Matthew 21:22: “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
“Prayer is the mechanism that brings down the power of heaven into your experience. It is the divinely authorized method that activates your spiritual armor and makes it effective. Prayer alerts the enemy to your awareness of his intentions while safeguarding you from his attacks. It is his kryptonite. It is what weakens and unravels all his plays against you.” Priscilla Shirer.
When I send an email of an order from one of my customers, to our Customer Service people at my work, to process, Customer Service will reply back – “Done.” I know they will take care of it and make sure all is handled and delivered. I don’t have to repeat myself. It is done. That is just how I picture God replying back to me when I spend time praying and lifting up a heavy burden up to my heavenly father. As I pour out my heart, God speaks back to me through His Word, “Linda – Done! I got it! Check!” He gives me words of comfort and reassurance from reading His promises throughout the scriptures.
In my office, I sit in a red leather office chair. Next, to me, I have a black folding chair with a sign on it that is written: “Reserved. God’s Chair.” This poster helps remind me that God is sitting right next to me. I don’t have to wait until he finishes another call or conversation with someone else. He is right there, waiting for me to spit out my words, my cares, my joys, and enjoy our morning time together.
Recently, I started writing down, in my prayer notebook, of things I earnestly prayed to happen. I wrote down my raw emotions as I trusted God to answer my particular requests. I filled six pages in my notebook. I needed God’s wisdom, answers, and resolution. After a few days, God filled my heart with His divine peace, as I asked Him to help me hear His voice above my own. Then I told God, “OK, my job is done, now it is yours.”
After several days, God did answer. I went back to the six pages I had written on what I was praying for and I counted 14 or more specific –DONE-check points, specifically answered by God! WOW! God went-“Done!” It was terrific seeing God answer clearly defined things to happen that I had lifted up to Him to carry out that weighed on my heart. Furthermore, just last night God answered another need and I can write next to that entry in my prayer journal – Done – 11/21/2017.
The King James Version states James 5:16b this way: “The effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
If we are living in obedience and seeking God’s will and direction, we have the promise of Psalm 84:11: “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.”
Are you carrying a heavy burden? Are you waiting for God to change your spouse, your children, or a specific situation? Lay it all down before the Lord. He is the healer of broken hearts, and his compassion is beyond measure. May your prayers help you to make the right choice in your attitudes and let God handle the rest. Then you will see check marks too on your prayer list, and see God say – “DONE! Received. DONE DEAL!”
Further Homework: Read 1 Chronicles 17: 16-27 and 22:7-10. How David responded to God’s “no:”
- God told David that his son Solomon would build the temple and not David.
- David responds with humility and gave glory to God, saying “There is no one like you, O LORD.”
- David stated God’s past blessings and accepted God’s decisions, promises, and commands.
- David ordered the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon, and reminded them: “Is not the LORD your God with you? . . . Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God.”
David was a man of prayer. God always protected David from his enemies for his sake and the sake of his nation. It is interesting to note that David never lost a battle. God said “Done!”
Question:
What is the one thing you would want God to answer or meet? He is waiting for you to tell Him. Walk in the assurance God knows and cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
How would you rate your relationship with the Lord – close at all times, needs improvement, or depends on my day?
We are all in the process of being shaped and molded by God’s truth and will, once it sinks into our mind and we fully understand. God has many things to say, but sometimes we have to stop talking and listen to what He has to say and not interrupt. We must read and search the scriptures to be enabled to follow the path He has purposed for us, as we discern the voice of God in our lives.
My prayer: “Dear God, enable me to hear your voice over my own. Help me to face obstacles with courage and not defeat. I give you my desires and dreams to answer in Your timing. Help me to be wise and not foolish. “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation, for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:5. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Listen to Hillary Scott’s song “Still.”