Successful Prayer #5

Successful prayer that does not violate GOD’S Will, knows the Word of GOD

Knowing GOD’S Word is priceless in being able to offer prayer that does not violate His Will. When we study GOD’S word we learn what His desires are for us and what His character demands of Him. This removes unscriptural expectations in prayer.

One of the best examples of this understanding is found in Acts 4. After Peter and John were arrested, brought before the council and threatened not to speak in the name of Jesus, they were released and returned to their companions reporting all that the chief priest and elders said to them.

“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:29-31

They did not pray that the LORD would keep them from harm’s way or that the persecution would stop. It was GOD’S Will that the Good News of Jesus be proclaimed. This message would lead to persecution and harm on many of its proclaimers. There was no way to temper the flame of the Gospel and keep it pure. The message of the cross cut to the heart and passionate responses would be the inevitable reality. Some of those passionate responses would be amazingly positive, while many others would be tragically negative. Either way the message must be preached. A true follower of Christ had to take the bad with the good. Therefore, these believers prayed accordingly. They prayed for boldness to speak the word, asking that GOD would help confirm that word. They knew, even though harm may come to them, good would be accomplished because the message was shared.

(CEV) Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message.

“…when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31