(2 Cor 6:1 ISV) Since, then, we are working with God, we plead with you not to accept God’s grace in vain.
This morning we continue our new series entitled, “Re-Energizing Your Prayer Life.” We have covered a lot this week and I pray this series is continuing to be a blessing to you. In our text Paul alludes to the fact that we, as believers, are literally working together with God. Another translation calls us co-workers. I shirk at the thought of being a co-worker with God, because the term “co-worker” connotes two parties on equal par. I am nothing without God and know it. I am not now, nor will I ever be equal with Him. But the fact that the God of the Universe willingly chooses to work through us (mere humans), literally partnering with us to make a difference in our sphere of influence, is amazing. Prayer is a central part of that partnership. Don’t neglect your right and responsibility to pray.
In Mark 11 Jesus said, “Have faith in God, I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (verses 22-24). But what if we don‘t say? Nothing happens. What if we don’t ask? We won’t receive. What if we neglect our responsibility to pray? We hinder God from moving in our lives. Or what if we ask with doubt instead of in faith? Our prayer will either be stifled or not answered at all. And then again, what if we SAY, BELIEVE, and DO NOT DOUBT, but what we are asking for is contrary to the Word? We will not receive, because just like we are NOT puppets manipulated by God, neither is God our servant, where we can manipulate Him. But when we align ourselves with the Father, like Jesus did, the Father’s plans and purposes can be accomplished in the earth!
So what does this mean to you today? It means that prayer does work and you must be convinced of it. But just like anything else, you cannot maximize what you do not understand. The more you understand prayer, the more confidence you will have in the Father and in your prayers.
Here are some closing thoughts for the week:
1. Praying without understanding is ineffective and it can cause frustration.
2. True prayer builds intimacy with God, honors His nature and character, respects His integrity, believes His Word, trusts His love, affirms His purposes and will, and appropriates His promises.
3. Prayer enables man to participate in God’s divine purposes.
4. When you seek the Father’s purposes and pray in accordance with them, you become a fellow worker (with Him) to bring to pass His will in the earth!
Closing Confession: Father, I am convinced that prayer really does work. You have instituted it and therefore I will practice it. I will pray to You directly, in the name of Your Son and my redeemer Jesus, in accordance with Your Word, and with complete and total confidence that You will manifest Your will through Your children. I know You care for me, therefore I resist every temptation to blame You for what may seem like unanswered prayer. I will always seek Your wisdom and seek to pray in accordance with Your Word, so that I know I can expect to see Your will manifested in my life, no matter how long it takes. You are a prayer answering God. I am a prayer-making believer. As I am led of Your Spirit to develop prayers and to bring them before You, I know that You will work in the earth, through me. I ask in faith, nothing wavering, and fully trusting You to honor Your Word and to manifest Your will. I respect Your integrity, I believe Your Word, I trust in Your love, I affirm Your purposes, and I appropriate Your promises in my life! The more I understand prayer, the more effective I will be in my prayer life, and the more intimate I will be with You and You with me! Together we are, and we shall continue to make a difference! In Jesus‘ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
