The necessity of prayer……..

What is prayer? Prayer is defined as a(1) an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought. (2) a set order of words used in praying.b: an earnest request or wish .

2.the act or practice of praying to God or a god

3:a religious service consisting chiefly of prayers-often used in plural etc.(Merriam Webster)

Prayer is our lifeline(something regarded as indispensable for the maintaining or protection of life). It is how we remain connected to the Father.

Quite often we approach prayer with an incorrect mindset.We complicate it,make it burdensome and lifeless. If we are not careful it can become a religious practice and not a fruitful,life giving method of communication with our Father. In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus provides a blueprint and a basis of how we should pray. Who prayed more than Jesus? It behooves us to follow his example. In Matthew 6:5-8 Jesus warns not to pray as the hypocrites do so that we can be seen of men.Instead he advises us to pray to the Father in secret and the Father who sees in secret will reward us openly! Hallelujah. Jesus was so awesome to provide us with a guide on how to pray, by giving us the “Lord’s Prayer”. It was never His plan for us to pray it verbatim, it is more of a guideline.

Prayer is communication, a conversation between God the Father and His children. In order for our prayers to be effective and answered we MUST pray the Word of God. We are to put Him in remembrance of His Word. (Isaiah 43:26 KJV)-He honors His Word. Many times our prayers are not answered because we go before Him just bringing our issues, gripes, and complaints. (I am guilty of this too)Please understand that He desires to hear all about our troubles and concerns, because He cares for and loves us. But once we have expressed what’s on our heart, cried our tears, screamed etc..the responsibility now lies on us to speak the word over our situation. For example, when we feel defeated or incapable we must declare the Word! I am the head and not the tail. (Deuteronomy 28:13 KJV)-. And follow it up with (Jeremiah 29:11) Father, you said that you know the thoughts that you have toward me, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give me an expected end. When we are feeling overcome by sickness or disease we can declare: Your Word says you heal all my diseases. (Psalms 103:3 KJV-)You are Jehovah Rapha the Lord that healeth me.(Exodus 15:26 KJV-) If you are unemployed, in debt,or just financially strapped we declare…Father you said that I should owe no man nothing but to love him. (Romans 13:8 KJV-) Your word says that you supply all my needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 KJV). You are Jehovah Jireh the Lord that has provided, (Genesis 22:14 KJV) Father show me your provision for this need..and so on. Daily we thank Him for our protection. Father I thank you that no evil shall befall me, neither shall any plague come near my dwelling for you shall give your angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways (Psalms 91:10-11) After we have prayed we are required to follow it up with corresponding action, for faith without works is dead (James 2:26 KJV). We must be careful not to cancel out our prayers and only speak things that are in line with what we are believing for. This is only a minute portion on prayer but I pray it has helped.

Lastly, I want to emphasize the importance of being baptized in the Holy Spirit..It is the desire of God that his entire body be “filled with the Spirit”. To be clear, when we accepted Christ in our hearts (repented of our sins, believed on the Lord Jesus and confessed Him with our mouth) the Holy Spirit took up in residence in us. However, there is another level, one of power. Acts 1:8 KJV- “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Why is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit important? Where do I begin? 1. We often don’t know how to pray for situations and for people as we ought to,as our natural mind is limited. Romans 8:26 KJV-states “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. It is essential for us to pray the will of God over our lives and over the lives of others. 2.To assist us in prayer. Ephesians 6:18 AMP-With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit ,and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people” The Holy Spirit conveys to us the Father’s heart. John 16:13 when He, the Spirit of Truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak:and He will show show you things to come. 3.For spiritual growth. Jude 1:20 AMP- “But you, beloved,build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher],pray in the Holy Spirit.Those few reasons(not all) are reason enough to ask the Father for the Baptism if you have not received it.

Hopefully, going forward we can also touch on the various types of prayer.Until next time…

Let’s pray.

Father it is in the name of Jesus that we come to you today. Thanking you for who you are and how faithful you have been to us.We are grateful that you have never changed and you never will because you are the same yesterday, today and forever.Thank you that as we commune with you we will never look at prayer the same again. Father, those of us who are not baptized in the Holy Spirit we ask for the baptism. We know that you will honor our prayer as your Word says if we being evil,know how to give good gifts unto our children: how much more shall you our heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him. We thank you in advance for you are good and your mercies endure forever. We love you and praise you.In Jesus’ name amen.