December 22, 2021
Prayer Changes Things!
Beloved one Jesus is our role model. He spent three and a half years modeling for the disciples what to do when He was no longer on earth. The disciples went with them everywhere he went.
With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: “Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I’ll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is ‘the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.’ Salvation comes no other way; no other name (but Jesus) has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.” (Acts 4:8-12)
One of my favorite scriptures is in (Acts 4:13-14) when Peter and John were preaching in the city courtyard and people were being healed. The city council members said it is obvious they are ordinary and uneducated men, but it is obvious they have been with Jesus. I can only pray that others will say this of me, how about you?
Jesus said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do because I go unto my Father. (John 14:12)
And then He went on to say: And these miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will drive out demons in the power of my name (Jesus’ name). They will speak in tongues. They will be supernaturally protected from snakes and from drinking anything poisonous. And they will lay hands on the sick and heal them.”(Mark 16:17-18)
You and I are anointed to do greater things than Jesus did. Then He gave us instructions on how to pray:
Jesus is telling His disciples, “And in that day, (What day? When He is no longer on earth. Today) you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:23-24)
Jesus has given us the key to praying with results:
1. Pray to ask the Father in Jesus’ name. (John 16:23-24)
2. Follow the instructions (John 16:23-24)
3. You ought to pray expecting results. (Jeremiah 33:3)
4. Remind God of His Word (Isaiah 43:25-26)
5. Pray according to God’s Word. (Matthew 4:4, Ephesians 6:13-18)
6. Pray for the sick (Mark 16:17-18)
7. Pray for others. (Job 42:10)
8. Pray in agreement. (Matthew 18:19, Genesis 11:1-8, Mark 3:24-25)
9. Pray in the Spirit. (Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 14:14)
10.The Model Prayer. (Matthew 6:5-13)
Then He teaches us the Model Prayer saying pray this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)
David also taught us how to pray:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. (Psalms 23:1-6)
Prayer changes things!
