Let Us Pray ( 1)

THIS ministration on prayer shall be presented in two parts.

The first part titled, “Let Us Pray.” It is essentially on how to grow in your prayer life. The second part is on the basic elements of effective praying.

These are:

• Worship.

• Adoration.

• Praise and thanksgiving.

• Forgiveness.

• Repentance.

• Confession.

• Petition.

• Intercession.

• Fasting.

• Listening. These are the building blocks of prayer.

Synthesis Of The First Part

Prayer is a conversation with God, especially His covenant partners. Prayer is our lifeline to God. It is a priceless privilege to be able to talk to God. Prayer is as fundamental to life as oxygen. A spiritinspired life, leads to a spirit- empowered life. The Christian’s most powerful resource is communion with God through prayer. The results are often greater than we thought were possible. Some people see prayer as a last resort to be tried when all else fails. This approach is backward. Prayer should come first. Because God’s power is definitely greater than ours, it only makes sense to rely on it — especially because God encourages us to do so. The ironies of prayer are evident: God knows our needs, yet we must pray; God is ready to answer, yet we must patiently persist.

The greatest concern in our prayers and in our lives should be the hallowing of the name of God. It is of utmost importance that God Himself be reverenced, glorified and exalted. In our prayers and daily walk we must be intensely concerned with the reputation of God, His church, His gospel and his kingdom. To do something that brings scandal on the Lord’s name and character is a hideous sin that puts Him to open shame.

Prayer in Jesus’ name involves at least two things:

I. Praying in harmony with His nature, character and will.

II. Praying with faith in Him and His authority, and with the desire to glorify both the Father and the Son. Praying in the name of Jesus, therefore, means that Jesus will answer any prayer that He would have prayed Himself. There is no limit to the power of prayer when addressed to Jesus or the Father in holy faith according to His desire.

When God answers your prayers, He is increasing your faith.

When God delays, He is increasing your patience. When God doesn’t answer, He has something better for you.

So when you pray, have faith, be patient and trust in God — He is good!

To persist in prayer and not give up does not mean endless repetition or painful long prayer sessions. Always praying means keeping our requests constantly before God as we live for Him day by day, believing He will answer. When we live by faith, we are not to give up. God may delay answering, but His delays always have good reasons.