At the beach

 WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THE PRAYER LIFE OF JACOB:

Genesis 32:9-12

We can learn  three things from the prayer of Jacob for our own prayer life.

IN HIS PRAYER HE IS LEANING ON THE  PROMISES OF GOD.

Genesis 32:9 and Genesis 32:12 “Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, …” “I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, …” That is the promise he is standing on.

What about us?

We must also plead God’s promises. There are many. Here is one: “You do not have, because you do not ask God.” You find that promise in James 4:2. I have memorized that promise. Look at David for example. What does he say in Psalm 27:8? Let us read it: “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.”

IN HIS PRAYER HE IS NOT FORGETTING TO BE THANKFUL AND HUMBLE.

Genesis 32:10 “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, …” Before he comes to his real request, he remembers to be thankful for mercies in the past.

What about us?

Let us do what the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6. Let us not forget that it says there also to do everything with thanksgiving.

IN HIS PRAYER HE IS PRAYING FOR  A SPECIFIC THING.

Genesis 32:11 “Deliver me I pray thee, …”

What about us?

It is precious that we cannot only bring general prayers before God, but also special requests like: a. The relationship to different neighbours, b. Physical sickness, c. Sins, d. Lack of wisdom.

The Lord answered the prayer of Jacob. He saved him not only from the revenge of Esau, but Esau received him with tears and love.

The Lord is also answering when we cry out to him.