Prayer of Faith
Mark 11:12-14; Mark 11:20-25; Luke 7:1-10; James 5:13-18; Matthew 9:18-26; James 1:5-8
The prayer of faith is rooted in our confidence in God's Word. When you are sure that what you are praying for is God's will for you, the prayer of faith can be employed. The prayer of faith is knowing God's will, praying it and receiving it from Him. Not forgiving and doubting are the two greatest hindrances to prayers of faith.
Prayer of agreement
Genesis 11:1-9; Matthew 18:19-20; Exodus 17:8-13; Psalm 133:1-3; Acts 4:23; Hebrews 10:24-25; Matthew 28:16-20
The prayer of agreement is when two or more people come together and agree with one another and with the Word of God that something specific will be done. When we stand together in unity - with one purpose, sharing a joint vision and trusting God's Word to be fulfilled - God can work miracles.
Prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving
Psalm 100; Acts 16:16-34; Psalm 149:4-9; 1Thessalonians 5:15-19
Praise and worship brings us into the presence of God. Praising God in both the good and bad times affirms our faith in Him. Praise and thanksgiving are powerful weapons. They disarm the two most deadly weapons to our Christian walk: unbelief and satanic attacks. These two things are manifested in many different ways, but praise and thanksgiving is the two-edged sword that helps us fight against evil.
Prayer of Contemplation
The following steps may help you build contemplation into your prayer life.
· Establish a time and a place
Establish a regular time and place to give God your undivided attention each day (not in the car or while doing the dishes!). Have everything you need: your Bible, a journal, a pen, etc., so you can move right into prayer.
Establish a regular time and place to give God your undivided attention each day (not in the car or while doing the dishes!). Have everything you need: your Bible, a journal, a pen, etc., so you can move right into prayer.
· Keep your purpose clear
Come to this time for the sole purpose of seeking God's face. Keep this time for worship, meditation and listening for His voice. Intercession and supplication are for another time.
Come to this time for the sole purpose of seeking God's face. Keep this time for worship, meditation and listening for His voice. Intercession and supplication are for another time.
· Be still and quiet
This is a difficult discipline and takes much practice. After acknowledging God's presence, become still and quiet before Him. Relax your mind and breathe deeply, all the while thanking Him silently that He meets you in the stillness.
This is a difficult discipline and takes much practice. After acknowledging God's presence, become still and quiet before Him. Relax your mind and breathe deeply, all the while thanking Him silently that He meets you in the stillness.
· Meditate on Scripture
Unlike Eastern meditation, our goal is not to empty our mind, but to fill it with the revelation of God's manifest presence. Read small portions of Scripture, asking God to reveal Himself to you. Wait on Him and listen for the Shepherd's voice.
Unlike Eastern meditation, our goal is not to empty our mind, but to fill it with the revelation of God's manifest presence. Read small portions of Scripture, asking God to reveal Himself to you. Wait on Him and listen for the Shepherd's voice.
· Journal your prayers
Write daily love letters to God that respond to the joy of being with Him. Chronicle what He seems to be saying to you in writing.
Write daily love letters to God that respond to the joy of being with Him. Chronicle what He seems to be saying to you in writing.
· Prepare for wandering thoughts
Don't worry if your mind wanders, especially at first. Jot down things you need to do later; then return your mind to seeking God's face again.
Don't worry if your mind wanders, especially at first. Jot down things you need to do later; then return your mind to seeking God's face again.
· Don't fear drowsiness
It is no sin to fall asleep in the arms of God. Of course, if this becomes the norm, you may need to change your sleeping habits!
It is no sin to fall asleep in the arms of God. Of course, if this becomes the norm, you may need to change your sleeping habits!
· Infuse intercession with contemplation
Whenever the battle in prayer takes its toll, take a few minutes to contemplate the loveliness of Christ, rest in His arms and simply enjoy His presence. Then go back to the work of active prayer.
Whenever the battle in prayer takes its toll, take a few minutes to contemplate the loveliness of Christ, rest in His arms and simply enjoy His presence. Then go back to the work of active prayer.
By Tricia McCary Rhodes
No comments:
Post a Comment