Sacrificing Our Authority In Prayer

          I learned a very valuable lesson about authority in prayer and I would like to share it with you.

          During a prayer meeting at our church a faithful member of the prayer team came forward with a typed out prayer for our president that she said the Lord gave her the day before. She was allowed to read the prayer and we agreed with her. It was a very moving, scripture based prayer that was loving, considerate, compassionate and powerful. It immediately got the nod of approval of all in the room. It was a prayer that inspired confidence and faith in all who prayed it. This lady had obviously heard from the Lord.

          As those in the group were commenting about how powerful it was, the Lord spoke to me directly and said, “Why didn’t you pray for your previous president in this manner?” I immediately knew what the Lord was talking about. I remembered the many times we lifted this former leader up in “prayer” and I was reminded of some of the opinionated requests, the tone, the attitude, and the complete disregard for this man as an individual and a leader of our nation. We weren’t praying out of love for our president, or even love for our country. We were praying against him, not out of love, but out of selfishness and self righteousness. Our motives were wrong, our heart was wrong.

          I shared what the Lord had showed me and the entire prayer group received it and we all repented before God.

          When praying for yourself, or others, its important to consider your motives for praying. This may seem overly simple, however there are some areas in our thinking and believing that can be ever so slightly off kilter, and therefore making our prayers ineffective.

Luke 18:9-14  Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: ¹⁰“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. ¹²I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ ¹³And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ ¹⁴I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

          This is a powerful example of sacrificing authority because of selfish pride. The Pharisee presented himself as better than “other men.”  Notice in verse 11 that “he prayed thus with himself”. In other words God is not even listening, he is praying to sound spiritual and be heard by others.

          Although this sounds terrible, it gets much worse!

James 3:14-16 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

          When we pray from a place of bitterness, envy, and selfishness we become a landing strip for every evil work. We actually invite demonic activity into our life and have absolutely no effect on what we are praying for.

          Lets look at the rest of this passage in James to see where our heart needs to be when we pray.

James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

          Prayer that is made from a place of love, mercy and compassion is a prayer that is heard and answered by God. Prayer made from a place of selfishness is not heard by God, but is an invitation to demonic influence.

          Pray for people, never pray “against” people. Praying against a person is an invitation to confusion, demons, and every evil work. It is earthly wisdom learned from the fall of man and perpetuates the enemy’s agenda.

          If  we check our hearts and motives before we approach God with prayer and make sure we are praying from a healthy place of love for the person, we can be confident that our prayers are effective.

Thank you for visiting truthpressure.com. I hope this has been a blessing to you.

JC

~ Prayers for Wisdom ~

Wisdom only comes from one place, the only wise God.

Jude 1:25 ~  To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.

Proverbs 4:7 ~ Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get  understanding.

Here are some prayers for WISDOM and the scriptures they are based on:

Proverbs 3:5-6 ~ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Prayer ~ I trust in you Lord with all my heart, and I do not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I acknowledge you Lord, and I thank you for directing my path.

Romans 12:2 ~ 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of  your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect,  will of God.

Prayer ~ I am not conformed to this world, but I am continually transformed by renewing of my mind to your word Lord, that I may prove what is your good, and acceptable, and perfect will.

Psalm 138:8 ~ 8 The LORD will perfect that which concerns me: thy mercy, O LORD, endures for ever: forsake not the works of Your own hands.

Prayer ~ Lord, because I am your child, and because of your great mercy, you watch after me and perfect that which concerns me, you will not forsake me, your mercy O Lord endures forever.

John 14:26 ~ 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Prayer ~ Father I thank you that you have sent the Holy Ghost to teach me all things, and bring all things that you have said to my remembrance.

James 1:5 ~ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Prayer ~ Lord I ask you for wisdom. I ask in faith and I believe that I receive it. Thank you lord for the wisdom that you have given me.

John 16:13 ~ However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 

Prayer ~ I thank you Lord for the Holy Spirit that dwells in me, guiding me into all of your truth and showing me things to come.

Colossians 1:9 ~ For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 

Prayer ~ Father, I declare that I have perfect knowledge of what to do in every situation and I am filled with all wisdom, spiritual understanding and the knowledge of Your will for me. 

James 1:2-8 ~  My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Prayer ~  I count it all joy when I fall into various trials, knowing that the trying of my faith works patience. I let patience have its perfect work so that I may be mature, and complete, lacking nothing. Father, I ask You for wisdom to walk out the plans and purposes that You have for my life. I ask You for wisdom and understanding to walk in the authority and power that is mine in Christ. I ask in faith, not wavering or doubting. I am single minded in this pursuit and I am stable in all my ways.

JC

~ How to Pray God’s Word ~

 

            Praying God’s word can be a tremendous help in establishing us in truth, building our faith, and moving us forward in our spiritual growth. God’s written word contains the building blocks of our faith. In essence, it is the mortar that holds it all together, solidifying our identity in Him, and raising us up into a holy and righteous temple, a fit dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. Praying God’s word should be a priority in every Christians life, unfortunately for most, it is not.

          Praying the word should not be a mindless reciting of scripture, but an intimate part of our relationship with God. When approached properly, it will enhance our relationship with our Father and enrich our prayer life beyond measure. God’s word should be approached with reverence and lifted up to Him as an offering, a statement of faith that lets God know that we agree with what He says about us, no matter the situation or circumstance. Embracing this kind of prayer aligns us with God’s thoughts, sets our heart in agreement with His plans, and affirms our identity as His children.

Isaiah 55:11 pray this: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

          Returning God’s word to Him, acknowledging our agreement with His will, and inviting Him to bring His word to pass in our life activates angels that hearken to the spoken word and puts them to work to bring God’s word to pass. (Psalm 103:20) If we could only see what happens in the spirit realm when we pray God’s word in faith, we would never go another day without doing it.

           The following are some examples of how I pray God’s word. They are scriptures that speak to my heart. passages that the Holy Spirit has illuminated to me as being important in my life. The scriptures have been personalized for a conversation with God in relationship. Be mindful of scriptures that jump out to you, that have an unction on them, and personalize your own prayers.

          We must all find ourselves in the context of the written word. To do this, we must avoid the tendency to “cherry pick” God’s word, choosing only to focus on the blessings and not paying attention to the parts of God’s word that challenge us and demand change.

          I encourage you to commit to reading the word for yourself daily, with emphasis on the New Testament. It is my hope that these personal prayers of mine will help you on your journey to intimacy with our glorious creator. Be blessed.

Romans 12:1-3 ~ I present my body as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto You Father, for Your habitation. This is my worship to You. I am not conformed to this world, but I am transformed by the renewing of my mind to Your word. I do not think of myself more highly than I should think, but I think soberly according to the measure of faith You have dealt me.

Joshua 1:8 ~ Father, Your Word will not depart from my mouth, but I will meditate on it day and night, that I may observe to do according to all that is written in it. Then I will make my way prosperous and I will have good success.    

Job 22:28 ~ When I declare and decree Your word, it is established to me and light shines on my ways making my path clear.

Mark 16:17 ~ I am your disciple Lord Jesus, in Your name I cast out devils, I speak with new tongues. If I touch or consume any deadly thing it will in no way hurt me. I lay hands on the sick and they recover.

John 16:13 ~ The Spirit of truth abides in me. He guides me into all truth and shows me things to come. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit Lord.

Isaiah 54:17 ~ No weapon formed against me will prosper, and every tongue that rises against me in judgment, even mine, I shall condemn. This is my heritage as your servant Lord and my righteousness is from You.

Colossians 1:9 ~ Because of your Holy Spirit, I have perfect knowledge of what to do in every situation and I am filled with all wisdom, spiritual understanding and the knowledge of Your will for me. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. You love me so much, that You thought I was valuable enough to die for me. Thank you Father.

Acts 19:6 & Acts 1:8~ The Holy Spirit has come on me. I speak with tongues and prophesy. I have received power because the Holy Spirit has come upon me and I am a witness for Jesus to the end of the earth.

Philippians 4:6-7 ~ I do not worry and I am not anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving I make my requests known to You God, and Your peace, that passes all understanding, keeps my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.

Mark 11:23 ~ Father, because You have made me a creative being, like Yourself, I speak to things, situations, sickness, disease, and demons, and they obey all me. I believe in my heart that those things I say will be done so I have what I say. My words have power and I use that power to change situations, help people, to destroy the works of the enemy and give glory to You Lord God.

Psalm 103:2-5 ~ Lord You have forgiven all my iniquities; You have healed all my diseases; You have redeemed my life from destruction; You have satisfied my mouth with good things so that my youth is renewed like the eagles.

Philippians 4:19 ~ There is no lack in my life Father, for You supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:28 ~ I love You Father and I am called according to Your purpose. All things work together for my good because You love me so much.

Philippians 4:8,9 ~ Father, You have given me the mind of Christ, so I think on the things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. If there is any virtue or praise, I think on these things. I am a doer of Your word Lord, and Your peace is with me.

1 Peter 2:24 ~ Jesus I thank you for bearing my sins. I am dead to sin and I live unto righteousness and by Your stripes I am healed.

Romans 8:11 ~ The same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in me. And He that raised up Christ from the dead also quickens my mortal body because the Holy Spirit is living in me. Thank you father for the Holy Spirit. Where would I be if You didn’t father me?

Isaiah 54:14 ~ I thank you Lord, because of Your shed blood I am established in righteousness. I am far from oppression, I do not fear, and terror shall not come near me.

Colossians 3:1-2 ~ Because I have been resurrected with Christ, I seek You Father with all my heart. I set my mind and my affections on You, not on the things of this earth. You are everything to me Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6 ~ I trust in You Lord with all of my heart and I do not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I acknowledge You, and I trust You to direct my path.

Mark 12:30-31 ~ I love You Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and I love my neighbor as myself.

Galatians 5:16-18 ~ I walk in the Spirit and I do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. I am led by the Holy Spirit and I am not under the law.

1Corinthians 13:4-8 ~ Father, because You have placed Your great love in my heart, I am patient and kind. I do not envy or boast and I am not proud. I do not dishonor others, I am not self-seeking, I am not easily angered and I keep no record of a suffered wrong. I do not delight in evil but I rejoice in the truth. I believe the best of every person. I always protect, trust, hope and persevere. I never fail.

1 Peter 1:13-21 ~ I gird up the loins of my mind with Your word Father God. I am sober minded and my hope rests fully upon the grace that is mine in Christ. I am Your obedient child, and I am not conformed to former lusts. I am holy in my conduct as You are holy. I walk in reverence toward You Lord. You are amazing.

Proverbs 3:9,10 ~  I honor You LORD with my possessions and the first fruits of all my increase. I overflow with material and spiritual blessings.

Romans 5:17 ~ I, having received abundance of grace and the gift of Your righteousness do reign as a king in this life by Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 54:13 ~ All my children are taught of the Lord, and great is their peace.

Psalm 23:4 ~ I fear no evil for you are with me Lord, your Word, and Spirit they comfort me.

Proverbs 21:23 ~ I guard my mouth and my tongue and I keep my soul from trouble. I let nothing come forth from my heart, no word or action that would defile me.

Psalm 112:1-7 ~ I am blessed because I fear You Lord and I delight greatly in Your Word. My descendants are mighty on the earth and they are blessed. Wealth and riches are in my house and my righteousness endures forever. I am gracious and full of compassion. I guide my affairs with discretion. I will never be shaken. I am not afraid of evil. My heart is steadfast, trusting in You Lord.

JC

~ Prayers For Wisdom ~

Got Wisdom? Wisdom only comes from ONE place, the ONLY wise God. THESE ARE PRAYERS FOR WISDOM

Jude 1:25 ~ To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Proverbs 4:7 ~ Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get  understanding.

Proverbs 3:5 ~ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

PRAY THIS ~ I trust in you Lord with all my heart, and I do not lean on my own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6 ~ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

PRAY THIS ~ In all my ways I acknowledge you Lord, and I thank you that you direct my path.

Romans 12:2 ~ 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of  your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect,  will of God.

PRAY THIS ~ I am not conformed to this world, but I am continually transformed by renewing of my mind, that I may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

Psalm 138:8 ~ 8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

PRAY THIS ~ I thank you Lord that you perfect that which concerns me, your mercy O Lord endures forever.

John 14:26 ~ 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

PRAY THIS ~ Father I thank you that you have sent the Holy Ghost to teach me all things, and bring all things that you have said to my remembrance.

James 1:5 ~ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

PRAY THIS ~ Lord I ask you for wisdom. I ask in faith and I believe that I receive it. Thank you lord for the wisdom that you have given me.

Thank you for visiting truthpressure.com. I hope this has been a blessing to you.

JC

~Scriptures To Strengthen Your Faith In God ~

Take these scriptures and meditate on them, personalize them and lift them to the Lord in prayer.

Psalm 3:3 ~But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and
the One who lifts up my head.

Psalm 8:9 ~ O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all
the earth!

Psalm 9:1-3 ~ ¹ I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole
heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. ² I will be glad and
rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. ³ When
my enemies turn back, They shall fall and perish at Your presence.

Psalm 139:14 ~ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and
wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.Psalm 12:6 ~ The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver
tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times.

Psalm 13:6 ~ I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt
bountifully with me.

1 Samuel 2:2 ~ “No one is holy like the LORD, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.

2 Samuel 22:32  ~ “For who is God, except the LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God?

Psalm 18:2 ~ The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my
deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18:46 ~ The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of
my salvation be exalted.

Psalm 19:7-9 ~ ⁷ The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; ⁸ The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; ⁹ The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

Psalm 23 ~ ¹ The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for
His name’s sake.
⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You
anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

 Psalm 24:8-10 ~ ⁸ Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. ⁹ Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. ¹⁰ Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.

Psalm 25:4-6 ~ ⁴ Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. ⁵ Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
⁶ Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses, For they are from of old.

Exodus 15:2 ~ The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him;

Psalm 27:1 ~ The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall
I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 28:7 ~ The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart
trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.

Isaiah 12:2 ~ Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be
afraid; ‘ For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation. 

Psalm 31:19 ~ Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid
up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men!

Psalm 34 ~ ¹ I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. ² My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
³ Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.
⁴ I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my
fears. ⁵ They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. ⁶ This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. ⁷ The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.
⁸ Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! ⁹ Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. ¹⁰ The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. ¹¹ Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. ¹² Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good? ¹³ Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. ¹⁴ Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
¹⁵ The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are
open to their cry. ¹⁶ The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. ¹⁷ The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. ¹⁸ The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. ¹⁹ Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. ²⁰ He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. ²¹ Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
²² The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who
trust in Him shall be condemned.

Thank you for visiting truthpressure.com. I hope this has been a blessing to you.

JC