SET ASIDE TIME: And it's something we can do anywhere and anytime. But it's also good to set aside a place and a time where one can pray undisturbed and with an undivided heart. God hears our sincere prayer from our hearts.
Here are the main points to Pastor Bryan, with my own additions:
Make prayer a priority. Don’t worry about what you feel, just DO IT! Get started now!
In the Old Testament, the priests were always to have fire on the altar:
“A perpetual fire shall burn on the altar.”
Leviticus 6:13 (NKJV)
In the New Testament, we are called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). We are priests to God and must live in daily renewal. Remove burnt coals so the flame of the Spirit can start again.
Set aside a time for prayer
Whatever the cost: Set aside time for prayer – and do not let the devil hinder you!
Having specific times of the day set aside for prayer helps stabilize a good prayer tradition. It can be any time of the day. I am often up very early, but we humans are different. Nevertheless – having time with God in prayer before the day's tasks create stress is a good rule. Seek first the kingdom of God – for then God can make the day easier for you. Many men of God in the Bible did it. Daniel had fixed prayer times. Three times a day he knelt and prayed to God (Daniel 6:10). Peter and John also practiced fixed prayer times, “the hour of prayer” (Acts 3:1). Find a place of prayer where you can withdraw to be alone. Jesus called it a “secret chamber”. “Shut your door”, said Jesus (Matthew 6:6). Now you will be with God, you and Him. No prayer is too short and none is too long for God. Keep all distractions away. Do not listen to the voices, but to the VOICE – God's voice to YOU!
Pray strong, big and bold prayers
Jesus encourages us that we “ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1) Like the widow who did not give up until she got a judge to take her case (Luke 18:2–8). Persevere until you get an answer to prayer! Do not let the devil stop you in your prayer battle. No prayer is too small and none is too big for Him who is almighty.
“Let your requests be made known to God in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.”
Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)
Have a pattern prayer that covers many important aspects of life.
The Lord's Prayer is such a pattern prayer where Jesus teaches us to pray over important aspects that cover both physical and spiritual areas of our lives. It has been seen by many as the best prayer in the world.
An example of the power of prayer:
On the battlefield in a war, a soldier was wounded. He lay injured in the middle of enemy firing lines. A soldier in his company felt deeply sorry for him and wanted to help his friend. He asked his captain, “It’s ten to nine. Can I crawl over to the wounded soldier and drag him to safety when it becomes nine?” The captain wondered about the timing and gave him permission. “But why exactly at nine?” asked the captain. “I feel safe then, because that’s when my mother prays for me,” replied the brave soldier. He crawled across the enemy lines while bullets whistled over his head and managed to save the life of his fellow soldier.
Prayer has its effect on all areas of life. Let us make prayer a priority. Let the fire on the altar always burn!!
Here are the main points to Pastor Bryan, with my own additions:
Make prayer a priority. Don’t worry about what you feel, just DO IT! Get started now!
In the Old Testament, the priests were always to have fire on the altar:
“A perpetual fire shall burn on the altar.”
Leviticus 6:13 (NKJV)
In the New Testament, we are called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). We are priests to God and must live in daily renewal. Remove burnt coals so the flame of the Spirit can start again.
Set aside a time for prayer
Whatever the cost: Set aside time for prayer – and do not let the devil hinder you!
Having specific times of the day set aside for prayer helps stabilize a good prayer tradition. It can be any time of the day. I am often up very early, but we humans are different. Nevertheless – having time with God in prayer before the day's tasks create stress is a good rule. Seek first the kingdom of God – for then God can make the day easier for you. Many men of God in the Bible did it. Daniel had fixed prayer times. Three times a day he knelt and prayed to God (Daniel 6:10). Peter and John also practiced fixed prayer times, “the hour of prayer” (Acts 3:1). Find a place of prayer where you can withdraw to be alone. Jesus called it a “secret chamber”. “Shut your door”, said Jesus (Matthew 6:6). Now you will be with God, you and Him. No prayer is too short and none is too long for God. Keep all distractions away. Do not listen to the voices, but to the VOICE – God's voice to YOU!
Pray strong, big and bold prayers
Jesus encourages us that we “ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1) Like the widow who did not give up until she got a judge to take her case (Luke 18:2–8). Persevere until you get an answer to prayer! Do not let the devil stop you in your prayer battle. No prayer is too small and none is too big for Him who is almighty.
“Let your requests be made known to God in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.”
Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)
Have a pattern prayer that covers many important aspects of life.
The Lord's Prayer is such a pattern prayer where Jesus teaches us to pray over important aspects that cover both physical and spiritual areas of our lives. It has been seen by many as the best prayer in the world.
An example of the power of prayer:
On the battlefield in a war, a soldier was wounded. He lay injured in the middle of enemy firing lines. A soldier in his company felt deeply sorry for him and wanted to help his friend. He asked his captain, “It’s ten to nine. Can I crawl over to the wounded soldier and drag him to safety when it becomes nine?” The captain wondered about the timing and gave him permission. “But why exactly at nine?” asked the captain. “I feel safe then, because that’s when my mother prays for me,” replied the brave soldier. He crawled across the enemy lines while bullets whistled over his head and managed to save the life of his fellow soldier.
Prayer has its effect on all areas of life. Let us make prayer a priority. Let the fire on the altar always burn!!
