Secrets of Effective Prayer (4)
Recap/Introduction: In the last episode we discussed about praying in the name of Jesus according to the will of God. In this episode we continue to discuss other secrets of effective prayer.
- Praying According To The Will of God
1John 5:14 ‘‘And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
It therefore means the real work in prayer is ascertaining His will. Unfortunately most of us throw it at him and say ‘if it’s your will’. This is laziness
Can we know that any specific prayer is according to His will? We surely can. How?
- BY THE WORD. Here is one of the greatest secrets of prevailing prayer: To study the Word to find what God’s will is as revealed there in the promises, and then simply take these promises and spread them out before God in prayer with the absolutely unwavering expectation that He will do what He has promised in His Word. Hos 14:2‘‘Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.’’
Don’t be lazy to study the word. In fact the beginning of prayer is knowing what God’s mind is on the issue. The Bible is full of instructions, corrections, and promises. 2Timothy 3:16 ‘‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:’’
- THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT.There are many things that we need from God which are not covered by any specific promise, but we are not left in ignorance of the will of God even then .e.g. should I marry Mary or Susan? Should I invest in Microsoft or Google? Should I move to the East or the West?
In Rom. 8:26, 27 we are told, “And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered; and He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints ACCORDING TO THE WILLOF GOD.”
True prayer is prayer in the Spirit; that is, the prayer the Spirit inspires and directs.
Conclusion
Father we acknowledge our weakness and ask that the Holy Spirit takes over in our prayer life.
I pray for all to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
