03/01/2023
UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE AND POWER OF PRAYER
BIBLE READING: 2CHRONICLES 7:14; PSALM 109:4; PSALM 141:2; LUKE 18:1
"Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a Spiritual Tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes Tremendous Power available [Dynamic in its working]" James 5:16 (Amplified Classic Translation).
Every Genuine Christian believer's lifeline is located within his prayer closet. Of all the things to ask of the Lord Jesus Christ with respect to success in ministry, one of His disciples asked Him "Lord, teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples" (Lk. 11:1).
Simply put, any so-called minister without a prayer life doesn't even have a ministry to start with. Without a life of consistent prayer, we become powerless shells hence the Scriptures make us understand that "By strength no man shall prevail" (1Sam. 2:9).
The psalmist declared the following: "Let my prayer be set before You as Incense, the lifting of my hands as the Evening Sacrifice" (Ps. 141:2). Genuine prayer is perceived as and received by the Lord God Almighty as Incense which gives those who offer it validity before Him. Prayer is communication with God and is a major expression of our dependence on Him (Heb. 4:16). Life is controlled by the Spirit Realm which in itself is activated by prayer.
A casual approach towards prayer makes casualties of Spiritual Warfare in these Last Days hence we must arise and enlist in the Praying Army that would subdue the year 2023 for the Sake of the Kingdom of God. As we launch into this new year, we must remember that the Call to Pray is higher than the Call to Preach. Even though the Lord Jesus may have retired from preaching, He continues with the Ministry of Prayer for "He always lives to make intercession for them"(Heb. 7:25b).
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we exalt You for faithfully leading Your people into a brand new year. O Lord, please empower us to become a people of prayer in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen.
