A message by Pastor Tolu Aladesanmi
Text: Luke 18:1-8
What Does Prayer Do for Us?
- We exercise our authority in the place of prayer: Prayer is a channel we have to put things in their place in our lives. We are not helpless. We have power over the power of the enemy (Luke 10:17-19). Matthew 16:19 shows us that we have authority here on earth to bind or loose. As you declare things, they will be established (Job 22:28).
- Prayer helps us to be discerning: There is a spirit of knowing that prayer bestows on you. In Acts 16:6-10 we see how the Spirit of God helped to discern the counsel of God.
- Prayer releases people from oppression and evil appointment: We see in the story of Haman and Mordecai how God fought for Mordecai by causing Haman to fall into the same trap he set for Haman. In Acts 12:11, we saw how God rescued Peter from the evil plot of King Herod. Nahum 1:9 assures us that God is putting an end to every evil scheming against His children. Psalm 102:17-20 tells us that God cancels every appointment of destruction and death.
What should we do after knowing the benefits of prayer:
- Pray: You can enjoy your make up and fine car, but pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (TPT) says you should make your life a prayer.
- Pray without ceasing. As you drive, wash, work, etc. keep praying. Let there be an ongoing conversation with God. You can achieve this by setting prayer alarms throughout the day.
- Pray in faith: James 1:5-8 encourages us to ask from God whatever we lack. God gives generously, so we can ask Him for whatever we need. Mark 11:22-24 says we should have faith in God, expecting to receive whatever we have asked from God. You can picture what you are asking God for as a reality in your mind already.
- Come boldly: Hebrews 4:15-16 encourages us to approach God boldly.
- Pray with the right motive: With the wrong motives, our prayers won’t be answered. James 4:3, Mark 10:35-45.
- Pray the will of God: The will of God is the Word of God. We must ask based on God’s will for us (1 John 5:14-15). God won’t withhold good things from us (Psalm 84:11). You have an anointing from the Holy One, therefore you know all things (1 John 2:20).
- Pray expecting to hear from the Lord: The truth is that God hears us when we speak, so He will speak to us in return. Wait to see what God will say in response (Habakkuk 2:1).
- Pray about everything and anything: Nothing is too small or big to pray about. You can talk to God about your pain, anger, insecurity, fears, etc.
- Pray every time: Don’t stop praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
- Get rid of sin: Don’t stay in sin. Deal with the sin. Take sin out of the way (Hebrews 12:1).
It’s not enough to be taught about prayer, you must go ahead to pray. Make sure you make time for prayer this week.