BREAKTHROUGH PRAYERS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Isaiah 43:19
"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."
Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 29:11, Luke 11:9-10, Matthew 7:7, 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, Hebrews 11:6
INTRODUCTION:
In every believer’s life, there comes a time when we need divine intervention, a moment when the circumstances we face seem impossible to overcome. It is in these times that we seek breakthrough. Breakthrough prayers are those powerful, faith-filled prayers that unlock doors, shift situations, and bring about God's divine intervention. This sermon will examine what breakthrough prayers are, why they are essential, and how we can pray effectively to experience the supernatural power of God in our lives.
1. WHAT ARE BREAKTHROUGH PRAYERS?
Breakthrough prayers are intense, focused prayers that seek to release God’s power into difficult or stagnant situations. They are prayers that move the hand of God, pushing through barriers and opening doors to God's promises.
a) Prayers for Deliverance (Exodus 14:21-22)
Breakthrough prayers are often prayers of deliverance, where we ask God to intervene and rescue us from oppression, danger, or difficult situations.
b) Prayers for Provision (Philippians 4:19)
Breakthrough prayers ask God to provide what we lack, whether it is physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual provision.
c) Prayers for Healing (James 5:15)
Breakthrough prayers bring God's healing power into situations of sickness or injury, whether physical, emotional, or mental.
d) Prayers for Transformation (Romans 12:2)
They also include prayers for personal transformation, where we ask God to change our hearts, minds, and behaviors according to His will.
e) Biblical Example: Jabez's Prayer for Breakthrough (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)
Jabez prayed a breakthrough prayer for God's blessing, enlargement, and deliverance from pain, and God answered him abundantly.
2. WHY ARE BREAKTHROUGH PRAYERS IMPORTANT?
Breakthrough prayers are crucial because they activate God's power in the natural and spiritual realms, helping believers move from stagnation into divine progress.
a) They Release God’s Power (Ephesians 3:20)
Breakthrough prayers allow God's supernatural power to move on our behalf and bring about change in our lives and circumstances.
b) They Align Us with God's Will (Matthew 6:10)
Such prayers help us align our desires with God's will, ensuring that we are not merely asking for selfish desires but for His glory and purpose.
c) They Increase Our Faith (Mark 11:24)
When we see God answer our breakthrough prayers, it strengthens our faith and trust in His ability to move in any situation.
d) They Bring God Glory (John 14:13)
Breakthrough prayers bring glory to God, as they demonstrate His power, sovereignty, and faithfulness.
e) Biblical Example: The Prayer of Elijah for Rain (1 Kings 18:41-45)
Elijah’s breakthrough prayer for rain after a long drought was answered by God, proving that breakthrough prayers can bring results when prayed in faith.
3. HOW TO PRAY BREAKTHROUGH PRAYERS
Praying breakthrough prayers requires focus, faith, and persistence. Below are practical steps to guide us in praying for breakthroughs.
a) Be Specific in Your Request (James 4:2)
When you pray, be specific about what you are asking for. God is interested in the details of your request and desires to meet your needs.
b) Pray with Boldness and Confidence (Hebrews 4:16)
Approach God’s throne boldly, knowing that He is willing and able to answer your prayers according to His will.
c) Pray with Faith, Not Doubt (Matthew 21:22)
Believe that God will answer your breakthrough prayer. Faith is essential for unlocking the power of God in our lives.
d) Persist in Prayer (Luke 18:1-8)
Breakthrough prayers require persistence. Do not give up when things don’t change immediately; keep praying until the breakthrough comes.
e) Biblical Example: The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34)
The woman persisted in her faith and pressed through the crowd to touch Jesus’ garment, believing for her healing. Her breakthrough came because of her persistence and faith.
4. COMMON OBSTACLES TO BREAKTHROUGH PRAYERS
Sometimes, despite our prayers, we face obstacles that hinder breakthroughs. Identifying these barriers is key to overcoming them.
a) Unconfessed Sin (Psalm 66:18)
Sin can block our prayers from being answered. We must confess and repent of any known sin to remove barriers to breakthrough.
b) Lack of Faith (James 1:6-7)
Doubt and unbelief can prevent God from answering our breakthrough prayers. We must pray with unwavering faith in God’s ability to answer.
c) Not Praying in God’s Will (1 John 5:14-15)
We must ensure that our prayers are in alignment with God’s will. When we pray according to His will, we can have confidence that He hears us.
d) Spiritual Opposition (Daniel 10:12-14)
Sometimes, spiritual forces oppose our breakthrough. We must engage in warfare prayer and trust God for victory.
e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s Prayer and the Delay (Daniel 10:12-14)
Daniel’s prayer for understanding was delayed due to spiritual opposition. However, God sent an angel to deliver the answer after 21 days, showing that persistence in prayer is important when facing delays.
5. THE RESULTS OF BREAKTHROUGH PRAYERS
When we pray breakthrough prayers, we experience profound results in our lives, as God moves powerfully to answer our requests.
a) Divine Intervention (Exodus 14:13-14)
God intervenes in seemingly impossible situations, making a way where there seems to be no way.
b) Answers to Our Requests (1 John 5:14-15)
God answers prayers when we ask in accordance with His will. Breakthrough prayers bring the manifestation of answers.
c) Transformation of Circumstances (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Our situations are changed as we pray for breakthroughs. God’s power can turn around the most challenging circumstances.
d) Spiritual Growth and Confidence (Romans 5:3-4)
Breakthrough prayers build our spiritual muscles, deepening our trust in God and encouraging us to keep pressing forward.
e) Biblical Example: Peter’s Deliverance from Prison (Acts 12:5-10)
The church prayed earnestly for Peter’s release from prison, and God answered by sending an angel to break open the prison doors and deliver him.
CONCLUSION:
Breakthrough prayers are powerful tools for overcoming obstacles and experiencing God's intervention in our lives. By praying with faith, persistence, and in alignment with God’s will, we position ourselves to receive answers to our most challenging situations. It is important to trust that God is faithful and able to bring breakthrough in any area of our lives. Let us continue to pray boldly, believing that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I come boldly before You, trusting in Your ability to bring breakthrough in every area of my life.
2. Lord, I confess any sin that may be hindering my breakthrough and ask for Your forgiveness.
3. I declare that I will not doubt, but I will believe in Your power to answer my breakthrough prayers.
4. Lord, I ask for Your divine intervention in my life; make a way where there seems to be no way.
5. I pray for healing in my body, soul, and spirit, trusting You for a complete breakthrough.
6. Father, I ask for financial breakthrough that will lead to abundance and provision for every need.
7. Lord, break every chain of bondage and oppression in my life and set me free in Jesus’ name.
8. I pray for breakthrough in my relationships, that peace, love, and understanding may abound.
9. Father, I declare that every hindrance to my breakthrough will be removed in the mighty name of Jesus.
10. I thank You, Lord, for the breakthroughs You are bringing into my life and for the victory that is mine in Christ.