The entire life of a Christian is a life of true sacrifice. Do you know why? This is because a Christian does not live for himself or herself. Christians live for others. The only clause is that, sometimes, Christians don’t get answers to their prayers. Why? Christians don’t put first things first.
- Intercede for a nation
- Deal with strongholds
- Pray with the help of the Holy Spirit.
INTERCEDE FOR A NATION.
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. —1 Timothy 2:1-4
God will only answer the prayers of the Christians only when the Christian meet his condition. The condition is to first pray for kings and all that are in authority. Many times, God doesn’t answer the prayer of the Christian, because we put ourselves first. If we decide to pray for those in authority, that means, Christians must pray for not just the presidents, but also pray for policemen, pastors and local government officials. It’s so easy to criticize, but the truth is that when you pray for others you are not so apt to criticize them. Do you know why you should pray for those in authority? so that we who are Christians “may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (v. 2). See, don’t make the mistake of thinking that God is responsible for the wars, killings and violence in the world, the devil is responsible, but, there’s is a practical solution. Satan’s authority over matters on the earth can only be overcome as Christians pray and intercede on behalf of our country.
This way too, we must learn another critical fact. We must learn to deal with strongholds. So, how do we deal with strong holds?
DEALING WITH STRONGHOLDS
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world against spiritual wickedness [wicked spirits] in high places.” Ephesians 6:12.
Do you know that sometimes, when you pray, you don’t get answers immediately. Like Daniel in the Bible, God may give a swift answer, but, it may take at least 21 days before the answer gets to you. Do you know why? Because you and I wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world. But, don’t let this scare you. This is the good news. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. You can cast down imaginations and every high thing that brings itself against the knowledge of God. Many times we blame things on people when there is a power behind the whole situation. As interfering Christians, all we need to do is to stand our ground, know what belongs to us, and refuse to be moved. The powers opposing us are satanic strongholds; powers in the realm of darkness. This is where prayer comes in.
You know, another thing is that, anyone who does not want to be moved, must learn this spiritual principle, the principle of tongues.
PRAY WITH THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. —Romans 8:26,27
Leave the novice to their little. knowledge. Dear reader, consider all situations like the intelligent person that you are. Look at prayer from this angle. Paul is talking about two different types of praying: mental praying and spiritual praying. There is a distinction between the two. Mental praying—praying with your understanding—is limited to your knowledge, to your understanding. Spiritual praying – when you pray with tongues, it is the Holy Spirit within you that gives you the utterance, but it is your spirit doing the praying. This isn’t something the Holy Spirit does apart from you. It is something the Holy Spirit helps you do. The helper on any job is not the one responsible for the job. He’s there to help the one who is supposed to do the job. The Holy Spirit is not going to do your praying for you. But, he gives you groanings that come from within your innermost being and escape your lips in prayer. That is the Spirit helping you to pray. Even though, Jesus purchased healing for us, it is the Holy Spirit who brings that healing to our bodies. He is the agency. Listen. Follow this pattern. Even if you start your prayer in the flesh, end it in the spirit. It is praying in the spirit and praying with understanding.
God bless you.
See you in the comment session.