Why Do We Pray? Repost from April 2016
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Why do we pray?
As I was getting ready to teach on a Wednesday night, I looked up and a gentleman was approaching me asking for the microphone. I did not know him but, I felt like I should allow him to speak. As he shared his testimony, the pieces began to come together. Several years ago, I received a phone call from his father asking for prayer. His son had been shot five times, at close range, with hollow point bullets and left for dead. If you are like me, I just lost you. Shot five times? What was he doing? I don’t remember. That’s not the point. The point is a father grabbed hold of the promises of God and refused to allow his son to die. We took the request to our body of believers. During the emergency surgery, the son received 2 ½ gallons of blood. The average body only holds 1 ½ gallons. Over the next couple of years, the father would keep us up to date and request prayer as needed. The process was slow by our “drive-thru, give it to me fast so I can get on with what’s important to me” mentality. Yet four years later, the man’s son stood before us, weeping as he thanked the Lord for his miracle and thanked us for praying for him. He said he still had trouble with his stamina, but everything else is perfect. What a privilege to be allowed to pray. What an honor to see the miracle-working power of God.
As I told you in the March teaching letter, we hold open the door for the Holy Spirit to move on a situation. It is not up to us to figure out how He is going to do it. We are the doormen. It is not up to us to tell him how long it should take. We are the doormen. My responsibility as a doorman, is to recognize the movement of the Holy Spirit, and through prayer, respond to Him. “You want healing in that situation? Here’s my voice, enter in.” “You want to bring peace? I will declare it.” Even when the situation looks too big for my mind, all I have to do is look at Ephesians 3:20.
Ephesians 3:20 (AMP)
20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—
It’s time to admit it. GOD IS BIGGER THAN ME. He can do more than I can even ask. He can do more than I can even think, hope, or dream. Here’s the kicker. Not only can He, but HE WANTS TO. Look at 2 Corinthians 1:19-20.
2 Corinthians 1:19-20 (NIV)
19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.”
20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Did you catch that? I have heard others say, “God always answers prayer. Sometimes He says yes and sometimes He says no.” That’s just human thinking. Scripture says if we pray according to His promises the answer is always yes. “Allen, I know someone who was believing God for healing and they died.” We all know someone like that. Are you going to put your faith in a person? I know that can sound a little harsh, but do you really know everything they were going through? I have seen people who say all the right things in church, but once they are outside, a different story comes out of their mouth. Yes, they are still saved. They will still go to heaven. We don’t know the pain and struggles someone is going through. We are not in their shoes. What I know is that God has invited us up to a higher level. As I pray, I have every reason to joyfully expect God’s promises to be true.
I often encourage people in our church to make a list of the times God has come through for them. Take time to do it. It will be an exercise in joy. It will also be a powerful reminder for you of the many times life seemed impossible, but God showed up big time. It is a great source of encouragement when times seem tough.
Why do we pray?
One time we received another prayer request from a member of our church. A friend’s two-year-old son was found in the family swimming pool. The family did not know how long he had been in the water. When we received the phone call, he was being life-flighted to the hospital showing no response. What do you do with that? Do you dwell on the image that is being imprinted on your mind? Do you build up a list of reasons why prayer will not work this time?
It’s too late. Take time to read John 11 and Luke 7:11-15 before declaring it is too late for God to do something.
The doctors have already said he is not responding. Even if he lives………….STOP IT.
You are not called to figure out how it is to work. You are to, by faith, open the door. DECLARE THE WILL OF THE FATHER. The next report that came in said He was still alive, but filled with water. Do we give up? Lower our expectations? NO. Increase them. Look at verse 20 again.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
The yes is in Christ, but the amen is spoken by us. What does that mean? Too many times we use “amen” without thinking on what it means. Amen is not just the way we let everyone know the prayer is over. Amen means “so be it.” When I have prayed the prayer of faith, amen is the opening into my life. “By HIS STRIPES, I AM HEALED” (1 Peter 2:24) The promise of God. AMEN! So be it in my life. “My God supplies all my needs.” (Philippians 4:19) The promise of God. AMEN! So be it in my life.
A little boy lies in a hospital struggling for life. Our thoughts are running rampant on us, but scripture says, My God can do above and beyond all I can ask or think. AMEN. SO BE IT. Holy Spirit, are you looking for a way in? I’ll be your doorkeeper. The next day, the little boy was home, playing in the back yard.
What a mighty God we serve! What a privilege to be allowed to pray. What an honor to see the miracle-working power of God. There is no room for pride on our part. I know it is the power of God. I know many were praying. Through prayer, I just chose to add my voice to the others who are faith-believing and willing for the Lord to use them.
One last time in closing. What a privilege to be allowed to pray. What an honor to see the miracle working power of God.
Psalm 84:10-11 (ESV)
10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
God Bless, Keep on Praying:
Allen