In a recent blog (Feb 14), we began talking about the
importance of daily prayer in our lives.
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| Get the picture? |
Today, I want to continue with some tips that will help you
be more effective in your prayers. I want to talk about The Promises and Power of Prayer.
James 5:16 says,
"...the earnest heartfelt prayer of a righteous person has great power and
produces wonderful results."
So many times, I would hear that verse in church and think
“yeah right, of course prayer works for you, you’re the Pastor.” Equally
discouraging was the misunderstanding that prayer works for “righteous people” which
to me = really good people. Knowing I had been bad that week, I knew my prayers
weren’t going to be effective – so why even bother. I’ll just try to figure
things out on my own or worse, I’ll try really hard to “be really good” then
maybe God will listen.
I was really messed up…maybe you can relate.
Fortunately, I began to hear, learn, and study the truth of
God’s Word and overtime got my thinking straight - Romans 12:2 in action:
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First, I learned that I’m not righteous because
of my good deeds, but because of what Jesus did on the cross for me - 2
Corinthians 5:21.
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Second, I learned that “the promises of God are yes and amen” 2
Corinthians 1:20 that by believing those promises, and standing firm on
them, my prayer confidence began to change.
Know this - when it comes to the promises and power of
prayer, it really has nothing to do with us, but everything to do with Him…what
a relief!
So here are some practical steps that you can begin to
practice in your life to activate God’s power in your prayers.
Step 1 – change your
focus – get your eyes off your problems and onto the solution. Faith comes
from looking at God, not the obstacle or challenge you’re facing (Hebrews 12:2,
Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 54:17). You must know and believe that God is
bigger, stronger, and more powerful than any situation that you are facing.
Step 2 – change your
confession – stop talking about your problems instead talk to your
problems. Mark 11:23 “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be
removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but
believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he
says.”
Whatever mountain, obstacle, or challenge
you’re facing – speak to it. Proverbs 18:21“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” What you say, what
you’re confessing, and what you’re talking about, is an expression of what you
really believe.
How many people do you know that just love to
talk about their problems? When you do this you inflate the problem making it
so BIG – the solution seems impossible.
Step 3 – Pray God’s Word - the Bible says, “that God watches over His word to perform it”. The truth is - our
prayers have power when we pray God’s Word, and declare His promises over our
situation. “God help me, help me, help me” doesn’t inspire much faith, and
though it may get His attention – He’s asking us “With what?”
We need to be specific. Find a specific
verse that addresses your specific situation and pray that verse.
But here is the REAL key to getting results.
You’ve got to read your Bible to discover what those promises are. By
reading your Bible and praying God’s Word over your situation everyday, you
will experience Prayer That makes a
Difference and gets results.
These are two of my favorite verses and a
good place to start.
Matthew 19:26 “With men this is impossible, but with God
all things are possible.”
Philippians 4:13 – “ I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me.”
Thanks for reading! We’d love to hear from you - please post your
thoughts / comments below and if this encouraged you, go ahead and share this with a
friend.
I’d also invite you to visit our YouTubePage for exciting and inspiring videos to bless and encourage you.
The Best is Yet to Come,
Pastor Chris
