ENGAGE IN PRAYER

 Daneille Gray Snowden(c) 2021

2021

We are called to: 

ENGAGE IN PRAYER 

Allow me to first share a quote from Sheila (an amazing godly lady who is my mentor) who said:

“A BREAKTHROUGH IS COMING!!”

Yes! In Jesus Name I do agree!

In these quite challenging times; we must have our focus on the war that is happening intensely, right here and now! 

If you are like me, then you are at a place wanting to be used by God to touch and change lives. Naturally, we all are doers thus, wanting to fix, nurture and help wherever we can. 

The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Ephesians when he was a prisoner in Rome. Likely, he was guarded by Roman solders, and in chains; possibly, ISOLATED from his friends, family, and his church! 

During this time, his heart was God's; so much so that he focused on people, by teaching them how to successfully live and fight as a Christian. 

Why do I say successfully? Ephesus later on is known as a Christian city, and is spoken about in Revelations 2:1-7. 

They learned how to fight!

General Patton once said:

"Training relinquishes fear!"  

In chapter 6 of Ephesians, we are all being trained on how to fight!

Pastor Chuck Ingrim has done an excellent study on this topic; by dividing the latter part of Ephesians 6 into four different tactical prayers. 

Ephesians 6:18-20

 With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all [a]God’s people. 19 And pray for me, that words may be given to me when I open my mouth, to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news [of salvation], 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. And pray that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly and courageously, as I should.

TACTICAL PRAYERS: 

1.) Consistent Prayer- this happens as we are in 'Deep Seasons with God!'

2.) Praying in the Spirit- this is intense prayer! Releasing what we 'think' we aught to pray, and pray as led by the Spirit. [We in the Pentecostal realm, praying in the Spirit is praying in tongues (a holy language). It is powerful!] 

3.) Alert Prayer- this is constantly being aware of God's Presence and Power, filled with and walking by His Spirit.

Elizabeth Elliot wrote:

"Prayer is the opposite of leisure; it is TO BE ENGAGED IN!"

                        4.) Strategic Prayer- This prayer is 'point-blank.' It is opportunistic! 

To engage means: 

to obtain a contract to employ or offer your life to back a cause

to entrap in a snare

to interlock (mesh)

to enter in to a battle, a conflict; committed to a supportive cause 

As a brother and sister in Christ, we must pray for one another as we pray for those who are all battling on many 'fronts' as God's Children. For example: Praying for those in the medical field, others who work in factories and schools, mail carriers, and more.

And of course praying for those who are SPEAKING THE WORD OF GOD in their life ministry. 

Much is being discussed about unity. True unity is when we AGREE! Our objective is to be agreeing the Word of God together, keeping this our focus and not our selfish desires. 

The scripture declares: 

Matt. 18:19 "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven."

AS WE AGREE WE DO SO: NOW, TOGETHER AND ON EARTH! 

v.20 says that when we gather in His Name- HE IS THERE!

I have written more about prayer than I have anything else. The power that comes when we ENGAGE in those 'Deep Seasons with God' is life altering. 

Clearer vision comes into view for our lives!

There is a quote that says; 

"Fresh vision chases away depression!"

I can't begin to express to you how true this is! We can see clearly! The purpose God has for us comes to light!

When we intercede for others and even ourselves; we are aligned in the military of God's Chosen Army by defeating the darkness! 

Now is the time to spend much time in prayer. Apply the 4 tactical prayers listed. 

We will begin to walk in a new life of powerful purpose!

~Daneille