Bliss & Fire Network Weekly Digest - Success Scripture May 26, 2009

Praying In The Spirit

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." - Romans 8:26-27

EXPLORATION

Definition: Prayer is the act of Devotion and Consecration in which the worshipper in his dependence on God requests Him to do for him (the worshipper) what he is not able to do and grant him he grace to be successful in doing the things he knows how to do. In praying he gets into conversation with God. So prayer could also be referred to as talking with God.

When a person is born again, his prayer points are usually centered on his daily need for food, shelter, protection from evil forces and deliverance from temptation. As he involves himself in serving the Lord through personal evangelism, the length of his prayer is extended because he now sees the need to pray for souls to be converted and be established in Christ. He may later find himself having to pray for other Christians or new converts. In so doing, the length of his routine prayer is further lengthened. As he becomes more involved in gospel activities, he could be put in charge of other Christians in the church. May be the youths, men's or women's ministry, the prayer group or evangelical team. So, his prayer time is further extended. If he faithfully continues serving the Lord, he would eventually become a deacon or departmental overseer, could even become a pastor. Thus, there shall be the need for him to continue to grow in prayer.

INSPIRATION

Quite a number of Christians have come to realize the need to support and sustain their work in the Lord with prayer. As the work becomes greater—they know the need for them to increase their time of prayer and devotion, if there seems not to be enough time for extended prayer, they shy away from taking on more responsibilities in the church. There are others who feel obliged to take on more responsibilities in the church due to their zeal. But along the line, because there doesn't seem to be enough time to pray as they should, they get discouraged and in fact a few have backslidden with the false notion that it is not possible to cope with the increased prayer demand of added church duties along with their secular job.

The truth is that whatever we communicate to God in prayer is actually the thoughts of our hearts. Even when they are not spoken out, God already knew them. God has even said: "I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." - Jeremiah 17:10 David confirmed this when he said "Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off." - Psalm 139:2

Hannah desired to have a baby and the thought of it filled and consumed her heart so much that as she prayed to God, her lips moved but her mouth did not utter any word. However, her prayer reached God and was answered. (1 Samuel 1:13) The same was the case with the woman with the issue of blood; she said IN HER HEART "...If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole." - Matthew 9:21 One word was not uttered.

Before any body does anything, the thought of it would have been first formed in his mind. As we can see above, God knows whatever is in our mind. Once we are able to direct our minds to HIM with the faith that He is able to give us the desires of our heart, then we would have prayed. Speaking out our thoughts is merely "clothing" or expressing them in a particular language. The language of expression does not really matter but the kind of thoughts that are constantly being formed in our minds. As our spiritual responsibilities increase and we need more time to pray, we should not give up with the excuse that there isn't enough time. We are not bound to kneel down and close our eyes before our prayer is answered.

Though, from time to time we could do this as a means of reverence and devotion to God. It should be borne in mind that we pray by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. This is why the bible says: "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:25, The Bible also make it clear to us it says: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." - Romans 8:26-27

It is important for the believer to maintain a pure heart at all times to ensure the abounding presence of the Holy Spirit who is the ONE who enables us to pray anywhere, anytime.

Therefore the condition of our mind matters. It is only when the condition of our mind is right with God that we can pray in the Spirit and receive answers to our prayer. David said: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:" - Psalm 66:18 It is also written: "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." - Matthew 5:8.

A believer who is filled with the Spirit, walks in the Spirit and maintains a pure heart, will always be able to switch off from any noisy environment and get into his inner man and focus his thoughts on God in silent prayer and God will hear his prayer. In this way, the believer has unlimited time for prayer as he can do silent prayer anytime and anywhere. Without kneeling down and closing his eyes.

The bible says : "...The effectual, fervent PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN availeth much." - James 5:16, "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth." - John 9:31.

Holiness of life is very important for a believer to be able to pray in the Spirit and get results. The practice of inner silent prayer helps us to develop inner spiritual power. By this we can cope with the intensity of our gospel work, no matter how great. Praying in the Spirit is enhanced as we totally submit to the will of God. It requires sincerity, faith, frequent consecration and a readiness to repent of any fault or sin and the determination to mend our ways. Unbecoming habits like foolish talking, jesting, clamoring, envy, hatred, jealousy, unholy association with unbelievers or even uncommitted Christians with all social vices must be done away with. (Ephesians 5:4-5).

A believer can grow to a point where he makes praying in the Spirit a life style. Where this happens, he will no longer see anything as impossible in life. Jesus says: "...Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt IN HIS HEART, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." - Mark 11:22-26

This week: Let us take time to pray in our spirit. Lets carry the spirit along in our heart where ever we go; we want you to know, just as Hannah was answered by God that she received miracle likewise you will be answered, and just like the woman with the issue of blood; she said IN HER HEART if only I can touch the hem of HIS garment, I shall be whole, We say to you this week that you shall be make whole over that situation that has overwhelm your life so long. You have cried many times over this, but now your answer has come. As you believe and take this steps this day you will rejoice. Amen!

Remember: the Bible says: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." -Philippians 4:8(KJV)

We love you! 

God bless.

Bliss & Fire Network Team

Online registration is now available for exhibitors/vendors for the 2nd International Bliss & Fire Network Christian Expo 2009.

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