Spiritual Breakthrough - The Power of Listening Prayer

http://vimeo.com/20741551   Check out this link on the subject of listening prayer

As most of us know, talking to God is one thing but listening is something entirely different. It has been noted that “in Western culture listening has never been a prized pursuit, the way, for example, teaching or preaching has been." There will likely never be any awards handed out for the “The Greatest Listener.” However, one of the most important qualities that we need more in our relationships is the ability to not just to hear, but to listen - a fundamental human need! 

However, the challenge of this is that someone has to stop and listen!

We have become so accustomed to the noise in our lives that we’ve learned to accept it and in doing so we have hampered our ability to hear His voice.

You may be sitting here and you have that ache, that longing for God’s presence, but I want you to know even more than you want it; He wants you to know HIM!

Can  you say that you have heard God’s voice?

Was it audible, an impression on your mind, a divine nudge?

I believe that God wants to have a real two-way relationship with each and every one of His children.

Many godly people through history spoke of God’s personal communication to them.  Jesus, in his revelation to John said, “Let him who has ears hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”  Brother Lawrence talked about, “a continual conversation with God.”  A W Tozer stated, ‘God is speaking, and doing so in every facet of the human experience’.  Bill Bright called it, “Spiritual Breathing.”  In a recent book, Bill Hybels calls this listening to the, “Whispers of God.”  Charles Stanley in his book, “Hearing from God  refers to, “Impressions upon my spirit or mind.”  Watchman Nee writes about, “The light of God’s revelation.”  

A.W. Tozer said this: “The Bible will never become a living Book to us until we are convinced that God is articulate in His universe. To jump from a dead, impersonal world to a dogmatic Bible is too much for most people.” Such a person “is the victim of a divided psychology. He tries to think of God as mute everywhere else and vocal only in a book.”

Our ability to hear God is not only conditioned by our culture but also by our view of God’s nature. For example, do we believe that God speaks in the present, or do we believe that God’s voice is solely bound to the past between the covers of our Bible?  The answer to this question may provide an important starting point in discerning how we seek to listen to God.

We are going to look at three different layers to listening to God’s voice as they come to us through non-verbal communication, the Written Word and His spoken voice and we will start with the posture that leads us in all three areas of listening to His voice.

A Posture for listening…

1 Samuel 3:1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.

I believe today that is changing as we move closer and closer to His return.  I have heard more people share about visions of Jesus in fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel 2.  We have heard more and more people from other world religions testifying to hearing God’s voice.

10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

  Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

The posture for listening is the expectation that God wants to speak!

David expected God to speak to him when he asked in Psalm 139 – search me and try me and see if there be any wicked way?

The expectation to sense God’s voice comes as we are bold enough to ask the question.

If we are too busy to ask, chances are we are not going to hear with the clarity that He wants to bring in our lives’

So, I challenge you…ask the question!

God is there someone here that you want me to speak to?  God, what do you want me to say to that person?

God is there something that You want me to know?

Layers of Listening

1.      Non-verbal communication

Scripture is pretty clear on portraying a God who longs to communicate with us.  In Psalm 29, we see that the whole world is filled with God’s voice and that He speaks to us through His creation.  The gospel of John puts it this way,  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  It is God’s nature to speak.

In Psalm 32:8,9 it says, “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you.  Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”  

What do you have to do with a horse to steer it in the right direction.  It takes a gentle tug on the reign unless the horse is unruly and senseless.  I call those God ordained wake up calls when He really has to buckle down on us.

And in these verses, God is saying, “I want to guide you along the best pathway for your life. 

Non-verbal communication speaks to how God works in our lives through divine nudges, promptings of His Holy Spirit, the peace of God that rules in our heart

So, how do we test those divine nudges, visions, dreams or when God speaks to us through nature?

It takes us to our next layer of communication and that is

2.      Written Communication

The Word of God

God wrote a book.  It’s a best seller.  And the place to start when you need to know the direction God wants you to go in life is to pick it up and get to know him. 

After all, if you want to know what somebody really thinks about something, what you really want to check out is what they have written on the subject.  The apostle Paul says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16,17

The Lord spoke in the Bible and he revealed his will there for all time.  When I was in Bible College and Seminary, I am very grateful for the professors who taught me the importance of doing careful Bible study with good principles of interpretation as we have done with our recent course on How To Read The Bible For All Its Worth.

We need to remember that God does not change his character.  He does not speak right NOW in a way that is out of keeping with the way he spoke back THEN.

God is not going to tell you something that contradicts His Word. 

God does not change.  Hebrews 3:13 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Do you know the Scriptures?  Do you read them?  Have you read the Bible through?  Getting to know God and hear his voice means that you become familiar with the book that he wrote. 

Now, some people will say that all we need is the Bible.  At one point, I would say that I was pretty satisfied with non-verbal and written communication.  And I have heard some people basically say, “God only spoke back in Bible times.  And since God does not change… I don’t need to hear his voice today.” 

Now, if you think about that… just on a logical basis… it can’t be true.  If God revealed himself to people in the Bible who then wrote down what God revealed… and if God does not change… then we would expect that God would continue to be a God who reveals himself to people today.  Right?  I mean, the only way God would NOT reveal himself today is if he has changed.  And if God has changed… then what confidence do we have that the Bible still reveals God? 

1.      God revealed himself in the past as a God who personally speaks to people.

2.      God does not change.  Hebrews 3:13 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  And so our CONCLUSION is…

3.      God must still personally speak to people.

Now, you might be wondering, “How did I know that I was hearing the Lord’s voice and not the voice of – say – the enemy?”  Well, by this time... I knew the written communication quite well.  I knew that there is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ.  So if I felt just a general feeling of guilt and condemnation… I could be confident that was NOT the Lord speaking.  But if I felt convicted yet loved… if only one sin was mentioned at a time…then I would confess them one at a time and receive joy. 

With thanks to Steve Kerr

3.      Spoken Communication

God speaks.  When I say “spoken communication” I am not talking about audible speaking.  I have never heard God’s voice with my ears.  I know people who have and I don’t have a problem with that.  But in my experience, the Lord does not speak audibly to me.  He speaks directly to my mind and heart.  And it’s not a voice I hear in my head.  He brings thoughts to my mind and – over time – I have developed a sense in my spirit that they are his thoughts.  They ‘light’ up on my mind as spontaneous thoughts as best described by Mark Virkler.  The first response I find myself in is to prayer

I have challenged us in the past about four keys to hearing God’s voice in an even more intimate way than I was hearing…

1.      Withdraw and Wait: Be still and know that I am God” the Bible says.  Jesus tells us to go into our private closet and pray.  Psalm 46:10

2.      Watch:   Fix the eyes of our heart and mind on Christ.  Get a vision of Christ in your mind.  Hebrews 12:2  We learn to picture ourselves in His presence.

3.      Be Willing.  Let the Lord speak.  Like Samuel, say “Lord, speak for your servant is willing to listen and obey.”  John 10 – We have to ask the questions

4.      Write.  In my case, I started journaling in a notebook and today I have a little notebook computer in the corner of our living room  where I do my Bible reading and I write out my prayers.  Habbakuk 2

These thoughts come from a name that He has laid on our heart to actual words and affirmations that He has for us.  There have been a group of 12 of us who have been learning to hear God’s voice and they have given me permission to share how they are discovering His voice!

Remember when I was asleep in the boat during the storm? I knew that the storm was coming yet i slept. You remember the power of a storm when you're sailing on a lake!

Remember, My power is greater - then you will rest & not fear during the storms in your life. Even when you don't feel Me remember this: I love you. I care for you. I have the power in all situations. Even when life doesn't make sense TRUST Me! Know My Father's love toward you.  Things don't  always seem reasonable from your perspective. When I stood on the shore & told professional fishermen where to put their nets, they didn't get all proud & say 'we know what we're doing .

You're only a carpenter' . They listened & obeyed. This is what I want you to do. Keep your inner eyes on Me, trusting My love, wisdom & power. Trust & obey ME - not your own logic. Pas every thought & plan by Me. Let Me fill the center of your being, displacing the worry you so often indulge in. I have said ' when you week Me you will find Me & find rest for your soul.

My response was (if you need it) Thank you Lord that You told the stories of real events when You were on earth. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit  that uses these to teach me. Abba, help me .

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I used to say I so wanted to hear God's big booming voice over all the clutter and distractions "Diane, this is my way, walk in it".    As I progressed on my faith journey with My Lord, I learned I needed to draw near and make choices.... For me I am deeply impacted by music and lyrics- the words....I choose to have Christian music on in my car, at home, everywhere possible because God speaks to me through them or a message.   I choose to read and study the bible because God speaks to me through these.....I have learned ... If I am hearing something for the third time....God is saying is this loud enough!!!!!

As I  pray through the day I know He is with me, that He becomes clear as I disappear, that I will praise Him in this storm, that healing comes through the tears....

As our small group has worked on journeling...this one area I'm not real good at.....first, I think in point form....and in one of our first journeling times....God is so cool!....he spoke to my mind...in point form!  

I admire those in our group who have such wonderful words and paragraphs woven together I love to hear them share....I also love that God made me just the way I am and he gives me just what I need...just enough light or words for the step I'm on.  I just need to be intentional to be still myself and be willing to ask God, and be willing to be quiet and willing to listen.

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I'm going to talk about my question "How do You see me?"...God showed me a a mirror which was prefect and whole..  That's how He sees me.(my reflection was perfect)  He sees me for what I am. But when I see the mirror it's dirty and cracked. That's normal to me (Out of shaped, hazy, and a little distorted).  As I  go through life I  look at the  mirror and see my life - some are good days and some days they are bad. 

God wants me to remind myself that I am perfect in His eyes.  And that's what matters.   I know what the mirror can represent and I will strive towards that.   One day We can both stand in front of this mirror and see each other for who we really are.

1 Corinthians 13:12

The Message (MSG)

 12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

The Takeaway

Prayer was always meant to be a two-way conversation!  He speaks and I obey. 

The power of listening to the voice of God comes as He calls me to become the person I was created to be and I change to become just that!

We’re not asking for times and dates…this is not a glass ball.  We are simply just giving God the floor!  We are affirming that He has the freedom to speak in our lives.  

Spiritual Breakthrough - Spiritual Warfare In Prayer

If you are a Christian, do you remember when you became one?  Did anyone ever tell you that you are now going to be tempted and tested by the enemy?   Do you remember when you were baptized?  Do you go through a period of testing and temptation following that?  

When you came to faith in Jesus, your heart became a battlefield.  You are loved by God, but you are also hated by the enemy.

Do not be mistaken.  The moment you declared your allegiance to Jesus Christ, you became an enemy of the prince of the power of the air.  It is his goal to neutralize you in the battle for the heart and lives of people.  He would love nothing more than to place believing Christians into a deep spiritual slumber where they are neither productive nor fruitful for the kingdom of God.  Today, it is my prayer that we will become more aware of the battle all around us, praying fervently, as our spiritual eyes are opened.  In doing so I believe our faith will become active and we will become freedom fighters for the King of Kings!

The Old Hymn – Charles Wesley – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

Don’t underestimate the devil, but at the same time know this too that he is not the equal of God.  He can’t be everywhere, he doesn’t know everything and he’s not all powerful.  He can do nothing in the life of the Christian without the permission of God.

We learn these lessons from the life of Job

We also need to know the truth that God will not test us beyond what we are able.

Yes, there are distractions and temptations that the enemy puts in our pathway but this goes beyond the situations where we walk right into temptation by our own decision. 

It is like a young man who said, “I’m always tempted to have sex with my girlfriend.”  What did you do last night?  “Well, we were lying together in the dark.”  Question.  Did you see the door?

It is like the person who prayed, “Lead me not into temptation…I can find it myself.”  So, we pray and ask God for some surge of power and God says run, get out of that place – there’s the door.

God will not test us beyond what we are able, but provide a way of escape – it’s called the door! A case in point is Joseph and how he dealt with Potiphar’s wife – he got the heck out of there!

No, this is something very different and we are talking about battling in prayer!

John White states

You have established a new relationship with the powers of darkness. Whatever you were before you were a Christian... you are now a sworn foe of the legions of hell. Have no delusions about their reality or their hostility, but do not fear them. The God inside you terrifies them. They cannot hurt you, let alone hurt you, but they can still seduce, and they will try. They will also oppose you as you obey Christ. ... you are serious about Christ being your Lord and God, you can expect opposition. 

Have you ever thought about the fact that we have the ability to see on three different levels?

 

1) On the physical level, we observe with the naked eye the world around us; 

2) On the mental level  we see things with our mind's eye, like redecorating a room, or putting together a computer program, 

3) On the spiritual level we comprehend, are enlightened, through the eyes of the Spirit of God

I want to look at a specific prayer in the life of Elisha.  Elisha was a prophet of the northern kingdom of Israel who followed in Elijah’s footsteps.  He was active from 850 – 800 BC and very involved in the life of the nation.

In this particular story he is an enemy of the King of Aram

2 Kings 6:8-23

I want to look at prayer as we are faced with seeing on 3 levels

1.        The Physical – An army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city.

Recognizing what we are up against is a strong call to prayer

As we can see here the King of Syria was making war against Israel. He thought there must be an informer in his ranks because each time he made a move the Israelites were already there. Finally he learned it was the prophet Elisha who was warning the King of Israel. So he sent a great army to Dothan during the night to get Elisha. The army with their horses and  chariots surrounded the city. In the morning Elisha's servant saw the army, ran  to Elisha and said, "Oh my lord, what shall we do?"  Imagine the picture with me.  Here is this servant pacing, fretting, overwhelmed at the thoughts of how they were going to die and then Elijah’s words! 

From a purely human perspective, it really was a ‘lights out’ situation.  There was no humanly way possible that they could escape from the hands of the Arameans. 

2.        The Mental -  Those who are with us are more than those who are with them

We need to see with our mind’s eye.  There is a clear mindset that we are to take with us into prayer

The servant was like so many of us. Fear prevented him from seeing the bigger picture. Elisha has a bold confidence in God and speaks His faith by sharing with His servant.

"Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."    The mental scene here I realize is brief, but its powerful.    The picture that the servant needed to see was a very real army and presence of God that had completely surrounded them.

3.        The Spiritual –  And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.”

Elisha prayed a simple, specific prayer and his servant's eyes  were opened. 

Prayer can be a real eye opener. Without it, our ability to see past our circumstances is hindered and we end up worrying and wringing our hands.    We lose heart and may even become spiritual cripples. Prayer gives us a faith focus.  Hebrews 11:1 shares a beautiful description of faith: "Now faith is the  assurance (substance) of things hoped for, the conviction (or evidence) of  things not seen."  Open our eyes, Lord!

As amazing as this scene would be for Elisha’s servant;  I find Elisha’s next prayer even more fascinating!  What is Elisha’s prayer to the LORD?  Strike these people with blindness!  What kind of a prayer request is that?!  I think most of us might have prayed…OK, LORD, put those chariots of fire into motion and take out my enemies. 

Often, in times of prayer, we may believe we already have the answer and we just need the Lord to act.  However, this passage shows an unusual series of events where Elisha leads a blinded army straight into the presence of the king of his nation.

This is when we need to have our eyes opened by the Lord to see what He wants done in the very circumstance that we find ourselves.  So, the prayer needs to become THIS! 

 Lord what is it that you want me to know and how do You want me to respond to this situation?

Ephesians 6:10:18

1.       The Physical – Our struggle is not against flesh and blood

For our fight is not against any physical enemy: it is against organisations and powers that are spiritual. We are up against the unseen power that controls this dark world, and spiritual agents from the very headquarters of evil.  J.B. Phillips translation

They want to hinder and stop the work of God

Jesus is not into a timeshare program with your heart!

Remember these promises –  Submit to God, resist the devil and He will flee! 

Greater is He that is in you, than He is in the world!

The enemy wants to do whatever he can to come between us and God and in

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might  - Strengthen yourself in the Lord!

In your own strength, you are no match for the devil.  Don’t do this alone. 

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Romans 8:26,27

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.   Romans 8:34

We rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

2.       The Mental – Put on the full armor of God

One of the subtle ways that he attacks us is by keeping us so busy or so distracted that we don’t spend time in God’s presence.   He wants to keep you from the great and precious promises of God’s Word.

We don’t fight for victory, we fight from victory!  We have already been told that we are more than conquerors.

Yes, we won’t necessarily win every skirmish, but we will win the war.  Yes, we will still struggle with sin, but it should never own us.

I don’t have the time to do justice to these verses.

Belt of truth – don’t think of this as a fashion belt.  It is more like a utility belt that a police officer would wear to carry his weapons

As a Roman soldier… the sheath for the sword attached the belt, the breastplate – attached to the belt

A life and a mind that is pulled together for the glory of God.  If I’m saying that I’m a Christian and I’m not living in reality of it….than nothing else matters.

Breastplate – protected the vital organs…the kill zone.  We are talking about the imputed righteousness of Christ…His righteousness put  into my spiritual bank account.  I’m accepted by God not because of what I’ve done, but because of what He’s done!

Gospel footwear –  the right shoes!  The Romans wore interesting shoes….When they went into battle. it was gripping so they could hold their ground – spikes in the bottom; it was tough to withstand a blow and it was light so they could run!

What do these shoes speak to -  We need to keep on when others are quitting, to keep our footing, when others are slipping, we need to be able to move when others are weighed down.

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

The church gains ground through gospel proclamation…when was the last time you prayed for your 3 friends who you are trusting Jesus for?

Shield of faith – above all…of great importance – to quench the flaming arrows of the enemy.  – Sometimes they are just like wicked thoughts and you say,”Where did that come from?’…I’ll tell you where…from hell…thoughts of lust, blasphemy, doubt.

The just shall live by faith

The helmet of salvation – protects the mind…guard your mind from those impure thoughts.

Take every thought captive in Christ Jesus.

The gateway for the enemy into our lives in through our minds.  It is for this very reason that we have to put on the helmet of salvation. 

The sword of the Spirit – the offensive piece of armor.

The devil doesn’t want you to read your Bible…

You can read all the news on your computer, newspaper…dead quiet…the moment you open your Bible… kids start screaming, dog starts whining, and a 747 flies over your backyard…It also seems to be the time that 101 thoughts enter your mind…I forgot to get milk,  the dishes need to get done, I have to pay that bill or I’m going to get a late charge,  I forgot to call that person.

One practical solution is to have a separate piece of paper to write that thought down and tell yourself, I will deal with that later.

These are not necessarily evil things, just distractions… and the enemy doesn’t want you to unsheathe that sword.

Keep that thing away….He doesn’t want you to use it and would rather see it become dull from disobedience

3.       The Spiritual –  Pray in the Spirit

Some who suffer loss, experience illness or some other tragedy may feel that God has abandoned them. To be honest, many life experiences cause us to wonder. We see:  crime in our streets, brokenness and abuse in homes;   sickness that takes the lives of far too many far too soon;   wars that never end;   a society that seems to be going downhill.   There was news this week of selective abortions prompting the call for ultrasound rules in the Canadian Medical Journal.

 Where is God in all this? What is God doing among us? These are honest questions which most of us have asked at one time or another. Some of you sitting here today may be asking those very questions. There is a bigger picture and that is why more than ever that we need to pray in the Spirit.  When we pray in the Spirit, we pray asking for His enabling, His wisdom and understanding and His empowerment.

The Takeaway

May God open our eyes this very morning to see that "the God  who is with us, is more than all those who are against us...,"  greater that our  fears, greater than our circumstances or losses.  It is even greater than our understanding of what should happen in any given circumstance!

 And Elisha prayed,

 “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

1. What is God showing you on a PHYSICAL level…these are cold, hard, facts.  What are you up against?  What have the doctors told you?  What have your peers told you? What have your parents told you?

2.  What is God showing you on a MENTAL level in your mind’s eye? Do you learn to picture what you are trusting God for in your prayers?  Can you envision where God wants to work.

3.   What is the Spirit of God showing you with the eyes of your heart?  Ask HIM, God what do you want me to see?  Give me a vision, a dream of what you have in store for me, for this church, for my brother or sister. 

Seeing the temporal for eternal  2 Corinthians 4:17 – fix your eyes on what is unseen!

This week, pray this simple prayer.  God, open my eyes to see the things you want me to see.  God, open my ears to hear the things that you want me to hear.

Spiritual Breakthrough Through The Power of Believing Prayer!

Spiritual Breakthrough                                                                                                                               The Power of Believing Prayer

What are the questions that you have about prayer?  What are some of the things that you want to understand about prayer?  We want to explore why is prayer so vital to the life of the church and to the power of real spiritual breakthrough in us and through us as a body. 

“If…your soul cries out to God, for the living God, and your dry and empty heart despairs of living a normal Christian life…then I ask you: Is your desire all absorbing?  Is it the biggest thing in your life?…If your heart cries “Yes” to the questions you may be on your way to spiritual breakthrough that will transform your whole life.”

- A.W. Tozer, in Keys to the Deeper Life

It all starts with a holy discontent for the status quo in our lives and the realization that God has so much more for us.  

We will start with a brief introduction on the ACTS of prayer which is a helpful teaching on leading us into the spiritual formation of our hearts.

Adoration 

When we focus our attention on the One who can meet our needs, it takes our eyes off circumstances, our wants, our needs and places them squarely on where they need to be:  His Kingdom, His presence, His will, His desires, His focus!

Matthew 6:31-33  tells us not to worry about what the world chases after.  We only have to look at what consumes our Canadian culture the day after Christmas, a day of gift exchange to Boxing Day…more lines, more deals on things that we most likely don’t even need.  However, that is what will get people up early in the morning, the constant chase for the latest and greatest gadget. 

I have to admit that the lines catch my attention.  I saw one for Coach in the Niagara Falls outlet last week and I’m thinking to myself, ‘hey, maybe some free stuff!’  Sorry, no luck there. 

So, what does this have to do with adoration?  Well, the worship of God in His presence reorients me to what is of absolute importance and what is of lasting value.  It is His glorious presence that fills my heart and life and the realization that He loves me so much that He sent His Son to be the sacrifice for my sins so I could enter the fullness of a relationship with Him. 

Psalm 18:1,2

David adores God in three ways:  First, he tells God that he loves Him.  Second, he praises God for who God is.  Third, he praises God for what God does.

Hebrews 4:14-16 is a reminder of where we are and who is in the throne room!

Confession

Disobedience and neglect of God is like an awful virus slowly that creeps into our lives. I am realizing more and more how much I need to spend time in self-examination as a sort of scan of the soul.  I need God’s presence every day to shed light on me.

Psalm 66:18; Psalm 139:23,24; 2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

Thanksgiving

Ephesians 1:3-10

A heart of thankfulness begins with recognizing all the spiritual blessings we have in Christ and is the natural flow from confession because of the realization of our complete and total forgiveness as we see in 1 John 1:9.

Supplication

The word history of supplication, it refers to a bending down and indicates a bowing or kneeling in submission. 1 Kings 8:34 states, "And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven." By extension of this picture, to supplicate is to ask for humbly and earnestly. It refers most to the attitude of our prayer.

We see prayer times in connection with crying out to God in the following verses: 1 Kings 8:28; 2 Chronicles 6:19; Psalm 28:2; 30:8; 31:22

Supplication, therefore, is the attitude or spirit of prayer. We bend down to God and cry out to Him for an answer. We submit to His will and to His authority. We earnestly seek His help. In this way, we make supplication to God in our prayers. In doing so we follow the example of Jesus who "offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears" Hebrews 5:7

John 10:14-16  Supplication for me begins with learning to hear the voice of the Lord.  I can start with my own ‘grocery list’ of requests or I can start by asking God who is it that Lord you want to lay on my heart?  Who do I need to do battle for today? Who needs me to fight for them in my prayers.  Ephesians 6 talks about prayer as part of the armour of the believer.  It is the place where we need to go together with the Word of God as our sword to cut through the lies of the enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy life in us and the lives around us.

Ephesians 6:18 also tells us to pray in the Spirit.

The best brief statement I have found of what it means to pray in the Holy Spirit goes like this: It means “so to pray that the Holy Spirit is the moving and guiding power.” The key words there are “moving” and “guiding.” In other words, when you pray in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God is “moving” you to pray. That is, he is the one who motivates and enables and energizes your prayer. And when you pray in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God is “guiding” how you pray and what you pray for. So, to pray in the Holy Spirit is to be moved and guided by the Holy Spirit in prayer. We pray by his power and according to his direction.