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Prayer is a strong weapon of control and blessing in the lives of believers. However, forcing people to pray is not what Jesus modeled. There are states and countries in this modern world that meet with opposition and challenges in their effort to enforce prayer. As it was in ancient days, so it is still today. No matter how well-meaning intentions are, God wants us to pray because of our love for Him and belief in Him. This blog post is to support believers and encourage prayer as a weapon in your life. This battle is not new. Therefore, even though there are political and societal demands about prayer, there is not reason for the believer to not give more attention to prayer and the scriptures. Personally, I am thankful for my 6:00 A.M. prayer group of 23 years and counting.
There are amazing stories from ordinary people who willingly pray. Surveys show that churchgoers, physicians, children, and countless others have positive results because of their prayer life. Still, what happens when you feel a prayer was not answered according to your desire? How often does this happen? For some people, unfortunately, these thoughts keep them from praying. So, what are we to do?
Prayers of Control and Blessing
The Bible records some of the most powerful prayers. For example, the teaching of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4); Jesus’ agonizing prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46), and Jesus’ prayer for all believers (John 17:1-26). Another example, is the prayer of Apostle Paul for spiritual growth (Ephesians 3:14-21).
King David’s prayer of repentance was the result of his adulterous affair with Bathsheba; his was a request for a clean heart (Psalm 51). The prayers of Jeremiah for the nation of Israel were raw and emotional. His raw emotion shows the deep love for Israel and vindication against persecutors (Jeremiah 15:15-21). Like Jeremiah, we ask God why is it that the wicked prosper (Jeremiah 12). Jeremiah’s questions to God reflect sincere raw emotion, lamenting suffering while trusting God’s sovereignty. His asked for mercy in the midst of qualified judgment (Jeremiah 10:23-25). All of these prayers are examples of control and blessings. The question is, “Who do you rely upon for control and blessing?”
Formula of Prayer
People seek formulas of prayer; yet, the Lord’s prayer is the example. This idea comes from the thought of “If I do not ask the” “right way” then I will not receive my blessing.” Contrary, the scripture says what God wants is a broken and contrite heart. Psalm 51:17 AMP, My [only] sacrifice [acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart [broken with sorrow for sin, thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise. God knows our hearts.
That is why God said of David, that he was a man after His (God) own heart. God sees your heart. The sorrow for sin means more to God than a long, scripted prayer formula, that is not from your heart. God’s place of blessing is a place of repentance (forgiveness) for restoring us. Giving God control and allowing Him to bless in the way that He knows what is best for us is prayer. Admittedly, it can be difficult. However, the more you ask that your will be His Will, life becomes easier as part of your servant’s journey. He is the One who knows all things. He wants our trust, love and obedience. This gives Him the formula (the permission) to fully operate in our lives. That was the prayer power that David had. He learned to walk in God’s power and give Him control, even when he expressed to God his personal desires.
What Happens to Our Desires
It is true that I did not wish for certain challenges, pain, and losses. Who enjoys pain? But, our desires should align with God’s Will. God’s way is to test and grow our faith in Him. For every test will make you stronger and build your faith in Him. God already knows our heart desires. The scripture, Psalm 37:4 NIV states, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” What this verse resonates to us is that God’s delight is more than our worldly desires. Moreover, Psalm 20:4 affirms success: “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We can trust that it gives Him pleasure to bless us. We will have joy and peace when our desires align with His Will.
Again, today, I pray that from the scripture of Ezekiel also bless you: “I declare that God will breathe life into “dead” situations for my growth in Him. He is the Lord of my life (Ezekiel 37:5-6).”