“The Lord inhabits the praises of His people.” Psalm 22:3
1.It’s a wonderful thing to start off your prayer with praise because it gets your mind of yourself, your worries, the things of this world and it gets your focus back on God. When we praise God we begin to focus on how big, great, powerful and generous He is.
2. Powerful prayer is filled with gratefulness.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6-7
There is a person in my life that I’ve sent a birthday gift to every year. After years of not getting an acknowledgment for it, I stopped giving. I still hear from this person now and again and it is always a request for money. No hello. No how are you? No I miss you. Just here’s what I want.
I am only human so it grieves my heart. It hurts to know this person only wants to receive the benefits of relationship without actually sharing connection. Do we do this to God? How does this make Him feel? If you were God, would you be motivated to give to someone entitled or to someone who appreciates and is grateful?
We are made in the image of God. This is not to bring God down to our level but to understand that God has emotions and feelings as well. If we work hard to honor the loved ones in our life, shouldn’t we do the same for our Heavenly Father who has sacrificed so much for us?
3.A powerful prayer declares God’s promises.
God is not offended when we remind Hin of His promises.Like a good Father, He delights when we pay attention to His word, declare it and hold Him to it! He is a faithful to His word and is not looking to weasel His way out.
Moses reminded God of His promises. David did, too. We as God’s children have the same privilege.
4.Powerful prayer is always filled with repentance and humility.
Sin is the snare that prevents our prayers from being heard.
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16
When you keep your heart clear of sin, you position your prayers to be heard by God. There is a reward to those who live righteously.
5.Powerful prayer is praying the will of God by the power of God.
We must align our prayers with the heart of God, His will and His way. God never curses people or seeks revenge. Our prayer is submission to God; giving our requests to Him, allowing Him the room to move in the way and timing He wants.
“Not by my might nor by my power, but by my Spirit says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6-9
6.Powerful prayer invokes the Power of the Blood of Jesus.
It is His resurrection power which makes us overcomers over sin, temptation and the schemes of the enemy. By applying the Blood of Jesus, we are incorporating the power of God to our lives and circumstances.
“Heavenly Father,
Prayer is a weapon and a gift of connection to you, our loving Father.
Teach us your ways.
Fill us with your spirit and power so we can pray with your heart.
Open our Spiritual eyes to see things from your perspective.
We declare our mouths to be powerful portals of blessing, not curses.
If we cannot bless, we will not speak. Give us a holy reverence over our speech.
In Jesus’ name, increase our ability to travail with your heart in prayer and action for love is an action word.
Amen.”
