Prayer is essential to the Christian life. It is simple, yet profound. The believer has the privilege of entering into the Throne Room of the Universe in the presence of God as a child approaching his or her Father through the blood of Jesus.
The modern church in the United States has large facilities, and significant budgets and ministries, but where is the power? There are ministry emphases for just about everything. But where are the advocates for prayer and devotion to God? Of course we talk of it, and speak of its importance, but how many churches truly emphasize it? Therein lies the answer to the lack of power in the church. We have been relying on ourselves for far too long and we have the results we deserve. Empty religion always has the outward trappings and formalities, without the spiritual power.
Jesus said in Matthew 21:22 Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. To ask of God seems so fundamental that we would not need to be reminded of it. Yet prayer at its heart is asking. We can ask knowing that God hears our request. We can ask knowing that God has the authority to answer our request. If we are going to see the hand of God move in prayer we must learn the heart of God and ask Him to move on our behalf!
Not only are we to ask, we are to ask believing. Faith that moves God, believes God. It is faith that is absent of doubt. It is faith that is humble and persistent. It is faith that is obedient while awaiting the answer to the request. Real faith keeps your heart and mind in perfect peace because you are depending on God.
When we ask, believing, we can expect to receive from God. Nothing will energize your prayer life like answered prayer, receiving what you have asked for. Answered prayers are the only clear assurance that you have prayed rightly. Answered prayer brings glory to God. If you ask, and do not expect to receive, it takes the heart out of your prayer. Pray expecting to receive, but be sure you are praying according to the will of God. How does a person pray according to the will of God?
- You must pray with a clean heart.
- Your will must be surrendered to God's will.
- You must understand God's Word.
- You must rely on the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said in Matthew 21:13 My house shall be called a house of prayer. That is our goal at CLBC, to be a house of prayer. We are increasingly meeting for significant prayer meetings corporately, and God is raising up people in the church who have a passion and heart for prayer.
One of the most telling passages in the Bible about faith is found in Hebrews 11. There is story after story of people who believed God. V39 tells us they "obtained a good report through faith." That is my desire, that we would be known as praying people, who obtained a good report through faith!
