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Years ago, my grandfather wrote a book called Prayer Power. He, and many others in my life, fostered an environment that has valued and emphasized the power of prayer.
Prayer is one of those intangibles that we sometimes cannot get our heads around. When I was a teenager, I read some of Frank Peretti’s books about spiritual warfare. He illustrates how the power of prayer makes a direct impact on things in the spiritual realm, which then impacts our lives in the physical realm. His fictional narrative is an insight into the world we cannot see with our eyes or fully comprehend. While his books demonstrate one perspective, the concept is scripturally affirmed through Ephesians 6:10-18.
Look at how the New Living Translation states this truth in Ephesians 6:12.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
It is a fight and a battle. Each year, during our Prayer Month, Satan’s attacks seem to be more fierce, on a personal, ministry, and other levels.
However, we should not be surprised. We are taking the battle to the accuser’s front doorstep and reminding him, and ourselves, that he is not in charge, God is. We are not going to fall into the devil’s traps of discouragement, frustration, lack of faith, distraction, or whatever other tools he wants to use. Rather, we will look to God, draw closer to Him, and place all of cares in His capable hands, thanking Him for what He has already done.
Prayer is about relationship, but it is also about focus and belief. The parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8) reminds us that we must always go to the one who can do something about our situation. And that it is all about faith.
Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? (Luke 18:8b)
Faith, expressed on behalf of others, is one of the most powerful facets of prayer I have ever experienced. Through prayer, we grow closer in our relationship with God, and also our relationships with one another.
When we go to God on behalf of another, we are united in a way that only God can facilitate. And when we are the ones being lifted in prayer, a burden is lifted from our hearts and spirits. And we can almost tangibly feel our arms and feet being lifted, a weight off our chest, which enables us to take the next step forward in faith.
Thank you for joining Iron Rose Sister Ministries in prayer this month! We are in this together and in the midst of whatever spiritual battles we are facing, we know and trust that God’s got this. Thanks for lifting us up to Him! And know that we are lifting you up as well.
#prayingtoIAM #IronRoseSister #IRSM #prayer #Plus1
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Each year, I select a different theme for my personal Bible study and for my prayers. 2013 was Human AND Holy, which inspired the book by the same title. Transformation characterized my life and the ministry’s in 2014. In 2015, I prayed for God’s provision: financial and workers. Wisdom focused my prayers for 2016 and for 2017, we concentrated on listening. During 2018, the emphasis of our prayers was on growth as we experienced growing pains and reflected on what God says about growth through Scripture.
One of the unique characteristics of growth and blessings of prayer is to look back. We can see answered prayers from the past. We remember how far we have come. We repeat prayers that continue to shape our perspective. And we reflect on God’s faithfulness at every turn.
Preparing for I AM, our emphasis in 2019 helps us keep our eyes and our prayers focused on the I AM, to whom we pray.
The prayers throughout my life become the stepping stones for the direction God now carries me. And many of the prayers from my past echo in my current murmurings.
• When my humanity threatens to overshadow my holy calling, I look to Christ’s example and pray, “Not my will but Yours be done.” Praying to I AM Father.
• Transformation seems elusive, yet I look to the discontented caterpillar, later struggling to exit the chrysalis for inspiration as a beautiful butterfly. And I thank God for His creation as an example of transformation. Praying to I AM Creator.
• We continue to pray for God’s provision: financial and workers, remembering the promises in Scripture that “His faithfulness continues throughout all generations” (Ps. 100:5, 119:90). Praying to I AM Provider.
• Even the wisest man to walk this earth continued to seek counsel with His Father through prayer. Praying to I AM All-Knowing.
• And so, we listen for God’s wisdom as He leads us in times of growth. Praying to I AM your God.
What are your personal prayers for this year? Or what are prayers you have focused on in the past that you are now revisiting? Which name of I AM are you praying to?
Thank you for joining us in prayer this month! And don’t forget to sign up for a 15-minute time slot to pray for IRSM on Monday, February 25!
#IronRoseSister #prayingtoIAM #plus1 #IRSM #prayer