Wednesday, January 17, 2024

PRAYER: WHAT IS PRAYER?

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.

 

********************************

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.

 

Read, Meditate, Pray and Share this message to others. For prayers, Counseling and further enquiries, call or whatsapp +2347032993319; +2348056130469. Or Email: anchoroflifeministry@gmail.com   For more of our Daily Devotional Messages, visit our website: http://www.anchoroflifeintl.blogspot.com

No comments:

Post a Comment