◄ Pray Aright - Study in Prayer (9) ►

STUDY in PRAYER

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
James 5:16

Christian Armour

Paul outlines, in magnificent detail, the Christian’s armour in the “Day Of Trouble.”  The armour of Ephesians 6 is not for occasional use – during an enemy attack.. it is the lifelong uniform of a believer in this world of suffering and sin.

Lifelong Onslaught

The battle in which Christian’s are engaged is a lifelong – 24/7 onslaught. The strategies and wiles of the enemy seek to unnerve and unseat the believer, but our spiritual amour, combined with one final weapon, is a winning combination.

Christ Jesus

For every piece of the armour is Christ Jesus – and we need to ‘wear’ Him daily. But that final strategic weapon is outlined in Ephesians 6 verse 18: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Ephesians 6:18

Powerless Prayer

Most prayers of the saints are ineffective – never reaching a peripheral target. The majority of our intercession is impotent – falling short of the desired mark. One reason for powerless prayer is not applying 1 John 1 9 – by first confessing sins. One reason for impotent prayer is not getting into fellowship via confession to God.

True Confession

This is not a man-made confession with a rosary or other unbiblical customs. This is not man-made repentance in a little confessional box – to a man. Christians are instructed to go boldly to the throne of grace in time of need. The veil of the Temple was rent from top to bottom giving access to the Father. What an amazing privilege we have as believers to petition the throne of heaven – but God wants all His children to stay in fellowship by admitting their sins to Him.

Humble Dependence

Another reason for ineffectual prayers is a self-arrogance – so deep-set within us all. This is a proud reliance upon self, instead of humble dependence upon the Father. Self-reliance excludes Christ-reliance – and God only sees us as in the Beloved. When we think our good works give us access to God, we deny the blood of Christ.

Finished Work

If you have even one doubt about the provision of God, you are in this category. If you have a question-mark over the promises of God, this applies to you, too. If you doubt God’s love or question your security in Christ, you deny His cross..  for these are wrong perceptions of Christ’s finished work on the Cross – this is an incorrect understanding of all God’s attributes – His justice and love.

Asking Amiss

A third reason for unanswered prayer combines the above two – i.e. asking amiss. These are prayers offered for one's own end, rather than God's purpose – or His Way. If you examine any prayer in scripture – you will see this vital principle in play.

First

1) We must be in FELLOWSHIP with God if prayers are to be effective and this is simply outlined in 1 John 1 9 – and is as easy as the A.B.C.

Second

2) We must be PROPERLY CLAD IN the Lord – as outlined in Ephesians 6. Every single piece of amour is the Lord Jesus – we are to be under His covering.

Third

3) We must PRAY ARIGHT as outlined by James (and others). We are to ask in faith – trusting God at His Word – believing what He says.. yet ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss Jam.4:3 This isn’t rocket science, but simply set-out in Scripture, for all desiring to live godly.

Effective Prayer

Effective praying needs a right relationship with God. Effective prayer to the Father, is covered by Christ. Effective prayer to God, will be guided by the Spirit. The effective prayer of the righteous is potent, powerful and will accomplish much.

Ineffective prayer

If prayers are ineffective, the defect is not in God. If prayers are ineffective, the reason lies within you or me, but never with God. If prayers are ineffective, we need to carefully examine ourselves in all the above. If prayers are ineffective, it may mean your timing is not in line with God’s!

Ultimate Fulfilment

Revelation 8 shows us the time that all-prayer will reach their ultimate fulfilment. Ephesians 6 shows us how to pray effectively in this fierce battle. James 5 shows that effective prayer accomplishes much. I John 1 9 brings us into right relationship with the Father.

Pray Aright

So how are we to pray aright? – Praying at all times, on every occasion, in every season – continuously. Praying in spirit – in the power of the Holy Spirit. Praying with all manner of prayer and entreaty.  Praying to that end that we keep alert and watchful.  Praying with strong purpose; patience endurance – perseverance.  Praying and interceding on behalf of all the saints.  Praying - Always – With – All Prayer – and Supplication – in the Spirit.