Going Higher with God in Prayer

1. Prayer is an Ascent of the Mind to God

Prayer is an ascent or elevation of the mind to God.

Transcendent communication. Prayer is not merely reciting words or performing rituals, but a profound elevation of one's mind and spirit to connect with the Divine. It's a transformative experience that allows believers to leave behind worldly concerns and enter into the presence of God. This ascent separates us from the mundane and aligns us with the sacred.

Barriers to ascent:

• Unconfessed sin
• Selfish motives
• Lack of faith
• Worldly distractions

To truly ascend in prayer, one must cultivate a pure heart, sincere faith, and a focused mind. Regular practice and discipline in prayer can help believers develop this ability to transcend their earthly limitations and commune more deeply with God.

2. Effective Prayer Requires a Right Relationship with God

God hears His children.

Foundational relationship. The efficacy of prayer is directly linked to one's relationship with God. It's not about the eloquence of words or the length of the prayer, but the state of the heart of the one praying. God listens to those who have accepted Him as their Father through faith in Christ.

Key aspects of a right relationship with God:

• Confession and repentance of sins
• Faith in Jesus Christ as Savior
• Obedience to God's commands
• Continuous communion with God

This relationship is not static but dynamic, requiring ongoing nurture and growth. As believers deepen their relationship with God, their prayers become more aligned with His will and more powerful in their impact.

3. Pray According to God's Will, Not Personal Desires

You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

Aligning with divine purpose. Many prayers go unanswered because they stem from selfish motives rather than a desire to see God's will fulfilled. Effective prayer requires a shift from self-centered requests to God-centered petitions. This doesn't mean personal needs are ignored, but they should be viewed through the lens of God's greater purpose.

How to discern God's will in prayer:

• Study Scripture to understand God's character and promises
• Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit
• Consider how requests align with God's revealed will
• Be open to God's answer, even if it differs from personal desires

Praying according to God's will often requires surrender and trust, acknowledging that His wisdom surpasses human understanding.

4. Anticipatory Prayer Prepares Us for Spiritual Battles

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Proactive spiritual warfare. Anticipatory prayer is the practice of praying in preparation for future challenges and temptations. It recognizes that spiritual battles are often lost before they are fought due to lack of preparedness. By engaging in anticipatory prayer, believers fortify their spiritual defenses and align themselves with God's power.

Benefits of anticipatory prayer:

• Heightened spiritual awareness
• Increased reliance on God's strength
• Better discernment of spiritual threats
• Quicker response to temptation

This practice involves regularly seeking God's guidance and protection, not just in times of crisis. It cultivates a lifestyle of dependence on God and readiness for spiritual challenges.

5. True Prayer Seeks God's Glory, Not Self-Promotion

Hallowed be Your name.

God-centered focus. The primary aim of prayer should be to glorify God, not to elevate oneself or achieve personal ambitions. This shift in focus transforms prayer from a self-serving activity to a powerful means of aligning with God's purposes and experiencing His presence.

Ways to focus on God's glory in prayer:

• Praise and worship
• Thanksgiving for His attributes and actions
• Seeking His will above personal desires
• Surrendering personal agendas

When prayers are centered on God's glory, they become more powerful and effective. This approach also cultivates humility and a deeper understanding of God's character and ways.

6. God Works Through Us in Prayer, Not Our Abilities

For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Divine empowerment. Effective prayer is not about human eloquence, education, or effort, but about allowing God to work through us. This understanding liberates believers from relying on their own abilities and opens them to the limitless power of God.

Key principles:

• Surrender personal strengths and weaknesses to God
• Rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance in prayer
• Trust in God's wisdom rather than human understanding
• Expect God to work in unexpected ways

This approach to prayer recognizes that God's power is made perfect in human weakness, encouraging believers to pray boldly despite feelings of inadequacy.

7. Persistence and Faith are Essential in Prayer

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.

Unwavering commitment. Persistence in prayer demonstrates faith and aligns the believer's heart with God's timing and purposes. It's not about wearing God down, but about developing patience, trust, and alignment with His will.

Characteristics of persistent prayer:

• Regular and consistent prayer habits
• Continued faith despite apparent delays
• Willingness to wait on God's timing
• Deepening relationship with God through ongoing communication

Persistent prayer often leads to personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's ways, even when the specific request is not immediately granted.

8. Prayer Changes the Pray-er More Than Circumstances

Prayer changes things, all right, and the greatest thing in the world is when it changes you on the inside.

Internal transformation. While prayer can indeed affect external circumstances, its most profound impact is often on the one praying. This internal change is a critical aspect of spiritual growth and alignment with God's will.

Areas of personal change through prayer:

• Attitudes and perspectives
• Character development
• Increased faith and trust in God
• Deeper understanding of God's ways

As believers are changed through prayer, they become more effective instruments of God's purpose in the world, often leading to the very changes they were praying for in the first place.

9. Corporate Prayer Unites Believers in God's Purpose

Our Father in heaven...

Collective spiritual power. Corporate prayer, when believers come together to pray, has a unique power and purpose. It unites the church in common purpose, strengthens faith, and aligns a community with God's will.

Benefits of corporate prayer:

• Mutual encouragement and support
• Increased faith through shared experiences
• Unified vision for God's work
• Greater sense of community and belonging

Corporate prayer should focus on God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom, rather than merely personal concerns. It's a powerful tool for church unity and spiritual revival.

Last updated: November 19, 2024