THE CHURCH AT PRAYER

“So I say to you, ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  (Luke 11: 9-10)

Prayer can be defined as dialogue between God and people, especially His covenant partners.  The Old and New Testaments show vividly that prayer was an indispensable factor in the lives of people of God at any given time.  Israel is a nation born of prayer. Genesis 12: 1-3 clearly shows that Abraham heard God’s call, and God heard the cries of the Hebrew children (Exodus 3: 7).  Moses conversed with God (Exodus 3: 1-4: 17) and interceded for Israel (Exodus 32: 11-13; Num. 11: 11-15).  By prayer Joshua discerned sin in the conquest community (Joshua 7: 6-9) but was tricked when he did not discern God’s opinion by prayer after praying for wisdom (I Kings 3: 5-9).

God worked miracles through the prayers of Elijah and Elisha (I Kings 17: 19-27; 18: 20-40).

In the New Testament, Jesus’ example and teaching inspire prayers.  Mark emphasized that Jesus prayed in crucial moments, including the disciples’ appointment (Mk. 3: 13) their mission (6: 30-32) and the transfiguration (9: 2).  Jesus displayed a regular and intense prayer life (Matt. 6: 5; 14: 23; Mk. 1: 35).  The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6: 9-13; Luke 11: 2-4) is taught to disciples who realize the Kingdom is present but still to come in all its fullness.

Significantly the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray after watching Him pray (Luke 11: 1).

Apostle Paul taught the Romans that all creation was longing for transformation from the curse and its effects (Rom. 8: 19).  This can only be achieved through persistent prayers.  And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it (Matt. 16: 18).

The church – the true people of God are hereby notified that the devil is all out to fight against the children of God, but the devil cannot succeed in this battle against her.

Jesus has rightly given us the clue to our success against every onslaught of the devil, and this comes through prayer.  Therefore, let us, at all times ask, seek, and knock and He has assured of His quick response to our prayers.

God bless you and have a very pleasant week in Jesus name.