Prayer That Invites God’s Presence Series

PRAYER THAT INVITES GOD’S PRESENCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: James 5:16-18

Supporting Texts: Luke 18:1-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Kings 18:36-38, Acts 10:1-4

INTRODUCTION:

Prayer is not just a spiritual exercise—it is an invitation to the Almighty God to step into our lives and situations. When we pray sincerely and persistently, we attract the attention and presence of God. James 5:16–18 shows us that the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah, through prayer, drew God’s supernatural intervention upon the land.

Many Christians pray, but not all prayer invites God’s tangible presence. There is a type of prayer that stirs heaven and causes divine manifestation. It is the kind of prayer that Elijah prayed, that Cornelius offered, and that Jesus encouraged us to persist in. This sermon explores what kind of prayer truly invites God's presence into our lives.

We must understand that true prayer is more than requests—it is communion, worship, intercession, and alignment with God's will. Such prayer ignites the fire of heaven and draws down God’s glory.

1. PRAYER MUST BE FERVENT AND RIGHTEOUS

Prayer that invites God's presence must be offered from a heart of sincerity and holiness.

a) A righteous heart attracts God (James 5:16):

God listens attentively to those who walk in integrity and humility before Him.

b) Fervency adds intensity to our prayer (Romans 12:11-12):

A passionate, consistent prayer life demonstrates desperation for God.

c) Holiness sustains the presence of God (Psalm 24:3–4):

Clean hands and a pure heart are prerequisites for divine visitation.

d) Confession clears the path for access (Isaiah 59:1–2):

Unconfessed sin blocks our prayers and the presence of God.

Biblical Example: Elijah prayed fervently, and God answered by controlling the weather—a clear sign of heaven's response to righteous prayer (James 5:17–18).

2. PRAYER MUST BE PERSISTENT AND CONSISTENT

God responds to those who refuse to give up in prayer, even when answers are delayed.

a) Consistency keeps the altar burning (1 Thessalonians 5:17):

Unceasing prayer keeps us spiritually alert and connected to God.

b) Persistence demonstrates faith (Luke 18:1–8):

Like the persistent widow, we must press in until God responds.

c) Prayer builds intimacy over time (Psalm 55:17):

Daily communion with God strengthens spiritual sensitivity.

d) Waiting in prayer teaches us trust (Isaiah 40:31):

Sometimes, God delays answers to develop patience and deeper trust.

Biblical Example: The persistent widow in Luke 18 was rewarded not because of speed but because she did not give up—teaching us that persistent prayer moves God.

3. PRAYER MUST BE ALIGNED WITH GOD’S PURPOSE

Prayer that invites God’s presence is not selfish—it seeks God's will above all.

a) God responds to prayers aligned with His Word (1 John 5:14):

When we pray according to God’s will, we receive answers.

b) Selfish prayers are ineffective (James 4:3):

Heaven is not moved by carnal or manipulative requests.

c) Divine presence follows kingdom-minded prayers (Matthew 6:10):

Seeking God's kingdom brings His rule and presence into our affairs.

d) Intercessory prayer touches God's heart (Ezekiel 22:30):

When we stand in the gap for others, we attract divine attention.

Biblical Example: Elijah prayed for God's will to be seen in Israel, and fire came down—proving that aligned prayer brings divine demonstration (1 Kings 18:36–38).

4. PRAYER MUST BE MIXED WITH GIVING AND REVERENCE

The combination of prayer with honour and sacrifice is powerful before God.

a) Giving expresses honour to God (Proverbs 3:9–10):

Sacrificial giving, when combined with prayer, opens heavenly portals.

b) Reverence draws God near (Isaiah 66:2):

A humble and contrite heart always draws the presence of God.

c) A generous spirit provokes divine attention (Hebrews 13:16):

Our generosity makes our prayers fragrant before God.

d) Worship in prayer invites the divine (Psalm 22:3):

God inhabits the praises of His people—prayer wrapped in worship is irresistible.

Biblical Example: Cornelius was a man of prayer and giving; his prayers came up as a memorial before God, prompting divine visitation (Acts 10:1–4).

CONCLUSION:

Prayer that invites God’s presence is not casual, weak, or selfish. It is righteous, fervent, persistent, aligned with God’s will, and offered with reverence and faith. Such prayer attracts divine encounters, angelic activities, and supernatural results.

If you want to walk in the tangible presence of God, build your prayer altar with integrity, faith, and consistency. Like Elijah, Cornelius, and the persistent widow, your prayers can touch heaven and bring God down into your situation.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, teach me to pray in a way that draws Your presence into my life.

2. Cleanse my heart and make me a vessel of righteousness and holiness.

3. Ignite in me the fire of fervent and consistent prayer.

4. Let every hindrance to my prayer life be removed in Jesus’ name.

5. Help me to persist in prayer even when answers are delayed.