TOPIC: POWER OF PRAYER
Read Luke 18:1-8
1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.
3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’
4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man,
5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ”
6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said.
7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?
8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
MEMORISE: Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16)
EXPOSITION
Because some people have failed in the place of prayer, they conclude that prayer does not work, that God isn’t answering prayers. When you pray and it is as if the answer is not forthcoming, it is not enough to relax and conclude that prayer is not working, or that you now begin to seek means to get answer to your request. No.
Your miracle is on the way. God is working things out in your favour, only if you can believe and wait on Him. Just continue to pray. Pray until what you are asking for is done (Jn. 16:24). He who cuts corners would eventually be cornered by the devil who would cut short his/her life.
The parable of Jesus about the widow who persisted in asking to be avenged by the judge becomes very relevant here. This woman in Jesus’ parable knew what she wanted from the judge and she won’t stop until her demand is granted.
This quality of persistence is what every achiever or successful person needs to possess. Without persistence, you cannot get anything done in your life. Quitter don’t win and winners don’t quit. Prayers don’t answer for those who cannot persist with God. Jesus asked his disciples to watch with Him.
It takes persistence to watch. Are you a Christian who cannot hold on for some time? It is doubtful, if you will ever make heaven, because since the day of John the Baptist, the kingdom of God suffers violence, and those who are violent take it by force (Matt. 11:12 paraphrased).
The problem of many with prayer today, is that, they don’t know what they need. So, when they ask, they ask amiss (cf. Jas. 4:3). Many are sure of what they are asking but can’t hold on, because they are too lazy to wait on God, whereas only those who wait on Him can laugh at last (lsa. 40:31). Some others pray with unholy hands (1 Tim 2:8), To get prayer to work for you, you must offer it in righteousness, with holy hands, persistence and faith.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to hold on to You, no matter the situation; give me the grace to pray until my prayer receives the right answer.
2. The spirit to keep watching and be persistent in prayer, fall on me, in Jesus’ name.
3. Lord, let there be the revival of right biblical praying that pleases You.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Psalms 119:65 – 119:127; 1 Corinthians 13:2 – 14:10
Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE
Remain blessed!