Seeking God.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well.
Matthew 6:33
The Lord says that if we seek first his kingdom and righteousness, all of these namely:
passing exams, peace of mind, unity of the family, financial success, healing, etc name it you
can have it will be given to you as well. The kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1:15) and is very
near but we need to repent from all our sins inorder for us to enter Gods kingdom. We need to
put everything into light as He is in the light (1 John 1:5-7) so that we can see and renounce and
remove anything that hinders us from seeking the kingdom of God.
How to Seek God?
1.Prayer
[ Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place ] Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got
up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 1:35
2. Gathering (Church, Cellgroup or Bible study)
1

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound
like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were
sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each
of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the
Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-5
19

Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be
done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there
am I with them.
Matthew 18:19-20
3. Bible (Word of God)
16

the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who
sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened:
Numbers 24:16
4

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that
comes from the mouth of God.'[a]"
Matthew 4:4
1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1

I. WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF PRAYER?

1. Pray in secret
5And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the
synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have
received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and
pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret,
will reward you.
Matthew 6:5-6
The motive of our prayers is not to be a venue for showing off our spirituality.

2. Pray with a correct understanding of who God is

7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be
heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what
you need before you ask him.
Matthew 6:7-8
Many Christians are acting like pagans. They believe that through their long and
repetitious prayers, God will answer them. They view God as without concern nor
interest in meeting their needs. This mindset is wrong. Jesus said, Before we even ask,
God the Father already knows what we need. This means that God is concern and is
ready to meet our needs when we ask Him (Matthew 7:7).
3. Pray with faith
6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him
must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
We can receive from God through our faith (Matthew 9:29). God will only answer prayers
coupled with faith (Mark 11:24).
4. Pray to the Father in heaven
9This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Matthew 6:9
Jesus taught his followers to call directly to the Father when praying. He instructed them
not to look for images or idols, rather to call to the Father who cannot be seen
(Matthew 6:6). We must follow what Jesus teaches so that our prayers will be effective.
5. Pray in the Name of Jesus
20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20
Jesus Christ is the only mediator between us and God because He is the only one who
paid for our sins on the cross (1Timothy 2:3-6). No one can go to the Father except
through Him. Through our union with Christ, we can go to the Fathers presence using
the name of Jesus who is our Savior and advocate, and the Father will hear us (John
16:23; Ephesians 5:20; 1 John 2:1).
6. Pray with the guidance of the Holy Spirit
26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought
to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot
express.
Romans 8:26
18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this
in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6: 18a
Even if we pray directly to the Father, yet we are not guided by the Holy Spirit, our
prayers will not be answered. Prayer is not asking for what you want, but it is asking
for what God wants for you. Our prayer will be answered if it is according to His
perfect will (1 John 5:14). We cannot know Gods will on our own, so the Holy Spirit
helps us in this area (Romans 8:26). He is the one who intercedes on our behalf

(Romans 8:27). Thats why before we pray, we must ask for the help of the Holy Spirit
who is our guide.
7. Pray earnestly
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:12-13

13

You

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, who teach the Law because they worship only with their
lips, but not with their hearts (Matthew 15:8). We need to understand that God is not
impressed with our words when we pray, but what impresses Him is the condition of our
hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).
II. Hindrances to Prayer
There are reasons why our petitions are not answered:
i.
Sin (Isaiah 59:1-2; 1 Peter 3:12)
Listen! The LORDs arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. Its
your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not
listen anymore.
Isaiah 59:1-2
12

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their
prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
1 Peter 3:12
ii.
Doubt (James 1:6-7)
But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with
divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such
people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
James 1:6-7
iii.
Wrong motive
And even when you ask, you dont get it because your motives are all wrongyou want only
what will give you pleasure.
James 4:3
iv.
Strife / Fighting / Discord
In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with
understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal
partner in Gods gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
1 Peter 3:7
v.
Resistance to Gods Perfect Will
And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.
1 John 5:14
vi.
Weak Relationship with Christ
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it
will be granted!
John 15:7

God loves you with an everlasting love. He really really does..