Saturday, 13th February, 2021
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
"…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]" (James 5:16 AMPC)
Many don’t understand the importance of heartfelt, continued prayers. They speak forth words ever before spending quality time in prayer and they wonder why their declarations aren’t effective. You have to learn how to make power available, first!
When you’ve made power available, then make proclamations of faith, the change you desire would be established. Read the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 17-18. He had prayed drought into existence—and it didn’t rain—not a drop for three and a half years. When it was time for the drought to end, Elijah petitioned the Lord for rain. It wasn’t just some short, casual cobbling of words in prayer; no! It was earnest, heartfelt, continued and fervent.
He sent out his servant six times to see if there was a sign as he continued in prayer, expecting an answer. The servant came back the seventh time and said, “I see a small cloud, very small, like the size of a man’s hand, rising out of the sea.” That was all Elijah needed; he knew he had prevailed!
He told his servant, “...Quickly then, on your way. Tell Ahab, ‘Saddle up and get down from the mountain before the rain stops you’” (1 Kings 18:44 MSG). Observe the sequence. Elijah made tremendous power available through heartfelt prayers, and then gave the word.
Same way, after you’ve stirred up a Holy Ghost storm in your closet, that’s when you speak forth “rhema.” That’s one sure way you can effectively alter the course of events to align with God’s divine plan, purpose and will in your life, family, city, nation and around the world.
PRAYER
"Dear Father, I pray for nations of the world today, that your will and purpose be established everywhere. May the hearts of leaders and those in authority be yielded to do and follow what’s right. And I declare that the power and influence of those who have set their hearts to do evil be cut off, and their desires thwarted, in Jesus’ Name! The Church prevails and dominates by the power of the Spirit. Amen."
FURTHER STUDY:
James 5:16-18 AMPC; 1 Kings 18:41-44
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 28 & Leviticus 4-5
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 14:1-10 & Genesis 44