“THE LORD'S PRAYER”
The pattern of prayer that Jesus gave His disciples when they asked, Lord Teach us to Pray.
"Our Father…”
"Lord, we are thankful that we can call you Father by virtue of the blood of Christ and the Spirit of adoption.
You are our Father, the authority over us, our care provider, and our counselor. Build your character and attributes into our lives, Lord. Allow us to be partakers of your divine nature."
"Which art in heaven…”
Your throne is in heaven, Lord. You are high and lifted up. Your thoughts are above my thoughts - but elevate my thoughts by granting to me the mind of Christ. If everyday I declare heaven's priorities by prayer, I trust that your priorities will become my priorities on earth. Your ways are higher than my ways - but elevate my ways by enabling me to walk in the Holy Ghost."
"Hallowed be thy name…”
"Lord, you are my everything! Everything I need, I find in Jesus! You are Jhvh-Hoseenu, the Lord my maker, my creator. You are Jhvh-Rohi, the Lord my shepherd. Keep me, Lord. Lead me to green pastures and still waters. You are Jhvh-Jireh, the Lord my provider and provision. Supply all of my needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. You are Jhvh-Shaiom, the Lord my peace. Grant to me your peace, that peace that passes all understanding. You are Jhvh-Rophe, the Lord my healer. Grant to me good health in spirit, sow and body. You are Jhvh-Tsidkenu, the Lord my righteousness. You are Jhvh-Shammal, the Lord who is there, never leaving, never forsaking me, a very present help in trouble. You are Jhvh-Nissi, the Lord my banner. I’m on your side, Lord, standing for you and your cause. You are Jhvh-M'Kaddesh, the Lord who sanctifies and makes me clean. You are Jhvh- Tsebaoth, the Lord of host, the captain of the army of the host of the Lord, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. You are Jhvh-Heleyon, the Lord most high. Keep my focus on you Lords not on the things of earth.
"Thy kingdom come thy will be in earth as it is in heaven…”
"Hasten the day spoken of in Revelation 11:15 when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ. Hasten the day referred to in Daniel 7 when your saints shall possess the kingdom. You said, 'The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force.' We come as your great army pushing back the kingdom of the adversary and establishing your kingdom, in Jesus name."
"Let your kingdom come and your will be done in me, my family (mate, children, and other family members), and my church family (Pastors, leadership team, faithfulness of people, harvest). Let your kingdom come and your will be done in our nation and world. Put up whom you will and put down whom you will. Let your plan unfold, in Jesus name."
"Give us this day our daily bread…”
"Lord, supply all of our need according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Give us more than we need for ourselves so that we might have to give to those who ask us of the hope that is in us, with meekness and fear. Let us live today in the will of God. Grant to us good work habits, a spirit of submission and obedience to your will, let us be cheerful and generous givers - for freely we have received, may we freely give. We believe it is your will to prosper us for the cause of the gospel - for your Word declares, "Give, and it shall be given unto you,' good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. As with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measure to you again.” (Lk 6:38) "Beloved I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (III Jn 2)
“Forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors…”
Therefore I say unto you, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:24-26)
“And lead us not into temptation.. but deliver us from evil…”
"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations…" (II Pet 2:9)
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who, will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”"
(I Cor 10:13)"
"Lord, I pray a hedge of protection around me, my family, and my church family – in Jesus’ name.”
“For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory forever…”
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Heb 13:15)
Praying The Lord's Prayer Pattern
August 12, 2021 • Matthew 6:1–13, Luke 11:1–5
Pray For Your Local Church
August 8, 2021 • John 1:12–13, Acts 2:42, James 5:16, Ephesians 3:15
How to Pray for Your Local Church The uplifting and refreshing presence of God is upon a church where God’s people have humbled themselves to pray! When we were born again, we were born into a family—our church family (Ephesians 3:15, John 1:12-13). God purposed this inter-relationship for our spiritual good. We need each other in united prayer and prayer warfare. (See Acts 2:42 and James 5:16 .) Every New Testament local church was exhorted to pray without ceasing. Prayer with fasting is practiced. Consider: The church at Ephesus was exhorted to pray always (Ephesians 6:18). The church at Thessalonica was told to “Pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17). The church at Rome was admonished to “be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). The church at Colosse was exhorted to “continue in prayer with thanksgiving steadfastly” (Colossians 4:2). The church at Philippi was encouraged to not worry about anything . . . but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made know to God (Philippians 4:6). The Hebrews were urged to “continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God” (Hebrews 13:15). Around A.D. 400, Chrysotom wrote, “What we cannot obtain by solitary prayer . . . we may by cooperative prayer.” The uplifting and refreshing presence of God is upon a church where God’s people have humbled themselves to pray! By prayer we are talking about more than a few minutes here and there. We speak of focused prayer …groanings . . . cries from the heart . . . fasting . . . seeking God’s face (Romans 8:26). We are keenly aware of spiritual forces at work in the congregation and also outside the church. Preaching, teaching, lecturing, discipling—without prayer—have little impact against these powers (Zechariah 4:6). Every local church must be united in unceasing, intercessory, concentrated, prevailing prayer! There is unusual power in united prayer. Jesus said, “My house shall be called the house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13). When you pray for your local church, pray for: 1. YOUR PASTOR AND HIS FAMILY Pray that God would anoint your pastor and his wife to be the godly leaders that the local church needs (I John 2:27). Pray that they would be strengthened physically and that their financial needs would be met (Phillippians 4:19). Pray that they would have wisdom in rearing their own children in the fear of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). 2. SUNDAY SCHOOL AND CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES Pray that God would anoint and inspire the teachers to reach and teach the children on their level. Pray that the children’s hearts would be tender to the Lord and that they would receive the Holy Ghost even in their classrooms (Acts 2:39). Pray that the children would lead their unchurched parents to know Christ. 3. HOME BIBLE STUDIES AND OUTREACH MINISTRIES Pray that teachers and workers would be sensitive to the needs of those they meet. Pray that the hearts of the contacts would be fertile soil for the Word of God to take root and grow. Pray that the entire church would feel the burden to reach their world with the love of Christ and His gospel. 4. YOUTH MINISTRIES Pray that the youth staff—the youth pastor, youth leaders, Sunday school teachers, and others—would havegenuine love and concern for the youth of the church and city and the wisdom to deal with the manifold problems that face today’s youth. Pray that parents and older saints would be examples of righteousness for the youth to follow. Pray that the youth would learn to put God first in their lives (Matthew 6:33). 5. MUSIC MINISTRIES Pray that those involved in the music ministry would be divinely anointed as they play and sing unto the Lord. Pray that they would be sensitive to the move of the Spirit and complement the ministry of the Word. Pray that they, as more public examples of the church, would walk circumspectly before the Lord (Ephesians 5:15). 6. SINGLE MINISTRIES AND SUPPORT GROUPS Pray that the singles would find the companionship and emotional support they need within the church body. Pray that the other support groups would be understanding and compassionate as they reach out to those in need. Pray that those in material need would be drawn closer to Christ because of their problems. 7. DAUGHTER CHURCHES Pray for the ministers of the daughter church to be anointed and strengthened both spiritually and physically (III John 2). Pray that those attending the daughter work would pick up the burden—both spiritually and financially. Pray that the community surrounding the new work would be receptive to the Word of God (II Thessalonians 3:1). 8. PRAYER MINISTRIES Pray for the leaders of the prayer ministry to be strengthened physically and spiritually—intercession is taxing both to the body and spirit. Pray that they would be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit and to the needs of the church. Pray that others would have a burden to join the prayer ministry. 9. MEDIA MINISTRIES Pray that the media ministries of the church would be tools of evangelism and encouragement. Pray that God would anoint the hearts of those that hear the tapes and see the videos to be receptive to the Word of God. Pray that the church dramas and newsletters would make an eternal impact on lives. Praying for your local church is not only an obligation, it is a wonderful privilege. Heaven and hell respond to those who pray (II Chronicles 7:14; Matthew 16:18). Your prayers can bring revival, healing, reconciliation, and salvation. Please pray for your local church. Produced by World Network of Prayer, United Pentecostal Church International
Put On Your Spiritual Armor
August 9, 2021 • Ephesians 6:11–17
TAKE ON THE WHOLE ARMOR "Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood; but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God; that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God " (Eph. 6:11-17) The Helmet of Salvation: "Lord, protect my mind. Keep my mind and eyes focused on you. Let me think right. Let me view things through your eyes. Let me not be conformed to this world's way of thinking. Let me be transformed by the renewing of my mind, that I may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom. 12:2) "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." (Isa. 26:3) "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Rom. 8:6). “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 2:5) The Breastplate of Righteousness: "Lord, keep my heart right. Filter everything that comes into or out of my heart through your righteousness. Lead me in the paths of righteousness for your name's sake. (Ps.23:3) Come and rain your righteousness upon us." (Hos. 10:12) "Let me be easily impressed by your Spirit. Let me recognize the unction and guidance of your righteousness in my life. Let me be led by your Holy Spirit in all I say and do." Loins Girt about with Truth: "Lord, put a love of the truth in my heart. Gird me about with truth. Spirit of Truth, wrap yourself around me. Let truth keep me from all lies and all error and every false way. For your Word speaks of those who 'with all deceivableness of unrighteousness http://...perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved' (II Thess. 2:10). So let us love the truth, not just in word, but in deed." Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace: "Lord, everywhere I go let me bring peace. Grant to me a willingness to be peaceful and to bring peace, a willingness to 'Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14). Let me be a peacemaker. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace…” (Isa. 52:7). Let me be a person who publishes and spreads your peace." "Lord, guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:79). Set my feet in a large place safe from the pit. Send your angels to keep me from dashing my feet against a stone." (Ps. 91:12). The Shield of Faith: "Lord, quench all the fiery darts of the enemy. For you are the author and the finisher of my faith. Let me be able to truly say with Paul, 'I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God; who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20). "Your Word declares that, 'He shall cover thee with his feathers and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” (Ps. 91:4). Grant it, Lord! My prayer is that my 'faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (I Cor. 2:5). Protect us from the enemy's attacks, Lord! The Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God: "I come on the offensive, with your Word as my weapon, against the gates of hell. Anoint your Word in my heart, mind, and mouth. Let your Word do a work in me and through me. Let me be a channel through which your living Word can flow powerfully and effectively." “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12). "The righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart: that is the word of faith, which we preach.” (Rom 10:6-8).
Pray Through The Tabernacle Plan
August 10, 2021 • Exodus 25:1, Exodus 31:18
Praying Through The Tabernacle Plan (Heaven to Earth: The Tabernacle Today) THE TABERNACLE In Exodus, Chapters 25-31, God gave detailed instructions to Moses on Mt. Sinai for building the Tabernacle to house His presence. The Tabernacle was a tent-like structure inside a rectangular courtyard, facing East, surrounded by a fence made of pillars and linen hangings, and covered as area 45’ long, and 15’ wide, with a 15’ high covering. In the outer courtyard were the brazen alter nearest the entrance, and the laver of water. Inside the tent were the Holy Place (housing the candlestick, the table of shewbread, and the golden altar of incense) and the Holy of Holies (where the Ark of the Covenant rested). In and above the Holy of Holies, God appeared as a pillar of cloud or fire. Each article of furniture represents a different prayer focus that has a unique meaning corresponding with its original purpose defined by God, and a place in the “types and shadows” that exist between the Old and New Testaments. STEP 1- THE GATE Here, we enter into His gate with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4). PRAYER FOCUS: We begin here. Thank God for every blessing and praise Him for His mighty acts. STEP 2 - THE BRAZEN ALTER For sinful man to even approach a holy God, there must be a blood sacrifice. Jesus died as an atonement for our sins. The brazen alter is where we repent and rid ourselves of sinful deeds and desires. PRAYER FOCUS: No one can repent for us. Jesus became our sacrifice so we could receive the gift of repentance. At the alter we search our hearts, acknowledge our sins, and ask God to forgive us. STEP 3 - THE LAVER OF WATER Once sins were atoned for, cleansing was necessary before serving in the Holy Place. We must daily look into the mirror of; be washed by; and apply His word as cleansing so we may serve and minister before Him. PRAYER FOCUS: Here we take time to read and meditate on God’s Word and allow it to wash over us and through us. When we examine ourselves with his Word as our guide, the Word will sanctify and cleanse us. STEP 4 - THE FIVE PILLARS Each pillar symbolizes one of the characteristics of God named by Isaiah. PRAYER FOCUS: “His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Pray for a revelation of the power of and for the office of each name to be present in our lives. STEP 5 - THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK This oil is symbolic of the illuminating and revelatory power of the Holy Ghost. The priest’s duty was to keep the wicks trimmed so the lamp would exude pure light without smoke. PRAYER FOCUS: At this source of continuous shinning light ask God for spiritual revelation, direction and guidance. Pray for the anointing of the Holy Ghost to be active in our lives. Jesus said “I am the light of the world...” (John 8:12). STEP 6 - THE TABLE OF SHEWBREAD The table/bread symbolized God’s willingness to fellowship with man and him to be in His presence. PRAYER FOCUS: “I am the bread of life...” (John 6:35, 49-50). This bread of His presence is the “rhema” (God -breathed) Word of God to us. Ask God to speak to our hearts and allow us to commune with Him and hear His voice and follow Him. Pray for those who share His bread with us: missionaries, pastors, evangelists and church leaders. STEP 7 - THE GOLDEN ALTAR OF INCENSE Only the fire of repentance can burn the incense of our intercession. This is a symbol of our prayers and intercession going up to God as a sweet fragrance. PRAYER FOCUS: “Let my prayer be sent forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2). Here the incense offered is symbolic of our worship. After worship, we make intercession for others and for any situation in our lives that requires His intervention. Biblically, Jesus ever makes intercession for us. The golden altar of incense is where every request can be presented to a prayer-answering God. STEP 8 - THE VEIL It represents the flesh of Jesus rent in the final sacrifice and marked physical separation from the spiritual. Whoever went in the Holy of Holies entered into God’s very presence. PRAYER FOCUS: The veil is symbolic of the barrier of our flesh. Here we ask God to give us power to go beyond ourselves, to operate not on our own faith but on God’s faith. Meditate on the revelation of the name of Jesus and acknowledge Him as the Messiah - God manifest in the flesh as testified in the gospels. We enter into His presence. STEP 9 - THE HOLY OF HOLIES Inside the Holy of Holies was the Ark of the Covenant which contained three symbolic items: a golden pot of manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the stone containing the Ten Commandments. The Mercy Seat, where God communed with man, rested as the top of the ark. Because the ark was God’s throne among His people, it was a symbol of His presence and power. PRAYER FOCUS: Only the blood gives us access to the Holy of Holies. The Ten Commandments (The Law) is covered by the blood of the sacrifice. There is only mercy. We are free and without judgment. This is the place of intimacy with God. Now we may act in the authority represented by Aaron’s rod that budded. Through Christ, we take authority over things that work against us. We are surrounded by angels, and the miracle of the manna reminds us that whatever we need, He will supply.