Trenton Dorner

Marked by Prayer Week 2: Then God Works

Marked by Prayer
Jun 29, 2025
Matthew 7:7-11

In this sermon, Pastor Trenton Dorner preaches from Matthew 7:7–11.

At Hope Church, we believe that we don’t pray before we work, prayer is the work, and then God works. In Week 1 of Marked by Prayer, we learned that prayer is our part. This week, we explored several ways God works in response to our prayers.

We also tackled questions like:


  • Why haven’t I received what I’ve been praying for?

  • Why doesn’t God always respond quickly?

  • Do I even need to pray if God already knows what I need?

Check out this sermon to learn more!

Sermon Notes


Marked by Prayer
Week 2: Then God Works
 
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:7-11
 
“We don’t pray before we work, prayer is the work, and then God works!"
 
God works…
 
1. In Response to Persistent Requests
 
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
 
“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1
 
2. In Congruence with His Character
 
“Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:9-11
 
“And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” Mark 10:18
 
“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness.” Martin Luther
 
3. In Ways He Knows Are Wise
 
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11
 
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13
 
“God will only give you what you would have asked for if you knew everything He knows.” Tim Keller
 
“I believe God has heard my prayers. He will make it manifest in His own good time that He has heard me. I have recorded my petitions that when God has answered them, His name will be glorified.” George Müller
Sermon Notes
New Here? Request Prayer Follow Jesus

More From This Series

|
View All From This Series
Series Archive
I'm looking for messages from: