Voice of Thanksgiving

How would you describe your prayer life? What characteristics depict your day-by-day prayers? If you were to step back and make note of your prayers, faith, and Christian life, what would you see? If you logged the hours and minutes of your days and nights, how would prayer stack-up? Hmmm, how would that look…? But even more than the number of minutes, what is the attitude and action of your prayer life?

The life of Jesus was and is the life of prayer. He lived the lie man was designed by God to live. He walked with the Father and in great power of ministry and prayer. The Bible is filled with examples of Jesus meeting the needs of people by His power and prayers. Jesus was so well known for His power, that people from far and wide were drawn to see Him. He was so well know for His power in prayer that His disciples sought lessons on how to pray.

When His disciples go to find Him, they often find Him in prayer. He is always praying, coming from prayer, or going to pray. A close examination of His ministry years shows more than just these regular times of prayer, He was by attitude and action a man of prayer. Every move He made was initiated, guided, and empowered by prayer. Jesus was a preacher, teacher, and there are many other aspects to Him, but above all, He was a man of prayer. His words, thoughts, and deeds were outgrowth of His prayers and prayer life.

Jesus was and is the man of prayer, in attitude and action.

Are You?

Today the body of Christ is caught-up in being modern, relevant, valuable, helpful, and a hundred other things. This is a time of feverish activity, but many have forgotten the basics, the important things for the body of Christ, such as the call to prayer. Prayer is of imperative importance, today more than ever. And even where people pray, few really pray effective prayers. Prayer changes men and women, situations, and even nations and the Father is looking for men and women of prayer.

Prayer is Asking and Answers

The relationship with the Father is a life time journey. We grow and mature daily when we walk with Him. One aspect of this is in our prayer life; this also grows and matures. A basic lesson of this prayer walk is asking. As a child asks his or her father, so we ask our heavenly Father. He knows our needs, before and better than we, but He desires that we ask for the fulfillment of our needs.

Asking is part of developing that relationship of Father and child. We come to the one we believe can and will answer our request. We come to the one who loves us and will care for us. We come to the one we are close to. Asking is by faith; all we do as His children must be by faith. The natural child comes to his or her mother and asks by faith. “Mom, what is for supper?” is a natural question from a child. It is a faith statement as well; the child knows mom will provide a meal. How do they know; they know by faith. Mom is a good mom, she loves me, she provides for my care, I know she will provide.

We must have this child like faith. I ask my Heavenly Father and know He will answer. Faith expects an answer to the asking in prayer. People are angry when prayer is compared with asking and answers, but it is the most natural part of a relationship with a parent. Why would it be strange in my relationship with my Heavenly Father? These people are offended because they have made prayer into a religious exercise, with value only in the activity, not in the asking and answering. It is a ritual, not a relationship. If we are going to pray, really pray, prayer must be a relationship with our Father and centered on asking and answers, all by faith. 

And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.    John 14:13-14 (NKJV)

God has always spoken to His people. He speaks to those who know Him, His children. The sheep know the voice of the good Shepard. As children we got into trouble when we did not listen. We wanted to do something and would not listen to our fathers warnings and got into trouble. As adults sometimes we still do not listen.

God speaks to us everyday, if we will listen. He speaks through his Word, He also speaks in prayer. He longs to direct our steps. He is willing and able to whisper in our ear, the keys for success, whispering “turn to the right” or turn to the left”. This is from the one who know the end from the beginning! It stands to reason He knows the way we should go.

Have you ever watched a mouse run through a maze? It is interesting to see him work hard to find the right way. From our perspective it is so easy, just go that way, then this way and turn there, then here and you are through the maze. Our Heavenly Father has that same outstanding perspective on our maze of life. Wouldn’t it make sense to listen?

To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.     John 10:3-4 (NKJV)

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 

John 10:27 (NKJV)

It is an evil father who does not require obedience of his children. As their father he knows what is best for his children. He must protect them from calamity and injury by demanding obedience. In the hands of a child, fire can be very dangerous, so a good father will demand obedience from a child to stay away from fire. Our Heavenly Father would be an evil father if He did not demand obedience from us. Obedience is for our good. Remember, He is a good God, He is only good.

Obedience activates faith. “My Father has said it, so it is so”. This is a faith statement. “Father said”, is not always the words of a small child, it can be a statement of faith. When we act on what He says and we are acting in faith. No matter what the circumstances seem to say, what our Heavenly Father has said is more true, real, and accurate. I can stand on what He has said through thick and thin. Obedience is the missing ingredient in many people’s prayers. They may ask, they may listen, but often they fail to act in obedience to what God has said.

When you pray, to whom do you pray? A simple question, one most people answer without a thought. To God, of course, is the answer. Take a minute before you answer this time. To whom do you pray? A. W. Pink has written, “…an unknown God can neither be trusted, served, nor worshipped.” This may come as a shock to some, God is worthy to be trusted, served and worshiped; He is God! But you miss the point of the question, do you pray to an unknown god? Not that God is not who He is, but do you know Him. Many people never know Him, they only know of Him from rumors and hearsay. You scoff at this notion; you say of course I know Him, I pray to him every day, but do you know Him?

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NKJV)

Paul wrote to Timothy explaining that he knew whom he believed. Paul had become acquainted with Jesus Christ. It was not a theory or belief system, but the person Jesus Christ. Paul was willing and able to endure great hardship, because he knew this person. He had committed everything to this person.

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.     2 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV)

If we are to go beyond just superficial prayers, if we are to pray powerful prayers, we must be acquainted with God. We must be like Paul; we must know the one we have believed. We must know the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and have a relationship that is close and complete. A.W. Pink writes, “Something more than a theoretical knowledge of God is needed by us. God is only truly known in the soul as we yield ourselves to Him, submit to His authority, and regulate all the details of our lives by His holy precepts and commandments.

Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.     Daniel 11:32 (NKJV)

The key is to go beyond theoretical knowledge. It is not enough to speak or even write about Him, to be successful we must know Him. We must go beyond the opinions and hearsay, we must really know Him. The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And today is desperate for exploits.

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

1 Corinthians 2:2 (NKJV)

that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,     Philippians 3:10 (NKJV)

The road to exploits is the path of obedience. To know God, we must obey Him.

They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.     Titus 1:16 (NKJV)

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.      1 John 2:3-5 (NKJV)

To whom do you pray? To know Him is more a journey than a decision, but it begins with a decision. The nation of Israel decided to have Moses talk to God while they stay away. A God of many attributes and facets, to get to know Him is a life time pursuit, but it is far better to draw near instead of standing far off?

The second front of this war is the battle against spiritual powers. In this battle our struggle is not against people and their plans or policies, but against Satan and his forces.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

Victory in this battle opens the way for people to hear the gospel. Men and women around us are in darkness; they don’t know the way of salvation and the enemy works hard at keeping them from seeing. This battle is to break his hold over people, so they can see the message of salvation.

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.     Acts 26:18 (KJV)

This battle is the good fight of faith. Every aspect of life is to be governed by and activated by faith. Faith is not just a decision, it is a battle. It is a battle we wage every day. All success in life, ministry, and prayer is by faith. To be effective in these areas, we fight to remain in the victory, won by Jesus, even our faith.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.     1 John 5:4

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

1 Timothy 1:18 (KJV)

The first front of this war is the battle with the flesh. This is the most difficult war for man, and surely the most frightening he will ever face. Every other war, throughout history, pales by comparison. The attacks of Ganges Khan conquering half the known world or even the modern blood baths of the wars of liberation, where in some countries half of the population was killed by the other half, these are nothing compared with the battles against the flesh.

This first battle is far more difficult because everyone who wins; must die!

In the battle with the flesh, God does not make provision for halfway measures. There is no special formula for success, no easy road, no reforming the flesh. God’s plan is death to the flesh. In God’s righteousness, there is no room for anything evil or bad. With this high standard, there is no room for man’s schemes or compromises.

Throughout history men have developed their own solutions to the problem of dealing with the flesh, solutions that fall far short of God’s standard. In these efforts man always condones the sins he enjoys and condemns what he hates. But God has set His standard and He does not vary from His righteous requirement. His plan always has been and continues to be death to the flesh.

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.    Romans 6:6-10 (KJV)

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.     Romans 8:13 (KJV)

The battle waged against the flesh is especially difficult because the flesh refuses to stay dead. It continually challenges its own death. It makes you prove the fact over and over every day. To be useful in God’s hands, we must not leave the flesh in command. We are to be like clay in His hands, He will shape us as He knows is best. So the first battle of this war is against the flesh. We battle so we can be useful to God and work for His honor and glory.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJV)

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV)

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

Colossians 4:2 (NKJV)

Thank you Father

Thank you Vets for all you have done and for your sacrifice for America.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,     2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

All Scripture is given to help us overcome the impossible. Our Father, who does not change, has demonstrated His ability and willingness to overcome what we see as impossible. Over and over He has come through for young and old, for men and women, for Jew and gentile. He will come through for you. More importantly He will come through for you in specific areas of your concern.

Look at a few examples, these will get you started, there are dozens of examples in the Bible, one that is just like the situation you face.

Personal Problems and Limitations

Zacchaeus was of short stature and had two major strikes against him; he was a tax collector and more than that he was a chief tax collector and he was rich. Tax collectors were hated because they collected as much as they could from people. They paid the Romans what was demanded and then kept the rest. But Jesus came and brought salvation to Zacchaeus. Jesus desires to come to your house today.  Read Luke 19:2-7.

Family Problems

Prodigal Son left home squandered his money and lived a shady life, but his father received him back. The revelation of God as our Father is very powerful; He is waiting for us, so can receive us and bless us, like this father did. His longing is to be a special loving Father for every member of our family, even the one furthest away.  Read about the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32.

Ministry Problems

Ananias is sent to talk to Saul. Saul was only the most notorious fanatic, who was fighting against the church. Today most people would respond to this assignment with words like, “You want me to do what?” Yet, Ananias went and the world was changed. God often asks for the impossible in ministry because we don’t need Him for the possible, but the world needs the impossible. Read about Ananias in Acts 9:1-19.

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”     Acts 9:15-16 (NKJV)

Is not the “Roll Call of the Heroes of the Faith” (Hebrews chapter 11) a list of men and women who faced the impossible? Facing every obstacle imaginable, God overcame through them and with them. He made the seemingly impossible possible. “Yes,” you say, “but many of them died.” You are correct, but they leapt from the fire of the impossible into the arms of God. Surely, in His arms is overcoming the impossible, isn’t that where we long to be? If God helped these people, will He not help you as well?

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.    1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)

He has made a “way of escape”, a way that is making the impossible possible. But instead of walking in His way, we turn away from God, hide from Him, take solace in our pity parties, surrender to the “inevitable”, and look for ways to limit God. We are so close to the impossible it appears bigger than God, so we run and hide.  But God is searching for those for whom He can demonstrate His love and strength making the impossible possible. He longs to overcome the seemingly impossible in your life. 

This World is Desperate for Effective Prayer, Are You?