PRAYER PROMISES

(By: Norm Rasmussen)

So much can be said about why people struggle with praying, but I would exhort you to constantly reminding yourself of this very important fact. Demonic powers HATE it when a Christian determines to make prayer as much a part of their daily lives as eating and drinking.  Especially, unselfish Holy Spirit directed prayer!  

God's power and God's will is released on Earth through our prayers.  

Two things we can be absolutely certain of regarding prayer:  

The more we pray, especially for others, the greater a threat we are to Satan  

The less we pray, especially for others ... the less of a threat we are to Satan

God would never have given us the weapon of prayer if it was a waste of time using it.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:10-13)

... praying always with all prayers and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints ...  (Ephesians 6:18)

Here is a precious testimony of a person being "watchful" in prayer:  

TBN Testimony #1 – Stand In The Gap.  

Here is a writing that if you can receive what God may have for you in it ... can revolutionize your prayer life!  Fasting: The Soul Vacation

Here are some key scriptures God recorded for us in the New Testament regarding prayer to help us during times of our discouragement in this spiritual battle we are engaged in between good and evil:

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1) 

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers:  But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (1 Peter 3:12) 

"Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;" (Romans 12:12)

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:24)

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.  (James 5:17-18)

"But when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Matthew 6:6)

"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray." ( James 5:13) 

"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keeping yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." ( Jude 20) 

"You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."  ( James 4:3)     

"But if we hope for what we do not see, then we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.  Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.  For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:25-26)

"Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.  And if he has committed sin, he will be forgiven." (James 5:14)

"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16) 

"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward." (Matthew 6:5)

"In this manner, therefore, pray:  Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. (Matt. 6:9-13)

"For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the result then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.  (1 Corinthians 14:14-15)

"Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."  (Matt. 9:38) 

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew. 5:44)

"Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." (1 Corinthians 7:5) 

"Likewise you husbands, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered." (1 Peter 3:7) 

"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers."  (1 Peter 4:7)

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;" (Colossians 4:2) 

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18) 

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41) 

"But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is." (Mark 13:32-33)

"Pray without ceasing."  (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

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Remember:  All that we do in this life comes back to our God-given purpose which is to serve and glorify God. The money and assets we accumulate, the fame and power we've attained or seek to attain - all of the things of this nature will one day pass away, but those lives of others we impact for Jesus Christ will last for eternity, and we will be rewarded for the part we helped play by impacting those lives ... for eternity. (Matthew 6:19-20 is our assurance)