Uncover the Prayer Warriors’ secrets Upgrade your prayer with power Unleash the power of your prayer

MARVIN MARCELINO

2

Introduction "Some men will spin out a long prayer telling God who and what he is, or they pray out a whole system of divinity. Some people preach, others exhort the people, till everybody wishes they would stop, and God wishes so, too, most undoubtedly." --Charles Finney The Next Level Prayer is not a manual of prayer. It is a compilation of wisdom about correct praying. Many search on how to improve their manner of praying but help don’t come easy. These gleanings came from the ancient tome of Great Men of the Holy Scriptures, the Prayer Warriors of the Ages and the people who championed the discipline of spiritual warfare through prayers. Their experiences and know-how reveals the secrets of praying appropriately. May this compilation encourages you to upgrade your prayer power to the next level and unleash the immense power of prayer as you face spiritual battles in larger-than-life cosmic controversy. Only the work accomplished with much prayer, and sanctified by the merit of Christ, will in the end prove to have been efficient for good.-EGWhite-The Desire of Ages, p. 362. “We need now to pray as we have never prayed before.” --E. G. White {This Day With God 336.3} For prayer is our only way to survive our spiritual battles May you be elevated to the next level of prayer in Christ Jesus. Marvin Marcelino Bangkok, Thailand

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 PART ONE Personal Inventory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 PART TWO. Basics of Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 PART THREE Prevailing Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 PART FOUR Intercessory Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 PART FIVE Prayer Warrior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 PART SIX Prayer Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 PART SEVEN Prayer Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 PART EIGHT Prayer Versus Satan . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 PART NINE Power in Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

4

PART 1

PERSONAL INVENTORY

5

Who Am I to Pray? Psalms 55:5 _______________________________

Jeremiah 17:9 ______________________________

Romans 7:15-20____________________________

Psalms 139:23-24 ___________________________

Psalms 51:8-12 ____________________________

6

If you pray: 1. How do you pray? 2. In what settings do you pray? What do you pray for? Do you receive it? Do you receive something else? What do you feel when you do not receive it? 3. When you pray, what thoughts most often break in? Do they spring from the prayer, or do they take you away from the prayer? 4. What is the one thing which most puzzles you about prayer? What do you find hardest to accept about prayer? 5. Is there a catch-phrase about prayer that especially gets on your nerves? Why? 6. When have you found yourself losing the sense of God's presence in prayer? Have you found out why? What was the lesson you learned, if any? 7. When you pray for someone, do you picture them being healed, or helped in some other way? If not, is it that you don't see the healing as possible? Can you picture yourself with them as they are being healed? 8. Have you ever been so concerned about someone that you felt driven to pray for them?

7

If you've experienced this yourself, what did you do next? 1. When you find yourself really angry over something, have you ever stopped yourself, and taken at least a moment to ask the Lord, "What is happening here?" 2. When you ask God to forgive you, do you accept that forgiveness? 3. What have you been afraid to ask God? Why? 4. When you were ill or in serious trouble, did you ever feel the prayers of others? What was that like? What were you getting from those prayers? What other effects did the prayers have? 5. Was there ever anything that you felt was personally demeaning or insulting to put before God in prayer? Why? 6. About the gifted prayer folks around you: what do you think makes their intercessions special? 7. What is the strangest prayer you ever heard someone pray? 8. What do you most remember from your childhood about prayer or people praying?

8

Are you a church or cell group member? 1. How and why does your church/cell pray? How often do they meet for it? 2. Does your church have any goals for their prayer life? How can these goals be gauged or measured? 3. How embarrassed do you get when praying aloud in the presence of others? 4. Do you pray for different things when praying with them than in private? 5. Some groups take on a special burden or concern in prayer, like, say, a nation, a missionary, a neighborhood, those struck with a certain disease, etc. What similar concern most touches the heart of you or those praying with you? 6. How can the group's/church's prayers best support its purposes? 7. What was the most intense prayer that your group ever prayed? What do you think caused that level of intensity? 8. What do you notice about what they are praying about, and how they are praying about it? Do you find any of it disturbing? Why?

9

If you are not attending a church… Take up a challenge. Attend a worship service at a church. Any church you choose, chosen for your own reasons. 1. Within the service, when do the worshippers pray? When does the pastor or leader pray? 2. What do they pray for? 3. Why do you think they pray for that within a worship service? 4. In what ways are the prayers a part of what binds the worshippers together? If it's a liturgical church (the kind with the robes, candles, and chants. Take note of the Prayers of the Church, which usually happen somewhere between the Sermon and Holy Communion, it is intercessory prayer, praying to God on behalf of others. 5. What is it that they are praying for in it? 6. What do you think such prayer does for those praying it? 7. For those being prayed about?

10

What do you expect from prayer?

1. Have you ever received it? 2. Did the Divine response surprise you? 3. When have you most felt that you had lost touch

with God? 4. When have you felt most intimate with God? 5. How have these moments affected your prayers? 6. Have you ever been angry at God? 7. If so, when did you tell that to God? 8. Did there seem to be a response, then or later? 9. Have you ever felt afraid to pray? Why? 10. Does anyone else you know seem to fear something

about prayer? 11. What do you think God really thinks of you? 12. What have you prayed for that, when you look back

on it, you're glad you didn't get? Or prayed that it would not happen, but you're glad it did?

13. How would your life be different if God had granted those prayers?

14. How do you think you'd feel if God woke you up out of a sound sleep?

11

PART 2

BASICS OF PRAYER

12

What prayer is not? “Do you know what prayer is? It is not begging God for this and that. The first thing we have to do is to get you beggars to quit begging until a little faith moves in your souls.” --John G. Lake

"Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue. God’s voice in response to mine is its most essential part." --Andrew Murray

“We waste most of our time trying to get God to do something He has already done—or praying for God to do something He told us to do.” --Jacquelyn K. Heasley

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers, pray for powers equal to your task.” --Phillips Brooks

“Prayer is not a discourse. It is a form of life, the life with God. That is why it is not confined to the moment of verbal statement.” --Jacques Ellul

“Wishing will never be a substitute for prayer.” --Ed Cole

“Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” -- Corrie Ten Boom

Prayer is not expiation for sin. It is not a penance." EGWhite{HP 71.2}

13

"Beware in your prayers, above everything else, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things, ‘above all that we ask or think’. Each time, before you Intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!" --Andrew Murray Prayer is not intended to work any change in God; it brings us into harmony with God. It does not take the place of duty. Prayer offered ever so often and ever so earnestly will never be accepted by God in the place of our tithe. Prayer will not pay our debts to God. The servants of Christ are to rely upon God as did Daniel in the courts of Babylon. Daniel knew the value of prayer, its aim, and its object; and the prayers which he and his three companions offered to God after being chosen by the king for the courts of Babylon, were answered. EGWhite {Youth Instructor, August 18, 1898 par. 4}

Why I am lazy to pray? "Little of the Word with little prayer is death to the spiritual life. Much of the Word with little prayer gives a sickly life. Much prayer with little of the Word gives more life, but without steadfastness. A full measure of the Word and prayer each day gives healthy and powerful life."--Andrew Murray

“Accustom yourself gradually to carry Prayer into all your daily occupation -- speak, act, work in peace, as if you were in prayer, as indeed you ought to be.” --François Fénelon

"If we then let the words of Christ abide in us, they will stir us up in prayer."—Charles Spurgeon

14

WHAT What is a prayer?

“Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend” --Ellen G. White Prayer is both a duty and a privilege. EGWhite-{Our High Calling 129.3} “The Human life is a constant want and ought to be a constant prayer.” Samuel Osgood

“Do not loose the habit of praying to the unseen Divinity. Prayer for the worldly good is worse, but prayer for the strength of the soul is that passion which catches the gifts that seeks.” George Meredith “True prayer always receives what it asks for, sometime even better.” --Trayton Edwards

“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer is the greater work.” --Oswald Chambers

“Our ordinary views of prayer are not found in the New Testament. We look upon prayer as a means for getting something for ourselves; the Bible idea of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.” --Oswald Chambers

“Prayer unites us with one another and with God. Prayer brings Jesus to our side, and gives to the fainting, perplexed soul new strength to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. Prayer turns aside the attacks of Satan.” Ellen G. White {Christ’s Object Lessons 250.2}

15

Prayer is the breath of the soul, the channel of all blessings. As . . . the repentant soul offers its prayer, God sees its struggles, watches its conflicts, and marks its sincerity. He has His finger upon its pulse, and He takes note of every throb. Not a feeling thrills it, not an emotion agitates it, not a sorrow shades it, not a sin stains it, not a thought or purpose moves it, of which He is not cognizant. That soul was purchased at an infinite cost, and is loved with a devotion that is unalterable. EGWhite{Maranatha 85.1}

“Prayer is not so much an act as it is an attitude—an attitude of dependency, dependency upon God.” --Arthur W. Pink

"Think of prayer less as an activity for God and more as an awareness of God. Seek to live in uninterrupted awareness. Acknowledge His presence everywhere you go." --Max Lucado "Prayer is the breath of your life which gives you the freedom to go and stay where you wish and to find the many signs which point out the way to a new land." Henri Nouwen

16

What prayers can do? "Prayers do shape the future in ways different from what would have been the case had no prayers been uttered. And this is because of the kind of God to whom the prayers are spoken. .... God is open to taking new directions and changing courses in view of the interaction between God and people. Yet always in view will be God's salvific will for all." --Terence Fretheim

Pray for what? James 1:5-6 Pray for ___________________________

James 5:14-16 Pray for ___________________________

James 5:19-20 Pray for ___________________________

Luke 2:28 Pray for ___________________________

Matthew 7:7-11 Pray for ___________________________

2Thess. 3:1 Pray for ___________________________

Phil. 1:5-6 Pray for ___________________________

1Tim.2:1-4 Pray for ___________________________

James 1:5-6 Pray for ___________________________

John 17:20,21 Pray for ___________________________

Jude 19:20 Pray for ___________________________

Romans 10:1 Pray for ___________________________

John 14:13 Pray for ___________________________

17

Prayer must have a purpose.

1. To bring adoration / Praise / Blessing to the Lord a. Psalms 111:1,10 _____________________ b. Psalms 24:1 ________________________ c. Acts 16:25 _________________________ d. Matthew 6:9 ________________________

2. To bring confession to Him

a. Matthew 16:16 ______________________ b. Psalms 66:18________________________ c. 1 John 1:9 _________________________

3. To bring thanksgiving to Him

a. Malachi 3:10 _______________________ b. 1 Corinthians 9:6-15__________________ c. Psalms 95:2-7_______________________ d. Psalms 69:30 _______________________ e. Psalms 62:1-8 ______________________

4. To bring Supplication (intercession / petition) a. Colossians 1:9 ______________________ b. James 5:16 _________________________ c. Philippians 5:9 ______________________ d. James 4:2 _________________________ e. Matthew 7:7-12 _____________________ f. Mathew 26:39 ______________________ g. Psalms 37:4 ________________________

"All vital praying makes a drain on a man's vitality. True intercession is a sacrifice, a bleeding sacrifice." -- J.H. Jowett

18

Should my prayer be organized? Basic Prayer Outline is a suggested guide which helps one to have a more focused prayer.

A –Adoration ______________________________

C-Confession ______________________________

T-Thanksgiving ____________________________

S-Supplication _____________________________

“There is a mighty lot of difference between saying prayers and praying.” --John G. Lake

What should be the contents of my prayers?

Prayer Contents filled with petitions filled with intercessions (prayer for others) advancement of God’s Kingdom

“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer is the greater work.” --Oswald Chambers

"Our prayers lay the track down on which God’s power can come. Like a mighty locomotive, His power is irresistible, but it cannot reach us without rails." --Watchman Nee

19

WHYWhy pray?

John 15:5 ______________________________ John 16:23 _____________________________ Those whom Christ has connected with Himself will, as far as in them lies, labor diligently and perseveringly, as He labored, to save souls who are perishing around them. They will reach the people by prayer, earnest, fervent prayer, and personal effort. It is impossible for those who are thoroughly converted to God, enjoying communion with Him, to be negligent of the vital interests of those who are perishing outside of Christ. {4Testimonies 319.1}

“I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had absolutely no other place to go.” -- Abraham Lincoln

“Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons; but they are helpless against our prayers.”--J. Sidlow Baxter

“Prayer is the best arbitrator of all differences. The best promoter of true friendships, the best cure for envy and jealousy. And there people who dislike you are shun. Pray for them and you will be more patient and charitable. You will find that you become a happier person living in a world that is friendlier that you were accustomed to find it.” --Rev. J Robert McCrachen

20

PRAYERLESSNESS “Of all the duties enjoined by Christianity none is more essential and yet more neglected than prayer.”-- François Fénelon

Prayerlessness is SIN Corrie Ten Boom

1. Unavailability with God

2. Proves a man has less love for God.

3. The person is more carnal than spiritual.

4. Not controlled by the Holy Spirit.

5. Overpowered by neglect and disobedience.

6. Sins against own self and own spiritual life.

7. Robs you of your consciousness of the nearness

of Christ.

8. A personal weakness which must be overcome.

9. Not a direct sin to other but a direct sin to God.

(1Samuel 12:23)

10. Shows our attitude with God.

11. Is a proclamation to God and Satan that our

relationship to Jesus is not close.

"If you as ministers are not very prayerful, you are to be pitied."--Charles Spurgeon

21

WHENWhen do I pray?

“I met God in the morning, when my day is at its best. And His presence came like surprise, like a glory in my breast. All day long He stayed with me and we sailed a perfect calmness. o’er a very troubled sea. So I think I know the secret learned from many troubled way. You must seek Him I the morning, if you want Him through the day.”

--Ralph Spaulding

When is the best time to pray? Psalms 5:3 “in the _________________.”

Psalma 88:1; 1Timothy 5:5 “d____ and n______.”

Psalms 55:17 – “e______, m_______, n _____.”

Acts 2:46 “in the ______ hour.”

Mark 1:35 “in the ________________ (dawn)

Acts 16:25 – at m____________”

Ephesians 6:18 – “a_________ and a_______ys”

1Thessalonians 3:10 – “d_____ and n_____”

“In early morning prayer is the key that opens to us the treasure of God’s mercies and blessings. In the evening it is the key that shuts up under His protection and safeguard. --Howard W. Beecher

22

WHERE Where Do I Pray?

Welcome to the throne. Remember when you are praying you are approaching the Holy Throne Please come with proper attire, close all appointments approach with love and joy Genesis 24:63 - _____________

Matthew 6:6 - ______________

Luke 6:12 - ________________

Luke 5:16 - ________________

Acts 21:5 - ________________

Hebrews 5:7 - ______________

Ezra 10:1 -_________________

“Why is it so important that you are with God and God alone on the mountain top? It's important because it's the place in which you can listen to the voice of the One who calls you the beloved. To pray is to listen to the One who calls you "my beloved daughter," "my beloved son," "my beloved child." To pray is to let that voice speak to the center of your being, to your guts, and let that voice resound in your whole being.” --Henri Nouwen

“Let the fires go out in the boiler room of the church and the place will still look smart and clean, but it will be cold. The Prayer Room is the boiler room for its spiritual life.” --Leonard Ravenhill

23

TYPES OF PRAYERS In the public assembly of God's people, prayers should not be offered that are suitable only to secret communion with him. We should pray understandingly and intelligently, and every day we should know better how to offer appropriate and prevailing prayers. EGWhite{Signs of the Times, May 15, 1884 par. 5}

Prayer In Worship In worship, Christians pray a lot. They pray for: forgiveness, oneself and one's own, those who are ill, the world and its leaders, sins, momentous happenings, and disasters; the pastor, the sermon, and an open mind in listening to it; a spirit of fellowship and friendship; our learning, discerning, and witness; church events, activities, and ministries; vision and renewed energy; giving thanks to God; becoming quieted enough to pay attention to God's presence. These are all a part of prayer in worship. Worship in the mode of the liturgical churches shows a full vision of prayer. We examine ourselves and see our sin; we see how wrong it is, and commit before God to do it no more; we ask God to help us do it; we ask God to forgive us; we meditate on God's Word as told by the preacher; we thank God for the work of Christ in restoring our relationship; and we celebrate God's presence among us with praise. Truth be told, many Christians don't really believe that the prayers said in a worship service have effectiveness and power. They pray, but expect that nothing will happen. The Almighty does have room for us in the divine scheme of things. Jesus told us so. When those gathered for worship pray and believe that it matters, it's amazing to be part of it.

24

Are there many forms of prayer in worship? Recited scriptural prayers; Composed or poetic prayer (which can in the right hands say what others want to say but don't know how to say it); Praying together in 'led prayer' or liturgical prayer (with prepared petitions and a congregational response phrase); Epiclesis (calling on the Spirit to come and act, especially in Baptism and Communion); Everyone praying aloud together their own prayers at the same time (sometimes called ‘concert prayer’, and are a characteristic of Asian Christians). Breaking into groups of four or five, and praying in that group for a short period of time (usually five minutes). In worship, the pastor or worship leader often speaks a prayer on behalf of all of those gathered. But the worship leader is not to do this alone. Those present are to pray along with their leader, so that all are joined together in prayer. These sorts of prayers are often printed beforehand in the bulletin each person receives when they arrive. This way, the prayer can be spoken out loud by all, and they can develop a stronger sense of being joined together. A well-written liturgical prayer not only gets us all to pray together, but also frees our mind from having to create ways to express the prayer. It can 'hit the nail on the head', saying what we all mean to say at that point in the service, so we can simply give it our 'yes' (our 'amen').

25

Prayers In Public Prayer done in a congregation or big meeting such as Offertory prayer, Dedicatory prayer, Invocation and Benediction, Thanksgiving In social meeting, prayer should be offered so that all may be edified, and those who take part in this exercise should follow the example given us in the Lord's beautiful prayer for the world. The prayer of Jesus is simple, clear, comprehensive, and yet not long and spiritless as are the dry prayers that are often offered in public. These spiritless prayers better not be uttered; for they fail to bless or edify, and are a mere form without vital power. EGWhite-{Christian Education 129.1} The long prayers made by some ministers have been a great failure. Praying to great length, as some do, is all out of place. They injure the throat and vocal organs, and then they talk of breaking down by their hard labor. They injure themselves when it is not called for. Many feel that praying injures their vocal organs more than talking. This is in consequence of the unnatural position of the body, and the manner of holding the head. They can stand and talk, and not feel injured. The position in prayer should be perfectly natural. Long praying wearies, and is not in accordance with the gospel of Christ. Half or even quarter of an hour is altogether too long. A few minutes' time is long enough to bring your case before God and tell Him what you want; and you can take the people with you and not weary them out and lessen their interest in devotion and prayer. They may be refreshed and strengthened, instead of exhausted. EGWhite-{2Testimonies 617.2}

26

What does public prayer teach each believer? In public :

they pray when they don't want to pray or don't feel like praying;

they pray when they have trouble concentrating on praying;

they pray when they aren't prepared for it; they pray the Word by drawing on Scriptures in the

liturgy and readings; they pray for (and with!) those they are in conflict

with; they pray about people and things they wouldn't

think to pray for or would otherwise forget to pray for.

Learn that there is great spiritual power where believers pray together with unity of purpose (also known as 'in agreement'; Matthew 18:19-20). Their prayers are at the core of their relationship with God, which feeds, nurtures, and energizes them, and ties them in with believers of then, now, and to come. And it is in the congregation that they learn how to pray when, say, their business goes bankrupt, they fail in college, their factory closes, or their spouse leaves, and most especially, where death and life meet. When church growth specialists started to look at energetic churches to see what made them so vital, one of the themes that came up over and over again was that those congregations did a lot of praying. What they found was that these vital congregations prayed and taught about prayer: what it is, what is done through it and in it, methods of prayer and related devotions, and prayer in all settings.

27

What is expected of a church leader about prayer?

modeled a life of prayer, turned to prayer, described prayer's role in their lives and in churchly

doings, trusted that God would answer the prayers; honored those in prayer chains and groups during

worship services, sought answers to prayer, learned how to recognize answers, accepted and sometimes even celebrated God's

replies, even when those replies weren't what they were hoping for; constantly asked people about their prayer life, encouraged deeper involvement in prayer.

For these vital parishes, prayer was a part of every activity of the church, yet it was not allowed to become routine. The staff and council and committees prayed together – real prayer seeking guidance and the power to do as guided (Acts 4:23-31), not rote or superficial 'prayer' that's done as a matter of mere duty. They prayed for support; they prayed for individuals' and groups' needs to be met; they prayed for boldness for the Gospel; they prayed for specific healing. And they had people whose chosen ministry in the church was prayer: prayer chains, prayer teams, prayer circles, prayer watches, prayer walks, prayer retreats, prayer visitation, prayer vigils, prayer in worship services, and special prayer sessions of gathered friends for healing or help with a burden. The congregations were praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). They prayed as if prayer really matters, because they knew it does.

28

Such churches are well aware that God gives gifts to those who keep on praying, most notably the power to get God's purposes done. And they are keen on tapping into a realm that is too deep for our bodily senses to pick up on, but that is there in everything and everyone. Some of these churches have grown rapidly. But don't think of prayer as a road to numerical growth: many churches have grown large and rich without a lot of praying, and a lot of praying churches stay average or small in size. (In statistical-talk: an emphasis on prayer has only a mild correlation with numerical growth or financial donations.) God gives a different gift to churches that stress prayer: they're more vital. They have a seemingly endless supply of energy and volunteers for a wide range of tasks, they are effective in doing those tasks, and they are united about what they do and why they do it; the people there sense a strong connection with God in their lives. It sounds simple, but it's not. On the one hand, if the church is to become (and stay) a praying church, prayer must be an obvious priority of the church's leadership. It takes more than just praying, it takes teaching and encouraging prayer. On the other hand, too much talk about prayer will eventually become so much yada yada, in one ear and out the other. (Watch the teens; they're the first to yawn.) And too strong an emphasis on 'modeling' a prayer life can quickly mutate into a concern for keeping up an image as praying people - something Jesus came down very hard upon. Wisdom calls for modesty, honesty, and balance.

29

HOW How do I pray?

“Some people pray just to pray and some people pray to know God.” --Andrew Murray

“One can believe intellectually in the efficacy of prayer and never do any praying.” --Catherine Marshall

“We must alter our lives in order to alter our hearts, for it is impossible to live one way and pray another.” --William Law

“I have so much to do that I spend several hours in prayer before I am able to do it.” —John Wesley

“Is the Son of God praying in me, or am I dictating to Him?....Prayer is not simply getting things from God, that is a most initial form of prayer; prayer is getting into perfect communion with God. If the Son of God is formed in us by regeneration, He will press forward in front of our common sense and change our attitude to the things about which we pray.” --Oswald Chambers

“He who has a pure heart will never cease to pray, and he who will be constant in prayer shall know what it is to have a pure heart."--Pere la Combe

Learn to pray short and right to the point, asking for just what you need. Learn to pray aloud where only God can hear you. Do not offer make-believe prayers, but earnest, feeling petitions, expressing the hunger of the soul for the Bread of Life. If we prayed more in secret, we should be able to pray more intelligently in public. These doubtful, hesitating prayers would cease. And when we engaged with

30

our brethren in public worship, we could add to the interest of the meeting; for we should bring with us some of the atmosphere of heaven, and our worship would be a reality, and not a mere form. . . .If the soul is not drawn out in prayer in the closet and while engaged in the business of the day, it will be manifest in the prayer meeting. . . . EGWhite{Our High Calling 130.4}

Is praying and weeping okay? Praying and weeping was mingled, and earnest, agonizing prayer went forth from unfeigned lips. The solemn power of God rested upon the company bowed in humiliation before him. I thought of the day of Pentecost, when the power of God came upon the worshipers like a mighty, rushing wind. I have not witnessed such an exhibition of the manifest power of God for years. There was no wild fanaticism, but a sweet, soft, subduing spirit, bringing the entire company in harmony with Heaven. There were no wild, unintelligible shrieks, but the praise of God was upon almost every lip. EGWhite-{Signs of the Times, October 5, 1876 par. 4}

How should prayer be said? Let those who pray and those who speak pronounce their words properly and speak in clear, distinct, even tones. Prayer, if properly offered, is a power for good. It is one of the means used by the Lord to communicate to the people the precious treasures of truth. But prayer is not what it should be, because of the defective voices of those who utter it. Satan rejoices when the prayers offered to God are almost inaudible. Let God's people learn how to speak and pray in a way that will properly represent the great truths they possess. Let the testimonies borne and the prayers offered be clear and distinct. Thus God will be glorified.-EGWhite-6Testmonies 382. {VSS 265.2}

31

HOW TO APPROACH THE THRONE OF GOD?

7 Approaches to the Throne of God

1. Ask the Holy Spirit for help a. Romans 8:26 __________________ b. John 14:26 ____________________

“The true spirit of prayer is no other than God's own Spirit dwelling in the hearts of the saints. And as this spirit comes from God, so doth it naturally tend to God in holy breathings and pantings. It naturally leads to God, to converse with him by prayer.” --Jonathan Edwards

2. Come boldly a. Psalms 47:8 ________________ b. Hebrews 4:16 _______________ c. Psalms 89:14 _______________

“Pray, and let God worry.” -- Martin Luther

3. Come with humbleness a. James 4:10 ________________ b. Daniel 6:10 _______________ c. Hebrews 5:7 _______________

“In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” -- John Bunyan

4. With confession and forgiving a. Act 8:22 _______________ b. Mark 11:26 ______________

32

“Notice, we never pray for folks we gossip about, and we never gossip about the folk for whom we pray! For prayer is a great deterrent.” --Leonard Ravenhill

5. With openness and sincerity (present all the facts and reasons)

a. James 4:8 ________________ b. 1Thessalonians 3:10 ______________ c. Philippians 4:6 _____________

“Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one's heart, its pleasures and its pains, to a dear friend. Tell God your troubles, that God may comfort you; tell God your joys, that God may sober them; tell God your longings, that God may purify them; tell God your dislikes, that God may help you conquer them; talk to God of your temptations, that God may shield you from them: show God the wounds of your heart, that God may heal them. If you thus pour out all your weaknesses, needs, troubles, there will be no lack of what to say. Talk out of the abundance of the heart, without consideration say just what you think. Blessed are they who attain to such familiar, unreserved intercourse with God.” --Francois Fenelon

6. With faith a. Psalms 27:14 _______________ b. Psalms 37:5 ________________

“The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith.” --Andrew Murray

7. With love and joy

a. Psalms 37:4 ________________ b. Zechariah 3:17 ______________

"People need joy quite as much as clothing. Some of them need it more." --Margaret Collier

33

Check this out as you approach God in prayer. Colossians 4:2 ___________________

Ezra 10:1 ____________________

Ecclesiastes 5:2 _________________

Hebrews 5:7 _____________________

2Corinthians 12:8 __________________

Matthew 8:7 __________________

Hosea 12:4 ___________________

Daniel 6:10 _________________

1 Timothy 2:8 _________________

Isaiah 55:61 ____________________

James 5:16 _____________________

Hebrews 11:6 __________________

NAMES OF GOD

Yhwh-Shammah Lord who is present Ezekiel 48:35 El Shaddai Almighty God Genesis 17:1-20 Yhwh-Raah Lord is my shepherd Psalm 23 Yhwh-Yireh Lord provides Genesis 22;14 Yhwh-Tsidkenu Lord my righteousness Jeremiah 23:6 Yhwh-Nissi Lord my victory Exodus 17:15 El Elyon Most high-strongest one Isaiah 14:13 El Roi The strong one who sees Genesis 16:3 El Olam Everlasting God Isaiah 40:28 Yhwh-Shalom Lord is peace Judges 6:24 Yhwh-El Gomplah Lord god of recompense Jeremiah 51:56 Yhwh-Maccadeshcem Lord my sanctifier Exodus 31:13 Yhwh-Nakeh Lord that smites (evil) Ezekiel 7:9 Yhwh-Sabbaoth Lord of host 1Samuel 1:3

34

People pray in many physical positions. For instance:

laying flat on the floor, face down, with hands stretched out (also known as 'prostrate');

standing, hands raised and spread, palms up, looking upward;

sitting, head bowed, eyes closed, hands folded (the most common position today);

kneeling, head bowed, hands folded; kneeling, head to the ground, hands face down on

ground next to head; standing, eyes forward, facing the altar; sitting in lotus position, eyes closed, hands in front,

palms up; laying flat on the floor, face up, palms up; slow leisurely walking (or sitting), eyes open, in a

place where one can safely pay very little attention to where one is going.

Each of these positions (and others) can be done for any kind of praying, but each has special meaning for different kinds of prayer. Standing (1 Samuel 1:26) with hands raised is typical of praise, celebrative prayer, and thanks-giving. Kneeling (Ezra 9:5) and prostration (Joshua 7:6) show humility and recognition of a superior, and thus are especially well-suited to prayers of confession, repentance, or awe. (If you're someone who bows to no one, please consider praying while laying prostrate.

In public. With everyone watching.) Slow wandering and lotus-sitting are especially good for meditational prayer and for quieting yourself so you can listen. Standing facing the altar (1 Kings 8:22) is part of an act of worship with other people who are also worshipping. Other positions have been used, too; for example, Elijah (in 1 Kings 18:42) crouched low to the ground and put his face between his knees. (He must've been a prayer contortionist.) The Bible

35

doesn't mention arm gestures in prayer except the raising of hands; however, starting at least by 800 AD, some devout Jews have been known to sway while studying the Torah, chanting Psalms, or praying. Christians praying together are known to link hands and raise them together.

"Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers which cannot be refused." --Charles Spurgeon

Why my prayers fail? "God hears no more than the heart speaks; and if the heart be dumb, God will certainly be deaf." --Thomas Brooks "Love is kindled in a flame, and ardency is its life. Flame is the air which true Christian experience breathes. It feeds on fire; it can withstand anything rather than a feeble flame; but when the surrounding atmosphere is frigid or lukewarm, it dies, chilled and starved to its vitals. True prayer must be aflame." –E.M. Bounds "Let your prayer for temporal blessings be strictly limited to things absolutely necessary."--St. Bernard "Triumphant prayer is almost impossible where there is neglect of the study of the Word of God."--Reuben Archer Torrey "The idea that everything would happen exactly as it does regardless of whether we pray or not is a specter that haunts the minds of many who sincerely profess belief in

36

God. It makes prayer psychologically impossible, replacing it with dead ritual at best."--David Brainerd "Victories that are easy are cheap. Those only are worth having which come as the result of hard fighting." --Henry Ward Beecher

“God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.” -- Oswald Chambers

“When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don't pray, they don't.” --William Temple

I have been shown angels of God all ready to impart grace and power to those who feel their need of divine strength. But these heavenly messengers will not bestow blessings unless solicited. They have waited for the cry from souls hungering and thirsting for the blessing of God; often have they waited in vain. There were, indeed, casual prayers, but not the earnest supplication from humble, contrite hearts.... EGWhite-{Our High Calling 129.4} Those who would receive the blessing of the Lord, must themselves prepare the way, by confession of sin, by humiliation before God, with true penitence, and with faith in the merits of the blood of Christ. EGWhite-{Our High Calling 129.5}

The people you will encounter may be seen as ordinary who are champions in the spiritual warfare. Their success was proven by the witnesses and fruits of their labor.

Learning how to pray one must prepare one’s own body and soul as a vessel of prayer by examining self.

37

Case of an unanswered prayer A people are here addressed who make high profession, who are in the habit of praying, and who delight in religious exercises; yet there is a lack. They realize that their prayers are not answered; their zealous, earnest efforts are not observed in heaven, and they earnestly inquire why the Lord makes them no returns.

Reasons for unanswered prayers James 1:6-7 ___________________________ Isaiah 59:2 ___________________________ Luke 18:11 ___________________________ Matthew 6:15 ___________________________ Matthew 7:1-2 ___________________________ 1Peter 3:1-7 ___________________________ 1 Samuel 12:23 ___________________________ James 4:3 ___________________________ John 16:24 ___________________________

Why my prayers fall flat? Prayer isn't always exciting. In fact, it usually isn't. It's usually ordinary. That's okay; ordinary is good. But sometimes, prayer is worse than that: something's missing. Sometimes, you're bored. The habit is there, but the relationship is at a standstill. (You married folks should ask your spouse about that....) That means it's time to stop yawning and see what's happening with you in prayer. It may be time to:

change where you pray. remove all distraction from the outside (cell phones,

beepers, limiting how many people know where you're praying, etc.)

use a different prayer position.

38

allow yourself to move around. (As a diabetic, I know how sleepy I can get when

the blood sugar rises, as it often does when I'm still for too long.)

check out your diet. try one of the many simple devotional techniques. get more sleep. stop overworking yourself.

(Please note that there's a lot of 'sometimes', 'maybe', and 'often' in this section. It's a spiritual matter, and those aren't well-suited to tight rules. You'll have to learn how to discern the Spirit's voice in your situation.) Usually, such minor adjustments are enough to curb your drifting. But, let's say, you've made the adjustments, they work briefly, and then SLAM! It hits you. God's not there. Sometimes one must taste the absence in order to keep savoring the presence. And sometimes God steps aside so you can learn to persevere in prayer, to keep working at it on trust. But then, as you keep plugging away at it, it becomes clear that something else is at work. It's not really that God has stepped away, after all. It's that there's a communication breakdown. God's apparent silence is due to a problem at your end. Something's rocking the relationship. When you reach this point (and sooner or later you will), it's time for you to find out what's up. What could it be? Maybe you're harboring resentment or anger against someone, or against a group of some ones. In that case, first hold them in prayer, and then ask God to forgive you for the anger, and then ask God to open up an opportunity to go to that person and renounce that anger in their presence. Then, get up and go reconcile with that person. 1. Maybe the one you're mad at is God. Whatever it is between you and God, it does no good to pout and go off to sulk. Say it. SCREAM it, if that's what it takes. Let your body express the anger. Whatever you do, share your anger

39

with God. The Lord will see you being truthful, and will respond with love and grace. 2. Maybe you're focusing on prayer, but God was calling you to spend less time praying so you can spend it doing something that God wants you to do. 3. Maybe you're still involved with the pretenders to the Lord's throne. Maybe it's superstition, maybe dabbling in the occult or paganisms old or new. Maybe you still 'play' with tarot cards, or pay attention to horoscopes and palm readers. You may think of it merely as a way to spit in the face of unjust religious authorities, or maybe as just a fun little game and nothing more. All reasons are bad reasons. Even a little of this does a lot of damage to your relationship with the real Lord. You're cheating on God; you're being a disloyal lover. 4. Perhaps God has become quiet so you could hear your own doubts. You may not even have known they were there. But they are. 5. Maybe you're withholding from the Lord the fruits of God's most creative gift to you: your imagination. For instance, imagine yourself in a scene from the Bible, or visualize how you would go about being of service to others, yielding each detail before God as you envision it. The richer the detail, the more real it will seem to you. 6. Maybe you've had deep mystical interchange with God before, but you rarely thank or praise the Lord for anything specific. Simple gratitude goes a long way toward making you spiritually humble and receptive. 7. Maybe the Lord can't get a word in edgewise from all your talking. To pray right, there must also be lots of time for quiet listening.

40

8. Perhaps you recently compromised with the world around you in a way that compromises your relations with God at its very root. Which god do you follow? 9. Maybe something's wrong with the thinking behind your prayers (also known as "praying amiss", discussed earlier). 10. Maybe when God's trying to tell you something, you change the subject. Trouble is, you'll fail to duck God this way, because while you can distract people that way, you won't take the Lord off focus. 11. Maybe you spend a lot of time and attention on prayer methods, theologies, and histories of devotion, one layer of complexity atop another until it resembles a Rube Goldberg contraption. Or, maybe your life itself has become too complex for you. It's time to simplify, to turn all attention back to God. 12. Maybe you're saying to God, "Here, You do it!", but God's been trying to tell you, "No, that's your responsibility." God makes us a partner in the divine mission, and that's a great honor, but it means struggling, working, breaking, hurting. And from that, growing, learning, deepening, wisening. 13. Maybe there's a specific sinful act you do that's been eating away at you, a sin that angers God. When you at last can name the sin and call it sin, you can take it before God to ask for forgiveness. Prayer time can be the start of repentance - turning away from the sin and committing yourself against it with your life. 14. Maybe you're not convinced deep down that you really need God and need to be a part of God's purposes. 15. Maybe you think your own plans are doing well and God's help would be just a nice added 'plus'. Yet, when there's no sense of weakness, no keen awareness of our

41

human limits, no awareness that it's God's power that makes things work, then prayer loses its sense of urgency, and life loses its touch with reality.

It is not because there is any neglect on the part of God. The difficulty is with the people. While professing godliness, they do not bear fruit to the glory of God; their works are not what they should be. They are living in neglect of positive duties. Unless these are performed, God cannot answer their prayers according to His glory.

In the case of offering prayer for Sister F, there was confusion of sentiment. Some were fanatical and moved from impulse. They possessed a zeal, but not according to knowledge. Some looked at the great thing to be accomplished in this case and began to triumph before the victory was gained. There was much of the Jehu spirit manifested: "Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord." In place of this self-confident assurance, the case should have been presented to God with a spirit of humbleness and distrustfulness of self, and with a broken and a contrite heart. EGWhite {2Testimonies 147.1}

Heaven is full of answers to prayers for which no one ever bothered to ask. Billy Graham

Effect of a failed prayer If the heart is glowing with the love of God, there will be pure affection, which is essential; prayers will be fervent, and faithful warnings will be given. Neglect these, and the souls under your charge are endangered. Better spend less time in long speeches, or in absorbing study, and attend to these neglected duties. EGWhite-{Counsels on Sabbath School Work 122.2}

42

Root causes of failed prayers 1. Sin in the heart and life Psalm 66:18 ___________________________ Isaiah 59:1, 2 ___________________________ Psalm 66:18 ___________________________ Isaiah 59:1, 2 ___________________________ 2. Persistent refusal to obey God Proverbs 1:24-28 ___________________________ Zechariah 7:11, 13 ___________________________ Proverbs 1:24-28 ___________________________ Zechariah 7:11, 13 ___________________________ 3. Formalism and hypocrisy Isaiah 1:2-15 ___________________________ 4. Unwillingness to forgive others Mark 11:25, 26 ___________________________ 5. Wrong motives James 4:2, 3 ___________________________ 6. Despising God's law Amos 2:4 ___________________________ 7. Lack of love and mercy Proverbs 21:13 ___________________________

43

PART 3

PREVAILING PRAYER

44

PREVAILING PRAYER IS A NEED a. It is a holy work b. Your potential as a created being will risk c. No higher role, honor or authority can appeal

with God than this.

“There is a general kind of praying which fails for lack of precision. It is as if a regiment of soldiers should all fire off their guns anywhere. Possibly somebody would be killed, but the majority of the enemy would be missed.” --Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“We lean to our own understanding, or we bank on service and do away with prayer, and consequently by succeeding in the external we fail in the eternal, because in the eternal we succeed only by prevailing prayer.” --Oswald Chambers

Prevail means to be victorious [from pre+ Latin valere = have power] HAVE POWER to pray HAVE PRAYER with power HAVING A PREVAILING PRAYER IS HAVING A POWERFUL PRAYER

45

PREVAIL OVER HINDRANCES 1. Prevail over appointment & unexpected guests 2. Prevail over any gadgets that hinder prayer. 3. Prevail over fatigue, hunger and sleepiness. 4. Prevail over laziness and discomforts, noise

There are persons in the church who are not converted, and who will not unite in earnest, prevailing prayer. We must enter upon the work individually. We must pray more, and talk less.--Review and Herald, Mar. 22, 1887

PREVAIL BEFORE GOD 1. God may be testing your heart’s desire

(Jeremiah. 29:13)

“The Third Petition of the Lord's Prayer is repeated daily by millions who have not the slightest intention of letting anyone's will be done but their own.”--Aldous Huxley

2. God may be testing your humility. (Matthew 15:21-28)

3. God may be using your time of prevailing to

search and purify your motive. (James 4:3) “Never think that God’s delays are God’s denials. True prayers always receive what it asks or something better. --Tryon Edwards

4. God looks at the contents of the heart(Psalms 66:18, Psalms 19:14)

“We hear it said that a man will suffer in his life if he does not pray; I question it. What will suffer is the life of the Son of God within him, which is nourished not by food but by prayer...Prayer is the way the life of God is nourished.” --Oswald Chambers

46

Role of Prevailing Prayer

extending God’s Kingdom for defeating Satan fulfilling God’s eternal plan to cover the earth with His blessings

Job 21:14, 15 ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ “Prayer that is most pure with God is that which is most consistent with a spiritual action and practice.” --Author Unknown Read Real Life Examples of Prevailing Prayer Mark 10:46-52 B_____ B______________

Luke 8:43- B__________ Lady

Mark 7:26 Greek W___________

Genesis 32:9-13, 22-30 J________

“If you greatly desire something, have the guts to stake everything on obtaining it.”-- Brendan Francis "Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments when, whatever be the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees."—Victor Hugo

47

LEVELS OF PREVAILING PRAYER LEVEL 1 Ask Matthew 7:7 LEVEL 2 Seek The asking becomes more intense LEVEL 3

Knock Interceding becomes more urgent and insistent

LEVEL 4 Fast To previous crescendo of intensity and urgency of intercession, fasting is added.

LEVEL 5

Prayer Burden The burden may be intense and brief or perhaps extended over long period of time.

LEVEL 6

Wrestling in Prayer Very intense praying

LEVEL 7 Prayer Warfare Prayer battle extending over a prolonged period. (prayer marathon)

“Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God."--Andrew Murray

48

DYNAMICS OF PREVAILING PRAYER Praying is like a song it has melody and dynamics. Lovely is the song that lifts the spirit and touches the heart. A song from the heart moves the heart. A Prayer from the heart catches the attention of God. “God looks not at the oratory of your prayer, how elegant they may be; nor a the geometry of your prayer, how long they may be; nor the arithmetic of your prayers, how many they may be, the logic of your prayer how methodical they may be; but the sincerity of them that is how He look at.” Thomas Brooks

49

1. DESIRE “He who desires not from the depths of his heart makes a deceptive prayer.” --Fenelon When sincere desire prompts men to pray, they will not pray in vain. The Lord will fulfill His word, and will give the Holy Spirit to lead to repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. He will pray and watch, and put away his sins, making manifest his sincerity by the vigor of his endeavor to obey the commandments of God. With prayer he will mingle faith, and not only believe in but obey the precepts of the law. He will announce himself as on Christ's side of the question. He will renounce all habits and associations that tend to draw the heart from God. EG White-{New Life 24.1} Heaven wants sincerity not beautiful polite words. Heaven wants depth of soul, not lukewarm mouthing. God’s angels who see our soul through and through must feel like uttering Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 1:2 “Meaningless, meaningless…utterly meaningless…” We have said the same words so often that we can almost say them without thinking. Therefore they do not register with God. “Desire is the soul of prayer.” --Andrew Murray Desire makes prayer specific. Prayer makes prayer both vital and personal. Desire is like hunger and urgency. Desire is born in need. Paul’s desire

50

a. Romans 10:1 ___________________ b. Philippians 1:9) __________________

God has no use for insincerity or lukewarmness in prayer or other spiritual things (revelation 3:15-16). Lack of heart and lack of heat are repulsive to Him. “This holy and fervid flame in the soul awakens the interest of heaven, attracts the attention of God and place the disposal of those who exercise it, the exhaustless richness of heaven of divine Grace.” --E.M. Bounds Pursuing hunger may cost you misunderstanding and even suffering you may consider an extremist or fanatic. Learn from John Smith of England how he illustrates this kind of prevailing desire. “Give Scotland or I die.”

“When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christian, the devil smiles. When he stops studying the Bible, the devil laughs. When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy.” --Corrie Ten Boom

“Those who know God the best are the richest and most powerful in prayer. Little acquaintance with God, and strangeness and coldness to Him, make prayer a rare and feeble thing.” --E. M. Bounds

51

2. FERVENCY Desire and fervency are closely related, yet has its own contribution. Fervency has to do with passion and zeal. Fervency is born of love. "You must pray with all your might. That does not mean saying your prayers, or sitting gazing about in church or chapel with eyes wide open while someone else says them for you. It means fervent, effectual, untiring wrestling with God...This kind of prayer be sure the devil and the world and your own indolent, unbelieving nature will oppose. They will pour water on this flame." --William Booth

“You may pray for an hour and still not pray. You may meet God for a moment and then be in touch with Him all day.” --Fredrik Wisloff

“The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men…Men of prayer." --E. M. Bounds

“You must have so much of the soul of the love of God – a love like God’s love for sinners – in your soul, that you are ready for any sacrifice or labor. You need to feel as God feel…a love souls.” --Charles Finney “Prayer without fervency is no prayer than it is speaking not praying.” --Richard Watson “A travailing spirit is the throne of a burdened desire which belongs to prayer. Fervency must be strong enough to drive away sleep and devotes and enflames spirit this belongs to wrestling prevailing prayer.” --Adoniram Judson

52

Let us learn to pray intelligently, expressing our requests with clearness and precision. Let us . . . pray as though we meant it. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16 EGW{Our High Calling 130.6} Another term for fervency is TO CRY OR CRY OUT Discover these great people who used fervency in their prayer. Psalm 88:1-2 D _______________ Exodus 14:15 M _______________ 1Samuel 7:8 S ________________ 2Chronicles 6:19 S ________________ Ezekiel 9:8 E ________________ 1Kings 17:22 E ________________ “Enflamed desires impassion, unwearied insistence delight no heaven…Heaven is too busy to listen to half-hearted prayers.” --E.M. Bounds “There must be passion in praying that prevails. Elijah was a man of passion. All there was on him went into everything he did. Listen to his prayer into the death chamber. Watch him on Carmel. Hear him plead the honor of God and unto the Lord for the affliction of the people. It is always the same – filled with fervency. “Abraham pleading for Sodom, Jacob wrestling in the stillness of the night, Moses standing in the breach, Hannah intoxicated with sorrow, David heartbroken with remorse and grief, Jesus in the sweat of blood. And add to that list the personal observation and experience and as always there is a cost of passion until blood as it prevails. It turns ordinary mortal to men of power. It brings power. It brings fire. It brings rain. It brings life.

53

It brings God. There is no power like that of prevailing prayer.” --Samuel Chadwick Read Jeremiah 29:12-14 ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Prayer must be red hot. It is fervent prayer that is effective.

“God does not stand afar off as I struggle to speak. He cares enough to listen with more than casual attention. He translates my scrubby words and hears what is truly inside. He hears my sighs and uncertain groping as fine prose.” --Timothy Jones

"I lack the fervency, vitality, life, in prayer which I long for. I know that many consider it fanaticism when they hear anything which does not conform to the conventional, sleep-inducing eulogies so often rising from Laodicean lips; but I know too that these same people can acquiescently tolerate sin in their lives and in the church without so much as tilting one hair of their eyebrows."--Jim Elliot “Souls are to be sought for, prayed for, labored for. Earnest appeals are to be made, fervent prayers offered. Our tame, lifeless prayers need to be changed to petitions of intense earnestness.” EGWhite Gospel Worker 144.1 Fervent prayer must go up to God when the church is to show forth in her pure and exalted character the religion of Christ, and by precept and example affirm the difference between the teachings of men, purporting to be for the uplifting of humanity, and the means by which God would purify society. The church is to shine in the world as a light; but she is to do so by depending upon a divine agency, by having a living connection with the living God. This dependence is indispensable to her success and victory. E. G. White {Review Herald, July 4, 1893 par. 1}

54

3. IMPORTUNITY Importunity in Greek is anaideia which means to utter shamelessly. Do not be embarrassed of your prayer and praying. “He does not pray at all he who does not plea. Cold prayers have no claims on heaven and no bearings in the court above.” --E.M.Bounds In coming to God the prayer of importunity should be offered, "I will not let thee go except thou bless me." You are invited to spread out all your perplexities before the Lord; but do not gratify the enemy by pouring them into the minds of others, lest they stumble over them to their ruin. Jesus knows how to cure all the maladies of the soul. When we beseech the Lord to pity us in our weakness and distress, to guide us by his Holy Spirit, that we may understand his word, he will no more turn away from the prayer of the humble suppliant than the parent will turn away from the hungry child who comes to him for bread. EGWhite-{Signs of the Times, August 22, 1892 par. 6} It includes the concept of great boldness, of urgency, of pressing your request, claim or demand to the very limits and it includes determination to persist that urgent boldness until it receives the answer. Importunity in prayer is prayer for God’s will to be done. THIS NOT AN EXCUSE Isaiah 64:7 ___________________________________

55

“A servant of the Lord stands bodily before men, but mentally he is knocking at the gates of heaven with prayer.” –John Climacus

Paul urges that “in Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12) Greek transliteration is saying, “We have boldness and access with confidence.” Parresia is unreservedness of utterance, speaking plainly without fear, boldly but with cheerful courage. Read Mark 7:26 What did the Syrophonecian woman did? _________________________________________ “It is atheism to pray and do not wait in hope. A sincere Christian will pray, wait strengthen his.” --Richard Sibbs We must learn to watch unto prayer, and to be importunate. When we have offered our petition once, we must not then abandon it, but say, as did Jacob when he wrestled all night with the angel, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me," and like him we shall prevail. EGWhite{Signs of the Times, May 15, 1884 par. 5} Brethren, move the high heaven by your prayers for God to work with the efforts of his servants. The Lord has agencies which he will put in operation in answer to the importunate prayers of faith. He will fulfill his word, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." EGWhite-{Review and Herald, October 12, 1886 par. 14} OUR IMPORTUNITY IS GOD’S OPPORTUNITY

56

4. FAITH Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. "He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6. Jesus said to His disciples, "What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24. Do we take Him at His word? EGWhite{SC 96.1} “Those who do not believe do not pray. This is a good functional definition of faith. Faith prays, unbelief does not.” --John A. Hardon Prayer is a work of faith. Without faith prayer is incomplete. What does Jesus want from you? Read Luke 8:25 _________________________________________ How much faith do you need? Read Matthew 17:20 _________________________________________ What faith in prayer can do? Read Luke 17:19 _________________________________________ What will one lose without faith? Matthew 13:58 __________________________________________ What can your prayer with faith can do? James 5:15 _____________________________ Mark 5:34 ______________________________ Mark 10:52 _____________________________ Luke 7:5 _______________________________

57

“Faith laughs at the shaking of the spear. Unbelief trembles at the shaking of the leaf, unbelief starves the soul; faith finds food in famine and a table in the wilderness. In the greatest danger faith says, ‘I have a great God. When outward strength is broken, faith rest on the promises, in the midst of sorrow faith draws the strong out of every trouble and takes out the bitterness for every affliction.” --Author Unknown Many prayers are offered without faith. A set form of words is used, but there is no real importunity. These prayers are doubtful, hesitating; they bring no relief to those who offer them, and no comfort or hope to others. The form of prayer is used, but the spirit is wanting, showing that the petitioner does not feel his need. . . EGW{Our High Calling 130.3} "Out of a very intimate acquaintance with D. L. Moody, I wish to testify that he was a far greater pray-er than he was preacher. Time and time again, he was confronted by obstacles that seemed insurmountable, but he always knew the way to overcome all difficulties. He knew the way to bring to pass anything that needed to be brought to pass. He knew and believed in the deepest depths of his soul that nothing was too hard for the Lord, and that prayer could do anything that God could do. "--Reuben Archer Torrey "All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." These words are a pledge that all that an omnipotent Savior can bestow will be given to those who trust in Him. As stewards of the grace of heaven, we are to ask in faith, and then wait trustingly for the salvation of God. We are not to step in before Him, trying in our own strength to bring about that which we desire. In His name we are to ask, and then act as though we believed in His efficiency to send the answer. EGWhite-{Signs of the Times, May 10, 1910 par. 14}

58

5. THE HOLY SPIRIT “We must pray in spirit if we would pray at all.” --Trench Real prevailing prayer is born of the Spirit, in the Spirit is prevailed in and by the Spirit is made effective. What does the Holy Spirit do during our prayer? The Spirit works upon our hearts, drawing out prayers and penitence, praise and thanksgiving. . . . {That I May Know Him 75.3} The Holy Spirit breathes the spirit of prayer within you. When the Spirit works in you only feeble then you r prayer life will be weak and powerless. The more mightily the Spirits work in you the mighty the results of your prayer. During your prayerlessness the Spirit dwells in you minimally, almost nominally and not in his fullness God only work through your prayer only as we allow as He is truly the Lord of your prayer. “Would you seek with mighty result? Seek the mighty workings of the Holy Spirit in your own spirit.” --E.M. Bounds In what manner must we do spiritual work? Read Zechariah 4:6 ____________________________________________

59

"The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men---men of prayer."--E. M. Bounds “The helping of the Spirit is emphatic, as the man taking up a piece of timber by the end and the Holy Spirit comes at the other end and takes the heaviest end of the burden and so help the soul to lift it up.” Bishop Ambrose 400BC

THE SPIRIT HELPS 1. The Spirit fills you so that he can be Lord of

your prayer. 2. The Spirit makes you spiritually healthy. 3. The Spirit draws you to prayer. 4. The Spirit gives you access to God. (Eph. 2:8) 5. The Spirit will teach you.

IN WHOSE SPIRIT? Ephesians 6:18 ________________________ Galatians 5:16 _________________________ Galatians 5:25 _________________________ Romans 8:4 ___________________________ Galatians 5:16 _________________________ THE SPIRIT BURDENS YOU TO PRAY Romans 5:5 _____________________________

“If you would pray in faith, be sure to walk everyday with God. If you do He will tell you what to pray for. Be filled with His Spirit and He will give to the objects enough to pray for. e will give you as much of the spirit of prayer as you have strength of body to bear.” –Charles Finney

60

THE SPIRIT EMPOWERS YOU TO PRAY Psalms 62:11-12 ____________________________ THE SPIRIT MULTIPLIES YOUR FAITH “Trying to believe something that you want to believe is not faith…in no case does real faith come by simply determining that you are going to get the thing you want to get.” --R.A. Torrey “The extent of the abiding is the exact measure of the power of in prayer. It is the Spirit dwelling within us that prays, not in words and thoughts always but in breathing and being deeper utterance. Just as there is of Christ’s spirit in us there is real prayer.” –Andrew Murray

61

6. UNITING IN PRAYER The principles of Ecclesiastes 4:12 applies in the spiritual life and prayer warfare: Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. We are encouraged to pray for success, and we are given the divine assurance that our prayers will be heard and "if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them." "Ask of Me, and I will answer your requests." EGWhite{Central Advance, February 25, 1903 par. 1}

UNITED PRAYER Why do we need to be united in prayer? "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalms 133:1 Several people gathered to bring their request to the governor. The governor cannot understand what they really wanted because each would say something different for the same cause. The governor suggested that they meet again and agree first on one point before they submit their petition which they did. Once united eventually they received their request.

62

“If God will do whatever He wishes, regardless of whether we pray or not, then we do not need to pray at all, and the Lord's instructions on praying for the Kingdom and the Will are superfluous. But the truth is that God waits for a Remnant to rise up and to pray in agreement with His Purpose before He does anything - He will do nothing apart from the Church. Apart from HIM, we CAN do nothing; apart from US, He WILL do nothing.” –Chip Brogden Paul believes in a united prayer. Romans 15:30 __________________________ 2 Corinthians 1:10-11 ___________________ Philippians 1:19 ____________________ "Men's hearts ought not to be set against one another, but set with one another, and all against evil only."--Thomas Carlyle

God honors unity in prayer. Types of united prayers.

1. Acts 16:25 ______________________ 2. Acts 1:13 _______________________ 3. Acts 12:12 ______________________ 4. Acts 20:36 ______________________ 5. Acts 1:14 _______________________

“All those who journey soon or late must pass within the garden gate; must kneel alone in darkness there. And battle with some despair. God pity those who cannot say, “Not mine but Thine.” For they only pray “let this trial pass” for they cannot see the purpose in Gethsemane, for they cannot see the purpose on Calvary.” –Ernest Crosby

63

God blesses united prayers The spirit of prayer is deepened. “Nothing is more calculated to beget a spirit of prayer than unite in social with one who has the Spirit himself.” --Charles Finney Love of the brethrens and unity are intensified. “The more you pray together the more you sense each other’s heartbeat. Nothing tends to cement the hearts of Christian than praying together. Never do they live one another so well as when they witness the outpouring of each other’s heart.”--Charles Finney Remember the scene in the upper house. They live one another so well that they witness the outpouring of each other’s heart and the Holy Spirit. The Pentecost Phenomenon in Acts 4 What was Paul’s encouragement to the early Christians that led to the outpouring of the Spirit? Romans 12:16:18 ____________________ Romans 14:19 ___________________ Romans 15:5-7 ___________________ 1Corinthians 1:10 _________________ 1 Corinthians 7:15 ___________________ 2 Corinthians 2:11 _________________ Hebrews 11:14 _________________ The Great Battle in 2 Chronicles 20

64

“God needs them all – our open hands, our waiting best, our praying hearts. To work together and to weave a three cord that shall not impart, to aid some who is sad.” --Amie Johnson Flint The more you hear others joining in prayer for the same need, the stronger your faith tend to become. You become encouraged, persevering, constant, concerned. There is a new firmness and determination. Heart warms heart. Prayer kindles prayer. Faith strengthens faith. When faith is strengthened, spiritual power is multiplied. Hope is so strong that impossibility is shun

PRAYER IN AGREEMENT

1. Agree in the assessment of the need. 2. Agree in deep hunger for God’s answer. 3. Agree in giving God the full liberty to

work. 4. Come to agreement in God’s will in the

matter. 5. Agree in claiming an appropriate

promise. 6. Agree in holy determination to see God’s

answer realized. 7. Agree in giving God all the glory.

65

The promise is made on condition that the united prayers of God's people are offered, and in answer to these prayers there may be expected a power greater than that which comes in answer to private prayer. The power given will be proportionate to the unity of the members and their love for God and for one another. EGWhite{Central Advance, February 25, 1903 par. 2} MIGHTY ANSWERS THROUGH AGREEING IN PRAYER Exodus 17:8-16 ______________________

Numbers 14:5 _______________________

Matthew 26:38-45 ____________________

Acts 8:5-7 _______________________

Those in distant countries who are on the ground should consult together, pray together, opening the word of God for counsel. Where two or three are agreed together, this word declares, as touching anything they shall ask in the name of Jesus, it shall be done for them. "Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Bow down before God. With reverential awe approach the throne of grace. Present the word of God which is not Yea and Nay, but Yea and Amen in Christ Jesus. EGWhite-{Manuscript 1888 1612.1}

66

7. PERSEVERANCE Do you devout yourself to prayers, being watchful? (Colossians 4:2)

“God does not delay to hear our prayers because He has no mind to give; but that, by enlarging our desires, He may give us the more largely.” --Anselm of Canterbury

How long must one persevere?

“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.” --Brother Lawrence

Persevere as long as Christ does. You are chosen to be Christ’s prayer partner. He has chosen you in the heavenliest beside Him on His throne. You are to join His rule of intercessory grace by joining your prayers with His.

“If you are sick, fast and pray; if the language is hard to learn, fast and pray; if the people will not hear you, fast and pray, if you have nothing to eat, fast and pray.” - Frederick Franson

He still loves. He still longs. He still intercedes. You dare not give up while He is praying. Don’t fail Him by stopping to pray while He is interceding. As far as the Scripture reveals, prayer is Christ major work today!

If we then are to have fellowship with Jesus Christ in His present work we must spend much time in prayer;

67

we must give ourselves to earnest, constant, persistent, sleepless, overcoming prayer.

Persevere in prevailing as long as the Holy Spirit gives you desire. Persevere in prevailing as long as Satan gives keeps resisting and hindering.

"The true man of God is heartsick, grieved at the worldliness of the Church...grieved at the toleration of sin in the Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church. He is disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil." --Leonard Ravenhill

The Result of Persevering Prayer As by earnest, persevering prayer they obtain the endowment of the Holy Spirit and go forth weighted with the burden of soul-saving, their hearts filled with zeal to extend the triumphs of the cross, they will see fruit of their labors. Resolutely refusing to display human wisdom or to exalt self, they will accomplish a work that will withstand the assaults of Satan. Many souls will be turned from darkness to light, and many churches will be established. Men will be converted, not to the human instrumentality, but to Christ. Self will be kept in the background; Jesus only, the Man of Calvary, will appear.—EGWhite, Review and Herald Aug. 24, 1911. Samples of persevering prayers Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. James 5:17, 18. EGW{Our High Calling 133.1}

68

Important lessons are presented to us in the experience of Elijah. When upon Mount Carmel he offered the prayer for rain, his faith was tested, but he persevered in making known his request unto God. EGWhite{ Our High Calling 133.2} Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His experience testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to the church or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talents or education, by wealth, or the favor of men; they are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power. EGWhite {1New Life 132.7} The Saviour manifested divine compassion toward the Syrophenician woman. His heart was touched as He saw her grief. He longed to give her an immediate assurance that her prayer was heard; but He desired to teach His disciples a lesson, and for a time He seemed to neglect the cry of her tortured heart. When her faith had been made manifest, He spoke to her words of commendation and sent her away with the precious boon she had asked. The disciples never forgot this lesson, and it is placed on record to show the result of persevering prayer. EGWhite{Christ’s Object Lessons 175.2}

PUSH! P - PRAY U - UNTIL S - SOMETHING H – HAPPENS

69

Why God takes time to answer?

"It is not enough for the believer to begin to pray, nor to pray correctly; nor is it enough to continue for a time to pray. We must patiently, believingly continue in prayer until we obtain an answer." George Mueller

1. Sometimes demonic resistance delays God’s answer until you and heaven prevail.

2. Sometimes it takes time to separate parts

complex situation to fit together. God knows the perfect time to give maximum results.

3. Sometimes it takes time for God’s to coordinate

circumstances to bring pressure on person until that one becomes willing to do what God wants to do.

4. Sometimes it takes time for God to prune from

your own life things that are hindering your prayer.

5. Sometimes time is needed for cumulative effect

of great amassing prayer.

6. Sometimes the answer is delayed because Satan is so entrenched.

What does God do? Read Psalms 121:3,8 __________________________________________ __________________________________________

70

How long does it take God to answer prayer? Numbers 12:13 _____________________________

1Kings 18:38 _______________________________

Exodus 17:11-16 ____________________________

Colossians 4:12-13 __________________________

“God does not bestow His gifts to the hasty and casual comers and goers. Much with God alone is the secret of knowing Him and of influence with Him.” – E.M. Bounds Never was a faithful prayer lost. Some prayers have a longer voyage than others but then they return with richer harvest at last. So that the praying soul is a gainer by waiting for an answer.

“God's answers are wiser than our prayers.” –Unknown

8. PRAISE “The prayer that begins with trustfulness and passes on into waiting will always end in thankfulness and praise.” --Rev. Alexander Scottish God has predestined that our Christian lives bring praise and glory to Him. (Ephesians 1:5,6) We are to be His praise now and eternally (v. 4) Therefore our lips and our lifestyle should constantly praise God. God rejoices in our praise. And we are to begin our worship with praise. (Psalms 100:4; Isaiah 60:18) We are to praise Him with our voices (Psalms

71

34:1) with songs (147:1) and with music. (150:3) We are to be clothed with praise (Isaiah 61:3) and our very live are to be a praise to God. (1 Peter 2:9) Shall all our devotional exercises consist in asking and receiving? Shall we be always thinking of our wants and never of the benefits we receive? Shall we be recipients of His mercies and never express our gratitude to God, never praise Him for what He has done for us? We do not pray any too much, but we are too sparing of giving thanks. If the loving-kindness of God called forth more thanksgiving and praise, we would have far more power in prayer. We would abound more and more in the love of God and have more bestowed to praise Him for. You who complain that God does not hear your prayers, change your present order and mingle praise with your petitions. When you consider His goodness and mercies you will find that He will consider your wants. EGWhite {5Testimonies 317.1}

“It is necessary to rouse the heart to pray, otherwise it will become quite dry. The attributes of prayer must be: love of God, sincerity, and simplicity.” --John of Kronstadt

What praise can do? 1. Praise focuses our heart to God. 2. Praise cleanses our heart of cares, fears and

earth-centered thoughts. 3. Praise begets and increases faith. 4. Praise invokes God’s presence, God’s power

and God’s forces. 5. Praise confounds, terrifies, restrains and thwarts

Satan.

72

“Whether we think of or speak to God; whether we act or suffer for him; all is prayer when we have no other object than his love, and the desire of pleasing him.” --John Wesley

"One can endure sorrow alone, but it takes two to be glad." --Elbert Hubbard "Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow."--Helen Keller "Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven." They had not sought the mercies of God in vain. Then Daniel called together his companions, and thanked God that their prayers had been heard and answered, and they presented to God an offering of praise and thanksgiving, that was wholly acceptable to the Ruler of the universe. EGWhite{Youth Instruction, November 22, 1894 par. 3} To praise God in fullness and sincerity of heart is as much a duty as is prayer. EGWhite, Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 299.

Are you ready to do a prevailing prayer? Here is an example of intelligent prayer,--an appeal to the reason and the sympathy of Jehovah; and Moses' prayer was answered, because God is reasonable and compassionate. The sorrows of his people touch his heart of love; and will he not hear our prevailing prayer? Will not our very urgency be regarded? His loving-kindness faileth not. As a kind Father, he does not mock the miseries of his children. And will he not avenge his own, who cry day and night unto him? EGWhite {Signs of the Times, August 14, 1884 par. 5}

73

PART 4

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

74

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION “And I searched for a man (noun) among them who could build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I find no one.” Ezekiel 22:30 "I commend intercessory prayer, because it opens man's soul, gives a healthy play to his sympathies, constrains him to feel that he is not everybody, and that this wide world and this great universe were not after all made that he might be its petty lord, that everything might bend to his will, and all creatures crouch at his feet."! Charles Spurgeon Intercession: the act of interceding: mediation, pleading or prayer in behalf of another or others. - Webster Dictionary Christ example of intercession – John 17

1. Protection from the evil one 2. Fullness of joy 3. Sanctifying truth 4. An effective witness 5. A refining of character 6. A oneness and unity with triune God

Jesus intercession did not end on earth but He continues to minister in heaven as our High Priest. “Hence He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

75

You are an intercessor! Christ ordained you to join Him in the ministry of intercession. “And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stone, are built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Hebrews 7:35

INTERCESSION IN THE BIBLE The Old Testament has many cases of people standing up for others before God. The most striking example is that of Abraham. He took the initiative to step forward before God on behalf of his neighbors in Sodom and its area. He cared enough to do it, even though he knew how thoroughly wicked Sodom was, and knew how furious God was about it -- which explains why he was so careful in speaking to God about it (Genesis 18:16-33). Moses (Exodus 32:11-14) also stepped in when God was angry, standing in the gap in the fullest sense: offering his own life for that of his nation. (Thankfully, God didn't take him up on the offer.) It was part of the role of a prophet not just to speak what God speaks, but to speak with God for the people of Israel.

76

A fine example is the exchange between the prophet Habakkuk and God (Habakkuk 1:1-2:20), where the prophet asks for God to act against injustice, but God replies about a coming doom. Isaiah prayed with King Hezekiah to save the nation from defeat and destruction at the hands of Assyria, and the armies were suddenly turned back (see Isaiah ch. 36-39). The master builder Nehemiah prayed to God to bring about the rebuilding of Jerusalem and of his people (Nehemiah 1:4-11). As they took their concerns to God, the key motivation behind these giants of faith was compassion. They loved the people, the culture, the faith with a love like God's love, and it burned in them so much that they dared to take on God on their behalf. Unlike the gods of the lore of most other lands, this God did not zap them with lightning or turn them into half-beasts. God listened to their cries -- not by ignoring the wrongdoings that got the divine wrath kindled in the first place, but by saving at least some of the people and bringing them back to where they belonged. The New Testament has its cases of intercessory prayer. Jesus was the prime example of an intercessor. He interceded in prayer that God bless and protect His followers (John 17:6-26). At the cross, He prayed for those who had Him executed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Indeed, His whole life, His whole reason for being born, was to be a living intercession, a giving of His life to span the rift caused by our rebellion against God.

77

Stephen's last words (Acts 7:60) were an intercession on behalf of those who were killing him. Paul prayed constantly for the struggling young church, for character, behavior, witness, and wisdom (for example, in Colossians 1:9-12). It is Paul's regular prayer for the church and its people that sets the usual pattern for our own intercessory prayers. And Epaphras was the 'prayer wrestler' for the church in Colossae (Colossians 4:12). Even at its earliest, the young church was praying for people: for safe travel (Hebrews 13:18-19), praying that people might know Christ through other peoples' witness (Ephesians 6:18-20), praying for healing and health (James 5:14-15), for rescue (Acts 12:5-12), for wisdom, for childbirth, for spiritual growth (Ephesians 1:16-17), for marriages -- asking God to bring benefit or blessing to people other than themselves. The others were not always beloved; they prayed for their political leaders, some of whom were out to kill them. But they knew their God was merciful and was intimately involved with what was going on in the world. And they knew that they were called by God to share in that involvement, strength, healing, and love. Don't be fearful; be persistent and stubborn. God doesn't mind; God likes to see divine love at work in you. God honors your part in the relationship. It is best to always be aware that you never really pray alone. For when the honest love in you for other people causes you to ask God to act to strengthen, heal, defend, change, or bless them, there is someone else praying with you: the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is leading you to pray. When your love is not whole or your mind is not clear, the Spirit steps in for you, to express the prayer and draw you into it.

78

It's been the practice of Christian intercessors over the past two millennia that intercessory prayer is prayed in a 'Trinitarian' manner: to the Father, through the Son, and in and with the Holy Spirit. God isn't fussy about that pattern, but it helps us to see some part of how God works in prayer. The intercessory prayer that first comes to you about someone may not be what God wants you to pray for. For instance, you might be praying to lift a burden, but the Lord might be using the burden to prepare them to do something for God. Then again, your prayer might be what God wants to happen. Thus, we are to pray listening for the Spirit, and pray that God's will be done. I find myself concentrating better when I mutter the words; it gives my mind more focus. The mind may go off to explore something during personal devotions, but not while you're interceding for others -- those others must be your first concern. So, it's sometimes best to do it before you seek stillness (though God will sometimes lead you out of stillness into intercession -- be open to it). Don't be surprised if the Spirit starts tugging on your heart to take some sort of action about a matter you're praying about. You may be the answer God sends into their lives. That's not a license to be a buttinski, stepping into everyone's private lives like some sort of conquering hero. But the Spirit might be calling you to be more than a bystander. Be ready for it. When you intercede, bring your knowledge, gifts, abilities, attention and energies before God and say, 'use these, if that's what it takes to set this right'.

79

WANTED: GIFTED INTERCESSOR Are you? Anyone can pray for others and step in with God on their behalf. But some people are gifted at intercession. They have an ear for the needs of others, and take them before God even when those other people reject God. An intercessor’s heart is touched for those in need, not so much on their side as by their side and on their behalf. They have a burden for that person. They persevere. They let the Spirit give them comfort about it, instead of worrying. And when word of results comes, they celebrate and are happy about it. If that sounds like you, then you may be a gifted intercessor. Sometimes, someone is led to be an intercessor for a specific person or mission or task. Such people are valuable even beyond donors. Such intercessors sometimes get a strong sense of coming danger about whom they're praying for. They often report that they're driven to their knees to pray about something they can't otherwise have known was happening. Intercessors also pray for world, national, and local political leaders. This follows in the tradition of the early church's prayers for the Roman authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Some people actually think it's good to pray against evildoers and oppressive leaders, even to pray for their death. Not that God would pay any attention to you if you did. But such thinking poisons your attitude. Pray rather that the Spirit would lead them or change them (1Timothy 2:3-4). When James and John asked for permission to do

80

harm to their enemies by praying for divine acts of judgment, Jesus reminded them of why He was there (and they, too): "For the Son of Man did not come to destroy peoples' lives, but to save them" (Luke 9:56). Intercessory prayer aims to build people into what God wants of them, not to tear them down.

How to deal with burden What to do with burden? When God makes your soul 'heavy' for someone or something that is burden. It is when you share in the sorrow and concern that God has about what happens in human life. A 'burden' comes to people who are open to caring about others. The Spirit tells us, from inside of us, that a person, group, event or situation is facing an important spiritual moment and needs prayer or action right now. Don't mess around with this; stop whatever it is you are doing as safely as you can, and start praying. When we respond to the Spirit's leadings in prayer or action, we are sharing someone else's load, and lifting a bit of our own, too. It may not feel like it at first, though. People with strong gifts of empathy or healing can find the 'burden' quite troubling and overpowering. Even without such gifts, people have been known to break down in tears from a burden laid on their heart. There seem to be some people who are given a gift of imparting spiritual blessings. They are people of prayer who leave themselves open to God as listeners. As they are listening, God tells them of the blessings that are already being given to people who are present at the time (or will be present shortly) or are in the person's circle of acquaintance.

81

When the gifted pray-er comes to that person, he/she will give a verbal prayer of blessing which mentions what the blessing or gift is for that person. The related, traditional gift of 'helps' is about putting what we have into the task, the mission, or the spiritual life of another. It's about furthering other peoples' gifts.

Doing It Together -- Intercessory Prayer Groups One of the most powerful ways to go about praying for others is to form a small group set aside for that purpose. The prayer time can be surrounded with other activities or be stripped of most else; each group develops its own tone. It's best not to make a big fuss about praying together for others or for the Church; it's something best just done. As with all small groups, a commitment and camaraderie is likely to develop over time, just from sharing these concerns together. It can get exciting when one of the prayers is answered. Christians pray alone. They pray in large groups in worship, and sometimes even fill stadiums to pray together. But today's Christians often find their strongest moments of prayer in small groups with a few other believers. They do other things in a small group, too: Bible study, singing, and just being a small community together with each other. Prayer is a part of a larger small-group picture. Small-group prayer is very flexible. Most of what is done in private prayer or in public worship prayer or concerts of prayer can also be done in small groups. Plus there's the flexibility to go from one way of praying to another, which keeps giving different angles to our small-collective relationship with God.

82

Each group develops its own rhythm, style, schedule, and history. If it is a group that meets on a regular basis, it needs a clear purpose that the members invest themselves in. Most prayer group activities are done in a ring or circle. It's the most natural formation to take: each one faces most of the others, looking them in the face. It is a visible oneness (the ring) with visible parts (each person). It becomes even more so when the hands are linked, since the people next to you in a ring, the two folks you're least likely to be looking at, are the ones drawn to you by touch. Some see something mystical about the ring/circle, but its 'magic' is really simple human togetherness -- unity. God takes that and blesses it, since it's what God hopes to create between us. The procedure that most people find most natural is to stand together in a ring, and have each person share for however long is needed, then going to the next person in the ring, until done. If hands are linked, one person can pass their turn on to the next simply by squeezing the next person's hand or softly saying something. Another common way is for each to share freely, in no particular order, waiting until the person speaking is done. Those who have experience in leading groups say that these are fine ways to begin, but it tends to become a rut, or concentration spans lapse. It helps to move from one procedure of prayer to another.

83

More number, more power Level 1: Prayer Partners Level 2: Prayer Groups Level 3: Simultaneous Prayer Group Level 4: Calls to prayer by responsible and influential

leaders to leaders or groups Level 5: Widespread movements of prayer

Right size of a prayer circle A prayer circle of 5 to 12 people is about the right size. If it's smaller, it will sputter when members are absent, and get more ingrown. If it's larger, the members lose touch with each other, or prayer time can get too complex and wearying. If it's too big, try splitting it into two separate groups, each led by someone who has had responsibilities in the original group. It's a good idea for the groups to keep in touch regularly after that, exchanging prayer concerns and perhaps taking on a service activity together.

84

Types of intercessory prayer General Intercessor Prays daily for specific lists.

e.g. Salvation of individuals by name, may mixed prayer needs.

Personal Intercessor for leaders

A specific call given for a specific individual’s ministry. e.g. Pastor, teacher, elder, intercessor etc.

Memory Healing Intercessor Prayer Counselor.

e.g. Guide person with Holy Spirit, through healing prayer of painful memories that cause distortion in the picture of God.

Crisis Intercessor Prays for specific need until answer comes.

e.g. crisis level trouble marriage, sudden illness, etc. Task Force Intercessor

Prays for specific ministry or project until completed. e.g. Evangelism program, Outreach programs, Health seminars etc.

Strategic Intercessor / Warfare

Targeting principalities and powers that are working in opposition to the advancement of the kingdom. e.g. Demoniac activity.

85

Variations for group praying 1. Sentence prayers : each person, one at a time, offers a brief specific concern, praise, or thanks to God, ending with "Amen" or some other refrain. No explaining it, just saying it and leaving it. (Allow those who don't want to share to say just "Amen" so it passes on to the next person.) 2. Silent intercessions: The leader reads a general concern, and is then silent. Time is then taken to silently pray for specific people, actions, and ministries involved with that general concern. Then, after a while, the leader speaks a word of the Bible relating to that concern, and a brief prayer on it. 3. Basket of prayer: each person writes just one concern that is most on their heart, onto a slip of paper. The papers are gathered in a basket, and the group prays over them. This can be done by reading each one or leaving them unread all together in the basket. 4. Prayer for witness: Each person in the group names one person that they most want to see turn to Christ. This would be someone from work, hobbies, family, or other non-religious activities, that they meet in the course of their daily lives. After each one is spoken, the group then prays for an opportunity for a Christian's witness to hit home. 5. Two-by-two: at the start, names are randomly drawn to be matched in pairs. The pairs then go to separate locations from the other pairs (like, say, one in the kitchen, another on the deck, another in the garden, etc.). The pair then takes time to minister, share, and pray with each other. 6. Echos: Someone speaks a phrase of Psalm or hymn or a very specific prayer. Then each person repeats the phrase, with short breaks in between each time it is spoken. This

86

gives everyone time to think on the phrase, or to silently let it sink in, listening for some stirrings within. 7. Group confessions: one common approach is for a leader to talk briefly about a general kind or category of sin. All those present write onto slips of paper a few words of a specific instance where they committed that kind of sin. These are not to be read. The papers are then gathered into a cooking container. All those present gather around it, and speak together a prayer of confession of being sorry for it and expressing the determination to cease that sin. Then all take the container to a safe place indoors or outdoors, and then someone lights it, allowing it to burn completely to ash. (Have something to douse or smother it with in case of flare-up.) Once this is done, someone then says that these sins are forgiven due to Christ's work on the cross. 8. Strong personal needs: Sometimes, in a group setting, someone will be so hurt by life (or so moved by the group or its actions) that they will break down. Other times, composure will hold, but the need for prayer is acute and prayer is requested. Either way, see to it that the person is sitting down securely. (This sitting is known in some circles as the 'hot seat'.) Ask that person to start praying. Then bring the others present to gather around him/her, laying hands and praying until a sense of comfort about the matter comes over him/her, or that person brings it to an end. 9. Written response prayers: Those in liturgical churches know these from worship services. A petition is offered, then ended with a clear ending tag, like, "O Lord" or "in Jesus' name", followed by a standard response spoken by all, such as "hear our prayer" or "let it happen, Lord". Then the next written petition is spoken, and so on. (The tags and response can be much less mundane than that. But simple often works best.) Without a deliberate effort to keep prayer concerns as wide as God's world, groups (and people) tend to get ever

87

narrower in what they pray about. This can be prevented by creating a structure in which a broad range of concerns are addressed each meeting. Most common is to start with praise, then introspective and contemplative prayer, then move to prayers for self and family, then intercessions for each other and the faith challenges/opportunities faced each day, then the congregation, then the community at large, the nation, and the world. Then, bring the focus back down to one: Jesus. Then, end with prayers of thanks and praise. A group can be focused as an intercessor group, but they usually have much more to them than their prayer task, such as friendship, accountability, Bible study, and faith education.

88

Prayer group etiquette There are rules of behavior - a kind of prayer group etiquette -- for intercessory prayer circle members to follow: 1. Be bold. Don't ever think, "oh, this is too hard / big / small / rare a thing for us". Lay it before God, and if that is what God wants, God will make it come to be. 2. Understand that God's purposes go far beyond your group, therefore concerns far beyond your group or your church must be a full part of the group's prayers. 3. Follow your leader during prayer, even if you don't like the way it is going. Keep all arguments and fighting out of the actual intercessory prayer time. 4. Pray with the flow of the meeting. There is a time for praying aloud, and a time for quiet and silence; a time to focus on interceding for a specific person or group or ministry, and time to take on all requests; a time to pray feverishly, and a time for relaxed trust; a time to speak up with a flow of words, and a time to just listen for the Spirit. The Spirit, like wind, can change direction quickly, and the meeting should learn to move with the Spirit. 5. Praise God for answers to prayer; whether or not you think those answers are good. God is afoot in the world, and that is good news! 6. Stay focused. Don't break from prayer unless you absolutely must. In prayer, you're collectively dealing with God, not each other. That means do the Scripture readings, announcements, healings, gifts of 'words', event scheduling, money collection, songs, counseling, correction or other duties before or after the prayers, not during them. (You can, for instance, go from one prayer practice to another, or

89

suddenly steer into intercession for someone in need who is there with laying on of hands. But don't blurt out the time and place for the church picnic.) 7. Put others' needs before your own. 8. Keep your own motives as clear as you can. 9. Gossip and criticism are not prayer. Pray, don't pry. It's okay when someone chooses not to pray. No one is ever to be pressured to pray. 10. Don't be afraid of gossip about yourself. Someone else needs your prayers and you need theirs, and in intercession, that is what counts. (Do not pray aloud about someone else in a way that would breach another person's private confidences. Pray that specific prayer silently.) 11. Don't try to take over on someone else during prayer. Pray instead that the pray-er gets fresh direction from the Spirit. 12. Prayer time is not a time to pass messages or signals to someone else, out loud or otherwise. A sermon is not a prayer. If the purpose of your speaking during prayers is that others hear your point of view, then be silent and get into what they're praying. You're talking to God, not to those around you. Do you think God likes to be preached at? 13. Please don't say 'Jesus' or 'hallelujah' every other word. (This is my pet peeve, and most visitors and newcomers think it's bizarre.) Think of how it would sound to you if someone said your name every few words when speaking to you. Do you think God likes it any better? God knows His name! You can let out a good 'amen' or 'praise god', especially to voice support of another's prayer, but please don't let it swallow up the prayer itself.

90

14. Don't reduce intercessory (or any other) prayer to the constant repeating of catch-phrases, like, "more! more!" or "fire! fire! fire!". That's not really intercession, because it's detached from people. 15. Make your prayers concise, specific, and to the point, yet with enough words to be a sharing of the heart. There are those who ask for blessings, angel visitations and divine miracles on every little detail. That's for private time, not group time. No prayer hogs allowed. Everyone else must have the chance to pray aloud. A record can be posted for the benefit of those who missed the scheduled time and still want to pray with them. WARNING ABOUT GROUP PRAYER! “Meeting for a conference and prayer should not be tedious…upon common occasions there should NOT be prayer of more than ten minutes’ duration. After there has been a change of position, and the exercise of singing or exhortation has relieved the sameness, then, if any feel the burden of prayer, let them pray. All should feel it Christian duty to pray.” (2 T 577, 578)

What is prayer coverage? It is like in a battle that when one soldier moves forward, he is an open target of the enemy his comrades are obliged to cover or protect one against the enemy’s attack. Groups should be praying for their minister.--And let those who love the Lord and His truth unite by twos and threes to seek places of retirement and pray for God's blessing upon the minister who can hardly find time to pray because he is constantly engaged attending to so many requests, sitting in councils, answering inquiries, giving advice, writing important letters. Let the fervent, effectual prayer of the

91

righteous ascend to God, that the word spoken may be a message of truth to reach the hearts of the hearers, and that souls may thereby be won to Christ.—Review and Herald July 24, 1883. {Pastoral Ministry 49.4}

What is your subject to pray for intercession?

1. Pray for the church 2. Pray for the Sabbath school 3. Pray for the Worship hour 4. Pray for the Pastor 5. Pray for the members 6. Pray for the new converts 7. Pray for the unsaved friends 8. Pray for the children 9. Pray for the leaders of the nation 10. Pray for the world wide work of God

When do you do pray for intercession?

1. Before the church 2. Immediately after the church 3. Before prayer meeting 4. On Friday night 5. Have all member pray at a specific time each week 6. Lunch time once a week 7. Morning each week 8. After work 9. Have the 3 o’clock habit 10. When you think you don’t need one

92

Why need a prayer group leader? What makes for an intercessory group leader? It is important that there be someone who takes the main responsibility for leading the group. Often a main leader emerges from the first few meetings, just naturally, but if things start to drift or fizzle after a while, a more deliberate choice needs to be made. A group without some sort of leadership usually drifts off into the mists. The leader sets the basic course for the prayers of the meeting, maintains the contacts, makes suggestions for further devotions, and provides a way for the group to effectively pray on private matters without breaching privacy. The leader is the main contact, the one to go to on specific prayer matters outside of group time, or with questions on prayer practice. Most groups find that it's best to take one subject at a time; if so, there needs to be someone who is responsible for keeping the group on course, and to stop members from hijacking the prayers, while still allowing the Spirit to have the freedom to switch the tracks. The leader also debriefs - he/she goes over what happened with those who couldn't be there. It can be a shared or alternating role, but responsibilities need to be made very clear.

93

A prayer group leader should have traits like these: a servant's heart. (Intercessory prayer is not a stepping-stone to church office or power-broker roles.) a belief that God listens when we pray for others, God wants us to pray for others, and God acts because of it. (This trust is based on God's promises in Scripture.) has some ability or gift to spiritually discern. (This is how they know where to lead, when the group is going off-task, and when someone is trying to manipulate what's going on.) is reliable. (Someone can't lead if they suddenly don't show up.) is steeped in Scripture. (Through it, they develop a 'scripture instinct' that helps discern the Spirit's direction for the group.) is discreet. (Pray-ers get very personal and confessional sometimes. That can be fodder for the rumor mill in just about every church.) is open-minded and teachable, taking the time to really listen. (As time goes on, a good leader learns some lessons about leading and about following Christ.) is emotionally and spiritually mature. (If not, their place in the group is to follow.) prays and does personal devotions. (How can someone lead a prayer group when they don't have a devotional life of their own?)

94

is loving, not harsh. (The leader should be someone who draws people in, not scare them off.) is not central in a congregation's internal politics. (If the leader's a player in the parish's power struggles, the group will eventually be drawn into it.) has enough time. (Leading takes preparation. It's hard to lead when a thousand other things demand your attention. The leader needs to be reasonably available to the others in the group, because some things will be left undone during meetings.) is ready to make disciples. The leader sees to it that leadership has its peak and end.

95

REFERENCE INTERCESSOR FOR WHOM FOR WHAT Job 9:32-35 Someone Job Remove terror of God Job 42:7-10 Job his “friends” Forgive folly words Psalms 85 Son of Korah Judeans Restoration Ps. 106:19-23 Moses Israelites Forgive idolatry Isaiah 53:12 Suffering servant Transgressors Forgiveness Isaiah 59:16 God Human Justice Isaiah 64 Isaiah Judeans Forgiveness Jer. 17:16 Jeremiah Judeans Not to intercede Jer. 14:19-22 Jeremiah Judeans Forgiveness Jer. 15:1 Moses, Samuel Israelites General Jer. 18:28 Jeremiah Judeans Turn away God’s wrath Jer 42:1-7 Jeremiah The remnant Direction / decision Ezek 22:30-31 Someone Judeans Turn away God’s wrath Daniel 9 Daniel Judean exiles Forgiveness, return Matt. 5:44 God’s people Persecutors General Matt 8:5-13 Centurion Servant Heal paralysis Matt 9:18-26 Ruler Daughter Resurrection Matt 15:21-28 Canaanite woman Daughter Release demons Matt 17:14-18 Father Son Heal from demons Luke 22:14-18 Jesus Peter Faith will not fail Luke 23:34 Jesus Romans Forgiveness John 4:46-52 Royal official Son Heal fever John 11 Mary & Martha Lazarus Heal , resurrection John 17 Jesus Disciples Unity Acts 7:59-60 Stephen Murderers Forgiveness Acts 8:14-17 Peter & John Samaritan Receive Holy Spirit Acts 9:36-43 Peter Dorcas Resurrection Acts 12:1-19 Jerusalem church Peter Release from prison Acts 13:3 Antioch Barnabas/Saul Consecration Acts 28:7-8 Paul Publius’ Dad Healing from fever Romans 1:8-10 Paul Roman churc General Rom. 8:26,27 Holy Spirit Saints General Romans 10:1 Paul Israelites Salvation Rom. 15:30-31 Roman church Paul Rescue fr non-believer Eph 1;15-23 Paul Eph. church Wisdom, revelation Eph 3:14-21 Paul Eph. church strength fr Holy Spirit Eph 6:18 Ephesians church all saints General Eph 8:19 Ephesians church Paul Right words to speak Phil 1:3-11 Paul Phil church Love may abound Col 1:3-12 Paul Colossians ch General Col 4:3-4 Colossian Church Paul, others Proclaim truth clearly 1 Thes 3:9-13 Paul Thess church strength / blameless 1 Thes 5:25 Thessalonians Paul, others General 2 Thes 1:11,12 Paul Thessalonians General 2Thes 2:16-17 Paul Thes church Encouragement 2 Thes 2:1-4 Thessalonians Paul Message spreads 1Tim 2:1-4 Timothy Everyone Peace. quite lives Philemon 4-6 Paul, Timothy Philemon Active sharing faith Heb 13:18-19 Hebrews Paul, others Restoration Heb 13:20-21 Paul Hebrews God equip them

96

High level prayer partners with remarkable prayer results. AD 30, Peter’s preaching resulted in three thousand conversions. His partners for ten days did the next level prayer. In 1700s, William Carey preached in India for forty-two years. His disabled sister served as his partner faithfully did the next level prayer everyday. 1930s, Eastern USA, Charles Finney evangelized in Boston for a week, 50,000 committed to faith. New York, thousands converted in a year in and estimated half million in his life time. Abel Clarey a disabled prayer partner stayed with Finney with the next level prayer. 1872, Dwight L. Moody, preached in London with tens of thousands conversions. Maryann Adelard and others always uttered high level prayer for Moody, who never preached without. 1934, Mordecai Hamm preached in Charlotte, North Carolina. Billy Graham’s father set a high level prayer inside his barn for Hamm and the city of Charlotte. 1949, Billy Graham held massive crusades and reached millions for Christ. He held more high level prayers much of the time. Dwight Nelson, profound pastor, preacher and writer that reached countries around the world through NET 98. He has two to six intercessors for high level prayer plus his congregation and students at Andrews University church. Go do the next level prayer and have the same result!

97

PART 5

PRAYER WARRIOR

98

PRAYER WARRIOR

Jesus the Master Prayer Warrior “We need now to pray as we have never prayed before.” --E. G. White {Today With God 336.3} Jesus opened His public mission with fervent prayer and His example makes manifest the fact that prayer is necessary in order to lead a successful Christian life. He was constantly in communion with His Father, and His life presents to us a perfect pattern which we are to imitate. He appreciated the privilege of prayer, and His work showed the results of communion with God. Examining the record of His life, we find that upon all important occasions He retired to the grove, or to the solitude of the mountains, and offered earnest, persevering prayer to God. He frequently devoted the entire night to prayer just before He was called upon to work some mighty miracle. During these nightly seasons of prayer, after the labors of the day, He compassionately dismissed His disciples, that they might return to their homes for rest and sleep, while with strong crying and tears He poured forth earnest petitions to God in behalf of humanity. EGW, You Shall Receive Power 14.2}

Choosing the Prayer Warriors Brethren of experience, and of a sound mind, should assemble, and follow the word of God, and with fervent prayer, and by the sanction of the Spirit of God, should lay hands upon those who have given full proof that they have received their commission of God, and set them apart to devote themselves entirely to the work. And by this act show the approving voice of the church, in their going forth as messengers to carry the most solemn message ever given to men. E. G. White {Christian Experience Vol. 54 19.1}

99

THE PRAYER WARRIORS Who will become partners with Christ in this great work? Satan is working diligently; he is determined to battle to the last for supremacy. The Christian united with Christ, must exert an influence that will be a positive power to counter-work the deceiving power of Satan over human souls. The Lord calls for faithful workers, who will give direct personal labor to reach men and women where they are, and educate and train the trembling sinner to look to Christ and live. Bear in mind that no one becomes virtuous or pure or holy without seeking most earnestly and continually to be thus. EGW{Home Missionary, Nov. 1, 1897 par. 16} We are to be partners in the work of God in all parts of the world; wherever there are souls to be saved, we are to lend our help that many sons and daughters may be brought to God. Christians cannot neglect this great work and be guiltless before God. The end is near, and for this reason, we are to make the most of every entrusted ability and every agency that shall offer help to the work. The workers for God, in the field or at home, are to be self-denying, bearing the cross, restricting their personal wants, that they may be abundant in good fruits. Those who prize the light of saving, precious truth, will not hesitate in regard to doing their God-given duty, but will gather up the rays of divine light, that they may diffuse them to those that are in darkness. EGWhite-{GC Bulletin, October 1, 1896 par. 18} “Without experiencing sorrow we cannot fully experience joy. We must have the contrast with sorrow and joy to help us gain perspective; they give us knowledge of true values and its proportions: unless we have learned to conquer ourselves, our environment and our experiences – we cannot win life itself. The sky would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears.” --Author Unknown

100

Are you a Warrior? If you're studying spiritual warfare as a group, ask these questions among yourselves, and share your answers with the group. Do you think that you've ever met Satan? (I'm not talking 'symbolically', or 'it was like Satan' – I mean the real presence of the Evil One, so strong you can almost touch it.) 1. If you've ever chosen to come forward publicly to do something in Christ's name: did things start happening which drew your attention away from doing it? What sort of things? Did you do it anyway? 2. The theme of Jesus' Lordship runs throughout the letters of John and Paul, most notably Philippians 2:9-11. Try to picture how Jesus' reign would break into your life. What would it be like? 3. In what ways can our thoughts or feelings be 'twisted'? In what ways has this happened to you? There are times when parts of the Church have been 'twisted' into deep evil. Can you think of an example? What happened to bring the church out of it? 4. How do you react when you see or hear similes or images (in movies, TV, music, or in books) that represent deep evil and the demonic? Does anything stir in you? Do you ever think about having powers and using them on others? What can or should Christians do about the use of these images, if anything?

101

A must for a Prayer Warriors God's workers must be men of prayer, diligent students of the Scriptures, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, that they may be a light and strength unto others. Our God is a jealous God, and he requires that we worship him in spirit and in truth, and in the beauty of holiness. The psalmist says: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." We must, as workers, take heed to our ways. If the psalmist could not be heard if he regarded iniquity in his heart, how can the prayers of ministers be heard if iniquity is regarded among them? There are dangers to which we are continually exposed. It is Satan's studied plan to make the workers weak in prayer, weak in power, weak in influence before the world, because of the defects in their characters, defects which in no way harmonize with the truth. We must, as workers, be united in frowning down and condemning anything that bears the least approach to evil in our association with one another. Our faith is holy, and our work is to vindicate the honor of God's law. Our work is not of a character to bring any one down to a low level in thought or in deportment. There are many who claim to believe and to teach the truth, who have error and fanciful ideas of their own mingled with the truth. There is an exalted platform upon which we must stand. We must believe and teach the truth as it is in Jesus. EGWhite-{Signs of the Times, October 15, 1885 par. 2}

Prayer Warrior As Individuals Begin every day with earnest prayer, not omitting to offer praise and thanksgiving. Ask for wisdom to manage your affairs with discretion, and thus prevent loss and disaster. Do all you can on your part to bring about favorable results. Jesus has promised divine aid, but not aside from human efforts.--Review and Herald, Feb. 3, 1885. {Today With God 42.4}

102

In every Christian home God should be honored by the morning and evening sacrifices of praise and prayer. Every morning and evening earnest prayers should ascend to God for His blessing and guidance. Will the Lord of heaven pass by such homes, and leave no blessing there? Nay, verily. Angels hear the offering of praise and the prayer of faith, and they bear the petitions to Him who ministers in the sanctuary for His people, and pleads His merits in their behalf. True prayer takes hold upon Omnipotence, and gives men the victory. Upon his knees the Christian obtains strength to resist temptation.--Review and Herald, Feb. 1, 1912. {YRP 138.3}

Prayer Warriors’ Holy Hour The hour of prayer should not be neglected for any consideration. Do not give the time to conversation and recreation until you are too weary to enjoy the season of devotion. To do this is to present to God a lame offering. At an early hour of the evening, when you can pray unhurriedly and understandingly, present your supplication, and raise your voices in happy, grateful praise. Let all who visit Christians see that the hour of prayer is the most sacred, the most precious, and the happiest hour of the day. Such an example will not be without effect. These seasons of devotion exert a refining, elevating influence upon all who participate in them. Right thoughts and new and better desires will be awakened in the hearts of the most careless. The hour of prayer brings a peace and rest grateful to the weary spirit; for the very atmosphere of a Christian home is that of peace and restfulness. EGWhite-{ST, December 17, 1885 par. 7}

103

Prayer Warriors Pray Together Draw nigh to God and then you will draw nigh to one another. By desire, by silent prayer, by resistance of Satanic agencies, put your will on the side of God's will. While you have one desire to resist the devil, and sincerely pray, Deliver me from temptation, you will have strength for your day. It is the work of the heavenly angels to come close to the tried, the suffering, the tempted ones. They labor long and untiringly to save the souls for whom Christ has died, and when souls appreciate their advantages, appreciate the heavenly assistance sent them, the Holy Spirit is working in their behalf, when they put their will on the side of Christ's will, angels bear the tiding heavenward. Returning to the heavenly courts they report their success for the souls for whom they have ministered, and there is rejoicing among the heavenly host. "There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance." EGWhite--Ms 14, 1899. pp. 1, 5, 6. ("To Every Man His Work," February 28, 1899.) Call others together to pray for you.--I felt in my soul it would be a great privilege for me to call together a few of the old tried servants of God and engage in united prayer for the help and strength I so much needed. I followed out the earnest wish of my heart. All present, ministering brethren, united in prayer. The Lord indited those prayers. We were so glad Brother ________r was present to engage with us in prayer. I realized it was a most precious season, and I felt that Christ was present. A sweet fragrance was sensibly realized by me, and I am sure those present must have felt the deep influence of the Holy Spirit. I felt that the canopy of God was over me. I could say fully, Whether I live or die it is well, it is well, with my soul. My life is hid with Christ in God.--18MR 125. {Pastoral Ministry 49.2}

104

PRAYER WARRIORS’ CREED Heaven will never be reached by an easy-going people merely professing to be Christians. God calls for thorough work on the part of every one of His followers. . . . By resolute self-denial, By constant watchfulness, By earnest prayer, By the diligent use of every means of grace, And by the help of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, We shall come off victorious. The rest in heaven is for the weary, The crown for the brows of the warriors. EGWhite-{Our High Calling 82.6}

105

PART 6

PRAYER SESSION

106

PRAYER SESSION SEQUENCE OF THE PRAYER SESSION

Personal Preparations 1. Short Study from “The Next Level Prayer” 2. Prayer Requests and Thanksgivings 3. Song of Worship 4. Prayer invitation for the Holy Spirit & Prayer of

Declaration 5. Prayer by group, (of two, three or more) 6. Song of Praise 7. Benediction

EXPLANATION FOR EACH PART Preparation ( Set off mobiles and other appointments before the session. It is best not to attend than come and rush the session. You are not coming for the sake of the group but you have an audience before God.) Short Study “The Next Level Prayer” booklet (Please, always bring with pen) (Maximum of 10 minutes)

A short guided Bible study with discussion is led by the assigned facilitator.

Prayer Requests and Thanksgiving

Listing and classification of priority prayer (request, thanksgiving, Prayer burden, etc)

This can be done in advance through handouts or better yet written on a poster or board.

107

Song of Worship Sing songs of worship – Songs must be well chosen to set the spirit, atmosphere and ambiance by a song leader. Songs like Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus or Holy Holy Holy and others. An invitation for the Trinity & Prayer of Declaration A 4 part prayer to the Trinity

1. Prayer that God the Holy Spirit will prepare our hearts and spirit as we come in a prayer. 2. Prayer that God the Son, Jesus will cleanse the place of evil spirits, and the angel of host to surround the group. 3. An invitation to God the Father to be present in the midst of the group 4. A statement of declaration that the place of prayer is holy in Jesus’ name. Sample

“Dear God the Holy Spirit we come before you to ask help and guidance us as we say our gratitude, praise and supplication before God the Father. May you direct our minds and spirits as we come before the Holy Throne of God. God the Son may you drive away any evil spirit that is in our midst and send the angels of host to surround us. God the Father we invite your holy presence in our midst for we are now declaring this place holy in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

108

Prayer by group (by two, three or more) Solemnly each group will proceed to prayer. All groups do not finish at the same time so we encourage others to continue praying silently individually. (Avoid conversing with another because it distracts the others who are still praying.) If a person has already mentioned the names and condition the next person may not repeat it but may say…”Dear Father God, I agree with the prayer of Sister Maurice. I pray also for...” (and continue on ) Song of Praise Sing songs of praise that is triumphant and joyful led by the song leader. Songs like Doxology, To God Be the Glory etc. Benediction Benediction is not another prayer like you during the group prayer session. It is more of a farewell of encouragement. Example of Benediction: Brethren may the Mercies of the Father, the love of Christ Jesus and the companionship of the Holy Spirit be upon you always. Amen. or Brethren, arise, go and claim the promises of God with joy be assured that the answers to our petitions will be delivered in Jesus name. Amen.

109

Real prayers, real answers I used the format for the prayer session as a result… In 2000, a Week of Prayer was held in Northeast Luzon Adventist School of Technology. The team of faculty and Adventist students were gathered and trained to be the prayer warriors. After each sermon, the Prayer Warriors are paired to pray for every students of each section. The process is tiring, the warriors get exhausted, and the battle against the forces of darkness was real. Though the prayers were simple yet full of faith, and sweet are the fruit of more than thirty five souls baptized. In 2002, Tirad View Academy held a Week of Prayer and the same process was done. A team of faculty Adventist students served as Prayer Warriors and the result set the highest on record with twenty four souls baptized. In March 2008, Bangkok Adventist International School held their second Week of Prayer. The Adventist students functioned as Prayer Warriors prayed for the students, were two precious souls was baptized. If Jesus’ work on earth involves prayer then prayer is the key to winning souls for God. If we are the product of Christ’s prayers then other could be won by prayers. I strongly believe that the right prayer is the best method in winning souls for God. I pray that this material will help you upgrade your prayer to the next level and unleash the power of prayer in you.

110

PART 7

PRAYER MINISTRY

111

Starting a Prayer Ministry "Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments when, whatever be the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees." -Victor Hugo "God has instituted prayer so as to confer upon his creatures the dignity of being causes." Blaise Pascal You are getting the idea of starting or reviving a prayer ministry at your church. So what's the first thing to do? PRAY. (...surprised?...) But what do you pray for? Pray for discernment and guidance: is this what the Spirit really wants for this church? (Maybe the Spirit wants not a separate prayer ministry that operates within everything. Maybe the prayer is supposed to grow from amidst whatever else the Spirit wants the congregation to emphasize.) What does God want us to do in prayer? What is the right timing to bring this ministry forward? (It has to be done on God's timetable, not yours (Jeremiah 29:11). When it is done in God's timing, the Spirit will make things work well together to an effect that's better than you thought possible.) What's the ministry's vision?

what is its goal? its purpose? its mission? why is it needed? are we the ones to do it? What next?

PRAY.

112

Pray for colleagues and support: the pastor. (Without the full support of the head pastor and/or the responsible pastor on a pastoral staff, it will not go far, if at all. If the pastor is not opting in, pray for a change of heart.) Existing prayer-persons. (Perhaps someone or a small group of someone in your church has been loyally laboring in prayer all this time -- usually in your woman’s circles or specialized ministries. You don't want to trump them; you want to add to them.) congregational lay leaders. (The more of them support it, the faster the congregation's prayer life will change.) a core of one to six others who will commit to pray with you about this. What next? KEEP PRAYING. (....got it yet??....) As you do, look for signs of confirmation (taken together, not each one on its own):

comments from others; inner peace; sudden opportunities; unexpected support; things fall into place; ideas/actions coming out of Bible study groups, and

from your own study of the Bible; it 'bites back' -- the idea becomes harder and harder

to avoid the more you or anyone else tries to hold back on it.

Also, hone down the vision, so you can easily share it with others, again and again so that it sinks in or catches fire. Please, be in no hurry. When it happens, it happens. God's timing is what counts. Get others to lead and take initiative.

113

This is not something to be done alone. And, be ready to accept the idea that someone else may be called to be the main leader. Someone else may have the special set of gifts that takes the prayer ministry forward in depth, member involvement, and effectiveness. Most of all.... (... hopefully, by now you can say the rest of it ....) "Learning to pray is the way Christians discover how to speak. The primary language of the church is the way of prayer -- because in prayer the practice and the language are inseparable." William Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas

Try these: When some news item really grabs your attention, made you angry, sad, determined : Pray about it -- not just once or twice, but at least once a day for four days, and from then on as long as you feel led to keep praying on it. 1. Try asking someone if you could pray with them --- but only when they're openly struggling with something in their lives, or at some other appropriate moment. (Odds are they'll accept.) 2. Try praying a section of the Bible (say, a psalm, a prophecy, the Lord's prayer, or a section from Paul's letters), phrase by phrase, with time in between. Take the time to savor it, and pay attention for the Spirit's leadings. 3. When you pass by a church, pray for that church -- eyes open, of course -- that they may grow in faith and as people. Also, perhaps for their financial situation, or perhaps that they be lit up anew by the Spirit. 4. Your church bulletin and newsletter have many activities listed in them. As you read them, pray for each activity, holding them up before God for guidance and for the power to do what they set out to do.

114

5. Who are the "gifted intercessors" (people whose special gift is prayer) in your worship community? What is special about their intercessions? Pray for them. Pray with them. 6. Some ideas to try for family prayer: Put regular family prayer times next to the times when the family is most often together, such as at mealtimes. Especially if you have little children or grandchildren, have a ceremony at the start of prayer, such as the lighting of a jar candle for each family member, present or absent. 7. Have each person present read part of a passage from Scripture. 8. Have a family member write their own prayer (either regularly or on special occasions). 9. Have everyone present and share something about the day, usually something to be thankful for. (But don't force them to do so.) 10. Share poetry or song (including hymns). Many of these are actually stylized prayer – just like the Psalms and much of the Prophetic writings were. 11. Body language (open hands for receiving, uplifted hands for praising, linking hands in prayer, hand movements in song, etc.) and movement add much to the rituals. Kids like doing things with their bodies, it holds their attention, and teaches them good devotional and worship habits. 12. Have each family member share with the others a personality trait they want to be better at. Every day, in their own private prayers, the family members pray for that person's character growth in that specific trait. Then, during family worship times, each member can talk about what progress (if any) has been made on that trait.

115

Some other things that any of you can try: 1. If someone comes to mind right now: Take the time right now to pray for that person. 2. Take the opportunity to pray with a group of praying people you don't know. 3. Maybe you're one of those who find all this talk about prayer so boring it puts you to sleep. 4. Hmmm..... when you're having trouble going to sleep, pray! (Not about going to sleep, but about other things that matter to you.) Don't worry. God doesn't get insulted if, while you're doing this, you fall asleep. 5. Do your prayers and/or meditations with a notepad and pencil (or notebook computer), for writing what comes to mind. 6. When you're listening to a song that presents a situation that happens in real life (rare as it is nowadays), pray about those in that situation.

116

Bible People Who Ministered Through Prayers 1 Chronicles 17:16 Hezekiah (invasion of Sennacherib) 1 Chronicles 21:8 David (sin of census discovered) 1 Chronicles 4:10 Jabez 1 Kings 17:20 Elijah (healing of widow’s son) 1 Kings 18:36-37 Elijah (Mt Carmel) 1 Kings 19:14 Elijah (Still small voice) 1 Samuel 1:11 Hannah (barren: for a child) 2 Chronicles 6:14-42 Solomon (dedicates the temple) 2 Kings 19:5 Hezekiah (invasion of Sennacherib) 2 Samuel 17:18 David (denied building of the temple) Acts 7:60 Stephen (forgives killers) Daniel 9:14-19 Daniel (captivity of Jews) Ephesians 3:14 Paul (to the Ephesians) Ezra 9:6-15 Ezra (for sins of the people) Genesis 18:23 Abraham (for Sodom) Genesis 32:24 Jacob (Wrestles with God) Genesis 32:9-12 Jacob (deliverance from Esau) Habbakuk 3 Habbakuk Isaiah 38:2-3 Hezekiah (when sick) John 17 Jesus (intercedes for his disciples) Judges 16:28 Samson (revenge for eyes) Luke 18:13 Tax collector Luke 22:42 Jesus (in the Garden) Luke 23:34 Jesus (on cross) Luke 23:42 Thief (on the cross) Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus (Lord’s Prayer) Nehemiah 6:9 Nehemiah (for strength) Numbers 14:13-17 Moses (intercedes for the people)

117

Let’s Pray-Over The Praying Over is the same like how you pray for a person, a program or a situation. Check this example, . Stones have been used as memorials of God's dealings with His people.,… Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the Lord which He spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God" [Josh. 24:26, 27]. {13Manuscript 336.3} The group places their hands over the person or objects that needed a prayer

What to pray-over? Person – People who will take part in the holy service or worships

e.g. Speaker / translator Participants of a worship service etc.

Place - Places where worship and praise to God will be held or be a part of the program.

e.g. Place of worship (church, podium, stage) House, Room, Office etc.

Objects - Anything that will take part in the Holy work of God

e.g. Bibles, Instruments for worships Sound system, Computer System etc.

Events – Any event that pertains to the holy service or worships, evangelism for God’s cause

e.g. Planned program, favorable dates Favorable weather Safe trip etc.

If the power of God energizes man, how much more other objects and events?

118

Try the Prayerwalking! Prayer walking is not new. It is praying while walking. I may be looked at as different from known format of prayer. Prayerwalking means praying on-site with insight. How does prayerwalking help?

1. On site experience of those in need (Jesus mingle with people)

2. It focuses on specific neighbor to be prayed for. 3. Overcomes fear of witnessing. 4. Give confidence to reach the unreached 5. Hearts opened, doors open for God’s healing 6. Stretches your prayer to new directions. 7. Advancing and contending evil mentally and

physically near to people whom Jesus died for. Why walk when you can stay at home?

1. Walking help sensitized you to realities of your

community. 2. Better perception. Walking connects you with your

neighbors. 3. With better insight. 4. Responsive insight. 5. Researched insight. 6. Revealed insight.

Requirements

1. Requires patience. Wait for results in God’s time. 2. Refresh self to God. Prepare heart, soul and mind. 3. Refresh relationships. Repair relationship before the

walk.

119

4. Brief the team. Organize and designate location. 5. Agree on budgeted time, meeting place. 6. Review information. Fortify prayer with

information. 7. Emphasize significance of the prayerwalk. Link

map, calendars and special significance for church future hopes and plans.

During the prayerwalk

1. Open eyes. Look for something worthy to pray for. Say a house of the non-believer

2. Open mouth. Verbalized your prayer. 3. Pray in agreement. Reinforce and uplift the prayers

of others 4. Pray with scripture. Opening The Bible can stop

mental block, Turn any verse to prayer. 5. Pray with relevance. Leave your personal prayer

needs behind. the focus is the community. Extend empathy equally, do not be choosy of people or place. Mix compassion with curiosity. Rouse your curiosity of the other people stories. What does God desire for them?

After the prayerwalk

1. Assemble your group and report as soon as the prayerwalk if done. Do not expect too much that prayerwalk will have a dramatic story to tell. Some may come home heavy-hearted or exuberant.

2. Evaluate your prayerwalk. How can you make changes that will enrich? What do you need to improve?

Taken from the book Prayer-walking. Praying On Site With Insight – by Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendricks published by Creation House – Orlando Florida.

120

PART 8

PRAYER VERSUS SATAN

121

REMEMBER WHEN YOU PRAY… You are putting yourself in the frontline of the battle, where you will be the first to be attacked, hit and hurt by the power of darkness. Next, you will be an open target of the devil’s revenge, your faith, your love ones and your spiritual work! All the agencies of the devil will be alerted on your behalf for your spiritual assassination. The forces of darkness will not stop until you are DOWN and OUT! “Satan is very ready to insinuate that prayer is a mere form, and avails us nothing. He cannot bear to have his powerful rival appealed to. At the sound of fervent prayer the hosts of darkness tremble.” --E. G. White, Living by Principle “Satan crowd in between the soul and God, or mingle with our prayers to such a degree that God and Christ shall be shut out from our view,” EGW, Signs of Times, Apr 4, 1895 } “Satan designs to keep the church in a state of wrangling, envy, jealousy, and evil surmising, so that brethren cannot pray or work in harmony;” –EGW {Review Herald, July 22, 1890 par. 13} “Satan will constantly present allurements to induce us to break this tie--to choose to separate ourselves from Christ. Here is where we need to watch, to strive, to pray,” --E. G. White {Steps to Christ 72.1}

122

SNARES OF SATAN “Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.” --John Bunyan

I saw that Satan bade his angels lay their snares especially for those who were looking for Christ's second appearing, and keeping all the commandments of God. Satan told his angels that the churches were asleep. He would increase his power and lying wonders, and he could hold them. "But," he said, "the sect of Sabbathkeepers we hate; they are continually working against us, and taking from us our subjects, to keep the hated law of God. Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares. If you can make them place their affections upon these things, we shall have them yet. They may profess what they please, only make them care more for money than for the success of Christ's kingdom or the spread of the truths we hate. Present the world before them in the most attractive light, that they may love and idolize it. {Christian Expetience and Teachings 171.1} "We must keep in our ranks all the means of which we can gain control. The more means the followers of Christ devote to His service, the more will they injure our kingdom by getting our subjects. As they appoint meetings in different places, we are in danger. Be very vigilant then. Cause disturbance and confusion if possible. Destroy love for one another. Discourage and dishearten their ministers; for we hate them. Present every plausible excuse to those who have means, lest they hand it out. Control the money matters if you can, and drive their ministers to want and distress. This will weaken their courage and zeal. Battle every inch of ground. Make covetousness and love of earthly treasures the ruling traits of their character. As long as these traits rule, salvation and grace stand back. {Christian Experience and Teachings, 171.2}

123

I saw that Satan carries out his plans well. As the servants of God appoint meetings, Satan with his angels is on the ground to hinder the work. He is constantly putting suggestions into the minds of God's people. He leads some in one way, and some in another, always taking advantage of evil traits in the brethren and sisters, exciting and stirring up their natural besetments. If they are disposed to be selfish and covetous, Satan takes his stand by their side, and with all his power seeks to lead them to indulge their besetting sins. The grace of God and the light of truth may melt away their covetous, selfish feeling for a little, but if they do not obtain entire victory, Satan comes in when they are not under a saving influence, and withers every noble, generous principle, and they think that too much is required of them. They become weary of well-doing, and forget the great sacrifice which Jesus made to redeem them from the power of Satan and from hopeless misery. { Christian Experience and Teachings, 172.1} Satan is constantly working to make us of no value in moral worth. Though the Lord has made every provision that man shall be transformed in character and made like unto himself, because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. Satan engages the attention, and causes the mind to become so engrossed with earthly, sensual things, that the knowledge of God is lost, and the soul is not inspired with the thought of the riches of Jesus Christ. The Lord does not propose to save us in companies. Individually we are to make our choice. One by one we are to appropriate the grace of God to the soul, and one cannot decide for another what course he shall take. The Lord says we are to "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." EGWhite-{Youth Instructor, October 17, 1895 par. 4}

124

Satan is preparing his deceptions that in his last campaign against the people of God, they may not understand that it is he. "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." . . . Satan will go to the extent of his power to harass, tempt, and mislead God's people. {Maranatha, 206.1} Satan is an accuser of the brethren, and it is his spirit which inspires men to watch for the errors and defects of the Lord's people, and to hold them up to notice, while their good deeds are passed by without a mention. {4Spirit of Prophecy 244.1} Satan is frequently there upon the most solemn occasions, in the form of those whom he can use as his agents. {4Spirit of Prophecy SP 244.1} every step the wiles of Satan in pushing over-zealous, unbalanced, and unsanctified ones into fanaticism of every grade. {4Spirit of Prophecy 245.1} Satan contests every inch of ground over which God's people advance in their journey toward the heavenly city. In all the history of the church, no reformation has been carried forward without encountering serious obstacles. {4Spirit of Prophecy 245.1} Satan and his angels. They have entered upon a contest against principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high places. Satan will not yield one inch of ground except as he is driven back by the power of heavenly messengers. The people of God should be able to meet him, as did our Saviour, with the words, "It is written." Satan can quote Scripture now as in the days of Christ, and he will pervert its teachings to sustain his delusions. But the plain statements of the Bible will furnish weapons powerful in every conflict. {4Spirit of Prophecy 376.2}

125

Satan's host is alarmed. It serves his purpose well if we neglect the exercise of prayer, for then his lying wonders are more readily received. That which he failed to accomplish in tempting Christ he accomplishes by setting his deceitful temptations before man.--1Testimonies 296 (1862). Satan will bring in pleasing fables to meet the minds of all who love not the truth. With angry zeal he will accuse commandment keepers. . . . Satan claims the world, but there is a little company who withstand his devices and contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. Satan sets himself to destroy this commandment-keeping company. {That I May Know Him 355.3} It is Satan's studied plan to make the workers weak in prayer, weak in power, weak in influence before the world, because of the defects in their characters, defects which in no way harmonize with the truth. We must, as workers, be united in frowning down and condemning anything that bears the least approach to evil in our2� � � ociation with one another. {Signs of the Times, October 15, 1885 par. 2} Prayer Will Prevail Against Satan.--The prayer of faith is the great strength of the Christian and will assuredly prevail against Satan. This is why he insinuates that we have no need of prayer. The name of Jesus, our Advocate, he detests; and when we earnestly come to Him for help, Satan's host is alarmed. It serves his purpose well if we neglect the exercise of prayer, for then his lying wonders are more readily received. That which he failed to accomplish in tempting Christ he accomplishes by setting his deceitful temptations before man.--1T 296 (1862).

126

PART 9

POWER IN PRAYER

127

The Power of God is Waiting “If you are strangers to prayer you are strangers to power."--Billy Sunday The power of God is waiting the demand of earnest faith. EGWhite-{1Sermons andTalks, 89.2} No power can deliver the ensnared soul but the power of God, in answer to the earnest prayers of his faithful followers. EGWhite-{RH, February 18, 1862 par. 15} Power will be given him to tear down the strongholds of Satan. Hearts will be broken by his presentation of the love of God, and many will inquire. "What must I do to be saved?"— {Pastoral Ministry 191.1} Prayer and faith will do what no power upon earth can accomplish. We need not be so anxious and troubled. The human agent cannot go everywhere and do everything that needs to be done. Often imperfections manifest themselves in the work, but if we show unwavering trust in God, not depending upon the ability or talent of men, the truth will advance. Let us place all things in God's hands, leaving Him to do the work in His own way according to His own will, through whomsoever He may choose. Those who seem to be weak God will use if they are humble. Human wisdom, unless daily controlled by the Holy Spirit, will prove foolishness. We must have more faith and trust in God. He will carry His work out with success. Earnest prayer and faith will do for us what our own devising cannot do. EGWhite-{20Manuscript Releases 268.5}

128

If the loving-kindness of God called forth more thanksgiving and praise, we would have far more power in prayer. We would abound more and more in the love of God and have more bestowed to praise Him for. You who complain that God does not hear your prayers, change your present order and mingle praise with your petitions. When you consider His goodness and mercies you will find that He will consider your wants. EGW {5Testimonies 317.1} Power to Be Obtained Through Prayer--My mind has been dwelling upon the subject of prayer. Little groups should gather and seek the Lord earnestly. We are, as a people, sadly neglecting this means of grace. Christ declares--and the words were spoken after His resurrection--"All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." And because of this power, He adds the great gospel commission: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" [Matthew 28:18-20]. --Letter 320, 1906.--(To S. N. Haskell, Oct. 4, 1906.) White Estate February 3, 1983 {12 Manuscript Release 241.2} Prayer, if properly offered, is a power for good. It is one of the means used by the Lord to communicate to the people the precious treasures of truth. But prayer is not what it should be, because of the defective voices of those who utter it. Satan rejoices when the prayers offered to God are almost inaudible. Let God's people learn how to speak and pray in a way that will properly represent the great truths they possess. Let the testimonies borne and the prayers offered be clear and distinct. Thus God will be glorified.--6T 382. {VSS 265.2}

129

How to remain in the power of God? Neglect of prayer leads men to rely on their own strength, and opens the door to temptation. -The Signs of the Times, Nov. 6, 1884. {2SM 352.1} It was in hours of solitary prayer that Jesus in His earth-life received wisdom and power. {Child Guidance, 525.2} "The strength acquired in prayer to God, united with individual effort in training the mind to thoughtfulness and care-taking, prepares the person for daily duties and keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances, however trying. The temptations to which we are daily exposed make prayer a necessity. In order that we may be kept by the power of God through faith, the desires of the mind should be continually ascending in silent prayer for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. But thought and prayer can not take the place of earnest, faithful improvement of the time. Work and prayer are both required in perfecting Christian character. {Pacific Health 150 38.2} The Warrior (emphasis added) needs to have a very close connection with God. He should be a man of earnest prayer, never losing his hold on God's helpful, strengthening power. EGWhite {Pacific Heath Journal, February 1, 1901 par. 4} In order that we may be kept by the power of God through faith, the desires of the mind should be continually ascending in silent prayer for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. But thought and prayer can not take the place of earnest, faithful improvement of the time. Work and prayer are both required in perfecting Christian character. {Pacific Health, 150 38.2}

130

There will come times when the church will be stirred by divine power, and earnest activity will be the result; for the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit will inspire its members to go forth and bring souls to Christ. -Review and Herald, July 4, 1893. {ChS 98.4} We are exhorted to pray always, to watch unto prayer, lest Satan crowd in between the soul and God, or mingle with our prayers to such a degree that God and Christ shall be shut out from our view, that the pledged word of God shall be made of no effect. He would so engage the mind that those who profess to be Christians shall have only a few stray thoughts of God, and engage in occasional, listless seasons of prayer. He would have them neglect to come to God, who is the great reservoir of power. {Signs of the Times, April 4, 1895 par. 1} There is no danger that the Lord will neglect the prayers of His people. The danger is that in temptation and trial they will become discouraged, and fail to persevere in prayer. {Christ Object Lessons, 175.1} Much prayer is necessary to successful effort. Prayer brings power. Prayer has "subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, . . . turned to flight the armies of the aliens" (Heb. 11:33, 34){In Heavenly Places 83.2} Through constant communion with God and Christ and the Holy Spirit give nerve power. Begotten again into a lively hope, imbued with the quickening power of a new nature, the soul is enabled to rise higher and still higher. EGWhite-{SpTB15 22.5 Letters from Ellen G White}

131

What will you do now? “Prayer in its highest form is agonizing soul sweat.” --Leonard Ravenhill

“He who rises from prayer is a better man, his prayer is answered.” George Meredith

“Rich is the person who has a praying friend.” --Janice Hughes

"The smile of God is victory." --John Greenleaf Whittier "He prayed for His enemies, and you do not even pray for your friends."- Johann Arndt "When you pray for your friends, be ready to lend a hand. Lip service does nothing for God." -- Dennis Kean Let us make Christ's prayer the rule of our life, that we may form characters that will reveal to the world the power of the grace of God. Let there be less talk about petty differences, and a more diligent study of what the prayer of Christ means to those who believe on His name. We are to pray for union, and then live in such a way that God can answer our prayers. {RC 200.3} Prayers not only transform the disposition it energizes the will. It helps our imagination to picture the situation of other human being; it troubles the conscience and kindles affection in the heart, finally moves the will to action. True prayer is dynamic. Use it and you will discover that you can’t stop short at praying. Discover the prayer with power; claim the power of prayer, you’re in the next level prayer!

132

Credits Credits to the people who made their materials available with permission Pastor Dan Longman path2prayer.com, Pastor Ernesto Doug Venn of the Hope of Bangkok Acknowledgment to the sources used in this material. Bounds E. M. The Best of E.M. Bounds on Prayer. Grands Rapid: Baker Book House. 1981. Bounds E. M. edited editon The Necessity of Prayer. Springdale, Pen: Whitaker House. 1984. Duewel, Wesley. Mighty Prevailing Prayer, Zondervan, 1990. Kidder, Joseph and Ingersoll, Don. Releasing God’s Power Through Prayer. 1993. Ruthie Jacobsen, Begin With God Day of Prayer Program. 2000. Ruthie Jacobsen, The Difference Is Prayer. Review and Herald Publishing Association. Hagerstown, MD. 1997. Murray, Andrew, edited edition, The Ministry of Intercession. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishing Ellen White States for the Ellen White writings.

133

The Adventist Memorandum

I am a person of God with a holy purpose. Commissioned to do the will of Him

who chose and sent me.

I am to constantly connect my soul to God through the mighty prevailing prayers.

I am to endure trials and sufferings with great unwavering faith, which is the only evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt the Truth

is in me.

I am to preserve my Christian integrity at all costs by expressing and doing my ultimate

obedience to the will and word of God.

I am entrusted with the Good News of

Salvation and responsible for sharing the Gospel to others, whether in words or deeds.

I am saved by the grace of the Father, cleansed by the blood of the Son and

empowered by the Holy Spirit, that makes me a living testament.

I am to make a difference,

by being a sincere Seventh-day Sabbath keeper and faithfully await Jesus’ second

coming

134

YOU ARE FAITH marvin marcelino You have to have faith at all cost. (Hab. 2:4) You have to have faith in the unseen Living God. (Mar. 11:22) You have to have the faith that proves Christ is real. (1Cor. 15:7) You have to have faith in the living Word of God. (Heb. 11:3) You have to have the Holy Spirit to build your holy faith. (Jud. 1:20) You have to have faith that makes impossible possible. (Mat. 17:20) You have to have faith that overcomes fear. (Mat. 4:40) You have to make your faith work for you. (Luk. 7:50) You have to be passionate of your faith. (Col. 1:3) You have to strengthen your faith. (Luk. 17:5) You have to test and live up your faith. (2Cor. 13:5) You have to have hope in your faith. (Mat. 15:28) You have to stand firm with your faith. (Mar. 4:40) You have to use your faith to protect you. (Eph 6:16) You have to overcome evil with your faith. (Rom. 14:22) You have to be full of faith to make wonders. (Acts. 6:8) You have to know the cost of your faith. (1Pet. 5:9) You have to suffer and sacrifice for your faith’s sake. (1Pet. 1:7) You have to be assertive of your faith. (Mat. 9:22) You have to fight a good fight for your faith. (1 Tim. 6:12) You have to experience the power of your faith. (Luk. 17:19) You have to be known by your faith. (Phil. 1:27) You have to tell others your faith. (1Thes. 1:7,8) You have to let others experience your faith. (1Thes. 3:5-7) You have to have to prove your faith by your deeds. (Jas. 2:24) You have to be ready to die for your faith. (Acts. 6:8) You have to suffer and die in your faith. (Heb.11:35-40) You have to bear fruits of your faith. (Rom 1:8) You have to find other who will continue your faith. (1Tim 16:11,12) You have to make a legacy of your faith. (2 Cor. 10:15) You have to be the faith yourself. (Mat. 9:29) You have to have that faith until Jesus comes. (Lk. 18:8) You can expect to receive the reward of your faith! (1Pet. 1:9)

135

WHEN GOD TAKES AWAY marvin marcelino God took away my shallow happiness and substitute it with heavenly joy. God took away my egotistic ambitions and transform it with a other-centered mission. God took away my short-sighted dreams and exchange it with far reaching visions. God took away my earthly wealth and supersede it with heavenly treasures. God took away my limited intelligence and upgrade it with divine wisdom. God took away my worldly wants and convert it with His will. God took away my hostile aggressiveness and change it with enduring patience. God took away my insisting selfishness and succeed it with selfless love. God took away my stubborn pride and replace it with utmost humility. God took away my foolish failings and restore it with second opportunities. God took away my hideous sins and barter it with free salvation. God took away my unpleasant fears and replace it with cheerful hope. God took away my chilly hopelessness and swap it with fire-tested faith. God took away my frightful death and trade it with eternal life. When God takes away, from Him the best is come.

136

ARE YOU JESUS? marvin marcelino When I was sad and lonely you came to cheer me,

this I asked. Are you Jesus?

When I was sick you are there to comfort me,

this I asked. Are you Jesus?

When I was in need of money you are ready to lend,

this I asked. Are you Jesus?.

When I was hungry you bought for me some groceries,

this I asked. Are you Jesus?

When I was hopeless you encouraged me to go on,

this I asked. Are you Jesus?

When I was rude and mean you kept silent,

this I asked. Are you Jesus?

When I’ve done wrong against you, you always forgive,

this I thought you are Jesus.

When I was lost you took time to find me,

this I asked. Are you Jesus?

When I was stubborn you were very patient with me,

this I asked. Are you Jesus?

When I do not have a place to live you let me stay,

this I asked. Are you Jesus?

When I was done terrible sin you did not judge me,

this I asked. Are you Jesus?

When I wanted to run my life without God you were sad,

this I thought maybe you are Jesus.

When you did all these, I was not only blessed but,

you made Jesus real to me.

137

GOD ASKS marvin marcelino

WHERE ART THOU? Genesis 3:9

Where are you now in your spiritual life?

WHERE IS THY BROTHER? Genesis 4:9

What have you done to the people you’ve met in your life?

WHAT DOEST THOU HERE? 1King 19:9

What is your purpose and mission in the place you’re in?

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE? James 4:14

Have you been living the life according to the will of God?

WHAT IS THAT IN THINE HAND? Exodus 4:12

Have you used anything by all means to do God’s will?

WHAT HAVE THEY SEEN IN THINE HOUSE? 2 Kings 20:15

Do you know what people say about you?

WHERE IS THY FLOCK? Jeremiah 13:26

Do you have followers in the faith you believed in?

WHAT YE THINK OF CHRIST? Matthew 22:42

Do you tell others about Christ and your relationship with Him?

WHY DISOBEY THE LAW? Matthew 15:3

Are you ignoring the law of God or trying to be above it?

WHAT MORE COULD I DO? Isaiah 5:4

What lacks God for you to really believe and obey Him?

HOW WILL YOU ESCAPE? Hebrews 2:3

What and where will you be without God’s salvation?

WHAT IF YOU GAIN THE WORLD BUT LOSE YOUR SOUL?

Matthew16:26

What is really important to you?

138

SAME, SAME BUT DIFFERENT marvin marcelino We are all the same by God’s design, but differ in the belief on how we came to being. We are all the same how each came to life, but differ by the color of the skin. We are all the same by the air we breathe, but differ by how we take care of it. We are all the same as resident of this planet called Earth, but differ in the places we stay. We are all the same how our life end which is by death, but differ by how we die. We are all the same by the color of the blood, but differ by how it is classified. We are all the same in the morals we upheld, but differ in the manner how we violate them. We are all the same by the kind of emotions we feel, but differ by how we project them. We are all the same in the need of truth, but differ by how we want to understand it. We are all the same in the need of a supernatural being, but differ on how each make use of God. We are all the same by the basic need to live, but differ in the degree of greed and selfishness. We are all the same by the number of hours we have each day, but differ on how we spend of them. We are all the same of claiming the “truth” we have, but differ how we lie about it. We are all the same to appear before the Judgment Day, but differ by the reward or punishment each will receive. We may differ in understanding about Life, but we must be all prepared for Jesus’ coming.

139

YOUR ARE GOD’S SPECIAL CHILD marvin marcelino You have a call to answer. You have a sin forgiven. You have a brand new heart. You have a flesh overcame. You have a love to spread. You have a mind renewed. You have a faith to test in fire. You have a commandment to keep. You have a Sabbath to keep. You have a holy work to do. You have an armor to wear. You have a mission to finish. You have a gospel to preach. You have a people to prepare. You have a church to teach. You have a testimony to tell. You have a course to run. You have a race to finish. You have a prize to win. You have a song of faith to sing You have a kingdom in your hand. You have a mansion ready to occupy. You have a new name written on stone. You have a fruit to eat from the Tree of Life. You have a crown to wear. You have a throne awaiting. You have a case to judge with the saints. You have a banquet with God to attend. You have a God longing to be with you. You have a New Jerusalem to live in forever. You have no reason to turn back now.

140

AND THE GREATEST OF THEM ALL IS LOVE marvin marcelino No greater philosophy can ever outwit the wisdom of love. No greater religion ever existed but the religion of Love. No greater belief has ever been proven but love. No greater doctrine can ever replace the precepts of love. No greater commission was given to mankind but to love God and man. No greater duty is any man asked to do but to love his neighbor. No greater education can be taught than the experience of loving. No greater extreme challenge exists than loving those who hurt and hate you. No greater security can ever be sure than being surrounded by love. No greater economic stability can established than a loving person. No greater joy can ever be felt than the result of loving the unlovable. No greater hope can be hoped for than finding out somebody loves you. No greater experiences can one have but to love and be loved. No greater technology one can learn but the techniques of Agape love. No greater opportunity one could grab than the elusive moment to love. No greater reward can ever be a grand prize than the consolation of love. No greater faith can surpass the hardest trial and suffering but through love. No greater sin can ever be pardoned but by a merciful and forgiving love. No greater dream can be aspired by anyone but to be loved. No greater punishment is effective to any stubbornness but a firm love. No greater physiological need could ever satisfy the body but love. No greater ugliness than what would ever appear in the mirror of love. No greater heroic deed can ever surpass the simple acts of love. No greater cold apathy can ever grip us in the warmth of love. No greater distance is ever too far than that which can be reached by love. No greater height is ever too high that cannot be touched by love. No greater government is established than the one whose foundation is love. No greater nation can ever be stronger than a people who love each other. No greater wealth of the entire world combined could ever buy a priceless love. No greater death is ever sweet than to die in the name of Love. No greater language can ever been universal than the language of love. No greater force can ever be strongest than the strength of love. No greater war is ever fought than the battle of love against apathy. No greater evil is ever strong that was not defeated by the power of love. No greater deity that has ever existed than the God that is Love No greater of all the greatest in the whole universe but Love. Yes and the greatest of all is LOVE.

141

PARADOX OF LIFE marvin marcelino Self We have conquered outer space but not our inner space. We have professed to be unique but really one is a copy-cat of another. We have thought to have loved enough but never without condition. We have exposed ourselves upright but desperately hide the real self. We have beautified our complexion but ignore the blemishes of the heart. Education We have drunk too much academic theories but less of life’s practicalities. We have asserted to be educated but act more uncivil than the unlearned. We have conquered great heights but not prejudices and pride. We have researched a lot but discover the more we know less. We have access to so much knowledge but not enough wisdom. Governance We have penned ten thousands laws but cannot even follow God’s ten. We have made laws to rule us but always live to be above them. We have made the strictest laws with glaring loop holes for one to avoid them. We have rulers supposed to protect but they are the source of fear and insecurity. We have formed a government but that which we can control. Relationship We have loved but can not die for anyone. We have good means of communication but have less sincerity. We have forgiven but not really forgotten. We have crossed miles but never over the fence of our neighbor. We have obeyed values but only for the watchful eyes. Religion We have justified believing in God but reduced God to suit our wants. We have held a faith but can never really show the conviction. We have professed to be Christ-like but never really started. We have religiously gone to church but are never really spiritual. We have read the sacred writings but use it to judge others. Service We have preached about world peace but not against domestic violence. We have claimed to belong but really social standing is what we are after. We have professed a job well done which never last for years. We have built monuments meant only for self advertisement. We have offered service but made sure the return is big. Possessions We have gained wealth but insist to look at self poor. We have owned so much clothing but still are considered naked. We have gained more money but have fewer morals. We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We have secured material riches which made us more insecure.

142

The Holy Spirit Grieves When... Marvin A. Marcelino

In My Heart I cherish darling sins. I care for worldliness rather than spiritual matters. I do not repent, ask and pray for forgiveness from God. I let Satan rule over me rather than Christ Jesus. In My Church I bring my gossip, criticism, jokes and foolishness. I steal somebody else’s attention from the message delivered. I do not contribute to the solemnity of the worship. I deprive others of my talent and ministry for God’s cause. In My Home I do not set an example as a living testament. I do not mold my household towards Christian standards I bring home idols that lessen my family’s love for God. I do not care for my neighbor. In My Classroom I do not get best grade for my parents. I ignore the wisdom shared by my teachers. I disregard the principles of Christian education. I do not use my best abilities for God’s glory. In My Workplace I selfishly insist my own ideas and ways. I secretly manipulate transactions for my own benefit. I do not work hard for the best of my department. I do not give the best service or product to my clients. In My Community I do not contribute to spiritual and moral revival. I do not cooperate for unity, peace and prosperity. I do not live up to the truth and faith I profess. I do not act NOW.

143

THE TV IS MY SHEPHERD Author Unknown

The TV is my shepherd,

my spiritual life shall want. It maketh me to sit down and do nothing for His name sake,

because it requireth my spare time. It keepeth me from doing my duty as a Christian, because it presents so many shows that I must see.

It restoreth my knowledge of the things of the world

and keepeth me from the study of God’s word. It leadeth me not to evening worship services and doing nothing for the Kingdom of God.

Yea, though I live to be a hundred years

I shall be viewing my TV as long as it will work. For it is my closest companion, its sound,

its picture, they comfort me.

It present s entertainment before me and keepeth me doing important things with my family.

It filleth my head with ideas, which differ from those set forth in the Word of God.

Surely no good thing will come into my life,

because my TV offers no good time to doing the will of God.

With this I will dwell in the place of the devil and his angels forever.

144

God’s Promises When You Are In Need WHEN HAVING AFFLICTION – Psalms 34:19; Psalms 55:22; 2 Corinthians 4:17; 1Thessalonians 3:3; 2Timothy 2:3; Romans12:12 WHEN TREATED UNFAIRLY – 1Peter 2:19-23; 1Peter 4:12-15 WHEN FACING TEMPTATION – James 1:2-4, 12-15; Matthew 26:41; Hebrews 2:18; 1Corinthians 10:13; 2Peter 2:9; Mark 13:38 WHEN LONELY OR DEPRESSED – Hebrews 13:3; Psalms 23; Psalm 46:1; Psalms 147:3; Psalms 140:42; Isaiah 4:10 WHEN SEEKING GUIDANCE – Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:5; Isaiah 42:16; Psalms 23:2; Psalms 25:5; Isaiah 57:18 WHEN IN NEED OF FORGIVENESS – 1John 1:9; Hebrews 4:15-16; Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 33:8; Isaiah 1:18; Colossians 2:13,14 WHEN WEARY AND NEEDS REST – Matthew 11:28-30; Galatians 6:9 WHEN FEELING WEAK AND INADEQUATE – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:26; Psalms 72:13; 2Corinthians 12:10 WHEN BURDENED WITH MANY PROBLEMS – Psalms 55:22; 1Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28-30 WHEN SEEKING PEACE IN TIMES OF TURMOIL – John 14:27; John 16:33; Philippians 4:6, 7 WHEN FACING DANGER – Psalms 91; Psalms 121; Psalms 43:2; Psalms 23:4; Psalm 27:1-6 WHEN DRIVEN BY SELFISHNESS – 1John 5:15-17; Psalms 106:13-15; Philippians 4:8 WHEN FACING SORROW – 2Corinthians 1:3-5; Matthew 5:4; Romans 8:26-28; Psalms 51; 1Thessalonians 4:13-18 WHEN IN NEED OF COURAGE – Ephesians 6:10-13; Psalms 138:3; 27:14 WHEN IN DOUBT OF GOD’S POWER – Philippians 1:6; 1Peter 1:5 WHEN IN FINANCIAL NEED - Psalms 34:10; Philippians 4:19 WHEN PATIENCE TRIED - James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28, 29; Hebrews 10:36; 2 Timothy 2:24 WHEN IN GOD’S STANDARD - Matthew 5:38; Matthew 32:36-40 WHEN DOUBT ABOUT SALVATION - 1John 5’11-13; John 3:16 WHEN IN NEED OF DIVINE CARE OVER SICKNESS - Ps. 41:10; 50:15; 138:7 WHEN IN NEED OF COMFORT OF GOD’S PRESENCE - Isaiah 43:2 WHEN IN DOUBT OF ETERNAL HOME - John 14:1-3 WHEN IN NEED OF UNLIMITED BLESSINGS- Mark 9:23 ANSWERS TO PRAYERS - Mark 11:24, Isaiah 42:17 REMOVAL OF OBSTACLES - Luke 17:6

145

HELP ME TO BE marvin marcelino Lord, as I struggle against the power of darkness, help me to be… ... like Abraham who became the Father of Faith. … like Jacob who wrestled with God to be blessed. ... like Enoch who was able to “walk with God.” ... like Noah who was able to keep his family intact. … like Joseph who fear to do wrong before God. … like Moses whose faith can divide the sea. … like Joshua who can make the sun stand still. … like Jehoshapath whose leadership is exemplary. … like Hannah who was able to do what she promised. … like Elijah who can call fire and rain from heaven. … like Ruth who was devoted to her family. … like Nehemiah whose leadership is extra ordinary. … like Esther who was ready to die for God’s people. … like Job who overcame the worst crisis in life by faith. … like David who became the Friend of God. … like Solomon whose wisdom is incomparable. … like Daniel whose prayerfulness is able to see the future. … like Hosea who was a consistent forgiver. … like John the Baptist who prepared the way for the Messiah. … like John who is very close to Jesus. … like Andrew who can easily introduce someone to Jesus. … like Stephen who is filled with the Holy Spirit. … like Paul whose missionary work is undefeated. … like Jesus who have set us an example. And if ever I may not be like all of them at least be one.

146

THE CHURCH LEADERS’ PRAYER marvin marcelino

Lord, grant me the qualities

of the Great Church Leaders of the past.

The faith of Abraham,

the strength of Samson,

the wisdom of Solomon,

the boldness of John the Baptist

the courage of David

the zealousness of Paul,

the cleverness of Joshua,

the enthusiasm of Timothy,

the patience of Job,

the firmness of Daniel,

the affection of John the Beloved,

the persistence of Hosea

the endurance of Moses,

the prayerfulness of Ephaphras,

the single-mindedness of Enoch,

the loyalty of Noah,

the leadership of Nehemiah.

If these qualities have proven success in

spiritual leadership, with a humble heart,

grant them to me Father. I pray in Jesus name.

Amen.

147

148

149