I Prayed have prayed
Father, do not let us live in fear. Help us to make no provision for the enemy to attack and give our nation wisdom and discernment.
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“Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; TPT)

We were designed for prayer, and equally important, we were designed to get answers to our prayers. God doesn’t command us to pray with the intention of ignoring our requests. Rather, He brings us into a co-laboring relationship with Him and then makes outlandish promises that almost sound too good to be true. He says, “And whatever you ask in my name shall be done for you” (John 14:14). Tragically, when answers are rare, we find ourselves having to become encouraged from the discipline of prayer rather than the answers. That is not God’s design.

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Instead He states that we are to ask and receive, “that our joy may be full” (John 16:24). Fullness of joy encourages and replenishes strength in us. And that joy is to be the fruit of the answers we receive. Enjoying answered prayers is a thousand times better than trying to squeeze out encouragement simply from the discipline of having prayed. If this is true, then how are we supposed to get constant answers to prayer? The secret is in the abiding presence of God.

Those who have given themselves to a life of worship have a great advantage in this regard. They live more aware of the presence of God than others: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). This passage gives us the beautiful picture of the ongoing communion with the Spirit of God and the full impact of His Word on our inner world.

Here’s a simple pattern to follow:

1. If I have an hour to pray, I’ll usually worship for close to 45 minutes. If I have ten minutes to pray, I’ll usually worship for six or seven minutes. You can pray for many things in the time left. The point is, becoming aware of Him and His heart is more important than the length of the prayer.

2. Find out what is on God’s heart and pray accordingly. Lay down personal agendas and opinions as much as is possible. Then pray with authority, as you are praying with the heart of the almighty God.

3. Bring your personal requests and desires to Him. When we seek first His kingdom, which is His will, the other things are added to our lives.

This is kingdom protocol.

This pattern is a good way to start a life of answered prayer, the kind of co-laboring that God intended for us from the beginning.

By Bill Johnson

Senior Pastor, Bethel Church

(Photo Credit: Dreamstime.)

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AT
September 27, 2020

Worship is important as the fuel for Holy Spirit influenced prayer; it is wonderful to be in God’s Presence!

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Zelta O'Grady
September 27, 2020

Lesson, can you hear the drums of War as they are sounding over the nations of lost souls.
Come into the LORD hole heartily, and you are going to see things come to pass. You have been prepared for battle. Now is the time to rise up, stand in the gap, and pray that the kingdom of GOD will prevail over the darkness that is holding captive all lost souls and every Nation. Stand in power and authority, Do not fear, SON of GOD is with you, take back what belongs to the kingdom of God, prophesy to the four winds to give up the souls of those who are in darkness, and release the Nations from bondage of lies and deception. Pray when the word is sow, it will fall on good ground. Bind up the strongman (Satan) from coming in like a thief to steal the word. Pray that the word does not fall on stony ground, but will take roots in their hearts and lost Holy Spirit to bring a harvest of fruit for the kingdom of GOD. Build a hedge of protection around the new believers, so they will have time to grow in the WORD, before the storms of life come crashing in. That even then they will be able to stand in faith.
Prayer warriors, and intercessors; our time is now. Put on your full armor, it’s time for war.

Shalom in Jesus’ Name

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