August 31 – Hindrances to Answered Prayer

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.”  I John 5:14

God never says NO to His children when they ask according to His promises. He cannot lie. (See Titus 1:2.) You learn His will by listening to His voice and reading His Word.

Here are nine reasons some prayers go unanswered. Can you think of others?

1)  SIN. Psalm 66:18. “Sin” is defined in Romans 14:23b: “…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” James 4:17 says: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

2)  UNBELIEF. Mark 11:23.

3)  UNFORGIVENESS. Mark 11:25.

4)  DISHONORING OF COMPANION. I Peter 3:7.

5)  SATANIC RESISTANCE. Daniel 10:12-13.

6)  DISOBEDIENCE. I John 3:22.

7)  WRONG MOTIVES. James 4:3-4.

8)  AVOIDING THE POOR. Proverbs 21:13.

9)  GOD’S TIMING. Galatians 6:9.

There is much value in fervent, persistent praying in the Spirit. Learn to bind and loose, confess the Word, plead the blood, and invoke the Name of Jesus. Then wait for ANSWERS!

PRAY: “Father, thank You for listening to my prayers. Help me to discern Your will in each situation and be patient while I await Your response. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

August 30 – Air Superiority

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”  Romans 8:26

Intercession wages battle in “high places” and gives you “air” superiority. You are in a war today against the rulers of darkness in “THIS WORLD” and against spiritual wickedness in “HIGH PLACES.” (See Ephesians 6:12.) You are fighting either a ground war (evangelism) or an air war (intercession).

Without intercession, you will suffer more ground casualties. Prayer intercession softens the enemy much like heavy bombing in conventional warfare. Be watchful, however: Some people get heavy into intercession but never launch a ground war…(faith without works). Maintain a proper balance.

Intercession is the highest form of prayer ministry.  Jesus is doing it right now! (See Romans 8:34.) The Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (See Romans 8:27.)

For whom should YOU intercede? “All men” and those “in authority,” (I Timothy 2:1-2) …pastor, president, parents, employer; “one for another” (James 5:16); “Laborers” for the harvest  (Matthew 9:38).

PRAY:  “Lord God, I know You are looking for someone to ‘stand in the gap?’* today. I am willing. Thank You for interceding for me. Amen.”

*Ezekiel 22:30

August 29 – Frontliners and Intercessors

“And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword…and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.”  I Samuel 25:13

In cities across America today, churches are not poorly regarded; they just are not regarded at all. Members are not impacting their communities for God. They have neither put on their swords to GO OUT into battle (Frontliners)…nor are any prayer warriors (Intercessors) at home with the stuff.

Jesus said, “Follow me.” He meant it in four ways:

1)  FOLLOW MY MOVING. Occupy enemy territory (Luke 19:13), and get in step with your rank; i.e., find your place of service (Joel 2:7). Are you fighting as a frontliner, or is your job to spiritually intercede?

2)  FOLLOW MY MESSAGE. Jesus’ message is one of love, redemption, reconciliation…not of judgment or condemnation.

3)  FOLLOW MY METHODS. Jesus ministered to people by meeting their needs. He ministered salvation through healing the sick, casting out devils, loving, and caring, house to house, in the marketplace, and in the streets.

4)  FOLLOW MY MANNERS. Take on Jesus’ lifestyle. God did not save you because you were HOLY; He saved you to help you BECOME HOLY.

Read Ephesians 4:11-16 on growing up in Christ.

PRAY: “Heavenly Father, help me to find my place of service in Your Church and actively do what You desire. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”