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µPrayer is the life breath¶, µPrayer is victory¶ etc. are some true statements. Almost
everyday we hear about the importance of prayer. On hearing and reading about mighty
prayer warriors like Daniel, Job, Elijah etc. we are really excited. But, be that as it may; let
us for a moment ask us the question µAm I praying fervently at least for an hour daily?¶ The
answer to this question in most cases is µNo¶. I was one like that. I could spend hours
reading and meditating on the scripture. But I could hardly spend time in fervent and
prolonged prayer. I admitted my weakness and then the spirit of the Lord clearly taught me
how to pray and I would like to share this knowledge with you as I believe that it will be of
immense use to your spiritual growth and development.

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µGod is holy¶: He is of purer eyes than to behold evil¶. If I regard iniquity in my
heart the Lord will not hear¶ (1 Pet. 1:16; Heb. 1:13; Psa. 66:18). Therefore keep your
conscience pure and unspotted from sin. µLikewise you husbands, dwell with them with
understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together
of the gracious gift of life, that your prayer may not be hindered, (1 Pet. 3:7) so says
experienced Peter. Strained husband and Wife relationship, bitterness, vain words, lies,
unholy sight, unrighteous anger, waste of time watching TV etc will definitely make your
conscience impure. Can you then bring yourself to prayer with such an impure conscience?
(Js. 4:2, 3; Mk. 11:25, 26)

What is the remedy for sin? It is wrong for a believer to condone or excuse sin in
him. There are only two things that need to be done; confess it and forsake it. Then the
blood of Jesus Christ shall cleanse us from all sin. There is no sin too great or too small. µHe
who covers his sin shall not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall prosper¶
(Prov. 28:13). Also read 1 Jn. 1:9; Heb. 9:14.

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³I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works,
and that my soul knows very well´. (Ps. 139:14).´ For who makes you differ from another?
And what do you have that you did not receive it?´ (1 Cor. 4:7). All that we have is not
ours. Hence the psalmist says µBless the Lord, O! My soul; and all that is within me, bless
His holy name! Bless the Lord O! My soul, and forget not all his benefits´. If we are
thankful to Him for the blessings He has already showered upon us; we will then have the
confidence to trust Him for the future. Hence the scripture says ³In everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you´. (1 Thess. 5: 18). Be excited over the
marvelous things He has created for us! Your faith will then be made strong; all doubts
vanish; and prayerfulness will improve.
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Many think that prayer means requesting God to grant certain needs. Though it is true
in a sense, it requires faith on our part to be able to ask God. Prayer without faith is
meaningless. ³And all things, whatsoever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.´
³Assuredly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain,
µMove from here to there¶, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you´ says our
Lord Jesus (Mt. 21:22, 17:20). But how can we have such faith? You must learn to see the
one who can supply your need before seeing your need. Remember, our Lord is greater than
your greatest need. Jesus is our example for this too. Once he had to feed more than 30,000
people (Men 5,000, women 5,000, children 10,000, aged 10,000). But, e had only five loaves
and two small fishes. His disciples to even murmured among themselves. What did Jesus
do? He asked his disciples to pray. He did not distribute the food straightaway. But instead
He took the five loaves and the two fishes and looking up to heaven He blessed and broke
and gave it to his disciples, who distributed these to the multitudes´. Observe the sequence of
His actions. He took the smallest thing. He looked up to heaven. There He saw the entire
universe, countless stars, varieties of planets etc«« and through it all he was able to see the
creator; the one who made all things out of nothing. He worshipped the creator and faith
sprang forth in Him, works of faith followed. From the handful of loaves and fishes tones of
loaves and fishes were created. Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday, today and forever. He is
capable of doing the same thing for you if you believe. This faith comes out of worshipping
the creator, our Heavenly Father. Hence before making any requests glorify Him, through
your praise.

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 Ask God fervently! Even before asking be sure of what you are going to ask Him;
and what you expect Him to do for you. Then plainly, frankly, lovingly, cheerfully make
your requests known to Him believing that He is hearing you and will answer you. The
requests may be your own or on behalf of others; learn to pray all the time. Use abbreviation
as in telegraphy such as µLord look into this matter¶, µCome down¶, µDo this¶ etc«« Make a
list of all the prayer points. Ask God to fulfill every one. You can be sure of mighty answers
to your prayer.

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³Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring
lion, seeking whom he may devour´. (1 Pet. 5:8) Daniel prayed earnestly and God heard and
answered his prayer. But the king of Persia (Satan) withstood the angel for twenty one days
(Dan. 10:12, 13). Apostle Paul through the sixth chapter of Ephesians lists out the various
items of the armor through which we are to prepare ourselves for battle. This is a spiritual
battle; not with flesh and blood but with principalities and powers and spiritual hosts of
wickedness in heavenly places (Eph. 6:11-18). The moment you have knelt down to pray be
sure if his (devil) hindrances. He will use at best all his weapons to discourage you. A meek
saint on his knee is a terror to Satan. But be of good cheer! You can overcome him, as he is
a defeated foe! Your Jesus crushed his head on the cross. He only wags his tail now. He
(devil) is only a creation but the one in you is the creator. His power is limited but you
heavenly father¶s power is infinite. This is what Jesus has to say about Satan´. I saw Satan
fall like lightning from heaven. Behold I give you the authority to trample on serpents and
scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you´.
(Lk. 10: 18, 19). At best the devil can resist or tempt you. He cannot do anything more. But
if you are ignorant about his devices you may fall. Be vigilant, be knowledgeable! Resist
him! Pray fervently! Never give up!

³Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to
His will, He hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we
have the petitions that we have asked of him´ (1 Jn. 5:14, 15). Therefore««

Keep your conscience pure before Him!

Be thankful to Him,
Worship Him,
Be frank in asking Him,
Join Jesus to resist the devil!
Pray fervently! Be an over comer!
God will establish His throne! Amen.