Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. There are many reasons why we pray.

a) We pray when we are in need of God’s help and blessings.

b) We pray because we want to relate with God.

2. How we pray is also as important as why we pray.

a) One of the best ways to approach God is through humbly praying for mercy.

b) Because we are praying to a great and mighty God.

c) The psalmist David learned to pray humbly for God’s mercy.

3. In Psalm 86 we read about a wonderful prayer for mercy.

a) Psalm 86 is a psalm or prayer written by king David.

b) In this Psalm David displayed that he understands the basic principles of prayer.

c) His life was in danger because of the enemies who were proud and violent.

d) The needed thing to do was to pray for God’s mercy.

A. IT IS THE RIGHT WAY TO APPROACH GOD (verses 3, 16)

1. We cannot take prayer for granted.

2. We cannot command God in prayer.

3. We are but humble servants of God (Verses 2, 4, 16).

4. We need God’s mercy in our lives.

5. Only through humble prayer can we hope to obtain God’s mercy.

B. KNOWLEDGE THAT GOD IS ABUNDANT IN MERCY (Verses 5, 15)

1. He is abundant in mercy to all those who call upon Him

2. His mercy is great towards us (verse 13)

3. He will always be merciful

4. He is a God of mercy (Verse 15)

C. TRUSTING IN THE MERCY OF GOD (verse 7, 13)

1. Looking back at the past

a) In His mercy He has delivered us from dangers.

b) In His mercy He has helped and comforted us.

2. Looking forward the future

a) In His mercy He will answer our prayers when we are in trouble.

b) He will provide our needs.

c) He will rejoice our souls.

d) He will strengthen us and save us.

3. Our challenge is to learn to pray appropriately.

APPLICATION AND CONCLUSION

1. Recognise God as One who is abundant in mercy.

2. Appreciate God for being so merciful to us all these years.

3. Continue to pray for mercy whenever we are feeling destitute.

4. There are problems in life that we ourselves cannot solve them but God alone can.

5. Trust in the mercy of God for the year ahead.

6. May we find a great sense of joy because we have a merciful God!

7. May we be able to overcome fears as we think of God’s mercy!