The Potency of Prayer

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Through His Divine attribute of omniscience, he knows all there is to know and does not need you to bring any of it to His attention. Prayer is not attempting to convince God to do something on your behalf, for God has already done all that is needed. Hebrews 4:3 tells us that the works were finished before the foundations of the World. This means that all that will ever be needed to function, progress, and prosper in the ethereal journey we call Christianity has already been completed by God in eternity past. Let’s look at this passage of scripture a little closer because there is a wealth of power in the apprehension of this passage. “3For we who have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on God) do enter that rest,] in accordance with His declaration that those [who did not believe] should not enter when He said, As I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter My rest; and this He said although [His] works had been completed and prepared [and waiting for all who would believe] from the foundation of the world.) 4For in a certain place He has said this about the seventh day: And God rested on the seventh day from all His works. 5And [they forfeited their part in it, for] in this [passage] He said, They shall not enter My rest.” (Hebrews 4:3-5, AMP) We see in verse 3 that the works had most definitely been completed before hand (before the foundations of the world, but we also see that just because God has provided the inheritance, does not guarantee that all will receive it. There are some requirements that precede the obtainment of the inheritance. In this particular passage of scripture the inheritance in question is “REST”. The writer in Hebrews in comparing the Nation of Israel in the wilderness and the contemporary believer, both having the Gospel preached to them. The Israelites had failed to enter into their rest (the promised land of Canaan) because of unbelief and the disobedience associated with the unbelief. “2For indeed we have had the glad tidings [Gospel of God] proclaimed to us just as truly as they [the Israelites of old did when the good news of deliverance from bondage came to them]; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not mixed with faith (with [c]the leaning of the entire personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) by those who heard it;[d]neither were they united in faith with the ones [Joshua and Caleb] who heard (did believe).” (Heb. 4:2 AMP) “6Seeing then that the promise remains over [from past times] for some to enter that rest, and that those who formerly were given the good news about it and the opportunity, failed to appropriate it and did not enter because of disobedience.” (Heb. 4:6 AMP) So it is quite important that we understand that although the inheritance has been prepared for us, it is not automatic. We have to execute our faith, and we do that by exercising our faith which produces obedience. One more thing to take notice of here is that the writer makes mention of the fact that God rested on the seventh day. This does not have any religious or sacramental implication, but what it speaks of here is the fact that God rested after His work was completed, and this transfers to us in that we shall receive the prepared inheritance after we have completed the work. The work for the Israelites in the wilderness was to believe and
trust God, which would have led to their obedience and their moving into the rest of the promised land. The same applies to the contemporary believer; we must execute faith and move in obedience to receive the inheritance. Okay then, we have, at least a minimal understanding of what prayer is not, but then what is prayer? How does it work? Why do so many fail in their prayer lives? These are the questions I will endeavor to answer for you today. Unfortunately, too many believers are struggling in the area of prayer, mainly because they don’t have an understanding of its function. It is extremely difficult to operate in any area without some type of understanding of the dynamic process of what you are doing. There is an old adage that says, “Where purpose is unknown, abuse is invevible.” This definitely applies to prayer as well. In defining prayer, we can say prayer is that function that allows immediate access to the throne room of God. It is open fellowship between the believer and his creator. It involves both, talking and listening; reaching out to God with fervency and passion. It is sharing our concerns and desires. Prayer is the believer’s most effective tool in developing a more intimate and active relationship with God and it opens the portal to power. Prayer is a communication system designed by God, which in essence, opens up the portal to unlimited resources that through salvation have been placed at our disposal. It would be remiss to lethargically approach our prayer life. Look at what God says concerning prayer in the book of Isaiah: “It will come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. (Isa. 65:24 NASB) God, in eternity past, knew through His omniscience every prayer that every believer would offer up to him. God’s omnipotence gives him the absolute power to provide in advance the answer to every one of these prayers. Let’s look even deeper into the Word concerning prayer: “I love the LORD because He has heard my appeal for mercy. 2 Because He has turned His ear to me, I will call [out to Him] as long as I live.” (Psalm 116:1-2 HCSB) “I will call on Him as long I live.” What a powerful statement. David is saying that he will never cease to call on the Lord. We are told to pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17. With the power and effectiveness linked to prayer, why would anyone be satisfied with a perfunctory and
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Page 6 and 7: stagnant prayer life? I believe one
Page 8 and 9: are praying in vain. Prayer is not
Page 10: Claim your blessing! Walk in triump

The Potency of Prayer

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