Posted in Prayer
Practical Prayer Tips
2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
It is really important to humble ourselves before the Lord and search our hearts and see if there is any bitterness or unforgiveness against another. Unforgiveness can hinder our prayers. Mark 11:25-26 "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. If there is someone that comes to mind when you are asking the Lord if there is any unforgiveness or bitterness, immediately choose to forgive them, no matter what they have done. Remember that forgiveness releases you from bondage, as well as the person you need to forgive. This is also a good time to ask the Lord to forgive your sins. Ask the Lord to show you any areas where sin has gained entrance.
Armed, Dressed & Ready
Before any praying, intercession or spiritual warfare we must always remember to wear our full armour of God, which is in Ephesians 6. Spiritually, by faith, place the armour on and then you are ready for the day. Many people dress in their physical clothes before going out for the day, but forget their spiritual clothes (full armour of God), and wonder why they are barraged, attacked and beaten down by the enemy. Don't pray naked! Get that armour on (LOL) ;-) Ephesians 6:12-13
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual (hosts) of wickedness in the heavenly (places). Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.
Praying God's Word
John 1:14 And the Word (Jesus) became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth. It is great to pray from our heart and talk openly wit the Lord about our problems, joys, sorrows, etc. but it is also good for us to pray God's word over our situations, and as He leads. For instance if someone is experiencing sickness, they need to pray God's word about healing over their lives.Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Praying In The Spirit & With The Understanding
1 Corinthians 14:15 I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Many people pray with the understanding (that which can be reasoned), but forget that we must also pray in the Spirit (through the Holy Spirit). This is when we can't always reason what we are praying, but are unctioned by the Holy Spirit to do so. This is where the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are imperative including the gift of tongues, and discernment. Listen closely to what the Lord show you to pray. He may unction you to pray for a man in Africa that you do not know, or sing a song while you are praying. Let your inhibitions go and free yourself from what may be deemed comfortable as you submit your whole being to the Lord. It doesn't matter if you have a great singing voice or not . . lift your voice as unto the Lord and praise Him. This is where High praise (Tehillah praise) comes in. The more time you spend with the Lord at home, the more free you will feel to pray in public or with friends.
Get Rid of Unbelief
One of the biggest hindrances to prayer, other than unforgiveness or unconfessed sin, is "Unbelief." The best way to get rid of unbelief is to spend time in God's word: Romans 10:17 So faith comes of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Our spiritual ears cannot understand or hear unless we open them through God's word. The more we read God's word and believe it, the more our faith increases. God responds to faith, after all He spoke the whole world, and everything in it and outside of it, into existence by faith. So we should pray, by faith also. Ask the Lord to show you is there are any areas of unbelief that are hindering your walk with Him. Watch your faith grow and your relationship with the Lord become more and more free.
Set Free
John 8:36 If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Prayer changes lives,and the most important life that will be changed is yours. Watch and see . . . it is a beautiful thing! When was the last time you sat down and prayed together as a family, and it wasn't around the dinner table? How free are you in your prayer time? Are theer any hindrances blocking you from hearing God? These are good questions to ask ourselves on a daily basis to test our hearts to see if they have become hardened or not. if so . .then start at square one by simply humbling ourselves before the Lord.
Thanksgiving & Peace
Philippians 4:6-9
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
May the Lord bless your prayer life as you draw closer to Him everyday,
<>< Kelly
This material copyright 2005 by Kelly (KSM) all rights reserved
