Today, we are continuing to share the keys to a Victorious Life Through Effective Prayer. Join us as we use those keys to unlock the door to 2-way communication with God.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Watch the video of this teaching at https://www.celllifechurch.tv/victorious-living-through-effective-prayer-2-way-communication/ or on our YouTube channel.
Today we continue our series on prayer Victorious Life Through Effective Prayer. Last week as we celebrated Easter we discussed the aspects of being a victor versus a victim. We emphasized how Christ’s accomplishment of dying for our sins, beating death, and rising on the third day, has made us overcomers because we belong to him.
On Palm Sunday, the week before, we began the series by talking about being kingdom-minded and aligning our purposes and will with God’s purposes and will. Today, we continue talking about having a victorious life through effective prayer through 2-way communication. We decided to discuss this aspect of prayer to help you understand the importance of speaking, waiting, and listening. Communication with people, including God, is more than just talking.
Sometimes we feel that our requests are too small, that maybe somehow we are a “bother” to God. Maybe we feel he has more important things to deal with than our little requests. Let’s see what Ephesians 6:18 says about the types of requests we should present to God.
(18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
We are to pray no matter when, no matter where, for all kinds of requests. There is nothing too small or too big that we can ask for. You can pray for a parking spot, a short line, or favor with your boss. You can pray for miracles, reconciliation, broken addiction, and salvation for loved ones. There is no request too small that God does not hear. There is no request too big that God does not hear.
What request do you have that you have not taken to the Lord? Have you spoken to him about that co-worker, friend, or neighbor? Have you talked with him about your dreams and goals?
Philippians reminds us that in every situation to keep praying with thanksgiving. Let’s read this together.
(6) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
In everything with prayer and thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
During your walk to school or your drive to work. During your phone call, email or text reply. During your lunch meeting or conference call. Pray continually remembering to be thankful. Being thankful is a part of prayer. It is acknowledging the Giver.
Did you know that when you pray, Jesus intercedes for you to the Father? What a privilege it is for us to present our requests to God and Jesus intercedes on our behalf. Let’s read Romans 8:34
(34) Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
There is power in your prayers. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, understands that when his people pray, angels are moved to action. He prays on our behalf. As Jesus is praying for us, tell him your heart, your hopes, your fears, your dreams. Be specific, church. As you tell Jesus the very details of your requests, you will find times of refreshing as the Holy Spirit ministers to your heart.
Maybe the hardest part of prayer is listening. As people, we love to talk, especially about ourselves. However, the best communicators are the ones who know how to listen. All communication is balanced with transmitting and receiving. You have made your requests known to God. Jesus is interceding on your behalf, now what? You listen and you wait.
Psalms 46:10 tells us to be still and know that he is God. This means that we are not to be anxious or restless. We are to be calm, still, patient, and wait.
One time Brian and I had moved on from a ministry following the Lord’s direction. We had packed our family up and moved across the state with no job or ministry lined up. We knew God was going to move us to do something else, we just did not know when, what, or where.
Several months into this waiting period, a wise pastor whom we had just met asked what the last thing we heard God say to us. We told him. He then asked us if we obeyed. We said we had. He then said you are exactly where God wants you to be until he moves you on. It wasn’t until a few months later that God made it known to our hearts to move to another part of the state and plant a church of Acts in today’s context, which is what has become Cell Life Church International.
Waiting is tough, waiting is boring, but waiting is necessary. If you are experiencing a time of wait, know that it is for your good. He is preparing your heart and preparing what needs to take place before answering your prayer. He will answer. Trust me, friend, he has answered every single one of my prayers. It may not have been the answer I wanted or thought I needed, but he always answered.
Let’s read Psalm 27:14
(14) Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Take heart and do not be discouraged as you wait on the Lord. Discouragement is a choice. Choose patience and faith. Trust God to answer you.
Listen for the Lord’s voice, he will speak. It may not be now but he will speak. Be ready to hear his voice.
Once God speaks, be ready to obey. John talks about this in 2 John 1:6.
(6) And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
Love for God equals obedience to his commands. Do not allow doubt to cloud your mind once he speaks to you. Insecurity will say “Are you sure you heard from God?” or “I don’t know if I can do that.” You know what, you cannot do anything in your own strength but with God, all things are possible.
The act of obedience will work out his purposes in your life. Friend, God will speak, he always does. Our responsibility is to do what he has asked us to do. This is a demonstration of our love for him.
Friends, what a privilege it is that we can go to the Creator of the world and present our requests to him. He owns a thousand cattle on a thousand hills. He has the power to heal, the power to deliver, and the power to overcome any obstacle. Our God is for you.
As you bring your requests to him, remember that Jesus is interceding with you. Be patient while you listen and wait for a response because he will respond. Finally, when you hear the voice of God, obey him. Do what he asks, go where he wants, say what he tells you, and act in love as you fulfill the purposes he has for you.
Next week we will finish up our Victorious Life Through Effective Prayer series by talking about praying in faith. Be sure to come back for that. You don’t want to miss it.
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