Many people use this acrostic as a simple reminder of the ingredients of prayer:
A-adoration
C-confession
T-thanksgiving
S-supplication
However,
this guide is very limiting, because there is so much more to the vital
ministry of prayer. Effectual prayer is productive and powerful, and reaps many
benefits and rewards (James 5:16)
Prayer
is not a formula; but a living, breathing power swirling through the cosmos and
changing the face of both the physical and spiritual world (Daniel 10:11-21).
Prayer
is our tool for communicating with God and for accessing the power of God in order to
storm the gates of hell and to do business for God's Kingdom (Matthew
16:17-19; 2 Corinthians
10:3-5).
Before
we pray, we put on the armor of God, which prepares us to draw near to God, to stand
strong and to resist Satan's influence during our spiritual battle with his demonic
forces (James 4:7-8).
We
start with a relationship with God through Salvation, which guards our body,
soul and spirit with the righteousness of God (Ephesians 6:10-12). We walk in
the spirit, which gives us God's supernatural peace and power and transcends
human effort and reasoning (Zechariah 4:6).
The
faith of the Son of God within us shields us from the devil's fiery arrows when
he fights back (Galatians 2:20). By praying the scriptures, we use the power of
God's Word as our sword to do actual spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:13-17).
Prayer
changes the spiritual world, as well as the physical, mental and emotional
world (Mark 9:29; Psalm 107:28-30; James 5:1-16; Philippians 4:6-7). It tears
down spiritual strongholds, moves mountains and makes the crooked places
straight; so pray without ceasing (Matthew 17:20; Isaiah 54:2; 1 Thessalonians
5:16-18).
Prayer:
Father
God, reveal to Your children the seriousness of our prayer ministry and the
spiritual power You give to us during prayer. Help us to pray without ceasing
in order to do spiritual warfare on behalf of our self and the people You bring
to our mind.
Remind
us to communicate with You during every moment of our day. Impress on us the
importance of staying alert and praying persistently for unbelievers to come to
Christ; as well as for all believers everywhere, including those in our church
family and those persecuted Saints in other countries (Ephesians 6:18).
Thought
for the Day:
"Prayer
is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan." -
John Bunyan
