WEDNESDAY, 10TH JANUARY, 2024.
Author:
PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer
Topic:
PRAYER: WHAT IS PRAYER?
MEMORIZE: “Likewise the
Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as
we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which
cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind
of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the
will of God. 28 And we know that all
things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called
according to his purpose.” Romans 8:26, 27.
SCRIPTURE READING: “Yea,
whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the
vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time
of the evening oblation. 22 And he
informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to
give thee skill and understanding. 23 At
the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to
shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and
consider the vision.” Daniel 9:21-23.
EXPOSITION:
What is prayer? “…
Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse.
A cry for mercy and help.
“Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with
grief, yea, my soul and my belly.” Psalm 31:9.
A call for strength and refuge
during trouble. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble.” Psalm 46:1.
The opening of the heart to
our trusted Father in heaven. “And he said unto them, When ye pray, say,
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” Luke 11:2.
Coming to Jesus, our Saviour
and High Priest, who understands us. “For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all
points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly
unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in
time of need.” Hebrews 4:15, 16.
Communing with Jesus, the
Friend who never fails. What does it accomplish? “Henceforth I call you not servants;
for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends;
for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”
John 15:15.
God rewards us when we come to
Him in faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he
that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Whatever things are asked for
will be received. “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,
believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:22.
Some prayers are answered
immediately. “Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel,
whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly,
touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 22 And he informed me, and talked with me,
and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and
understanding. 23 At the beginning of
thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for
thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the
vision.” Daniel 9:21-23.
Other prayers are answered
after a delay. Do not faint or give up. “And he spake a parable unto them
to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There
was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she
came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a
while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard
man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her
continual coming she weary me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge
saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto
him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them
speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the
earth?” Luke 18:1-8.
The Holy Spirit intercedes;
God answers in the best way–not always as we would have it, as in Paul’s case (“And
lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the
revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan
to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I
besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me,
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of
Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9), …and as in Christ’s
plea of agony - “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we
know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that
searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh
intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together
for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his
purpose.” Romans 8:26, 27. (“Then saith he unto them, My soul is
exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.q 39 And
he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my
Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I
will, but as thou wilt.” Matthew 26:38, 39).
PRAYER POINT: Lord,
teach me and help me understand how to engage in effective prayer life in Jesus
name.
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ANCHOR OF LIFE is the daily
devotional guide written by PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE, General Overseer,
Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l. It is an extraction of God’s
word designed to draw the sincere seekers closer to God on a daily basis through
an insightful exposition and analysis of God’s Word.
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