Secrets of a Prayer Warrior

1. Prayer is a powerful tool for ruling the world as God's Kingdom of priests

"To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen."

God's chosen rulers. As believers in Christ, we are called to be a Kingdom of priests, tasked with the responsibility of ruling the world through prayer. This divine appointment places us in a unique position of influence, where our prayers can shape the course of history and impact nations.

Power of intercession. Our role as priests involves interceding on behalf of others, standing in the gap between God and humanity. Through prayer, we can bring about change in seemingly impossible situations, influence governments, and shift spiritual atmospheres.

Examples of prayer changing history:

• Abraham interceding for Sodom
• Moses praying for Israel
• Esther fasting and praying for her people
• Early Church praying for Peter's release from prison

2. Meeting basic conditions unlocks the potential of answered prayer

"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Foundational requirements. To experience the full power of prayer, certain conditions must be met. These are not arbitrary rules but essential principles that align our hearts with God's purposes and enable us to pray effectively.

Key conditions for answered prayer:

• Reverent submission to God's will
• Faith in God's existence and goodness
• Praying in Jesus' name
• Approaching God with confidence
• Having the right motives
• Forgiving others
• Being led by the Holy Spirit
• Praying according to God's Word

By fulfilling these conditions, we position ourselves to receive answers to our prayers and participate in God's divine plan for the world.

3. Different types of prayer form a symphony of spiritual communication

"Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."

Diverse prayer instruments. Prayer is not a one-dimensional activity but a rich symphony of various forms of communication with God. Each type of prayer serves a unique purpose and can be likened to different instruments in an orchestra.

Types of prayer:

• Praise and thanksgiving
• Worship
• Petition
• Intercession
• Supplication
• Command
• Commitment
• Dedication
• Persistence
• Blessing
• Cursing

By utilizing these different prayer types, we engage in a comprehensive dialogue with God, addressing various aspects of our spiritual lives and the needs of others. This diverse approach to prayer allows us to participate fully in God's work on earth.

4. Aligning with God's will is crucial for effective prayer

"This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."

Discovering divine purposes. Effective prayer is not about imposing our will on God but aligning ourselves with His purposes. By seeking to understand God's will through His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can pray prayers that are in harmony with His plan.

Steps to align with God's will:

1. Study the Scriptures to know God's character and promises
2. Listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance
3. Surrender personal agendas
4. Seek God's Kingdom and righteousness first
5. Pray with an attitude of "Your will be done"

When we pray according to God's will, we can have confidence that our prayers will be answered, and we become active participants in bringing about His purposes on earth.

5. Spiritual warfare requires using God's provided weapons

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds."

Engaging in unseen battles. As believers, we are involved in a spiritual conflict that requires spiritual weapons. Understanding the nature of this warfare and utilizing the tools God has provided is essential for victory in prayer and life.

God's spiritual weapons:

• The Word of God
• The name of Jesus
• The blood of Jesus

Deploying weapons through:

• Prayer
• Praise
• Preaching
• Testimony

By recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare and actively using these divine weapons, we can effectively combat the forces of darkness and advance God's Kingdom on earth.

6. The blood of Jesus is the ultimate weapon in spiritual battles

"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."

Power in the blood. The blood of Jesus is not just a theological concept but a potent spiritual weapon. It provides redemption, forgiveness, cleansing, justification, and sanctification, making it a formidable force against the enemy's accusations and attacks.

Applying the blood:

1. Understand what the Bible says about the blood's power
2. Testify personally to these truths
3. Use your testimony as a weapon against Satan's attacks

Key benefits of the blood:

• Redemption from Satan's power
• Forgiveness of sins
• Continual cleansing
• Justification before God
• Sanctification and separation to God

By consistently applying the blood of Jesus through our testimony, we activate its power in our lives and overcome spiritual opposition.

7. Fasting enhances prayer and aligns us with God's purposes

"Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?"

Spiritual discipline. Fasting is a powerful spiritual practice that, when combined with prayer, can lead to breakthrough and alignment with God's purposes. It is not merely abstaining from food but a deliberate act of self-denial and seeking God.

Benefits of fasting:

• Demonstrates humility before God
• Intensifies focus on spiritual matters
• Breaks spiritual strongholds
• Increases spiritual sensitivity
• Facilitates divine intervention

Historical examples like Esther, Nehemiah, and Daniel show how fasting played a crucial role in national deliverance and spiritual breakthrough. By incorporating fasting into our prayer life, we can experience a deeper level of spiritual effectiveness and alignment with God's will.

8. The Church's destiny is to manifest God's glory and fullness

"That He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."

Divine vision for the Church. God's ultimate purpose for the Church is to make her a glorious representation of His presence and character on earth. This vision goes beyond individual spirituality to encompass the collective Body of Christ manifesting God's fullness.

Seven marks of the glorious Church:

1. Filled with God's manifest presence
2. Holy
3. Without blemish
4. United in faith
5. Acknowledging Christ's lordship
6. Mature
7. Manifesting the fullness of Christ

As we pray and work towards this vision, we participate in God's plan to prepare the Church as a Bride for Christ's return. This collective transformation and manifestation of God's glory is the ultimate goal of our prayers and spiritual growth.

Last updated: September 7, 2024