The Year Of Answered Prayer

On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.

Psalm 138:3

If I had to pick a theme for 2018, I would definitely have to say it was “The Year of Answered Prayer!” I am extremely humbled as I reflect on how God has moved not only in my life but also the lives of those around me:

• New businesses launching
• Restored relationships
• Book releases
• Emotional healing
• Missions trips
• New homes
• Thriving ministries

I could go on.

God. Is. Truly. Faithful.

As we prepare to transition into the New Year, the idea of answered prayer is something that I not only want to be a theme for this year but a continual part of my everyday life. Prayer is so important to me because it is a crucial part of our relationship with God and it puts our dependence on the only One who is truly able to make things happen for us. More than just simply asking God for “things”, prayer is a gift that God has given to us as we partake in His work in our lives and those we are praying for.

As you think about what you are hoping to see manifested in 2019, there are few things I want to share regarding prayer that I hope will help prepare you to see God move in your life in a miraculous way!

Posture In Prayer

Posture can be defined as a particular way of dealing with or considering something. An approach or attitude. I believe our posture in prayer is the fundamental aspect of everything that follows.

If we come to God in prayer with a sense of pride (1 Peter 5:5), entitlement (Ecclesiastes 5:2), or distraction (1 Corinthians 10:13), it can prevent us from being in the best place possible for God’s spirit to move. In the Old Testament I often notice when reading that people would prostrate themselves in prayer. I would liken this to when we kneel before God. And while our physical posture isn’t my main focus. I think that our posture as one article[1] puts it “expresses the attitudes of our heart.” Our posture in prayer:

1. Acknowledges our unworthiness apart from Christ.
2. Shows our need for God’s mercy.
3. Is a sign of personal humility.
4. Displays reverence.
5. A sign of worship.

The proper posture in prayer causes us to step back from ourselves and look up to the One who has the answers.

Postion in Prayer

Our position or how we stand is another key component of experiencing God work in and through our prayers.

Throughout scripture we see several examples that show us why our position is so important.

• For through Him (Jesus) we (those who believe in Him) have access in One Spirit to the Father. (Ephesians 2:18 ESV)
• Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. (Ephesians 3:12)
• Therefore since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)

 

 

As you can see from these scriptures- and there are many more- we can have confidence in our position. Our access in and through Christ to God our Father, should cause a sense of joy to spring up into our hearts. We can have faith in our prayers as we trust God to move in our lives, in our families, whatever it may be – because we are grounded in Him.

It’s not us trying to position ourselves or manufacture and maneuver situations.

It’s knowing who we are and Who’s we are.

That’s a position that is sure, firm, and unshakable.

Proclamation In Prayer

What we proclaim or declare has to do with what we believe. And what we believe should be rooted in the Word of God. We live in a time where everyone has an opinion about what’s right and what’s wrong. Facts aren’t facts. And it seems that everything is up for debate. Social media has the set the stage for many “influencers” to share knowledge, ideas, and thoughts. These aren’t necessarily bad, but what can happen if we aren’t careful is that these ideologies can infiltrate how we relate to God and what we expect from Him or not.

For example, I remember when I was struggling with a certain issue, I had to grasp hold of what God’s Word said about me and the situation and proclaim that truth over my life. Hebrews 4:12 tells us “…the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than a double-edged sword.”

Do you believe that God’s word is still alive and powerful?

Then let’s proclaim it in our prayers!

When we proclaim the Word, we know that what God had promised will NOT return void. Unlike a cool quote on Instagram or Facebook, we can always bank on the promises of God.

Amen.

Power in Prayer

This one for me speaks for itself. Once we have postured ourselves properly before the Lord, are confident in our position through Christ, and proclaim His word over us, we should expect to see power in our prayers. Our prayers aren’t just words for the sake of words. It’s a powerful tool that can change so much in our lives.

Power: to be operative, to be at work, to put forth authority.

James  5 reminds us that “The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours [with the same physical, mental, and spiritual limitations and shortcomings], and he prayed intensely for it not to rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months” (16b-17 AMP).

Did you catch that? Elijah was a regular person just like us, yet our prayers can have that same dynamic and tremendous power! I don’t know about you but that is definitely the way I am trying to walk into 2019.

So what is on your heart friend? What are you praying for in this next season? Remember it’s about more than just making resolutions, visualizing things, and doing your best. It’s about placing it all in prayer before the God of the universe who is waiting to do more than we could ever ask or think! (Ephesians 3:20)

Cheers to a blessed 2019!

[1] Institute In Basic Life Principles

 

Order your copy of my devotional book Pages From My Heart here! A great way to start off your new year with inspiration! Also available on Amazon!