God is honored through prayer because our will and strength are intentionally given to His glory. Our first love is remembered because the “eye” is focused on Christ. As the believer prays, peace, joy, and satisfaction, that is only found in a close relationship with Jesus is evoked. Through prayer, it is recalled how Christs’ worthiness, humility, and holiness on the cross places Him in a class all by himself.
Because of His infinite perfections, greatness, and worth, when prayers are uttered, the level of faith is increased, divine insight is given, God’s truth goes forth and His covenants and promises are guarded in the heart. 1 Chronicles 14:14 says, “so David inquired of God again, and God answered him…” Prayer acts like a soldier, the warrior never quits, the mind of Christ is kept and instructions are given to handle situations or tasks.
Even when it is unknown what to pray, Romans 8:26 NIV says, “the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” It is important in prayer as said in Mark 11:24 NIV “to believe that you have received” “through God’s wisdom, understanding and not forgetting or turning from them” Proverbs 4:5 NIV. Lastly, to accurately discern and pray the Word, “we must abide in Him” John 15:7 NIV and “…forgive” Mark 11:25 NIV.
Prayer identifies the form of communication utilized by man to speak to God. The people of God pray or talk to Him, to make solemn requests for help, expressions of thanksgiving, or even declarations of their hope and earnest expectations for His performance in their lives. Many times, as a believer, we are faced with opposition and trials; however, the Word of God lets us know that God will never leave us or forsake us. Jesus reminds us in Luke 18:1 that we must always pray and never grow weary in prayer. In this parable, Jesus revealed how an unjust judge, who feared neither God nor man, was easily troubled by a powerless widow woman because she continually petitioned him to fulfill her request. Our God is just; therefore, how much more is He ready, waiting and willing to fulfill the requests of his children if we would only make a commitment to talk to Him.
Jesus continually demonstrated the will and heart of God throughout the gospels. God’s desire is that all His people will come to Him and speak to Him about their concerns. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Many concerning situations that we face are beyond our control; however, as believers, we have the promises of God; not only provision, defense, justification or even vengeance, but His peace. In Philippians 4:6-7, the Bible reminds us that we should never become anxious regarding any situation that we face, and if we are honest, many times we are initially overwhelmed. However, the Lord has made a way of escape for us through prayer, by giving us the opportunity to let our requests be made known unto Him and He promises to faithfully keep our hearts and minds in return.
Prayer to the true and living Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the only reason why we are empowered to resist the continual attacks of the enemy, for which he continually comes to steal our joy, kill our hope and ultimately destroy our lives. Many times, the very same afflictions that we face are easily accomplished in the lives of those who do not know how to fervently hope in God through prayer. In Hebrews 11:6, the Bible reminds us that without faith it is impossible to please him, and he that comes to God must believe that he is and he will reward those that diligently seek him. So, be encouraged and remember, God, is on your side. Take a moment; 30 seconds, 15 minutes, or an hour, to pray and talk to your heavenly Father. There is no religious form or an exceptional amount of faith required to be qualified to pray to God. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary, God has given you free access to boldly come before the throne of Grace, just as you are. All you need is enough faith to simply open your mouth, speak to him and know that He is ready to hear and answer your requests right now. Don’t forget; prayer will work if you work it!
Minister Dana Cox
As the year closes, take time to reflect on every blessing of this year. Some of you may not have received everything you’ve asked for, but God most assuredly has provided every need. Take on the Attitude of Gratitude in this season; we have a lot to be thankful for. Close the year with thanksgiving and walk into the new year expecting to receive EVERY blessing that has your name on it.
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
2 Thessalonians 5:18
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Luke 2:52, New King James Version (NKJV)
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Mark 11:24, New King James Version (NKJV)
Mountaintop Faith Ministries was blessed with humble beginnings as Golden Valley Apostolic
Church, founded by Elder Charles Gamble in 1973 and incorporated on June 1, 1978.
Then he took up his oracle and said: “Rise up, Balak, and hear! Listen to me, son of Zippor! “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good.