"A WEEK OF PRAYER
The Holy Spirit continually stirs us to expect the blessing of faith, the freedom from bondage, and possessing the promise through prayer. I love Exodus 9:16: 'But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you My power that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.' Please understand I am not pushing a program of faith or a contrived program of prayer that is motivated by the flesh. I'm suggesting that we respond to the distinct directive the Holy Spirit is giving to us as a congregation during these days.
The days before us are filled with opportunities for growth, blessing, and ministry. I am asking that you join me...this Monday through Friday... in a week of prayer... a season of grace bathed in prayer that is daring, active, and expectant.
II Kings 4:1-7 reports the miracle of abundant oil. The challenge is to make room for the continual flow of God's miracle-working among us. Possessing God's plenty is a proper desire. As we follow God's purpose for us as a [ministry], we'll experience growth in grace...
There are several steps of cooperation we need to observe: (1) It will require a willingness to be available. (2) It will require a willingness to be used. (3) It will require a willingness to be pliable. (4) It will require a willingness to be strengthened.
Take time before the Lord to pray during these days, and take time with others to move in agreement (Matthew 18:19,20). We have come to learn about the value and varied kinds of prayer, as Ephesians 6:18 teaches. The Scripture clearly outlines many instruments of prayer that the church employs.
The Privilege of Intercession - The Holy Spirit comes to buy a share (helpeth) in our infirmities and helps us to pray on target (that's intercession). 'Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.' Romans 8:26
The Power of Prayer - God has created us to be an asking people. Luke 11:9-13 deals specifically with the good things that our Father holds in His hands. Oh, how much our Heavenly Father desires to give us all things. Never allow fear to keep you from asking, for God can only answer with things that benefit you.
The Potency of Supplication - It is almost unbelievable to realize the power God has invested in His church... to see the principles of binding and loosing at work, the power of seizing by faith an area of need and seeing it stopped, started, or healed. 'And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven,' Matthew 16:19.
The Peace of Giving Thanks - Scripture says that all kinds prayer should be bathed in worship, thanksgiving, and praise. Thanks comes much more freely when you recognize the fact that our Father is the Giver of every good and perfect gift and He never exhausts His supply of virtue that constantly touches us. 'Be careful for nothing; but in every thing 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.' Philippians 4:6,7.
A fact of true New Testament ministry is that ministry requires results... it's more than a theory; it's action (I Corinthians 2:4). Press for action and expect God's confirming signs to attend the truth which you live. I'm believing that our prayer and faith will be stirred afresh by the Name of our Lord. He has given the church His name as the badge of authority that guarantees His involvement. I can only believe that the prayer of faith will heal the sick, strengthen the weak, and stir the saints.
Believing with you,
Ron Mehl"