Sunny - Prayer

 Prayer

Prayer is ascension. Just like the critical part in a flight is the take off, the ascending into prayer is a task. We need to reach a certain altitude in prayer. Only then we will see the benefits in prayers. 

‭‭Verse: Psalms 24:3

[3] Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?

In order ascend (climb), we need to understand Cosmic Geography

Verse: ‭‭Ephesians 6:12

[12] For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Jermiah prophesied a lot of doom. And he as unpopular because of his message even though this was the truth. But his message was not all doom. He talked about a return after 70 years. It was a message of revival. How long before we can see our revival?

And during this time of waiting, there was Ezekiel, Daniel who travailed in prayer. Are we patient in prayer like Daniel?

CAN WE PRAY?

What is prayer?

Prayer is warfare. This means there is strong will against all odds. It is a battle.

‭‭Verse: Judges 1:1

[1] After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Which tribe should go first to attack the Canaanites?”

When the question was asked, Judah (which means Praise) shall go first. We need to take the same approach. We need to start with praise. But is that enough? 

‭‭Verse: Judges 1:19

[19] The Lord was with the people of Judah, and they took possession of the hill country. But they failed to drive out the people living in the plains, who had iron chariots. 

The battle was up against iron chariots (or iron willed plans). If you are up against iron, then it requires that you confront with equal force. The force is translated to persistence. 

There are several examples of persistence in prayer

  • Elijah prayed several times before Gehazi away the small cloud in the sky
  • Jesus asked the ruler of synagogue to "just believe" when he was faced with the death of his daughter
  • There are other examples as well including Paul when he took over city of Philippi

Acts 16:16

[16] One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. 

When Paul decided to pray, there was a spirit that confronted them. This is because in battle terms, your prayer is an advancement against the enemy lines. When you cross borders for possession, you can be sure of resistence. 

This spirit had so much influence as the passage talks about people flocking for fortune telling services. The spirit in a way controlled the whole area. Paul was moving into this area controlled by spirit. And this was not easy. He was exasperated. He was frustrated. 

‭‭Verse: Acts 16:18

[18] This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.

Paul changed strategy and changed direction in prayer. He was talked to God all the while, but he changed and confronted the spirit in prayer. This confrontation was violent so much so that the city who was under the  captivity by the spirit, was the in uproar and confusion 

‭‭Verse: Acts 16:20

[20] “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. 

When you engage with the spirits, you can expect opposition. We need to graduate from sweet prayers to violent prayers!!!

When you pray these violent prayers, here is what happens

‭‭Verse: Acts 16:23

[23] They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 

But the secret is to keep going

Verse: ‭‭Acts 16:25

[25] Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 

Words unlock the realm. The authority is wielded in the power of the WORD. Here is the revival. They prayed and sang hymns to God. And guess what happened

‭‭Verse: Acts: 16:26

[26] Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!

Revival began in the darkest spot in the city Philippi - THE DUNGEON!!!

Are we ready to travail in prayer? The story began by prayer and also ended in prayer and praise. Sustianed prayer is the way to go!!!

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