THE NEED FOR PREPARATION BEFORE ENGAGING IN PREVAILING PRAYERS
Exo 19:10, Mal 1:6
• Most of our problems come from trying to relate with God from the human perspective.
• Our lack of preparation shows God we are not ready.
1 Chron 29:1
• Many christians treat God like a kid.
• Treat God with respect.
• Your inability to differentiate what is for man and what is for God shows that you lack wisdom in that area.
1 Kings 18:30-39
• If the altar of God is broken, God can’t be among His people.
• If the altar of God is broken in your home, satan will keep coming in.
• Altars are the meeting places for spirits and men.
• The weakness of men is exchanged for the strength of spirits at the altar.
• The strength of an altar shows the strength of a spirit amongst a people.
1 Kings 13:2
• Don’t expect fire to fall when there is no sacrifice.
• Repairing the broken altar is repenting and asking for forgiveness before you pray (2 Chron 7:14).
• True humility has submission in it.
• Submission is recognising the authority of another.
• It is important to repent and ask God to forgive us.
1 John 1:8-9
• Sin is a barrier to prayer.
Isa 41:21
• We should pray according to the will of God.
1 John 5:14
• When the will of God is known, you have confidence.
• Before you open your mouth to pray, find out the will of God.
• Faith starts where the will of God is known and faith is needed to receive answers.
Mark 11:24
• Express your desires to God in prayer.
• As you are praying, you are not done until there is a sacrifice of praise from you.
• Thank Him even for the answers you have not yet seen.
• If you look at God as a judge that needs evidence, it will change how you look at prayer.
DEALING WITH BARRIERS TO PRAYER
1. Confess and forsake your sins (Psa 66:18-20, Prov 28:13)
2. Forgive other people’s sins against you (Mat 6:12, 14-15, 5:23-24)
3. Get rid of spiritual pride (Luke 18:10-14, John 8:7-11, Prov 16:18)
4. Come boldly, not beggarly (Heb 4:16, Psa 34:2)