"Praying Jesus' Way
We all know God's sovereignty is not conditional upon our acceptence of His rule, but His workings are obviously waiting for us to call upon His name.
There are a number of wrong attitudes about prayer: (1) a hopeful guesswork, and (2) a holy fatalism. One doesn't see prayer as a certainty, while the other doesn't see it as a necessity as far as changing anything. As a congregation, we're committed to a consistent ministry of prayer for the kingdom of God, the world, and its concerns.
II Chronicles 7:14 requires true prayer and intercession be characterized by three things: that I confess my sinning; that I humble myself before God; and that I turn from my bent, warped, and twisted way. Charles Finney was quoted concerning humility, saying '... it implies an intellectual and hearty giving up of all controversy with God, upon all and every point... a thorough and hearty abandonment of all excuses and apologies for sin.'
Spiritual analysis and confession are to release something in us, not to bind or restrict. Our prayerful release is what qualifies the church for life-changing, history-shaping intercession. I read a list of hindrances to releasing powerful prayer, and thought I'd pass it along. The purpose is so our prayer will not be limited (I John 3:21).
1. Religious pride and self-righteousness (Matthew 6: 5,6; Luke 18:10-14)
2. Self-will, selfishness, covetousness (Matthew 6:19-21; James 4:3).
3. Faithlessness,doubt, unbelief, anxiety (James 1:5-7; Matthew 6:25-34)
4. Not loving, respecting, and applying God's Word (Proverbs 1:28,29; 28:9)
5. Spiritual adulteries, idols in the heart (Ezekiel 14:3-13; II Corinthians 6:14)
6. Unforgiveness, resentment, critical spirit (Mark 11:25; Matthew 5:21-26)
7. Family discord, husband's irresponsibility (I Peter 3:7)
8. Not open and honest with the brethren (James 5:15)
9. Rebellion, not willing to be corrected (Proverbs 1:28-31)
10. No true concern for the poor and oppressed (Proverbs 21:13; Isaiah 1:15-17)
Pastor Ron Mehl"