In the last blog we focused on Obedience, as a kingdom principle. The next thing we’d be looking at is the kingdom principle of Prayer.
As a child of God, you’re automatically enlisted as a kingdom citizen, and there are principles that you must stand by. One of them is prayer.
What then is Prayer?
Prayer is the lifeline of a kingdom citizen. Prayer connects us to God. It is an important part of your Christian life. Hence, you must develop capacity for prayer.
Prayer is so important in this kingdom that Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. (Matt. 6:9-13). He also gave a parable of why man must always pray (Luk. 18:1-8).
There is purpose in prayer, there is power in prayer, and there are principles of prayer.
Let’s begin with the Purpose of Prayer:
Jesus gave us the perfect example on the purpose of prayer
1. The Primary purpose of Prayer is Worship & Submission:
The Lord’s Prayer in Matt 6:9-10 further explains this.
Matt 6:9 – In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
10 – Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth as it is in heaven.
The verses was about giving thanks to God and His sovereign authority.
2. Prayer is a way to strengthen our relationship with God:
Prayer is the Christian’s way of communicating with God, the heavenly father. Those in relationships will naturally seek to communicate with each other, and prayer is our communication with God.
Jesus in Mark 1:35 – Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Jesus was known for prayer. In prayer is communication and the bond of relationship strengthened.
3. Presentation of supplication:
Matt 6:11-13
(11) Give us this day our daily bread (12) And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors (13) And do not lead us into temptation But deliver us from the evil one.
Prayer gives you the platform to present your requests to your father.
In the world we live, the presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is a choice. As a kingdom citizen, anxiety should not lead you to depression, it should lead you to desperation in the place of prayer.
Next is the Principle of Prayer:
The only principle in the kingdom prayer is that the will of the king must be done. Every prayer prayed outside of the King’s will be a waste of time. Praying in line with the Kingdom’s principle is what guarantees the King’s response and attention.
According to 1 John 5:14 – Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Lastly, we’ll looking at the Power of Prayer
1. Power to remove suffering/sorrow:
A great reference is in James 5:13-15
(13) Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. (14) 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. (15) And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.
Prayer takes away suffering and sorrow.
2. Power to overcome principalities and powers:
According to Eph 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [b]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
The world is spiritual. And you can’t afford to look at everything ordinarily. The power of prayer is your advantage to operate in the realm beyond the ordinary.
Say this prayer: Help me Lord to pray effectively and fervently, in the name of Jesus.
