The Battle Plan for Prayer

1. Prayer is communion with God, not a mere ritual

Prayer is not about prayer . . . just like a cell phone is not about a cell phone.

Communion with God. Prayer is fundamentally about developing a relationship with God, not merely performing a religious duty. It involves intimately knowing, loving, and worshiping Him; understanding and conforming to His will; and accessing and advancing His kingdom, power, and glory. This perspective shifts prayer from a task to be completed to a conversation to be cherished.

Not a performance. Effective prayer is not about impressing others or using empty, repetitive words. It's about sincerely communicating with God, whether in public or in private. Jesus emphasized praying in secret, focusing on quality rather than quantity of words. This approach fosters genuine interaction with God, free from the distractions of human approval.

Various forms of prayer:

• Adoration: Praising God for who He is
• Confession: Acknowledging and repenting of sins
• Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for God's blessings
• Supplication: Making requests for oneself and others

2. Effective prayer requires faith, persistence, and alignment with God's will

Everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Faith and persistence. Effective prayer is characterized by unwavering faith and persistent asking. Jesus encouraged His followers to keep asking, seeking, and knocking, assuring them that God responds to such persistence. This approach demonstrates trust in God's goodness and willingness to answer prayer.

Alignment with God's will. While God invites us to ask for "whatever," it's crucial to understand that this is within the context of aligning our desires with His will. As we grow in our relationship with God, our prayers naturally begin to reflect His heart and purposes. This alignment increases the likelihood of our prayers being answered affirmatively.

God's responses to prayer:

• Yes, immediately
• Yes, in due time
• Yes, so you'll learn from it
• No, because your heart's not right
• No, I've got a better plan

3. Repentance and humility are essential for powerful prayer

Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Repentance. Acknowledging and turning away from sin is crucial for effective prayer. Unconfessed sin can create a barrier between us and God, hindering our prayers. Regular self-examination and repentance keep our hearts clean and open to God's leading.

Humility. Pride is antithetical to powerful prayer. Approaching God with humility recognizes our dependence on Him and our proper place in relation to His sovereignty. This attitude opens us up to receive God's grace and guidance more fully.

Barriers to effective prayer:

• Praying with wrong motives
• Harboring unforgiveness
• Mistreating one's spouse
• Ignoring the needs of the poor
• Doubting God's ability or willingness to answer

4. Unity among believers strengthens prayer's impact

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!

Power of united prayer. When believers come together in agreement, their prayers gain additional strength. Jesus emphasized the power of two or three gathering in His name, promising His presence among them. This unity reflects the nature of the Trinity and aligns with God's desire for His church.

Overcoming division. Disunity among believers can hinder prayer effectiveness. Forgiving others, resolving conflicts, and pursuing reconciliation are essential for maintaining a strong prayer life. This unity not only strengthens our prayers but also serves as a powerful witness to the world.

Benefits of united prayer:

• Increased spiritual power
• Greater discernment of God's will
• Mutual encouragement and support
• Enhanced witness to non-believers

5. Strategic prayer involves using God's Word and names

The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Praying Scripture. Using God's Word in prayer aligns our requests with His will and promises. It provides a solid foundation for our petitions and helps us pray with confidence. Memorizing and meditating on Scripture enhances our ability to pray effectively.

Using God's names. The various names of God revealed in Scripture provide insight into His character and attributes. Incorporating these names in prayer helps us approach God with a deeper understanding of who He is and how He relates to our specific needs.

Examples of God's names and their meanings:

• Jehovah Jireh: The Lord Our Provider
• Jehovah Rapha: The Lord Our Healer
• Jehovah Shalom: The Lord Our Peace
• El Shaddai: God Almighty
• Abba: Father

6. Praying offensively and defensively is crucial in spiritual warfare

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Offensive prayer. Taking initiative in prayer involves asking God to open doors for the gospel, send forth laborers into the harvest, pour out His Spirit in revival, and advance His kingdom. It's about proactively seeking God's will and blessings rather than merely reacting to circumstances.

Defensive prayer. This involves standing firm against spiritual attacks, resisting temptation, and protecting oneself and others from the enemy's schemes. The armor of God (Ephesians 6) provides a framework for defensive prayer, covering various aspects of spiritual protection.

R.E.S.P.O.N.D. prayer strategy:

1. Resist Satan in Jesus' name
2. Escape with Scripture
3. Search for unconfessed sin
4. Plead the blood of Jesus
5. Overtake ground given to Satan
6. Name someone in targeted prayer
7. Delight in the Lord

7. Intercession for family, authorities, and the lost is vital

I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.

Family prayer. Praying specifically for spouses, children, and extended family members is crucial. This involves asking for their spiritual growth, protection from evil, and fulfillment of God's purposes in their lives. Regular, targeted prayer for family members strengthens relationships and aligns the family with God's will.

Praying for authorities. Scripture commands us to pray for those in positions of authority, including government officials, employers, and church leaders. This prayer should focus on their salvation, wisdom in decision-making, and ability to lead with integrity and justice.

Intercession for the lost. Praying for those who don't know Christ is a key aspect of evangelism. This involves asking God to open their hearts, remove spiritual blindness, and provide opportunities for them to hear and respond to the gospel.

Areas to cover in intercessory prayer:

• Salvation and spiritual growth
• Protection from evil influences
• Wisdom and discernment in decision-making
• Opportunities to share the gospel
• Physical, emotional, and spiritual needs

8. Extraordinary prayer can lead to revival and transformation

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Passion for revival. Extraordinary prayer goes beyond routine requests to fervent, persistent seeking of God's presence and power. It involves a deep hunger for spiritual renewal in individuals, churches, and nations. This level of prayer is often marked by fasting, extended prayer times, and united efforts among believers.

Transformation through prayer. History shows that great revivals and spiritual awakenings are often preceded by seasons of extraordinary prayer. When God's people humble themselves, repent, and seek Him wholeheartedly, He responds with powerful manifestations of His presence and grace.

Elements of extraordinary prayer:

• United, corporate prayer
• Fasting and sacrifice
• Persistent, fervent intercession
• Repentance and spiritual hunger
• Faith in God's promises of revival

Last updated: November 29, 2024