Prayer Foundations
Prayer is the most important ingredient in the life of every believer. It is the
source of our spiritual strength and a legitimate mechanism for contacting the spiritual
world.
Prayer effectively builds our relationship with the Lord. This is vital as we encounter
times of deepening darkness.
Some Facts About Prayer
Consistency of prayer
We must pray regularly and consistently, and not only when we are in trouble. Regular
prayer helps to release a continuous flow of spiritual power. It sharpens our discernment,
and makes our spirits alert and sensitive to spiritual things.
1 Thess 5:17; Luke 18:1.
What to pray for
Pray for Yourself: We should pray that God would reveal to us his
plan and purpose for our lives and help us to live our lives in ways which bring
the plan to fulfillment. Ps 25:12; 31:3, 1 Chron 4:10.
Pray for Others: We are commanded by Jesus to love one another.
This involves prayer support for fellow believers. Also our concern for the welfare
of the non-believers should prompt us to pray for their salvation.
Col 1:9-10; 2 Pet 3:9;
Jn 13:34,35.
Pray for Leadership: We need to pray both for our governmental
and spiritual leadership. Pray that God will grant them wisdom, protection, peace,
love, unity. It is important that we all have good leadership. This can come about
if we spend quality time praying for them. 1 Tim 2:1-4;
1 Thess 5:25; 2 Thess
3:1-2.
Governmental Prayer: Prayer for the advance of the Kingdom in the
earth. It is a strong prayer of cooperation between the Lord’s clearly proclaimed
eternal intent and human action in prayer on the earth. Isa 62:1-12.
How to pray
We are to direct our prayers to God through his son Jesus
-Prayers should not be directed to any “saint” or loved one who has died, or object,
but only to God, through his son Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Matt 6:9.
Pray according to God’s will. We must not, in our prayer, attempt to ‘twist God’s
arm’ to do something which is against his nature. God’s will is always the best
for us. 1 Jn 5:14-15;
Jn 15:7.
Pray in faith in the name of Jesus. Faith is required for us to make any contact
with God. Without faith we have no other way of reaching and communicating with
God. Heb 11:6; Matt
21:21-22; Jn 14:12-14.
- Pray in the Spirit . It is through the power, wisdom and knowledge
of the Holy Spirit that we can pray an effective prayer. The Holy Spirit searches
the mind of God and moves to higher spiritual realms. Through the power and anointing
of the Holy Spirit we can know how to pray when to pray, what to pray for, and when
to stop.
The Hindrances to Prayer
Prayer can be hindered by obstacles in our personal lives. In order for prayer to
have it’s full impact, these obstacles need to be removed. Some of the obstacles
may be caused by the enemy, but then some may be our own fault. Examine the biblical
correctness of your habits.
Sin
Sin of any kind can breach our relationship with God. The sin may be caused by selfish
desires, deceit, or rebellion. Ps.66:18; Jn 9:31; 1 Pet 3:7; lsa 59:1,2.
Unforgiveness
The spirit of unforgiveness is like a cancer in the body and has the potential to
destroy if not dealt with immediately. Mk 11:25,26; 1 Jn 1:9.
Unbelief
Unbelief is a faith killer that will destroy all of our spiritual vitality if allowed
to go unchecked. James 1:5-8.
Wrong motives
We must pray out of right motives or prayer will be distorted. James 4:3; Matt.6:10.
Summary
Requirements for an effective prayer life-
Any believer who is willing to pay the price can have an effective prayer life.
It is based on our relationship with the Lord Jesus. If our relationship with Christ
is not strong then our prayer life is going to be weak. True prayer is a relationship
with Christ, not an activity by itself. We therefore need to:
- Abide in Him without reservations. Jn 15:7
- Be obedient to His voice in every way possible. Jn
9:31; 1 Jn 3:22
- Be humble as we walk in His ways Luke 18:13-14;
2 Chron 7:14-15
- Live a righteous life James 5:16;
Ps 34:15,17; Prov 15:8,29
- Live in the fear of the Lord Ps 145:19.
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