Are There Different Kinds of Prayer?

Readings / April 11, 2016

The Bible instructs us to “pray always with all prayer” (Ephesians 6:18). Other translations say, “all kinds of prayer” or “different kinds of prayer.” The Amplified Bible says, “with all [manner of] prayer.” There is more than just one kind of prayer, and depending on what you desire from God, you need to understand the importance of each one.

The prayer of agreement, when prayed according to Matthew 18:18-20, will cover every circumstance in life. “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

The prayer of petition and supplication can be defined as “a formal request addressed to a higher power.” This prayer changes things. It is based on Philippians 4:6: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Do not go into the prayer of petition and supplication without knowing what you want to say and how you want to say it. Have your petition drawn up according to the Word of God. Then, find out what God has already done regarding your situation. If you need healing, look up those scriptures pertaining to healing. Present your petition. No matter what your situation may be, God has provided an answer for it.

The prayer of committal is when you purposely commit something to God—once and for all. God is vehemently against worry. It does not produce anything but stress, strain and death. The whole Bible is against worry because Satan designed it. Take Philippians 4:6-7 as a command. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The Amplified Bible says, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything.” First Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him….” Your confession every morning should be, “I do not have a care, because it has been cast over on my Lord.” Roll it over onto Him. As Christians, we need to get in one agreement on the Word of God and expect results. Prayer will cause things to change!

The prayer of dedication and worship holds a tremendous amount of power. In the past, it has been misunderstood. When the leper came to Jesus and said, “I know You can make me well…if You will,” Jesus said, “I will.” He already knew the Father’s will was healing. He didn’t have to pray, “If it be Thy will.” God’s will is to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10). Heaven has no sickness. The only time the word “if” would not be an expression of unbelief is in the prayer of dedication and worship. All other times, using the word “if” in prayer can create unbelief. Unbelief hinders prayer. Most people pray, “If it be Thy will,” thinking they are being humble. Actually, they are praying in ignorance of the Bible. The prayer of dedication is getting your will in line with God’s will to bring success into a situation. It joins you and God, and aims you toward the same goal. Never be afraid to yield your will to God. He wants you to succeed! His will is always to your advantage.

 

 

 

Written with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries©

What Does It Mean to Pray With Authority?

Readings / April 20, 2019

Every Christian has the privilege of using the Name of Jesus in prayer. When you pray in Jesus’ Name, you immediately get God’s attention. Philippians 2:9-10 says, “God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” In Jesus’ Name, the believer has authority to “tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19).

When you call upon someone’s name, you are placing a demand on their ability. To know how much confidence, you can place in a name, you must be able to measure the power behind it. A man writing a check places a demand on his own name. If he has the proper funds in the bank, then there is enough power to meet the demand. The power backing the Name of Jesus is the power of Almighty God Himself!

First John 3:22-23 says, “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.” The mighty, powerful Name of Jesus is available to you. Become aware of your right and privilege to use it.

God’s love motivates Him to use His power. First John 4:16 says, “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us….” When you believe the love He has for you, you’ll begin to realize you have as much right to use the Name of Jesus as anyone else. Believe the love God has for you. Once you recognize the reality of God’s love in your life, you will realize He has not left you defenseless and powerless against evil. When you pray, use it freely and confidently in the face of your enemy!

 

 

Written with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries©