PRAYER

Prayer is probably the most talked about subject in the church, everyone says we need to do it, but how many of us actually take time to pray? The consensus usually is, I don’t have time, my schedule is far too busy. With the way this world is progressing, that may be a very accurate statement, we all have various activities that keep us occupied most every day. This was my excuse for a long time. Getting up early and heading off to schedule which took me all over the city and to many different houses. Then there was the purchasing of material for each job. This made my prayer life a shambles. Thank God, He has given me a new awareness of the importance making time to pray.

Prayer is not a monologue with us doing all the talking, it is a dialogue that allows God, through the Holy Spirit, to speak back to our spirits. That still small voice that is so easily missed if we’re not careful to be quiet and listening. You may be saying, “I don’t know how to pray like others do.” Not to worry, the Holy Spirit will come along side, (partner) with you to make those prayers heard. Our part is to open our mouth and speak from the heart.

For a very long time my concept of prayer was. When I pray I move the hand of God in my favor. Quite the contrary. When we pray and open our hearts, God moves us to fill His plan in our lives. The so called, Lord’s prayer, is good example of this. Remember the verse in Matthew 6: 10;

“Thy kingdom come thy will (God’s will) be done in earth, as it is heaven.”

I finally got the “THY WILL BE DONE part, not my will but God’s will. Prior to this revelation, my prayers were of the “Gimme, gimme my name is Jimmy” variety. This was all about my will and gratification, not God’s will and purpose for my life. Entering God’s courts with thanksgiving and His courts with praise (Psalms 100:4). Thanksgiving and worship are the two primary ingredients for going into the Throne Room of our heavenly Father.

Another scripture may be helpful to cement the thought of surrendering to God’s will not ours is Philippians 2:12,13;

So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

This means, it is God who puts within us the desire to do His will in the first place. He also works within us the power to carry out that desire, IF WE ARE WILLING. Our prayers should have the motivation to come in line with the Father’s will. For in His will is fullness of joy an peace which in not attainable in this world. Could this be a reason why some prayers are not answered? Are we praying for the Father’s will to be done, or ours? He is so good, your circumstances will begin to change and allow you to move where your heavenly Father wants you to be, this happens without us doing anything. Praise God!

Bringing your needs before the throne is part of prayer as well. God said He already knows our needs, if that is the case, and it is, then why ask for them, why not thank Him for His supply? We are told not to concern ourselves about what we should put on or to eat. Do we believe that these necessities have been provided to us already? Our heavenly Father has many ways He can provide those needs. He will not counterfeit money or steal to provide our need. He is capable of having a dog deliver money to you in its mouth. God fed Elijah from raven’s at the Brook Cherith, that shows His unlimited ability to supply our needs.

Remember, prayer is the communication between two individuals. Sometimes because we can’t see God our minds don’t grasp the concept of talking with another person. But that is exactly what we are doing!

Seek first the kingdom of heaven and all His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Seeking the Kingdom first is searching scriptures say and then complying with them. In other words, find the scriptures that backup what you are asking for, then line up with that Word before asking. This process will keep us from asking for what is wrong. Finding scriptures and praying them is a sure way of getting answers to prayer, and staying in faith.

Praying the Word is praying God’s eternal Word back to Him. Thanking Him for the answer before receiving it is saying, in faith, I have already received the answer to my request. His Word is eternal and will never fail.

Isaiah 55:11, “so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.”

Lastly, don’t forget that forgiveness is a prerequisite for answered prayer also. Go to your neighbor and forgive him, then go to the Altar with your request.

Brothers and Sisters please, learn to pray scriptures and see your prayer fulfilled!

In Jesus name, BE BLESSED!

Al S.