Pastor Cheri
PRAYER
Thank you Lord for the word coming to us today, it ministers to us and every situation is turned around for our favour, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1 NKJV).
The Lord Jesus was very prayerful when He walked the earth. The Bible says, “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mark 1:35). In another instance, Luke recorded that “…he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12). He had an effective prayer life, which the Bible enjoins us to emulate.
He said in Luke 18:1 “…men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” The Apostle Paul reiterated the same thing; he said, (1 Thessalonians 5:17). In 1 Timothy 2:8, he said, “I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” This is God’s admonition to us. We’re to live a life of prayer. How important this is!
Having an effective prayer life isn’t just so we could fulfil some religious obligations, but:
First, prayer is a privilege; it’s a right given to us to communicate with the Father in faith, through His Word, and by the Holy Ghost. That opportunity that’s given to us to pray is something the Father always wants us to seize.
Secondly, when Jesus said men ought always to pray and not to faint, He was looking at the connection that we have with the Father in our constant communication that builds faith. Faith comes by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). Through that fellowship, we keep hearing the Word because the Father always speaks; He always talks to us; He always shares His Word with us.
PRAYING EFFECTIVELY WITH FOCUS AND CLEAR DIRECTION
“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God” (Philippians 4:6 AMPC).
One of the challenges that many have with prayer is the lack of focus.
1. When you pray, you must have focus.
David, in one of his prayers, said to the Lord, “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name” (Psalm 86:11).
Notice the underlined expression! The New International Version puts it this way: “…give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” So, in prayer, focus your attention on the Lord, and be conscious of what you’re praying about.
Some people pray about so many things, and a moment later, they don’t remember what they prayed about. If you don’t remember what you prayed about, how would you know when God answers?
2. You have to learn to keep record of what you say to the Lord in prayer; be specific. If there’re things you’re concerned about that you’d like to pray about, write them or make a mental note of them when you pray. Then as you pray, receive.
What God wants is that you express your faith in specific terms. Faith makes you a possessor. When you have made your definite request of the Lord, rejoice and give Him glory, knowing that it’s done. “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24).
There’re lots of results we’ll never see except we pray. It’s God’s way of relating with us; Why did Jesus pray so much? It’s because He was living in a world of darkness and needed to effect changes in men’s lives. It’s one of the reasons He was so effective.
With so much going on in our world today, we should never think we’re helpless. There’s something we can do. Any Christian can actually effect changes. Don’t be like the person who says with a note of defeat, “All I can do is just pray.” No. We don’t just pray. In our praying, we’re definite enough to make definite changes. God never told us to “just pray” as a form of religion. He told us to pray so that things can be changed to our advantage.
Remember what Jesus said: “You shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you” (Acts 1:8). That power is the dynamic ability to cause changes and it’s in you now. So, when next you take up a matter in prayer, no matter how urgent it is, don’t for a second think you’re wasting time by praying. Instead, be conscious that you’re bringing the power of the Spirit of God to bear on that situation.
Scriptures to study
Luke 18:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Timothy 2:8, Philippians 4:6, Mark 11:24, John 15:7&16, Ephesians 6:18.
FAITH AFFIRMATION
I affirm that the Lord is blessing me right now!
The Lord shall command the blessing upon my storehouses, and in all that I set my hand unto
I am an offspring of the Word; therefore, wealth and riches are in my house, and my righteousness endures forever
I am rightly positioned for financial increase.
I can only go in the upward and forward direction—moving from glory to glory in my finances.
Prosperity is my heritage, and I am established in abundance.
I attract ideas, resources, and opportunities that multiply my income.
The Lord has given me power to get wealth, that He may establish His will.
My hands are blessed, and whatever I do flourishes.
I have supernatural insight for wealth creation and make wise financial decisions.
I am not subject to the world’s economy; I function by Kingdom principles.
The Father supplies all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
My source is unlimited, and I experience supernatural provision.
I rise above financial limitations and walk in divine overflow. Hallelujah!
Debt has no hold over me! I operate in financial liberty, owing no man anything but love
I have more than enough to fund the Gospel, support my family, and be a blessing to others.
Every day, money finds me, and resources align in my favour.
I am a magnet for financial blessings, and my storehouses are always full.
The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.
I give freely, and as I give, I receive even more, for God loves a cheerful giver and It shall be given unto me: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.
Wealth and honour are my companions. Riches and honour are with me,
I refuse scarcity, I reject financial hardship, and I walk in supernatural increase.
My life is proof of God’s endless supply. Glory to God!
