PRAYER THAT WORKS

“Elijah was as completely human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for the next three and a half years! Then he prayed again, this time that it would rain, and down it poured, and the grass turned green and the gardens began to grow again.” (James 5:17-18 TLB)

When the children of Israel descended into idolatry, Elijah wanted to teach them a lesson and get them back to God. So he prayed for the rain to stop, and it didn’t rain in Israel for three-and-a-half years. When the people repented, Elijah prayed again for rain to fall, and the Lord said to him, “Go, show yourself to Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth” (1 Kings 18:1 RSV). Elijah knew God had answered his prayer, but he didn’t just sit there twiddling his thumb and waiting for the rain to fall. He went back on his knees and continued in fervent prayer (1 Kings 18:41-45).

There may have been times the Spirit of God let you know He already answered your prayer, and so, in excitement, you made it public. But when things didn’t turn out the way you expected, you asked, “What did I do wrong?” Well, it wasn’t so much what you did wrong, but what you stopped doing— you left off praying!

Your prayer is required to remove every obstacle and bring God’s Word to pass in your life! There are things you may not know to do until you spend time in prayer; then, God can reveal to you the steps you need to take. Christianity is a life of faith alright, but fervent prayer has its place. Don’t be perturbed by the things that appear unfavourable at the moment. Continue to pray in faith until you see the desired result. Press on in prayer!

Pray For God’s People

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2).

John Wesley, a great man of God, once said, “It appears that God will do nothing except we ask Him.” It’s no wonder that he was credited to have, through prayer, effected remarkable changes in his day, both in his own life and ministry and in the society at large.

In Luke 18:1, Jesus taught that men ought always to pray and not to faint. It’s our priestly ministry as believers to pray for our brothers and sisters all over the world, that through them, God’s Word will be preached in the nooks and crannies of their nations.

Paul in his epistles, admonished believers to pray for his missionary work: “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds” (Colossians 4:3). This lets us know that we also must pray that the Holy Spirit will grant the saints all over the world utterance and opportunities to preach the gospel where they are. In the scripture we just read, Paul highlighted two important points: utterance and opportunities. You might have the utterance and not have the opportunity to preach the gospel, and vise versa; this is the reason we must intercede as admonished by the Spirit through Paul in Colossians 4:3.

If every Christians would pray with this consciousness, there will be a great change throughout the world. Also, Paul said, “…that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith” (2 Thessalonians 3:2). The Greek word translated “delivered” is “rhuomai”; it alludes to the rushing current or flood. By implication, he’s saying that God will rush to deliver – get His people out of the clutches of wicked and unreasonable men, who are against the preaching of the gospel.

Get concerned about what happens to Christians in your nation and around the world, and let your concern drive you to your knees in prayer

MAINTAINING FOCUS IN PRAYER

For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful (1 Corinthians 14:14).

One vital element of effective prayer is focusing your mind on what you’re praying about. Imagine that someone is praying for the salvation of souls in a particular region of the world. He’s interceding that, through the preaching and teaching of the Word, God’s righteousness would prevail in the towns, hinterlands, and cities without hindrance. While at it, his mind wanders away, and he’s thinking about some nice cars, houses or a meeting he’s scheduled with a friend. His prayer would hardly be effective that way, and this happens to a lot of people.

Focusing your mind, emotions and entire faculties on what you’re praying about is very important, and praying in the Spirit is a great advantage in this regard. When you pray in the Spirit, your spirit prays; your mind is unfruitful (1 Corinthians 14:14). Therefore, it’s important that you yield yourself to the Spirit by giving Him your mind—paying attention to Him as you pray. That way, you’ll be in sync with Him; His visions, promptings, ideas and thoughts will be clear to you.

Praying in the Spirit gets you synchronized with God’s will, His purpose, and timing. But your mind has a role in this; you must get your thoughts together as you pray in tongues. You might say, “As much as I try, I just can’t help it; my mind keeps drifting as I pray.” Maintaining focus in prayer is something you do consciously. Your mind is a tool. You’d have to discipline your mind to think in the direction of your prayers, and switch it back to that thing you’re praying about. If it wanders again, bring it back until your mind gets the message.

In prayer, arrest your mind; channel your thoughts and emotions in the direction of the Spirit, and you’ll receive the ministrations of the Holy Spirit.

THREE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF PRAYER.

Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Prayer is an important aspect of who we are as Christians; it’s our priestly ministry to pray. Jesus said, “…men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). Oftentimes, people go through difficulties in their lives and don’t know what to do. Not many know how to pray the right way. God told us to pray, not for praying sake, but because He planned to answer. In addition, there’re vital rules and elements of prayer that, if and when clearly understood and applied, would make your prayers more effective.

One of the elements of prayer is praying in the Name of Jesus. Jesus gave us the power of attorney to use His Name, which means when we pray, we’re standing in His stead: “…Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you” (John 16:23). You’re to live in the Name of Jesus; function in His place, with His authority, and in His character. What a thought! Colossians 3:17 says, “…whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks….” When you pray, it carries the same power and authority as though Jesus Himself were the one speaking.

The second important element of prayer is that we pray in the authority of the Word of God, and the revelation and insight given to us by the Word of God. This means our faith must be based on what God’s Word says, because if God’s Word covers whatever we’re praying about, then we can be sure to receive answers, because we’re asking in line with His Word. Faith is based on the Word. True faith is only imparted by the Word. Romans 10:17 declares that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word.

The third element is that we pray by the power of the Holy Spirit. Some Christians pray and nothing happens because the words spoken aren’t inspired and communicated by the power of the Holy Spirit. You have to pray always by the Holy Spirit; the words have to be energized, communicated, inspired, and anointed by the Holy Ghost. That’s what makes the difference.
When you study the Book of Acts, you’ll find that the apostles took advantage of these three elements of prayer: the Name of Jesus, the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. No wonder they had such extraordinary results, and a marvelous impact with the Gospel.

EFFECT THE CHANGE WITH YOUR WORDS!

“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13)

The Lord Jesus displayed absolute mastery over the circumstances of life, including the forces of nature. One time He was hungry and walked to a fig tree, hoping to find some fruit to eat. But the tree was fruitless, as it was not yet the season for figs. Jesus then spoke to the tree saying, “…No man eat fruit of thee hereafter forever. And his disciples heard it” (Mark 11:14).

The next day, Peter, called the Master’s attention to the fig tree, saying, “Master, behold the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away” (Mark 11:21). Here’s His response, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith” (Mark 11:23).

The Lord Jesus, showing the power and efficacy of words, made us understand that we can talk to anything, influence anything, and effect any change we desire. Your faith-filled words determine the quality of life you’ll live! It doesn’t matter the situation or circumstance in which you’ve found yourself, you can effect changes with your faith filled words!

Intercession: A Ministry

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1)

Interceding for others is something you do regularly, not when it’s convenient; it’s a ministry. Intercession helps you become effective in changing the lives of others through prayer.

James 5:16 (AMP) says, ”…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]“. When you notice some believers around you, who’re not growing well in Christ, intercede for them. If you have relatives and friends who aren’t born again, you should be interceding for them very strongly; don’t take it lightly! Remember, the Bible says there’s joy in the presence of the angels of God in heaven over one sinner that repents (Luke 15:10).

Intercessory prayer isn’t something you’re casual about; it’s heartfelt; that means your emotions are involved; you keep at it until there’s a testimony. It could take days, weeks, months, but don’t stop; keep praying, because the value of the one you’re interceding for is the life of Jesus. So, when you take up a matter concerning another believer, and you’re praying, you’re not wasting time; you’re causing a change in the realm of the Spirit.

PRAYER AT 12NOON AND 10PM (LOCAL/GMT) - MON JUNE 27TH 2016

God's love for you is unfathomable, unconditional, pure and eternal. His purpose for your life is to walk in the fullness of His love-power, manifesting His nature, character and power to the world. Learn more in today's Rhapsody. If you don't have a copy, download from http://rhapsodyofrealities.org 

Psalm 27:4 says: "I have asked the Lord for one thing- this is what I desire! I want to live a in the Lord’s house all the days of my life, so I can gaze at the splendor of the Lord and contemplate in his temple". 

In both 15min sessions at 12noon and 10pm (Local/GMT), we'll pray fervently in the spirit, worshiping and thanking the Lord for His marvelous grace and love continually manifested in, through and to us. Thank Him especially, for the power of His Word, and for the progressive transformation taking place in your life as you, study, learn and contemplate the Word. Affirm that His Glory is increasing in you and that you'll walk in line with His perfect will, fulfilling your purpose and bringing glory to His Name always. Amen. God bless you.

MAINTAIN A DISCIPLINED PRAYER LIFE

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4 KVJ)

It’s such a wonderful privilege to know that we can commune and fellowship with our heavenly Father through prayer, and that we have His full attention when we speak to Him (1 Peter 3:12). As emphasized, prayer isn’t just a way to get God to do something for you; it’s also a time to hear from the Lord and receive instructions on everything that concerns you.  

Christians must strive at having effective prayer lives. Prayer is not only a fellowship, it’s also a labour. That’s why I think it’s ridiculous to think we should pray only when we feel like. Then again, because prayer doesn’t appeal to our minds and senses, our bodies and minds may not enjoy praying and can even rebel against it. Many times we put off praying till the end of the day but by the time we’re through with the activities of the day, we’re tired and drowsy and our thoughts start wondering while we’re praying. This is where the labour comes into prayer, this is where the fight is, but it’s not a fight with devils or men, neither is it a fight with God. It’s a fight to keep yourself on track against the dictates of the flesh. Romans 8:26-27 says “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what the mind of the Spirit is because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God”

This takes training and so you must be resolved to stick with your personal prayer schedule. Some Christians find it almost impossible to do this simple because they’ve not been able to discipline their flesh. They go to work everyday of the week without ever considering getting to work late, much less not going at all. If you can train your mind and body to do this then you can train yourself to pray regularly and on time too. The problem is that too many aren’t willing to make such a sacrifice for their prayer lives, and that’s because they don’t know the important of prayer. But when trouble comes, they’re the first to cry, “Please, pray for me!” Don’t depend on ‘emergency prayers,’ consistency is the key. Make a fresh commitment to your personal prayer life today. There are so many things that will compete with your prayer time, but there’s so much you can achieve on your knees. So, stays connected to God, and maintain a disciplined prayer life.