I am sitting on a plane heading to "Women Thou Art Loose" as I write this and in my time with the Lord on the plane I am reflecting on how prayer has been the only way that I have seen so many things break through in my life. I have seen Gods hand at work powerfully in my life, from the mending of my broken-heart as a little fourteen year old girl with a daddy gone-too-soon to the healing of a family that lost itself in the midst of that tragedy. I am humbled by the mighty hand of our Lord. Story after story shows how a life of prayer and intercession make all the difference in someone's life.
The Word Of God says in
Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (NLT)
I love the above verse because it shows us the importance of praying in the spirit at all times!
Jude 1:20
But you, Dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit. (NLT)
One short story I will share occurred when I was around 17 years old. During this period I would intercede on behalf of my older brother Ryan who was experiencing some troubles in life. One night I awoke straight from a dream that I was praying for Ryan and speaking life to him in the name of Jesus. I woke up from that dream crying and praying for Ryan In the spirit for an hour. That next morning I received a call that Ryan had been in a car accident and he totaled his truck. He had run straight into a large metal poll. I know with all my heart that God used me through intercession on behalf of Ryan to cover and keep him out of deaths' grasp. He walked away from a horrible accident with only scratches. After seeing the pictures of his truck, I knew it was God's hand on his life.
I prayed for Ryan starting at the age sixteen to see him set free and delivered from addiction and suicidal behavior. I continued in prayer for six years at times wondering if God was hearing my cries, but maintaining faith in his Word. I knew his deliverance would one day be a testament to the power of a persistent prayer life. Of course I was not alone in all those years. My Mother and those closest to him were praying for over his life as well. There were so many events in his life that made it seem as though he would never break free... But God Is Faithful!
Ryan, now 26, is in seminary school and has chosen to lead a life committed to revealing the Glory of Christ!!!
I can't emphasize enough how important it is to be consistent with praying in the Spirit. Live a life of prayer!
PRAYER IS OUR DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH GOD!
I can't answer the Why's in Life?
Why did my father die when I was 14?
Why did bad things happen when I prayed and did what I knew to be right?
But I must remind you that our God is sovereign and faithful. He cannot lie and will perform according to his WORD in your life.
So remain encouraged and keep PRAYING!
The Lord has prevailed on your behalf!
