American Reformation Church Prayer Journal 27
ARC Prayer Meeting
To overcome our natural aversion to prayer and move from spiritual discipline to delight, there are certain aspects to prayer that can help equip us to be more effectual in this holy pursuit. These are just five to consider: confession, petition, intercession, thanksgiving and praise.
One of the terms that present Christianity to the world is called “The Great Confession.” At the end of the day, each soul has to wrestle with God, humble ourselves, and admit that God is right and we are wrong. The Scriptures proclaim, “Let God be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). Based upon this truth, the American Reformation Church encourages God’s people to keep short accounts with God by understanding the power of confession. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Throughout the Bible, God’s people have laid out their petitions before God. There are two that come immediately to mind. One example is discovered in the Old Testament and the other in the New Testament. Hezekiah, king of Israel received a threatening letter from the king of Assyria. He spread the letter before the Lord and prayed. He concluded the prayer with these words, “Now therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord, You alone” (Isaiah 37:20). The Apostles faced similar threats and they too laid out their petitions to the Lord and God showed up with Holy Ghost power (Acts 4:23-31).
Intercession is another key component to an effectual prayer life. As man is selfish by nature, intercession forces us to move beyond our own needs, wants, and desires to consider others in their plight. Philippians 2:3, 4 teaches, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Yes, this has a practical application, but it certainly includes intercession for others.
Thanksgiving is a crucial aspect of a healthy prayer life. The stress and pressure of life can sour souls and turn them into bitter cynics and skeptics. One of the most telling aspects of a sick society is the proliferation of ingratitude that permeates this generation. One of the ways to counteract that poison is to develop a thankful heart of prayer. God’s Word states, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Lastly, we need to consider the importance of praise that should generously be sprinkled throughout our prayers. Keep in mind that God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalms 22:3). Part of the understanding of prayer is we are in communion with the Most High. We can come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). This is deep calling to deep as we praise God and seek to worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
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