Many Christians forget how powerful prayer can be. This can happen when prayers have not been answered in years. As time passes, it gets easier to lose hope that those petitions will ever be fulfilled and we stop praying. However, Hannah prayed for a son and had to bear with insults while waiting. Still, she kept praying until Samuel came and she went from being called a barren woman to a mother of children, one of whom became the leader of her nation.
The wise remember that prayer requires patience. They understand that the answer to their pleas is set for an appointed time. So they continue to labor in prayer, believing that the seeds sown in petitions will be harvested at God's time as blessings.
In addition to forgetting the role of patience, many Christians also forget that God is not only able to answer prayer but do so exceedingly and abundantly as promised in Ephesians 3:20. The verse states, Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (NKJV).
But we can't forget this. We can't ignore the fact that God will not just give us the desires of our hearts but that He can give us even more. He can go beyond what we've prayed for. When we recall this, then we will remember to keep praying and to do so persistently. The promise of James 5:16 will ring in our ears - the fervent prayers of the righteous are highly effective - and we will continue praying with zeal instead of bowing to satan's lie that our praying is fruitless. Our minds will rest on Christ's teaching that people should always pray and never give up (Luke 18:1). We would realize that the only one benefitting from our abandoned prayers is the enemy of our souls - the devil.
What prayers have you forgotten? Is it a petition for yourself or for someone else? Never forget you have a godly inheritance that you can't afford to squander or abandon. Your godly inheritance will impact the lives of your genetic heirs and your brothers and sisters in Christ, who will come after you are gone. You have a duty to them too. As long as your prayer is not detestable, don't stop praying with zeal.
The answer may seem slow to arrive, but as with Jairus, Jesus started walking with you to the answer the very moment you invited Him into the situation with prayer. And like Jairus, the period between the request being made and the answer coming to pass is simply Christ building your faith so you realize that He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you've asked for or imagined. He did that for Jairus and He will do the same for you. According to the power at work in you. That power is the Lord so let Him into your life and do as He instructed in Luke 8:50 - "Don’t be afraid; just believe..."
So believe God for the exceedingly and abundantly. Dust off that prayer remembering 1 John 5:14 - This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. Your patience and persistence will be rewarded.
PS: Is there a prayer point you've abandoned because you haven't seen it fulfilled yet? Now, go read up on detestable prayers and take some time to prayerfully review whether your request is according to God's will and word. If it is, be ready to pray fervently on the issue during our last 10 minutes. Prepare to war with others today. God is waiting for you to voice that petition again in faith. We'll do it together, joining our faith with our works of saying that prayer publicly. Get ready. But first, we'll praise God and pray for others, okay?
To learn more, please read the following messages as well as those hyperlinked into today's post:
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, thank You. Words are not and will never be enough to adequately acknowledge You for all You have done, are doing, and will do in our lives.
The fact that we gather here is testimony to Your greatness. The fact that we gather twice weekly from the nations of the world is evidence of how intentional You are.
Thank You, God.
As we have gathered to honor You today, I pray IJN that You will kindly remember everyone who stopped to fellowship. Please hold them in Your bosom and bless them. May they experience and dwell in Your favor and grace. May Your mercy speak for them, tempering judgment. May their choice to honor You stand as a hedge of protection for them now and in the future. As they gave cheerfully in worship and intercessory prayers, may they receive Your goodness in increasing measure. May their prayers for others and themselves be speedily answered. All by Your grace and to Your glory, Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 - Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
My God. You established Your throne in heaven and Your kingdom rules over everything. Hallelujah!
I've watched You do things these last 14 days that I cannot comprehend. I've seen You do more than I could have asked for and despite Your track record in my life, I'm still shocked. Thank You for being the God who always surprises His own. Glory be to Your wondrous Name!
Lord, I lean into Your faithfulness. I lean into Your capacity to do exceedingly and abundantly. I come before You and I remind You of the more that You promised would come. Father, I am only a human and I fall far short of Your glory. Still, I pray for Your merciful forgiveness. I cry out to You, the God of compassion, to keep doing in my life, my family, and the lives of those who concern me. Let your overflow overwhelm us so that like Peter we have to invite others to receive so we can stay afloat. Let Your promises flow forth like wine over the hills continuously and rapidly whereby we can't keep up as promised in Amos 9. You are the well that never runs dry and I place myself at Your feet to receive all You have to give for Your purpose, by Your grace and to Your glory, IJMN Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I lift my application before you for this season. I pray that you will favour me this time. I submit every component of the application to you and ask that your will be done. Abba Father, I have one more reference left for my application to be completed, I pray that you touch the heart and mind of this person to recommend me before the deadline. Father Lord may your will be done as I pray for an acceptance this time. IjMN Amen
From M22 - Thank you Father for the opportunity to fellowship with my fellow Peppers today. As we look forward to P&P 400, I pray that this community will continue to expand and grow stronger. I pray that we will continue to honor you as a community and as individuals IJMN Amen
LAST 10 MINUTES
What's that prayer point you are scared to pray about for yourself? Somehow, you don't think it will come to pass and so rather than face disappointment, you've chucked that prayer to the side.
As long as that prayer point is not an idol you've exalted above God and if it is not a detestable petition, then it is time to be bold and courageous. It is time to say that prayer and lay it at God's feet once more.
Let me pray over us all -
Father, You have told us to come to You and loom to You for everything. You word teaches that we should ask to receive, seek to find, and knock so that doors will open for us. We honor Your instruction by coming with our prayer requests for ourselves this day. You are the God who hears us. The God who does exceedingly and abundantly more than we can imagine, according to the power at work in us. The power at work in us is You, my Lord, and we will not abandon our confidence. We shall place our burdens at your feet in faith, knowing that nothing is impossible for You. IJMN Amen.
From M22 - Thank you Father for sis @FFJ . I pray she will never grow weary in fulfilling her Kingdom assignments. I pray that she will continue to grow from strength to strength. I pray that you will bless her, her loved ones and everything that concerns her IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people experiencing unemployment. I pray that you help them as they jobhunt. I pray that you will direct them to the right companies where they will be able to use their kingdom talents and provide for themselves and their loved ones. IJMN Amen
Lord, I thank You for Your mercy and compassion. You let the sunshine on both the evil and the good. When Jesus saw the crowd, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without their shepherd.
Lord I pray for the schoolmates and people I was praying for a few years ago.
My King, You desire that all be saved. You do not delight in the death of sinners.
I invoke Your compassionate heart, and I ask that You would please remember all the traumas and attacks that have contributed to them being where they are now.
Lord I approach Your throne of grace to find mercy to help them in their present time of need. Let Your spirit send salvation upon them, in Jesus name. amen
From M22 - Abba Father I commit myself and my siblings into your hands. I pray Father that you grant us the gift of supernatural discernment and clarity. I pray that you will continue to guide our decisions as we move forward. I thank you for the blessings you gave to my brother this week. I pray you bless the person that blessed my brother and meet them at the point of their needs. I pray concerning my baby sister that you will perfect her health and help her navigate her academics. Abba Father I commit my twin in your hands, I pray that you will help her navigate her graduate studies. I pray that you will help her as she prepares for her exams. IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for everyone in this community. That you help us to overcome unforgiveness and resentment. I pray you help us forgive those that have wronged us and help those we have wronged to forgive us. Help us to learn to settle issues with people in a way that honors you so we don't resent them. Help us to let go of every hurt we have experienced in relationships and move forward IJMN Amen
Oh Lord, I pray for Peppers. I pray that in any way that the enemy has oppressed them, that Tyranny comes to an end right now in the name of Jesus, Amen.
I declare that I break the hold satan has over any area of their life. I declare that the children of God are set free and He who the Son set free is free indeed. I declare that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. I declare that Your children's minds will wake to the freedom and power they have in Christ to silence the devil and set it running. I declare that the presence of God chases all darkness away and I praise You God for being right by our sides destroying the darkness and all that comes with it.
I cover Your children in the Armor of God as they walk in the world through the powerful blood and name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for those waiting on you. Help them know they are not waiting in vain. I pray as they wait on you, they learn to focus on you and not just what they expect from you. I pray that you will increase them in patience and help them understand the lessons you want them to learn as they wait. I pray Father that your promise in Isaiah 40:31 comes to pass in their lives IJMN Amen
Father, the whole earth is filled with Your glory. Most High God, I honor and glorify Him who lives forever. Your dominion is an eternal dominion; Your kingdom endures from generation to generation.
Lord, I put the nations of the world at Your feet. Let Thy will be done in them. I pray for Your purpose and plan to come to fruition in the lands of the earth.
The devil claimed it has dominion over the kingdoms of the world but when Christ rose from the dead, He resurrected with authority over heaven and earth. So, Lord have Your way in our nations. Let Your Spirit move to Your glory. Let hearts and minds turn to You. Sprinkle Your clean water and cleanse nations and their people. Let the godly rise in number under Your authority and be Thou glorified IJMN Amen.
From JIR - I pray for those who are oppressed and afflicted. Lord, please bless them with the love, peace, comfort, strength and protection they need to get out of their situation. Please protect them to withstand their surroundings. Please place Your arms underneath them Lord and pull them out of what they may be facing. Please place them on stable ground, Lord, so that they are able to recover and bounce back from their troubles. IJMN. Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people struggling mentally. I pray Father that you will put an end to the mental torment they are experiencing. I pray that you help them overcome every form of trauma they have experienced. I pray that you direct them to wonderful people, counselors and therapists that will help them move on from the past and enjoy every moment. I pray that you help them overcome and disrupt every stronghold of anxiety, doubt, self esteem issues and depression. I pray that they start to see themselves just as you see them. I pray most importantly that they experience your peace in Phillipians 4:8 and know that you love them so much IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I want to pray for foster kids across the world. You know their hearts and their deepest desires. I pray that you guide them as they navigate the system. I pray that you guide them to Godly and wonderfully families that will nourish and nurture them in your ways. I pray that you will guide them as they grow. I pray they won't succumb to negative influences and I pray you surround them with wonderful people that will help flourish in every aspects of their lives IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father as we wait on you for your promises over our lives to manifest. I pray that you silence the voice of the accuser in our lives. I pray that your mercy will always speak for us in every circumstance. I pray that as you prune us, you will give us the strength to allow the pruning to take place without interference. You prune us because you see us fit to bear more fruit and for that we thank you Father. We thank you for helping us become what you have created us to be, not what the world expects of us. We exalt your name IJMN Amen
Heavenly Father. Thank You for being our God. Thank You for being the One True God. The Only God that has ever and will ever exist.
Dear Lord, the devil wants people to think that they are to live a life riddled with ailments but Your word teaches that You are Jehovah Rapha. The Mighty Physician and Healer.
And so, my God, I come to You on behalf of my prayer subjects. I call on You to remember Your word in Jeremiah 30:17 - But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’
The devil looks at Your people and slanders You, my God. He lies to Your people to make them think You have forgotten them but that is impossible. You said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). You said “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! (Isaiah 49:15).
The devil is a liar. The Lord rebukes You satan.
Balm of Gilead. God our Healer. Put the devil to shame. Let its blasphemous words disintegrate on its lips. Let its mouth turn to ash. Bring forth miraculous healing for my prayer subjects. Restore their health. Heal their wounds. Make them whole again. All by Your grace and to Your glory IJMN Amen. You are more than able to do exceedingly and abundantly and that's the testimony we're looking for and will see. Hallelujah!!
PRAYER TIME
Now's the time to pray for others with zeal.
Who is that person you've been praying for over the years? Pray for that person RIGHT NOW.
What is that issue in your community that has bothered you for years? Pray about that issue RIGHT NOW.
Pray for the Body of Christ. Call on the Lord for more to submit to His Holy Spirit. Pray for unbelievers to know Christ RIGHT NOW.
There's so much to pray for. Let's get to work.
From M22 - Thank you Father for another fellowship day! We give you all the glory. Thank you Abba for being our refuge, safe haven, hiding place and sanctuary. Thank you Father for protecting and providing for our needs. Thank you Father for strengthening and renewing us as we navigate every single day. I pray that we will not grow weary of running our heavenly race and fulfilling our Kingdom assignments IJMN Amen
Father, I give You glory.
Hallelujah to Your Holy Name!
Jehovah, we thank You. The God who never lets us down. The Lord who makes a way in the wilderness. The One who lifts us higher. Who sets a table before us in the presence of our enemies. He who knows how to set the enemy's camp in confusion and disarray because He cannot deny Himself. Our Protector. Our Defender. The Ajagun Segun Himself. Our El Gibbor! And as @Mimzy22 called Him, Greatest Master Strategist of all time!
God, I praise Your wondrous name!!!
You've been faithful God! I thank You for Your faithfulness.
2 Timothy 2:13 - If we are faithless, He remains faithful [true to His word and His righteous character], for He cannot deny Himself (AMP).
Lord, I glorify You. You do not change. Steadfast and true. I honor You for You are faithful. Thank You, Father.
From JIR - Thank You Lord for always being there for me, being my refuge and being the everlasting arms that are under me. You alone are all I need to get through life. You alone are all I need to live for. I thank You for being so humble Lord to even hear my prayers. I am nothing but dust but You still care for me, love me and protect me as Your child. How is the God of all things in creation and existence so full of love for me? Who am I to be given such love and compassion? Lord, I thank You for being the Almighty, Sovereign God that I serve. I love You, I worship You and I magnify You. IJMN. Amen.
You've been faithful God! I thank You for Your faithfulness.
2 Timothy 2:13 - If we are faithless, He remains faithful [true to His word and His righteous character], for He cannot deny Himself (AMP).
Lord, I glorify You. You do not change. Steadfast and true. I honor You for You are faithful. Thank You, Father.
God I thank You for what You are doing for me and my family!
Thank You for showing us a way to pay for school.
Thank You for helping us with our side hustles
Thank You for my breakfast today it was nice
1 Chronicles 16:29 - Ascribe to the LORD the glory and honor due His name; Bring an offering [of thanksgiving], and come before Him; Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness (AMP).
Hallelujah!
My Lord, I come before You this day with my offering of thanksgiving. I enter Your courts with my praise. I glorify and honor You King of kings. I bow before You with my worship Mighty Messiah.
Hallowed be Your Name.
PRAISE TIME
Let us honor the Lord and give Him all of our praises.
Take the next 25 minutes to worship Him for who He is and what He's done for your loved ones and yourself.
The Lord is good.
From JIR - Thank You Lord for blessing us with another day. You have blessed us to be able to take our first breath this morning. To wake up this morning is a gift in itself. None of this would be possible without You, God. You are faithful, unwavering and good. Thank You for bringing us together for fellowship to praise You and pray for others. It is by Your grace that we have reconvened here today. Thank You, Lord. IJMN. Amen.
Thank you sis, @FFJ for this wonderful message. You mentioned that the wise understand that their pleas are set for an appointed time. This really stood out to me and has given me the insight needed to keep pushing forward with my prayers as long as they align with God’s will. Moses waited 40 years for God to deem him ready to lead His people (Israel) out of Egypt. The same could be said for prayers that are not answered right away. Until we meet God’s terms and are cultivated into who He wants us to be He may not answer them as they are set for an appointed time. Most of my prayers have to do with becoming righteous and pleasing to God in His sight, which is a life long process. However, God willing, like Moses, He will see me through. No matter if it takes 10 years or 40 years persistency and consistency are important and to never give up on prayer.
Also, thank you for bringing up detestable prayers. It reminds me to be conscientious with the intentions of my prayers by ensuring that they align with the Word of God and His will for my life. Thank You God for blessing me with today’s word. IJMN. Amen.
From CD - I am so grateful for this gentle reminder. There are things that I prayed for long ago and when the enemy lies to me saying I haven't received yet it's because God said no and that I am undeserving, the Holy Spirit reminds me that delay is not denial and is for my protection.
God told me years ago that my job is to focus on what He as assigned me to do because questioning what, when, how and to what extent He answers prayers is His business!! When it is His will, it is His bill, so I have to mind the business that pays me and tending to my God-assignments are what pays me in ways I could never imagine.
Thank You God for trusting me enough for kingdom assignments, thank You for ordering my steps and for Your grace and mercy that are renewed daily. I pray for all who cry secret tears because we feel no one understands, Thank You for understanding and sending you physical angels into our lives to meet needs we never speak out loud. Thank You for the opportunities we have to share the love with others that You share with us.
I thank You for the Peppers and ask You to bless them and everyone and everything connected to them. Surround them with Your hedge of protection as the enemy seeks to distract, discourage, and attack them for being about Your business.
Lord, I trust You in all things, at all times and doubt You for absolutely nothing.
IJN Amen
From EC - Amen and good morning ladies!
From M22 - Thank you Heavenly Father for another fellowship day! We glorify your name Abba! Jehovah El-Roi (the one that sees us), thank you mighty Father for holding us by your mighty right hand of righteousness. Thank you Father for correcting, teaching, pruning and renewing us for your glory. I pray that we will continue to be powerful vessels through which you can be glorified IjMN Amen.
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ . This is definitely my answer to a petition I raised last week. I appreciate everyone that raised me in prayer! When I was reading today's word I thought about Isaiah 40:31 because while we pray, we should also learn to wait on God. We should not idealize that God will answer us at our own timing but rather at his own timing. I realized the reason I had been struggling mentally and spiritually was because I felt my prayers were ignored but reading today's message made me understand that as much as I pray, I should also focus on praying for God to silence the voice of the accuser in my life. It is Satan the accuser that tells us through our thoughts most especially that our prayers are fruitless. The accuser will retort that after all this is not the first time you are praying about this situation and yet your prayers haven't been answered. I felt that way in the past 3 years but as I study God's word especially the Book of Job - I am still learning to be patient and understand that I can't hold God hostage to my demands, I can only pray to him and wait for his answers. I pray that we will never lose the zeal to pray and I pray that all our petitions are acceptable before God IjMN Amen
From SS - AMENNN