27-28
   3. Why is it that the prayer closet is vacant the grater part of the time? - James 4:2-3
3. Notice some points in which a reflection on the great truth which is contained in the words of our opening text are of special use for us:
   1. Our opening text gives us great reason for deep quietness of soul, for awful stillness and listening to the still small voice that seeks to attract our attention
   2. The awful realization of God's omnipresent eye "Thou God seest me" - Gen. 16:13
   3. It is the thought of this that makes the saints profoundly humble - Luke 5:8
   4. "For the eyes of the Lord run to and from throughout the earth, to shew himself mighty in the behalf of him whose heart is perfect toward God" - 2 Chron. 16:9

1. As our ideas of God's knowledge and watchfulness are taken from the eyes and ears of men:
   1. So may we apply also this same truth to the fact that god, personally is attentive to our prayer, and leads us with His eyes
   2. But the only barrier to our prayer is sin which separates us from the presence of God - Is. 59:1-3
   3. But we do know from the Bible, that the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers
2. Knowing as we do that God is ever ready to hear our humble prayers:
   1. We should never hesitate to bring our supplication to the Lord - "Call upon me and I will answer thee" - Jer. 33:3
   2. Should we not resolve to have regular seasons when we commune with the Lord? Examples: Daniel had a special season of prayer three times a day - Dan. 6:10; David said to the Lord, "Evening, and morning, and at noon will I pray and cry aloud; and he shall hear me" - Ps. 55:17; Peter had a regular time for his devotions Acts 10:9
   3. How challenging the knowledge of God's readiness to listen to us must ever be