“So shall my word be that goes forth out of 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.” Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)
“For the word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
When we first follow the Lord Jesus, we realize that we can pray by just conversing with Him. We learn in scripture that He hears our prayers (Proverbs 15:29, John 9:31), knows our needs (Matthew 6:8,32, Luke 12:30) and that He desires and intends to supply those needs. (Luke 11:10-12). We are also encouraged to “pray without ceasing…”(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) because the Lord wants open communication between you two where He can renew your mind, guide you, give you wisdom, and develop you into a strong witness of Jesus’ work in your life.
So how do you move into a deeper, more effective prayer walk? You first treasure the Word of God, memorizing it and storing it in your heart. The Holy Spirit will bring it to remembrance for use in your prayers. When a need comes up, first ask the Holy Spirit how you should pray and submit to His guidance. He will reveal the truth and perspective you may have missed and will certainly lead you to pray in a way that “works all things together for good” per Romans 8:38-39. You want your requests and petitions to be in agreement with the Lord’s will, not based on your desires since He sees the bigger picture and knows what is needed.
When the Holy Spirit leads you to a particular scripture, look it up along with the context found in the accompanying verses. Once you understand the application of that scripture, PROCLAIM it! The word will go forth and do its warfare. The Sword of the Spirit of the Word is our offensive weapon in spiritual warfare. When we use it, we are walking in greater maturity in our faith. We are trusting our King and Captain of the Hosts that it truly was finished at the cross and Jesus’ resurrection. We are enforcing that victory!
Lastly, prayers of repetition are not needed; they are pointless. Instead, exercise your thanksgiving that the Lord heard your prayer and is working through it to bring things into order, changing the situation or changing the parties in that situation. Repetitions of THANKSGIVING and PRAISE are what is appropriate, building our faith and ushering in His presence. Things change when Jesus enters the battle and He is worthy of all our praise! Start wading deeper into the waters of prayer today. The Lord is waiting to meet you there!
“However, when 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.” John 16:13 (NKJV)
[As adapted from The Bondage Breaker and Stomping Out The Darkness by Dr. Neil Anderson and Dr. Dave Park.]