Who Is Hindering Us From Obeying The Truth? Part 9 9-Ways To Win The War Praying

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 (NKJV)

We are looking at a devotional series titled, Who Is Hindering Us From Obeying The Truth?In the first two Parts of this series, we looked at how we can be hindered when Satan tempts us into believing our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior is not enough to be saved. And we looked at how we can be hindered when the enemy deceives us through distractions and diversions.  It's those times when the enemy can get us to take our eyes off of God, and put them on something else--things distracting us, taking our time, and causing strongholds in our Christian walk. 

We are looking at 9-ways to win this war against Satan's temptations, distractions, and strongholds in our lives. The first eight things were, 

1.    We need to make Jesus our Lord (Lk. 6:46; Rom. 6:5-14).
2.    We need to Repent (Turn around) (Acts 2:38)
3.    We need to "Stand fast" in the Power of God! (Zech. 4:6; Eph. 6:10; James 4:7)
4.    We need to Get Dressed For Battle--Put on our Spiritual armor. (Eph 6:12-18)
5.    We need to "Think Properly!" (2 Cor 10:5)
6.    We Need to Hate Evil (Ps. 36:1-4; Rom. 12:9)
7.    We Need to Love the things of God (Ps. 119:15, 127; Rev. 15:3)
8.    Read our Bibles Daily (Josh. 1:8)

So today we're going to take a look at this 9th way to win the war against temptations, distractions and strongholds--and that is the
 "Mighty Weapon" of Prayer. 

9.    We need to Pray! (1 Thess 5:17)

If there were one thing distinguishing a true follower of Jesus Christ, it would be prayer.  Prayer is simply talking to our Father, God.  If we are to win the war against temptations, distractions, and the strongholds of sin within our life, we need to be praying to God and tapping into His power.   Remember what Jesus said, "Apart from Me, you can do nothing!"  Prayer to a Christian believer is like an oxygen line to an astronaut walking in space--it is essential for life.  

Q:    How often should we pray?
A:    We are told to pray continuously 

Pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV)

When we fully can wrap our minds around the truth about God, we will want to go to Him in prayer all the time.  Think of whom you are praying to.  God created everything you see, including you.  God is the most amazing and loving Father.  He is our best friend.  He is the strongest person who is able to help us in every situation.  He is a virtual GPS with perfect directions to lead us properly every time; He is the world's greatest listener, and most wonderful counselor, and so much more.  

The cool thing about praying to God is we can do it anywhere at anytime.  We can be standing, sitting, laying face down, jogging, or bicycling.  We can pray with eyes closed, or eyes open--it doesn't matter.  Remember, we are seeking the One who cares and loves us enough to have a relationship with us. What's important is this,

We must pray in faith and conviction.  Faith is substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  We need to remember God is the object of our faith, and our faith rests upon His written Word--The Bible.  We cannot put our faith in our emotions, feelings, or human hope, but on the promises of God contained within His Word.  He says it--that settles it!  We don't hope and pray--we trust, pray and believe!

Now 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. 1John 5:14-15 (NKJV)

Next--pray with passion!  Pray with a deep burning fire and with fervency.  When we pray with this type of passion--believing we will receive what we are asking for, according to His will--we will be effective in defeating the enemy's attacks to tempt, or distract us (See Matt. 5:6; James 5:16).   God is not a genie in a bottle--promising to give us everything we pray for because we really want it--He is a caring and loving Father who will give us what is best for us. 

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you to pray more!  Let's develop a fully dependent relationship with our God.  Let's talk about everything and ask Him for guidance, wisdom, and discernment.  Let's seek Him for our provision--trusting in Him alone.  Let's praise Him for everything in prayer.

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn about prayer from the Scriptures contained within this devotional?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you praying continuously, or just here and there?  Are you praying with a deep passion, unwilling to stop unless you see the fruit of your prayer?  Are you praying in faith--knowing God is the one who is able to do anything regardless of what you may be facing?

APPLICATION: Pray with confidence.  Keep praying!  Don't stop after a couple times, but continue to persevere in your request--knowing if it is God's will, then it will be done in His perfect timing.