Prevailing With God

"I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting..." 1Timothy 2:8





As we prepare for our time together seeking the face of the Lord for the Snohomish county area I'm moved by the teachings in the Word of God on prayer. There is a passion building in me to see His hand move and become more evident in our community. I'm believing God for a marked difference in the behavior of the people in this valley - and to see people really believe Him at His word. We can have what we ask for in prayer, when we believing pray in His name and in His will.

There have been some great spiritual giants that have come along before us here in the valley. Preparing the way and building a foundation that is evident in the Spirit. There is an open door here for God's people to come together and believe and see great things.

I'd like to share a couple thoughts I've edited and adapted from Charles Finney about the conditions he saw in the preparation for answered prayer. I believe they are Biblical and very timely. Enjoy and be challenged as we seek God together.

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"Prevailing prayer is that which gets an answer. Saying prayers is not offering prevailing prayer. The effectiveness of prayer does not depend so much on quantity as on quality. In reading my Bible, I noticed many revealed conditions of having our prayers answered.... some of these conditions are;

* Faith - in God as the One who answers prayer. This involves expectation of receiving and of Him hearing.
* Asking according to the Will of God.
* A pure heart - in our motivation and desires (Psalm 66:18)
* The inspiration of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 8:26,27)
* Fervency - (James 5:16)
* Perseverance - or persistence.
* Travail of soul - (Gal. 4:19) This implies a travailing like in the birthing process for the souls of mankind.
* Consistent use of of means - (resources such as money, energy, time)Means should be used if they are within our reach and are known by us.
* Specific - In all the cases recorded in the Bible in which prayer was answered, it is noteworthy that the petitioner prayed for a definite object.
* "Watchful in your prayers" & "praying in the Holy Spirit" - (1Peter 4:7 & Jude 20)

Who has witnessed real revivals of religion and has not been struck with the change that comes over the whole spirit and manner of the prayers of really revived Christians?

- Charles Finney

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Let's take the time to prepare our hearts for this mighty work of God in Monroe and Snohomish County. Let's step up and take our place. I'm looking forward to praying with you in the coming months. - Todd