Part 2 of 3
1 John 5:14-15 New King James Version
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
What’s the most important aspect of going to the next level in prayer? Knowing for yourself what GOD’s Word says. If you know without a shadow of a doubt what GOD’s promises and instructions are, you will pray with great confidence. He actually watches over His Word to perform it.
Jeremiah 1:12 New American Standard Bible: Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.”
Sorting Through All The Advice On Prayer
There are millions of books, websites, opinions, and doctrines out there. Sorting through them all is very daunting. The Word of GOD itself can settle all the question marks. It is a perfect and comprehensive guide. It is relevant for every imaginable dilemma. Ask GOD to lead you through it. He will. James 1:5 New Living Translation: If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
The most accurate book about the Bible is the Bible itself.
Biblical Do’s and Don’ts for answered prayer.
Do pray in the name of JESUS.
JESUS said to pray to the Father in His name. John 14:12-14 New American Standard Bible: Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
Do pray according to the Word of GOD.
The Word of GOD is a supernatural book. We are told that it is alive. The words in it are powerful. When we speak back to GOD the very words that He dictated, He listens. Hebrews 4:12 New American Standard Bible: For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Do believe what you are asking for.
Matthew 21:21 New American Standard Bible: And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.“
GOD is faithful. He does not lie. He never fails.
Do know He has the power to back up His promises and cares enough to do it.
Isaiah 59:1 New Living Translation: Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.
JESUS was often moved by compassion when He walked the earth. He is still that powerful, compassionate Savior.
Don’t Pray with unrepented sin in your life.
Willing sin can block your prayers. Repent first, then pray. GOD guarantees He will forgive you.
1 John 1:9 New International Version: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Psalm 66:18 New Living Translation: If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
Psalm 66:18-19 Amplified Bible: If I regard sin and baseness in my heart [that is, if I know it is there and do nothing about it], The Lord will not hear [me]; But certainly God has heard [me]; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer.
Don’t Pray with doubt.
1 Timothy 2:8 King James Version: I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
James 1:6 New International Version: But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
Don’t pray with unforgiveness in your heart.
Unforgiveness is a major stumbling block for prayer. It hinders prayers from getting through. We ourselves are imperfect. GOD forgave us anyway. He expects the same attitude of forgiveness from us.
Colossians 3:13 New Living Translation: Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Mark 11:25 New Living Translation: But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Matthew 5:44 New Living Translation: But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
Matthew 5:23-24 Easy-to-Read Version: “So, what if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that someone has something against you? Leave your gift there and go make peace with that person. Then come and offer your gift…”
The Definition of Faith
Hebrews 11:1 New International Version: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. In other words, we are believing for what has not happened yet. We can practically see the answer before it materializes.
Another version of translation says it this way:
Hebrews 11:1 Amplified Bible: Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].
The Secret To Having More Faith
Romans 10:17 New American Standard Bible: So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Faith results from getting the Word of GOD into our spirit. This is where meditating on the Word comes in. For example, if you need faith for healing, read and listen to scriptures on healing. If you need faith for a miracle, read and listen to scriptures on miracles. If you need more love in your heart, read and listen to scriptures on love. If you need more self-confidence, read scriptures on who GOD says you are in CHRIST, and how highly He regards his sons and daughters. And so on. There is so much power in actually reading the scriptures out loud.
Surely there are billions of testimonies from people alive today. Testimonies of answered prayer. Testimonies of miraculous recoveries. Miracles of escape from danger. Relief from debt. Unexplained help from unexpected sources. GOD is an unending fountain of peace where there is no peace. He is power where there was only helplessness. There is no limit to His ability to change the impossible. Go to Him, where you are. Talk to Him anytime, just as you are. He has given you a platform to be heard. Take that platform and make your request.
Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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