This morning we continue our series, “Maximizing 2015 by God’s GREAT GRACE” by teaching on prayer. I have heard people say, “Well Rick, if God is sovereign and He already knows everything that is going to happen, then why do I need to pray? It’s like everything that is going to happen is going to happen whether I pray or not, right?” Not exactly. While it is true that God knows everything that will ever happen, God also knows why and how they will happen and this is where prayer comes in. Yes, God made plans for us before the world began, but He also made those plans with the foreknowledge of our decisions and actions. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few scriptures concerning prayer.
(Luke 18:1 NLT) One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.
— Jesus taught that we should “always pray”.
— Jesus also taught us to “never give up” on our prayers, no matter how long they take to come to pass.
— It was clear to Jesus that we are required to pray.
(Eph 6:18 ERV) Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people.
— Paul taught us to pray in the Spirit at all times.
— We are taught to pray with all kinds of prayers.
— We are taught to pray for everything we need.
— We are taught to pray in faith and to never give up.
— Why would God give us such specific instructions if He was going to do whatever He wanted in the earth without us?
(1st Thes 5:16-18 NIV) Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
— Why is it so important to pray continually and in all circumstances if everything God is going to do is already predetermined without us?
— It is obvious that God’s plans for our lives have something to do with our decisions and prayers.
(Phil 4:6 ERV) Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have.
— Is it possible that when you worry, don’t trust God, and refuse to pray, that you are actually hindering God from moving in your life?
— Is this why God wants you to pray so much? I believe God wants you to pray so you can agree with His plans and release His best in every situation.
So what does this mean to you today? Very simple it means that for God to fully operate in your life He is looking for you to cooperate with Him! You are not a puppet and He is not a puppet-master.
Think about this:
— When God wanted to start a nation, Abraham cooperated with Him.
— When God wanted to deliver His people from Egypt, Moses cooperated with Him.
— When God wanted to build His temple, Solomon cooperated with Him.
— When God wanted to preserve His people, Esther cooperated with Him.
— When God wanted to reach the Jews (first), Peter cooperated with Him.
— When God wanted to reach the Gentiles, Paul cooperated with Him.
*** Let it be written that when God wanted to make a difference in [fill in your city] He sought the cooperation of [fill in your name] and the impact He made through [fill in your name] was life-changing!
*** Without God we cannot, but without man He will not. Our God has chosen to operate in the earth through the cooperation of man. Will you cooperate with God? If you do, He will use you by His grace to do what you could have never done on your own!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for Your Great Grace towards me. I also thank You for teaching me about prayer. I now see the importance of prayer on a different level. I have always known that I should pray, but I am now understanding why I must pray. Just like I need You, You need me. I am counting on You, but You are counting on me. I give You my natural and You give me Your super, enabling me to operate in the supernatural daily. I am humbled that You choose to operate in the earth through me. You know me Father. You know I am far from perfect. You know my faults, flaws and failures, and You choose to use me anyway. You choose to hear my words. You choose to hearken Your ear to my prayers. You choose to listen to me when I open my heart and my mouth. That is extremely humbling. I don’t take it lightly. You filled me with Your Spirit, You have given me Your Word, and You now expect me to pray in accordance with Your will. I shall! I will. I have to! I am a believer and I will pray without ceasing. I will pray daily, and throughout the day. I will pray in accordance with what I am being led to pray, believing it is Your will, and agreeing that it shall come to pass in the earth. Through prayer I agree with Your divine purposes and the impact we shall make, together, will be life-changing for me and for all those I come in contact with! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
