What kind of prayers does God really answer?
How much we labor in our prayer time has nothing to do with Labor Day. Recently while a pastor taught this topic, some of us squirmed in our seats.
“When we ask God for blessings,” he said, “we often repeat mousy petitions.”
Mousy petitions? He explained the prayers we blurt out often carry doubt. We lack the reassurance that God will grant what we ask. They repeat the circumstance, not the victory we can count on. They mention the dark side, and fail to declare God’s triumphant possibilities.
And when we ask, we forget to give thanks. We forget to anticipate He will answer. We overlook the mighty way He can exercise His power.
So, what’s the best way to pray?
With boldness, with conviction, with authority, with firmness and with holy audacity.
The number of words we use don’t matter. Nor the flowery expressions. But, the complete faith, the firm authority because of Jesus is what makes the difference.
They did for John and Peter. They saw the beggar at the entrance of the temple. “Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God” (Acts 3:6-8)
Why did Peter take the man by the hand? Because he was sure he could get up. Because he declared it in the name of Jesus. Because he counted in Jesus’ power at work. Because he was confident Jesus was working through him. And because he knew the man’s crippled legs were no match to Jesus’ healing power.
How about making that change?
When on your knees, lift the power of God at work, the authority you have in Jesus, the answers that align with Scripture, the promises that echo through His Word.
When you pray the power instead of the problem, you activate the confidence you need, the boldness you must express, and the answer in which you must believe.
On a personal note, I don’t dwell or labor in asking God over and over again for healing of my blindness. I declare I am healed. I will see whether here on earth or in heaven. It’s a guarantee.
In the meantime, when I focus on the power at work not the problem, my blindness isn’t a sorry circumstance, but a reminder that God’s power is still at work.
Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for transforming the way I bring petitions before you. I praise You for the freedom that comes when I focus on Your power, Your promises, and our divine position to give me the answer in Your perfect timing. In Jesus name.
Who counsels you when life gets sticky?
Bonus article on today’s subject.
Janet
Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.
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