Praying With Authority Pt. 5 Series

Praying With Authority (Pt. 5)

October 30, 2011 FBC Chester, IL Dr. Mike Fogerson, Speaker

Introduction:

A The African cheetah must run down its prey if it gonna eat and it can run at speeds of 70 miles per hour, but only for a brief amount of time.

1 The cheetah tires very quickly because it has a disproportionately small heart. (Tires easily)

a If it doesn’t catch its prey quickly, it must end the chase.

b How often we take the cheetah’s approach in prayer.

aa We run to our prayer closet, throw on a tallit, go to the altar, go pray over someone or pray for someone.

bb But we lack the bigger prayer heart that is needed to keep praying, keep pressing God & we often get worn out of praying (tired of praying) before we accomplish what is needed.

2 For some of us who have been taught take it to God in prayer one time and leave it alone are going to be deeply challenged or troubled today. EASY DOESN’T DO IT IN PRAYER!

a The very Son of God spent many enter nights praying in order to fulfill His ministry.

aa Luke 5.16; 6.12; Mark 1.35 (Marathon prayer)

bb In Gethsemane, it took Him three hours to find strength to face the cross (Heb. 5.7.)

b We know all about prayer (knowledge, equipped, informed, educated).

aa If we fail was we run the race of prayer is not for lack of knowledge but because of lack of heart & spirit.

bb Why persistance? Why do we have to continue in prayer?

3 Does God require a certain amount of prayers in certain situations? Do we talk Him into things? Does God just finally “decide” to do something after we’ve begged Him long enough? (I believe the answer to all of these is “no.”)

a Luke 11.5-13, gives many of us the wrong idea of wearing God down so He’ll answer our prayer. (Vs. 8) the word “importune” or “persistance” is actually poorly translated. It means “shameless, bold, or unashamedness.

aa Heb. 4.16, Ask God anytime knowing we’re accepted and loved.

bb We do not have to go to the Throne of Grace with a sense of unworthiness or shame.

b Is God delaying the answer to our prayers to teach us something? (Sometimes)

aa If so, then there is no reason to keep praying . . . pray once and then wait in faith.

bb What about persistance?

c Perhaps God is waiting for the right time to answer our prayers.

aa If so, no reason to keep praying . . . pray once and then wait in faith.

bb Gal. 6.9

d Why persistence? Why perseverance in prayer?

aa Why does it take days, months, or even years to see God answer our prayers?

bb Why did Elijah have to pray seven times for the rain to come?

cc Why did Daniel have to pray for 21 days before the angel was able to break through with his answer?

B I’m going to teach you something this morning that is not conclusively proven (much antidotal) but there is a lot of evidence to suggest the teaching is accurate. (I believe it to be trust-worthy, The Substance of prayer)

1 The concept is that our prayers do more than just motivate the Father to action but they actually release the power of the Holy Spirit from us to accomplish things.

a We’re already aware of certain types of praying where this release happens.

aa When we pray Scripture we release the power by speaking the word (Eph. 6.17.)

bb When we make a declaration or command release the power of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 17.20; Mark 11.23)

cc Laying on of hands is another scriptural method of imparting power (Mark 16.18; Heb. 6.2)

b The fact that is the literal power of the Holy Spirit can be released from inside us.

2 Several weeks ago I taught you about the ancient secrets of the Tallit (prayer shawl) and how it represents a little tabernacle for the Presence of God, Spirit, Shekinah Glory to dwell.

a 1 Cor. 3.16; 6.19a

b We too often think that all the power of heaven is locked up in the throne room or God speaks out of the clouds but He has now made His throne in our hearts and we are Temples of the Holy Spirit.

aa The power of God that brings life, healing and wholeness to earth flows out from us – the Church.

bb When God moves to release power upon the earth, it doesn’t have to shoot out of sky somewhere–it comes from His people where His Spirit dwells on earth.

cc God doesn’t lay hands on the sick: we do, and a release of the power of God is then transferred that anoints.