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"BEING BOLD"
As we continue to press forward into God's heart, we are starting to see the presence of both spiritual fruit and spiritual gifts. This may be new territory for some, and that's OK. Keep pressing in as you are being led. Let me emphasize that it is absolutely critical to marry our daily prayers to in-depth Bible reading and study. The more we know the LORD, the better we will pray. Pray in all things, from the very small to the very large. Pray boldly. To use a baseball term--swing for the fence.
Today I'd like to give you this message from David Wilkerson that I received via my good friend and Christian Brother in New Zealand...
Blue Skies, Allen
BOLDLY -- by David Wilkerson
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
...In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him (Ephesians 3:12).
These verses speak of coming to God boldly with our pressing needs, which pleases him. When God tells us to come to his throne boldly, with confidence, it is not a suggestion. It’s his preference, and it is to be heeded.
So, where do we obtain this boldness, this access-with-confidence, for prayer?
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).
The word “effectual” here comes from a Greek root word that means “a fixed position.” It suggests an unmovable, unshakeable mindset. Likewise, “fervency” speaks of a boldness built on solid evidence, absolute proof that supports your petition. Together these two words—effectual fervency—mean coming into God’s court fully convinced that you have a well-prepared case. It is beyond emotions, loudness, pumped-up enthusiasm.
Such prayer can only come from a servant who searches God’s Word and is fully persuaded that the Lord is bound to honor it. Indeed, it is important that none of us goes into God’s presence without bringing his Word with us. The Lord wants us to bring his promises, remind him of them, bind him to them and stand on them.
We see this demonstrated in Acts 10, when Peter was given a vision. God told the apostle, “Some men are coming to your door, and they will ask you to go with them. I have sent these men, Peter, so I want you to go with them, doubting nothing.”
What does this passage tell us? It says that when God has declared something to be true, we are to believe and stand on it, without consulting our flesh. We simply cannot measure the reliability of God’s Word by examining our situation or our worthiness. If we do, we'll end up only seeing that we're unworthy. And we'll talk ourselves out of claiming his Word and appropriating it.
Moreover, we have been given help to approach God’s throne of grace. The Bible says we are petitioners at his throne, and that Christ is there as our intercessor or advocate. We also have the Holy Ghost standing beside us in the Father’s court. The Spirit is our “paraclete,” one who serves as our advisor. He stands by to remind us of the eternal decrees and divine constitution that make up God’s Word.
And so we have these incredible, promises—of an advocate and an advisor, standing beside us—to give us boldness and assurance in coming to God’s throne.
My house shall be known as a House of Prayer for all peoples. --Isaiah 56:7 Our Prayer Ministry operates by the grace of God in two general areas: Prayers of Intercession as well as a Ministry of Prayer to individuals. We are a team of trained intercessors and prayer ministers who are committed to a lifestyle of prayer and fasting. We meet every Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. for Intercessory Prayer, where we lift up to our Heavenly Father the needs of our church, our community, and the individual prayer requests we receive. We meet most Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. to worship God and pray together, and to offer personal ministry to anyone who is hurting or in need of individual prayer. We believe that prayer changes things...we have seen prayer change things! Praises! Matthew Seymour (Tammy James's son) has just returned safely from an extended tour in Afghanistan. We thank our LORD for protecting Matthew in an active combat zone, and we continue to pray for those who are still in harm's way.
One church member has a nephew who was attacked by some boys wielding a baseball bat. He received a serious head and brain injury. Despite an initial prognosis that he might not walk again, the nephew forgave his assailants. In response to prayer, God has granted this young man a miraculous recovery. The nephew has now regained full and unimpeded motor control. We thank God for His mercy and grace!
We have a number of church members undergoing dramatic life-changing events (divorce, household moves, financial struggles, and child custody issues). We have been praying for each of them since we received their news. We have met with most of them in Monday night Prayer Ministry. While their respective marriages have not been restored (so far), God has heard our prayers and given each person the peace and strength they need to walk through this valley. We continue to pray and seek God's perfect will.
Little 5-year-old Sidney, who has been struggling with a brain tumor, continues to improve by God's grace. Sidney's doctors have held off operating due to the tumor's continued shrinkage. Sidney has gone from having many seizures a day to having only one seizure very two or three weeks. The doctors have no medical explanation for the reversal in the tumor's growth. We thank God for this miracle of healing, and continue to pray for Sidney's full recovery.
On Saturday February 6th, 2010, we will complete a four week, twelve-hour Seminar on Prayer. The LORD has been faithful to raise up and equip a core group of Intercessors and Prayer Ministers who are available to pray with church members.
What God has done for these, He can do for you! Come pray with us and see what the LORD has for you.
"You do not have because you do not ask God" James 4:2
Confidentiality Statement: We treat every prayer request with the highest level of respect and confidentiality. On the back of every Prayer Request Card is a check-box to indicate either a preference for confidentiality or permission to post on our website, depending on individual sensitivity and desire for widespread notice. We do not discuss prayer requests outside the immediate context of our church’s prayer ministry. |
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PRAYER SEMINAR PRESENTATIONS
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