Pray
Prayer is an act of worship as well as an act of humility. The Bible reminds us in I Peter 5:6, “therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” Prayer is also an act of faith. As we recognize that we are insufficient on our own, we also come to the realization that through faith there is One who is more than sufficient. Before God spoke the words to Solomon that “I have heard your prayer”, he bowed his knees to the God of Israel claiming the promises of God in full faith and assurance that God was hearing his prayer. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Hebrew 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God. Romans 12:3 also tells us, God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” In other words God has granted everyone some faith. But we must walk in that faith. II Corinthians 5:7 says, “We walk by faith and not by sight.” We must simply believe God. If God says He is going to do something, then we believe it. Romans 3:4 says, “Let God be found true though every man be found a liar.” With humility in mind we understand that we are in full dependence upon God and insufficient on our own. We then will pray in faith that God will supply our every need.
Jesus said in John 15:5, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” He also said nine times within that same text of scripture that we need to abide in Him. True life comes only from abiding in Jesus. Abiding in Jesus is the point in life that we have completely died to ourselves and come totally alive to Christ. One of many ways we abide in Christ is through prayer. We find life, hope, healing, restoration, reconciliation, provision, direction, wisdom, and every form of blessing God has in store for us through the power of prayer. Jesus said if we seek, we will find; if we knock, the door will be open; and if we ask it will be given to us. How do we do this? We do this through the great gift of prayer that God has given to us!
After God told Solomon that “I have heard your prayer” and after He gave him the formula for revival, God then said to Solomon in II Chronicles 7:15, “My eyes shall be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.” In other words, God is saying I’m waiting, and I’m watching, and I’m listening; now the rest is up to you. God heard Solomon’s previous prayer, and God answered Solomon’s previous prayer. But God wanted him to keep praying. Prayer strengthens our relationship with God. It strengthens our dependence upon God. God doesn’t just want us to pray when we are in need or we are in trouble. I Thessalonians 5:17, says to “pray without ceasing.” Abiding in Christ is not a switch we turn on and off. Christ is our life source. If you’re happy, tell the Lord. If you’re sad, tell the Lord. If you’re in need, tell the Lord. If you have abundance, praise the Lord.
In the Gospels we see Jesus going into the temple many times. One of those times Jesus drove people out for making His house something God had not intended for it to be. Many times we have become guilty of making God’s house into something other than what He intended. Jesus said in Matthew 21:13, “It is written My house shall be a house of prayer, but you are making it a robbers den.” We emphasize missions and so we should; but that’s not what Jesus said. He said His house would be a house of prayer. We focus on preaching and teaching, and so we should; but that’s not what Jesus said. He said His house would be a house of prayer. Music gets much of the attention in ministry as well, and again it should. But that’s not what Jesus said; He said His house would be the house of prayer. Jesus said, “My house shall be a house of PRAYER.” Missions, evangelism, teaching, preaching, music, and many other things are very important; however, they are empowered by prayer. Have we made God’s house a house of prayer? Or are we making it into something God never intended?
Day 4 Prayer Guide
- Ask God to reveal any sin or mindset that would prevent Him from hearing your prayers.
- Repent of any such hindrance and ask for God’s forgiveness.
- Ask God to remove any doubts and keep you focused on Him.
- Seek the Holy Spirit to consume you during this time to lead you. Be obedient to Him.
- Spend some time praising God for the fact that He is able. Quote some scriptures or some of His characteristics to Him in praise.
- Pray that the people of God will repent of sins and mindsets that dishonor and hinder Him.
- Pray for the people of God that they would see the need for revival and begin to seek God for it.
- Pray that the people of God would have a desire and stand in anticipation for God to pour out the fires of revival upon churches and a great awakening in our land.
- Pray that God’s people will seek the heart of God and desire His will and not their own.
- Ask God to align His people and prepare them for a mighty revival and a great awakening.
- Ask God to raise up a mighty army of prayer warriors.
- Pray that the people of God will stand in faith knowing God can reclaim this land.
- Pray that our churches will be a house of prayer.
- Pray that the people of God will be living representations of Jesus.
- Pray specifically for revival in your church. Pray for your pastor and church leaders.
- Pray for a great awakening in your community. Name off streets and neighborhoods.
- Make a list of individuals who are not saved and begin petitioning God for their salvation.
- Pray for repentance of sin and a great awakening in our nation.
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