{"id":849,"date":"2017-01-08T15:21:08","date_gmt":"2017-01-08T23:21:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ez3728.com\/?p=849"},"modified":"2017-01-08T15:23:46","modified_gmt":"2017-01-08T23:23:46","slug":"prayer-in-these-times-7-weeks-of-notes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ez3728.com\/?p=849","title":{"rendered":"Prayer In These Times – 7 weeks of notes"},"content":{"rendered":"

THIS IS A LOOOOONG POST, and here’s why:<\/p>\n

Last summer there was a series called PRAYER IN THESE TIMES. Notes from SOME of those sessions were posted on this site. Others were not. These are being re-posted at this time as a resource for folks who might want to go deeper in studying the matter of prayer, and particularly for those who might be attending the current session: EFFECTIVE PRAYER – The call to the Church In These Times. <\/p>\n

These originally were notes for spoken presentation, which then got posted as printed notes. They’re therefore sort of conversational, and there’s likely typos. <\/p>\n

Also – you may find some notes, towards their end, might be repeated at the beginning of the following week’s notes because the earlier session-time ended prior to the notes being fully covered. <\/p>\n

WEEK 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

PRAYER In These Times
\nSession 1<\/p>\n

Greetings and welcome to what is likely a three week (which became seven) class\/study\/immersion\/workshop\/launch into Prayer.<\/p>\n

If you’re here, you most probably already have a “prayer life”, and that is excellent. Our desire, mine included, is to go deepe, w greater understanding, purpose, focus, and anointing to pray. I am believing God for this result.<\/p>\n

MECHANICS:
\nWe plan to be meeting 7:00PM to 8:30PM during these sessions.
\nWe plan to be spending time PRAYING during these sessions \u2013 likely NOT extended periods of time, but times during or after which we can and might well discuss HOW and WHAT and WHY we prayed, and how we might feel we did as a group. Practice does make for Improvement, even if not for Perfection. My vision for these sessions, besides them being a biblical study, is for them to be a workshop to bring us into group prayer. PRACTICE PRAYER is PRAYER, and we can expect God to show up when we pray. <\/p>\n

NOTES: My notes are very readable (but with typos, etc. \u2013 because they are NOTES for me, firstgeothermal ought to be available in many places: getting me your READABLE email address and is good \u2013 via FB post, or at www.ez3728.com. Re: the format of my notes. BOLD and WORDS in COLOR are pointers FOR ME, as I speak. They aren\u2019t necessarily more important or more anything, other than points I don\u2019t want to miss \u2013 either to speak out, or else as a turn of direction. PLEASE know these are my notes for speaking. <\/p>\n

As I prepare for a teaching class, my notes are typically \u201cstreaming\u201d in that they are ongoing and then we see where we get to by the end of an evening. What is not covered LIKELY gets covered the following session. Or maybe not. I am trying to be sensitive to the Lord in His leading. So when I send out notes in advance, only know that those are my notes as of the time I am sending them out. You likely will get more notes than what will be covered in any session, or even in all sessions. And some of what gets spoken during a session might not be in my notes. Blessed are the flexible \u2013 that includes both you, and me. <\/p>\n

NKJV \u2013 I LOVE LOVE LOVE the New King James Bible. Use whichever translation you like, though. Likely, 100% of my notes and teaching will be out of the NKJV. <\/p>\n

DISCLAIMER: As always \u2013 I am teaching from a place of my own biblical understanding, and my own experiences in prayer. I am not close to perfect, but I want to stay to the One IS perfect. My own prayer life has struggles, challenges, distractions, all that and more. I have succeed in prayer, I have failed in my prayer calling at times. By His grace, I can say I have not missed a day of pray or being in the word, for 43 years. But some days, and some seasons, are better than others. I am LEARNING THIS AS I GO FORWARD. But PLEASE never think all that I am telling you in how I live my life. I wish it was so. I\u2019m going hard after God \u2013 but I am never speaking or ministering from a place of \u201chaving arrived\u201d. <\/p>\n

LET\u2019S PRAY. How appropriate. <\/p>\n

OK – Welcome. We\u2019re beginning a series that. Lord willing, be more than a teaching \u2013 although of course there\u2019s nothing wrong w a \u201cteaching\u201d. <\/p>\n

1. The VISION for these sessions is that we will become more awake and aware to the CALL TO PRAYER, The OPPORTUNITY and OPEN DOOR to PRAYER, and the more CRITICAL NEED for PRAYER \u2013 even now more than ever. <\/p>\n

We also want to study and learn and gain faith from BIBLICAL MODELS and the BIBLICAL REVELATIONS of prayer. <\/p>\n

We know we want our prayer time to be effective, and we also know that God wants our prayer time to be effective. <\/p>\n

When you think about it, we came into relationship w our God through prayer. When someone is ready to get saved, to repent, to accept their Lord and Savior, we lead them INTO PRAYER.
\nIt is a DIVINE HIGHWAY between TWO WORLDS \u2013 the spiritual world and the physical world.
\nIt is the primary means by which WE COMMUNICATE W GOD, and how GOD COMMUNICATES W US. <\/p>\n

Our God SPOKE the world into existence, and He continues to speak. HOW He speaks is His sovereign decision \u2013 He can use anything from a sunset or a numerical sequence, BUT most often, in the scriptures, we are shown a God who speaks intimately w man, one on one, during and through prayer. <\/p>\n

Some scriptures re the END OF THIS AGE, and THE DECEPTIONS THAT WILL BE PROMINENT, and the SANCTIFICATION PROCESS (biblically, as it applies to FOOD \u2013 what we take into our bodies) \u2013 but also, I believe, these verses can rightfully be regarded as a confirmation of the PROPHETIC POWER of the WORD OF GOD and PRAYER: <\/p>\n

1 Tim 4:1-7
\n1\tNow the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons (and now we see things that will try to come INTO THE FAITH),
\n2\tspeaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
\n3\tforbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
\n4\tFor every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;
\n5\tfor it is sanctified by (a) the word of God and (b) prayer.
\n6\tIf you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.
\n7\tBut reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.<\/p>\n

So we see some key components of RELIGIOUS SPIRITS that will be present in the latter times\u201d to try to (and in many instances SUCCEED in) deceiving the church \u2013 adding laws and rules, getting goofy, even restricting the saints from the fullness of their lives in God. <\/p>\n

But Paul tells Timothy that THINGS (in this case: FOOD \u2013 which also represents our SURVIVAL and SUSTENANCE) are sanctified \u2013 redeemed and re-established for holy purpose \u2013 by TWO KEY KINGDOM COMPONENTS: The Word of God and Prayer.
\nThose two, together, aligned, and handled wisely, will cause us to be abundant and full and complete in our God, and in His plans. The Word of God AND Prayer are two components of faith we want to press into, together. <\/p>\n

THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAYER – The scriptures are the very best place to:
\nStudy PRAYER, to
\nMature in our PRAYER; and to even be
\nLaunched into the calling of PRAYER \u2013 I believe there\u2019s such a thing. <\/p>\n

Pastor Daniel wisely understands that all churches can\u2019t do all things or be all things to a community. But one thing many of us are in agreement over \u2013 we are called to be a church that prays and prays.
\n(QUITE FRANKLY \u2013 I don\u2019t how ANY church can be as effective as it ought to be if it does NOT pray \u2013 but we\u2019ll plan to cover that as well during these weeks). <\/p>\n

2. THE PLAN is that we move in this direction for a few weeks (3, most likely) and then go on to another teaching series \u2013 although since I am planning to be the guy doing the teaching series, I do not want to restrict or limit what the Lord might be doing in THESE sessions, so let\u2019s agree to see what His timing is. <\/p>\n

ONE THING I KNOW \u2013 the further I dig into the TOPIC of PRAYER \u2013 the more I personally uncover BIBLICALLY as well as EXPERIENTIALLY. So three weeks might not do it for us. <\/p>\n

3. THE PROCESS \u2013 Typically, when I\u2019m teaching THROUGH scripture, the teaching is progressive \u2013 one chapter, then another, then another \u2013 Like the Isaiah Apocalypse class, or the Ezekiel 33-39 class a few years back. It won\u2019t be that way this time around. We\u2019ll likely be all over the place, all the time. The GLUE is our topic: \u201cThe PRIORITY OF PRAYER IN THESE TIMES\u201d. I don\u2019t want to blame God for wild meanderings through Scripture, but I do plan to go where I think the Lord wants us to go in the topical CLASS. Speaking of which: <\/p>\n

4. THE \u201cCLASS\u201d, and other SEMANTICS \u2013 Although I plan for this to be, in some ways, a workshop as much as ME teaching, I\u2019m calling it a CLASS, simply for simplicity sake. It\u2019s a good catch-all for me to speak, and to type. Also……<\/p>\n

5. SOME BLURRY LINES \u2013 One might want to question \u201cwhat is the difference between PRAYER and WORSHIP?\u201d. That is a great question \u2013 and I\u2019ll try to answer it simply, right here. I BELIEVE that PRAYER is an act of WORSHIP, and also that WORSHIP can be an act of PRAYER. I think it is a blurry line, that we can cross freely, back and forth. I don\u2019t see the scriptures carving out territories-of-definition for either, so we won\u2019t. PRAYER can include MUSIC and WORDS can be expressed in SONG. At the same time, WORSHIP can include WORDS THAT DON\u2019T RHYME \u2013 that are functionally PRAYERS TO GOD. <\/p>\n

We want to not get more religious about drawing DEFINITION-LINES than the scriptures do.
\nPERSONALLY \u2013 I am enjoying, and finding myself going deeper in GOD, by often praying WHILE I am reading the Word of God. I am not ALWAYS stopping ONE to begin THE NEXT. Things are usually different when we\u2019re in PRAYER MEETINGS, rather than alone w God in prayer, but that is something else we\u2019ll address. <\/p>\n

GO W THE FLOW OF GOD in all this. It will bless you, and loosen you up to enjoy your time w Him. <\/p>\n

6. ROCK PILE PRAYER \u2013 Mike Bickle, founder and head of the International House of Prayer \u2013 sometimes talks about \u201crock pile prayer\u201d \u2013 where you feel you are simply swinging the heavy hammer, maybe not making a lot of progress, often in dry and tough place. I believe SOME of that ROCK PILE might be GOD HIMSELF, testing what you\u2019re made out of, and how diligent and determined you are. I also believe that MUCH of that ROCK PILE is our own religiosity \u2013 and that a lot of the ENJOYMENT and JOY of being in His presence is taken from us when we set up formulas and parameters and rules for our prayer time that are not necessarily biblical.
\nTHIS VERSE is actually revealed to us within the context of a resurrected state \u2013 but I believe the truth of the verse is for us, NOW:
\nPs 16:11 (NOT an overhead)
\n11\tYou will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.<\/p>\n

7. TEACHING PRAYER \u2013 One thing I want us to understand, early, is that there is little IF ANY \u201cteaching prayer\u201d in scripture. Often in scripture we will see great people of God RECITING back to God, and\/or proclaiming aloud things that God has already promised in His word, or His characteristics – slow to anger, etc. THAT IS GOOD AND FINE. <\/p>\n

But oftentimes we will find PEOPLE, IN PRAYER MEETINGS, thinking they are praying but actually utilizing the opportunity to try to TEACH to other people in the room. Nor do we need to teach God. It ain\u2019t prayer. So WE WANT TO BE AWARE OF THIS usually well-intended error, and avoid it, even during this class. It one of those \u201cwhat prayer isn\u2019t\u201d kind of things. <\/p>\n

THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO COVER: <\/p>\n

What is prayer?
\nWhat is effectual (per James) prayer?
\nWhat isn\u2019t prayer?
\nHow to pray
\nWhen to pray
\nWhy pray
\nPrayer with the understanding of our minds
\nHoly Spirit led prayer in a heavenly language \u2013 when and where and why
\nPraying according to the will of God
\nWhy we have a hard time getting to prayer and staying in prayer
\nHow God is motivating us and teaching us to prayer
\nHow to be successful in prayer
\nExamples\/Models of praying people and their prayer-effectiveness
\nPraying the Psalms – personalizing them
\nThe Psalmist, King David, and his prayer model
\nWhat God\u2019s immutable word tells us about prayer
\nThe supernatural component of prayer.
\n(The witness of the Spirit that confirms and directs prayer proclamation: like ezekiel’s dry bones prayer and Elijah’s Baal-prophet prayer and challenge)<\/p>\n

I would like to be able to tell you that we will be covering the above topics point by point. But we will not. I am all over this list, but if\/when we might get to any or some of these points, feel free to check them off your own do-list if you want. <\/p>\n

WE WILL BE PRAYING IN THESE SESSIONS, AND MANY OF THOSE TIMES WE WILL BE DISCUSSING HOW WE ARE PRAYING \u2013 NOT to learn some \u201cofficial church FORMAT\u201d but to broaden our understanding and awareness as to how we can be more effective in our prayer. <\/p>\n

WAY-EARLY TRUTH AND REVELATION FOR US:
\nGen 3:8-10
\n8\tAnd they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
\n9\tThen the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”
\n10\tSo he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”<\/p>\n

Notably \u2013 it appears this was the IDYLLIC MODEL of God interacting w man \u2013 HIM coming to US, and WE being naked before Him, but being OK w that. In reality, THAT is how He wants to be w us now \u2013 not necessarily in THE PHYSICAL (that\u2019s YOUR personal call) \u2013 and of course NEVER in the group prayer meetings \u2013 but the CONCEPT is that God sees and knows all.
\nAnd from THAT PLACE of understanding, it ought to change our perspective as to what we address w God, or what we might (vainly) attempt to hide from God. <\/p>\n

CONFIRMED in the NT, and also brought to light so we can understand not only our accountability but also our access to God (THE PLACE OF PRAYER BEING ONE OF THE GREATEST ACCESS AVENUES) \u2013 the writer of Hebrews tells us this: <\/p>\n

Heb 4:8-16
\n8\tFor if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day.
\n9\tThere remains therefore a rest for the people of God.
\n10\tFor he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
\n11\tLet us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.
\n12\tFor the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
\n13\tAnd there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked (like Adam) and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
\n14\tSeeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
\n15\tFor we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
\n16\tLet us therefore come boldly (W CONFIDENCE OF ACCEPTANCE) to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (often the time when our Adversary \u201cSatan\u201d would want to present you as disqualified – in time of spiritual need, or even failure – from coming into the presence of God. <\/p>\n

THE WARFARE of PRAYER and the WARFARE against PRAYER: As I mentioned early in a write-up email \u2013 during the weeks leading up to this class, I have found myself in some crazy and dark places, EVEN DURING my prayer time. I believe it was spiritual warfare specifically against this teaching, but also I believe the Lord allowed this to reveal my own vulnerability and weakness, as well as some of the places we will go through, as brethren. WE ARE IN A BATTLE. But we win. AND\/BUT we need to be praying fervently to win. Prayer is a weapon of our warfare, and for us to NOT anticipate warfare resisting our prayer, would be na\u00efve. <\/p>\n

We\u2019re promised this (we\u2019ll read the entire verse 16, later):
\nJames 5:16
\n16\t……The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
\n(THEN THE EXAMPLE)<\/p>\n

This too is MODELED FOR US: things happen IN DIRECT RESPONSE TO PRAYER:
\nIsa 38:1-6
\n1\tIn those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.'”
\n2\tThen Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the LORD,
\n3\tand said, “Remember now, O LORD, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
\n4\tAnd the word of the LORD came to Isaiah, saying,
\n5\t“Go and say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years.
\n6\t“I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.”‘<\/p>\n

This is MODELED FOR US by Jesus \u2013 His anointing and success did not get in the way of His prayer life: <\/p>\n

Luke 5:15-16
\n15\tHowever, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities.
\n16\tSo He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.<\/p>\n

MORE OF THE JESUS-MODEL (His Organizational Instructions came FROM (not FOR) Dad. His understanding of what to do and who to call came from Dad):
\nLuke 6:12-20
\n12\tNow it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
\nAFTER ALL-NIGHT PRAYER: THE CALLING OF HIS FIRST TWELVE FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE FAITH:
\n13\tAnd when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:
\n14\tSimon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew;
\n15\tMatthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot;
\n16\tJudas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.
\nAFTER ALL-NIGHT PRAYER: HIS HEALING ANOINTING OVER THE SPIRITUAL AND THE DEMONIC:
\n17\tAnd He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases,
\n18\tas well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed.
\nAFTER ALL-NIGHT PRAYER: HIS EVANGELISM SUCCESS:
\n19\tAnd the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.
\nAFTER ALL-NIGHT PRAYER: HIS TEACHING AND PREACHING ANOINTING:
\n20\tThen He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”<\/p>\n

This same APPRECIATION OF THE PRAYER PRIORITY was modeled by the church fathers, resulting in the successful foundation of the church: <\/p>\n

Acts 6:1-7
\n1\tNow in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
\n2\tThen the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
\n3\t“Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
\n4\t“but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
\n5\tAnd the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
\n6\twhom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
\nTHE RESULT:
\n7\tThen the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.<\/p>\n

week two……..<\/p>\n

Good Models are for us:<\/p>\n

This is TOLD TO US \u2013 by Paul:
\n1 Cor 11:1
\n1\tImitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.,,,,,<\/p>\n

PAUL AGAIN:
\n1Thes 5:16-22
\n16\tRejoice always,
\n17\tpray without ceasing,
\n18\tin everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
\n19\tDo not quench the Spirit.
\n20\tDo not despise prophecies.
\n21\tTest all things; hold fast what is good.
\n22\tAbstain from every form of evil.<\/p>\n

PAUL AGAIN
\nEph 6:17-19
\n17\tAnd take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
\n18\tpraying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints–
\n19\tand for me (intercessory prayer for those at the tip of the spear), that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,<\/p>\n

A GLORIOUS TRUTH: IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO COUNTERFEIT having spent time w God
\nActs 4:10-14. (Peter)
\n10\t“let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
\n11\t“This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’
\n12\t“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
\n13\tNow when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
\n14\tAnd seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.<\/p>\n

JEALOUS\/ZEALOUS (qana) God is jealous for those who are His. He MARKS THEM (like Moses, when he came down from the mountain and his face shown.
\nThere is no \u201cpretending\u201d or \u201cmaking believe\u201d that someone has spent time w Jesus. It in fact ends up looking silly, religious or worse: <\/p>\n

FIRST \u2013 AN EXAMPLE OF THE \u201cWORSE\u201d \u2013 getting into the deep issues of the Kingdom, without being in the deep place of relationship w God:
\nActs 19:13-18
\n13\tThen some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.”
\n14\tAlso there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
\n15\tAnd the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”
\n16\tThen the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
\n17\tThis became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
\n18\tAnd many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.<\/p>\n

Revival will bring in the demonized for deliverance.<\/p>\n

Matt 23:5-8 \u2013 Jesus \u2013 speaking of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees \u2013 who so wanted to look the part of religious men:
\n5\t“But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.
\n6\t“They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
\n7\t“greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’
\n8\t“But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.<\/p>\n

KEY REVELATION RE PRAYER \u2013 BY OUR LORD \u2013 and Looking at how NOT to pray, and then HOW to pray and WHAT to say (NOT as ROTE [stiff formula] \u2013 but as EXAMPLE)<\/p>\n

Matt 6:5-3 (Parallel to Luke 6)\u2013 after telling us how eternally worthless all our good acts are, if they are being done so other people can know about them \u2013 Jesus tells us:
\n5\t“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
\n6\t“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
\n7\t“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
\n8\t“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
\n9\t“In this manner, therefore, pray: our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
\n10\tYour kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
\n11\tGive us this day our daily bread.
\n12\tAnd forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
\n13\tAnd do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.<\/p>\n

Matt 6 is amazing in that we\u2019re told be our Lord that the religious hypocrites like prayer because, when they\u2019re seen praying, it makes them look religious. His response is NOT for His true disciples to NOT pray, but to PRAY PROPERLY, w the proper motives, w humility, and in such a manner that we are exalting and praising God, acknowledging and repenting of our sins, and then crying out for HIS will to be accomplished on earth \u2013 especially in OUR LIVES. <\/p>\n

The FORMAT of \u201cThe Lord\u2019s Prayer\u201d is also a spectacular model for us when we pray:
\n1. Beginning w exaltation and praise.
\n2. Acknowledging our human condition of sinfulness, and addressing that by way of repentance.
\n3. Surrender to, and request for, His will.
\n4. Supplication and request.
\n5. Conclusive acknowledgement of His kingdom and power and glory.
\nAMEN. <\/p>\n

(PRACTICE: PARAPHRASE OF THAT MODEL?) <\/p>\n

Of course, in a car going over a cliff: \u201cYOW! HELP ME LORD!\u201d is a perfect prayer model.
\nBut I do believe there\u2019s a purpose and an effect, if\/when conditions allow, for us to GENERALLY be praying along the lines of the Lord\u2019s prayer. <\/p>\n

–\tPicture picking up a phone, not saying hi, not acknowledging the person, and immediately asking for things. How\u2019s that sound?
\n–\tPicture coming before the Lord of heaven and earth and doing likewise.<\/p>\n

IMPORTANT TO THE LORD\u2019S PRAYER IS THIS: We are told to offer to God OUR wills, and replace OUR wills w what we receive by revelation, and by circumstance, in HIS will. <\/p>\n

Ps 118 says it this way: <\/p>\n

Ps 118:24-29
\n24\tThis is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
\n25\tSave now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.
\n26\tBlessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.
\n27\tGod is the LORD, and He has given us light; bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
\n28\tYou are my God, and I will praise You; you are my God, I will exalt You.
\n29\tOh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.<\/p>\n

V27 \u2013 He has illuminated HIS PURPOSES and HIS PLAN to US. Our offering to Him is something alive, that does NOT want to remain on the altar. I firmly believe that is best modeled as OUR WILLS. <\/p>\n

Back to Matthew 6 for a moment \u2013 that verse comes RIGHT AFTER \u2013 yep \u2013 Matt 5 \u2013 where our Lord tells us not ONE JOT or TITTLE of the LAW (nomos) will pass away until ALL THINGS are fulfilled \u2013 He is confirming the fullness of ALL SCRIPTURE \u2013 and THEN He continues in the next chapter \u2013 which was NOT a \u201cNEXT CHAPTER\u201d in His teaching that day, but instead a continuation of thought and word \u2013 and tells us HOW TO PRAY and WHAT TO PRAY throughout the entire age \u2013 so us PRAYING:
\n\u201cYour will be done on earth as it is in heaven\u201d \u2013 is actually THE GATES (of Ps 24) opening up so that the (plans of) the King of Glory might come in. I firmly believe that Prayer of the Saints is one of the gates through which the presence of God comes in. <\/p>\n

OUR PRAYERS are the GATEWAY for the PLANS OF GOD to be accomplished on earth. It\u2019s precisely what the book of Revelation tells us in chapter 5:<\/p>\n

Rev 5:8-10 \u2013 WHERE WE GET THE TERMINOLOGY: HARP & BOWL
\n8\tNow when He (JESUS THE LAMB) had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
\n9\tAnd they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
\n10\tAnd have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”<\/p>\n

I also believe we would be more effective IN PRAYER and even IN LIFE, were we to spend less time NEGOTIATING W GOD and telling Him OUR WILLS, and instead seeking out HIS will and how to live that out. <\/p>\n

A word from the brother of Jesus \u2013 we read v16 earlier \u2013 but context is always good:
\nJames 5:14-20
\n14\tIs anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
\n15\tAnd the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
\n16\tConfess 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.
\nTHE EXAMPLE:
\n17\tElijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.
\n18\tAnd he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
\n19\tBrethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back,
\n20\tlet him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.<\/p>\n

James 5 speak to all sorts of things \u2013 from brethren falling away and our humble but proactive restoration of those fallen-away brethren, to a relationship, SOMETIMES, to sin and sickness, to the promise the FERVENCY is our prayer will accomplish supernatural results. <\/p>\n

Merriam Webster Dictionary tell us
\nPRAYER:
\n1a. An address (as a petition) to God (or a god) in word or in thought.
\n1B. An earnest request or wish.
\n2. The act or practice of praying. <\/p>\n

Also \u2013 one who prays. A supplicant
\nORIGIN: Medieval Latin (14th century) \u201cPrecarius\u201d \u2013 obtained by entreaty<\/p>\n

YES we also get the word PRECARIOUS from Precarius. It too is dependent upon the \u201cwill of another\u201d \u2013 typical implied meaning being the \u201cwill\u201d of an unknown condition….
\n(16th century)<\/p>\n

EARLIER than the Greek language, though, is the HEBREW \u2013 TEPILA (prayer) and PALAL \u2013 intercede, make supplication, thought, judgment, intervene, mediate. <\/p>\n

THE NEED TO BE PRAYING NOW: In case you are living under a rock, we are living in increasingly more and more perilous times. The issue is really not WHY we are living in these perilous times \u2013 we\u2019ve covered that in depth in the Isaiah Apocalypse study, and several others that we\u2019ve been through in the past years \u2013 and we\u2019ll likely get into a LITTLE of that in this class, as well as subsequent classes. <\/p>\n

I firmly believe we are living in increasingly more and more trying, and even perilous times according to the purposes and timing and intentions of our sovereign God, Who kindly told us the following: <\/p>\n

Hag 2:6-9
\n6\t“For thus says the LORD of hosts: “Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land;
\n7\t‘and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts.
\n8\t‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts.
\n9\t‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.”<\/p>\n

So we see there is PROMISE that there will be a ONE TIME shaking work to draw men to the Desire of the Nations. That DESIRE would be the Lord Jesus, the soon and coming King. <\/p>\n

Interestingly, prophetic biblical words like we just read in Haggai are NON-NEGOTIABLE. This is why silly doctrines like us SHIFTING THE BIBLICAL PLANS OF GOD by our prayers is goofy. Lots of what is coming into the church \u2013 often by good HUMAN INTENTION but IN BIBLICAL IGNORANCE in these days are doctrines that DEFY SCRIPTURE. They will not work, and in reality the preaching and teaching and praying into things that clearly contradict scriptural truth, are a waste of time. And Paul told us in Ephesians NOT to waste TIME but to redeem it. <\/p>\n

BIBLICAL SUPPORT re non-negotiable plans of God:
\nIsa 14:24-27
\n24\tThe LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand:
\n25\tThat I will break the Assyrian in My land, and on My mountains tread him underfoot. Then his yoke shall be removed from them, and his burden removed from their shoulders.
\n26\tThis is the purpose that is purposed against the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations.
\n27\tFor the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?”<\/p>\n

This is why praying CONTRARY TO THE WILL OF GOD will accomplish nothing, btw \u2013 another reason why it\u2019s great to have the word of God in you. <\/p>\n

We want to pray according to scripture.
\nTHIS IS WHY it if foolhardy to think: \u201cI\u2019M A WORSHIPPER, I DON\u2019T NEED TO KNOW MY BIBLE\u201d, or \u201cI\u2019M A TEACHER, I DON\u2019T NEED TO GET INVOLVED IN HARP AND BOWL WORSHIP\u201d.
\nWe need THE WHOLE ENCHILADA. We need all of God and all of His purposes. <\/p>\n

There are many examples of men and women of God coming before God w PETITIONS and PLEAS, and God relenting (turning back) from a plan He had earlier expressed for a particular person, or even a particular nation. THAT TRUTH remains.
\nBut there are PROPHETIC REVELATIONS of the plans of God that will not be turned back, and this is why our KNOWLEDGE OF SCRIPTURE will increase our EFFECTIVENESS IN PRAYER. <\/p>\n

ALIGNING OURSELVES W THE PLANS OF GOD is something BI-DIRECTIONAL. God WANTS US to understand His plans \u2013 both via scripture and via revelation \u2013 oftentimes revealed IN THE PLACE of PRAYER \u2013 so we want to come into that fullness. <\/p>\n

I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve heard your brethren PRAY GOOFY. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve probably PRAYED GOOFY. Sometimes I marvel at God\u2019s patience w us. In fact, always. <\/p>\n

God is so amazing that in Isa 1 \u2013 even AFTER He has pronounced His people Israel GUILTY in a courtroom-like judgment, He tells them:
\n\u201cCOME LET US REASON TOGETHER….\u201d
\nThat is amazing grace. After the clear pronouncement of guilt, gracious God is still offering dialogue to His people. <\/p>\n

Prayer wants to be a DIALOGUE, not simply a WISH LIST or a NEEDS LIST. <\/p>\n

PRAYING ACCURATELY \u2013 according to the will of God and the revealed truths of scripture:
\nWe will see later that King Solomon, when he dedicated the great temple to God and prayed and put forth a HUGE DOCTRINAL STAEMENT to God \u2013 ends up receiving back from God:
\nA. Not ONE WORD of doctrinal correction, but instead
\nB. A confirmation of the accuracy and truthfulness of his prayer by a powerful outpouring of the presence and glory of God \u2013 that was so intense nothing more could be done that day by the priests. It was a dog pile of priests in their priestly robes. <\/p>\n

I believe that the PLACE OF ACCURATE PRAYER both IS and WILL CONTINUE TO BE a place of His manifold weighty CHABAD glory. Personally, I am a junkie for that (His presence), and that is ONE (of many) reasons I love to pray. <\/p>\n

OK \u2013 reading Solomon\u2019s amazing prayer and it\u2019s result: the interruptive presence of God (I wasn\u2019t going to go here NOW, but in this preparation \u2013 I\u2019m on it): <\/p>\n

This prayer is profound for many reasons:
\nIt clearly reveals biblical doctrinal accuracy, and because of that, it is particularly effectual.
\nThe result is one of the greatest manifestation-responses of God in all of scripture.
\nSo it can teach us doctrinal truth, and it ought to encourage us to, as much as possible, come before God with an understanding of who God is and what He is doing, so that our prayers can be in alignment w His will. <\/p>\n

2 Chr 6:14-42
\n14\tand he (SOLOMON) said: “LORD God of Israel, there is no God in heaven or on earth like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.
\n15\t“You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father; You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day.
\n16\t“Therefore, LORD God of Israel, now keep what You promised Your servant David my father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man sit before Me on the throne of Israel, only if your sons take heed to their way, that they walk in My law as you have walked before Me.’
\n17\t“And now, O LORD God of Israel, let Your word come true, which You have spoken to Your servant David.
\n18\t“But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!
\n19\t“Yet regard the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O LORD my God, and listen to the cry and the prayer which Your servant is praying before You:
\n20\t“that Your eyes may be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your name, that You may hear the prayer which Your servant prays toward this place.
\n21\t“And may You hear the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive.
\n22\t“If anyone sins against his neighbor, and is forced to take an oath, and comes and takes an oath before Your altar in this temple,
\n23\t“then hear from heaven, and act, and judge Your servants, bringing retribution on the wicked by bringing his way on his own head, and justifying the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness.
\n24\t“Or if Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and return and confess Your name, and pray and make supplication before You in this temple,
\n25\t“then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and bring them back to the land which You gave to them and their fathers.
\n26\t“When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, when they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and turn from their sin because You afflict them,
\n27\t“then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people as an inheritance.
\n28\t“When there is famine in the land, pestilence or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers; when their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or whatever sickness there is;
\n29\t“whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when each one knows his own burden and his own grief, and spreads out his hands to this temple:
\n30\t“then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men),
\n31\t“that they may fear You, to walk in Your ways as long as they live in the land which You gave to our fathers.
\n32\t“Moreover, concerning a foreigner, who is not of Your people Israel, but who comes from a far country for the sake of Your great name and Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm, when they come and pray in this temple;
\n33\t“then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, that all peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this temple which I have built is called by Your name.
\n34\t“When Your people go out to battle against their enemies, wherever You send them, and when they pray to You toward this city which You have chosen and the temple which I have built for Your name,
\n35\t“then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.
\n36\t“When they sin against You (for there is no one who does not sin), and You become angry with them and deliver them to the enemy, and they take them captive to a land far or near;
\n37\t“yet when they come to themselves in the land where they were carried captive, and repent, and make supplication to You in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, and have committed wickedness’;
\n38\t“and when they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have been carried captive, and pray toward their land which You gave to their fathers, the city which You have chosen, and toward the temple which I have built for Your name:
\n39\t“then hear from heaven Your dwelling place their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive Your people who have sinned against You.
\n40\t“Now, my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and let Your ears be attentive to the prayer made in this place.
\n41\t“Now therefore, arise, O LORD God, to Your resting place, you and the ark of Your strength. Let Your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let Your saints rejoice in goodness.
\n42\t“O LORD God, do not turn away the face of Your Anointed; remember the mercies of Your servant David.”<\/p>\n

Although this pray is LENGTHY and DOCTRINAL \u2013 this is NOT \u201cTEACHING PRAYER\u201d \u2013 first of all, no one is teaching God. Second, Solomon is proclaiming the truths of scripture, and the personality of God.
\nWe want to be careful that we are not PLANNING to TEACH, or LECTURE our prayer partners, when we come to the place of prayer.
\nTEACH when it is time to teach. PRAY when it is time to pray. <\/p>\n

2 Chr 7:1-3
\n1\tWhen Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.
\n2\tAnd the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house.
\n3\tWhen all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD, saying: “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever.”<\/p>\n

THAT is a successful prayer that moved HEAVEN into EARTH.
\nSolomon prayed ACCURATELY, WITH PASSION, AND WITH ANOINTED PURPOSE.
\nTHAT is what we are looking for!!!<\/p>\n

(we\u2019ll continue w this PRAYER-IGNITED EVENT, later \u2013 when God comes to Solomon and offers HIM, and US, the promise of IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME\u2026\u2026come and pray, then God will do His work.)<\/p>\n

BTW \u2013 it is theologically illogical and unwise to understand the TRUTHS that Solomon prayed, and then ignore them, but then try to invoke the promises of God that were spoken IN RESPONSE to Solomon\u2019s prayer.
\nTHIS WHOLE BOOK WORKS TOGETHER.
\nJust like God Himself, the word of God is ECHAD. It is ONE, PRIMERO, UNIFIED, COMPLETE, INDIVISIBLE, SET APART, UNIQUE.
\nSlicing and dicing it for our purposes, whether IN PRAYER or IN LIFE, is a waste of time, and a huge jeopardy. <\/p>\n

WOW \u2013 we could spend a month is the above verses \u2013 discussing their eternal truth \u2013 their modeling of beginning prayer w praise, the honest address of sin issues, the warfare, the invitation of God to tabernacle, and more. Yea God!<\/p>\n

I believe that prayer of Solomon confirms the glory and the potency of scripturally accurate prayer. This is why we want the word of God in us, so that when we pray, that same word can flow from us, accurately. And our prayers will be more effective because we are praying along the lines of truth. And when we pray along those lines, I believe we are invited to \u201chold\u201d God to His promises.<\/p>\n

One thing I pray frequently, when I pray for our nation.
\nI KNOW IT IS A PROMISE OF SCRIPTURE, AND I KNOW I NOT \u201cSTRETCHING IT\u201d FOR MY PURPOSES \u2013 SO I CAN PRAY IT W CONFIDENCE OF ITS ACCURACY.
\nPsalm 125:1-3
\n1 Those who trust in the Lord
\nAre like Mount Zion,
\nWhich cannot be moved, but abides forever.
\n2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
\nSo the Lord surrounds His people
\nFrom this time forth and forever.
\n3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
\nOn the land allotted to the righteous,
\nLest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s good to understand this Psalm, so it can be prayed effectively.
\nAt first blush, it looks like it is ABOUT Mount Zion in Jerusalem \u2013 but it is not. The promise is way broader than that. It says THOSE \u2013 any people group, anywhere who trust in the Lord will be LIKE (equivalent to, seen by God as) Mount Zion \u2013 and that becomes unmovable.
\nThen verse assures that IN LIKE MANNER AS HOW GOD SURROUNDS JERUSALEM \u2013 He will surround that group who trust in Him \u2013 and that is a \u201cforevermore\u201d promise.
\nThen verse 3 \u2013 which is pregnant w promise, tells us that a covenant land can gain access to a place of rescue and deliverance because \u2013 if we\u2019re reading the Word \u2013 we know God is CANA over His people, all around the world. <\/p>\n

THAT IS WHY we want the Word in us, and understood by us \u2013 so that our prayers can be most effective. <\/p>\n

BACK TO HAGGAI (which we read earlier) and the SHAKING-WORK PROMISE: Further to the SAME prophetic word is another PROMISE TO BE FULFILLED: God will fill His temple with glory \u2013 as we also just saw in the Solomon-temple-dedication bunny trail. There appears to be a distinct relationship between PRAYER, THE PRESENCE OF GOD, AND THE FILLING WITH GLORY: <\/p>\n

And the further revelation is that the \u201cglory of the latter temple shall be greater than the former\u201d. <\/p>\n

Hag 2:7-9
\n7\t‘and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts.
\n8\t‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts.
\n9\t‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.”<\/p>\n

Isaiah further tells us the FULFILLED TEMPLE is going to be a certain kind of place \u2013 accessible to Jew and Gentile alike \u2013 this is the temple the Lord is preparing us for right now: <\/p>\n

Isa 56:1-7
\n1\tThus says the LORD: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, for My salvation is about to come, and My righteousness to be revealed.
\n2\tBlessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who lays hold on it; who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.”
\n3\tDo not let the son of the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD speak, saying, “The LORD has utterly separated me from His people”; nor let the eunuch say, “Here I am, a dry tree.”
\n4\tFor thus says the LORD: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, and choose what pleases Me, and hold fast My covenant,
\n5\tEven to them I will give in My house and within My walls a place and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.
\n6\t“Also the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants– everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and holds fast My covenant–
\n7\tEven them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”<\/p>\n

God\u2019s great plan has ONE age coming to an end, and THE NEXT age immediately following, like DAY follows NIGHT.
\nThat NEXT AGE is going to see a rebuilt temple, filled with people who:
\nKNOW TO PRAY; and also
\nKNOW HOW TO PRAY<\/p>\n

What we are seeing in these and many other prophetic verses is an IMAGE OF THE PURPOSES OF GOD at the END of THIS AGE, and then extending into the NEXT AGE. <\/p>\n

Furthermore, and critical for our understanding of the PRIORITY OF PRAYER is this amazing fact that ought to ignite our understanding of
\nour WORTH,
\nour POSITION,
\nour CALLING and
\nour PARTNERSHIP into the CREATION PLAN OF GOD \u2013 first remembering that mankind screwed things up, royally, for all of creation, when Adam and Eve opened the door to sin, through disobedience, in the Garden, and then understanding and recognizing the glorious restoration and redemption work of the cross, so that promises like we just read can be obtained, as we walk in understanding and holiness, humility and prayer. <\/p>\n

CRITICAL NT REVELATION as to God\u2019s prophetic plan \u2013 that WILL SURELY come to pass.
\nThis is His plan for His people:
\nRom 8:14-28
\n14\tFor as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
\n15\tFor you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
\n16\tThe Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
\n17\tand if children, then heirs– heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
\n18\tFor I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
\n19\tFor the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
\n20\tFor the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;
\n21\tbecause the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
\n22\tFor we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
\n23\tNot only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
\n24\tFor we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
\n25\tBut if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
\n26\tLikewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
\n(BUT HERE\u2019S THE GOOD NEWS RE THE EFFECTIVENESS AND POTENTIAL OF HOLY-SPIRIT INFUSED PRAYER: We don\u2019t really need to know all the things we need to be praying for, nor HOW to pray for some of them \u2013 because the Holy Spirit, IN US, is in complete harmony with the purposes of heaven, and HE KNOWS how we ought to be praying. He wants to pray FOR YOU THROUGH YOU)
\n27\tNow He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
\nAND THEN WE GET THE \u201cALL THINGS….\u201d PROMISE VERSE \u2013 within this context of Holy-Spirit infused, Spirit led life:
\n28\tAnd we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.<\/p>\n

Back to v22: For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.<\/p>\n

The CREATION itself, groaning under the burden of a seasonal spiritual climate, is alive and infused with an understanding that SOMETHING has to change.
\nThat change will not be a work OF Man.
\nAnd yet God, in calling us into a place of partnership with Him, has ordained it to be a work BY Man, praying as he ought to pray, led by the Spirit, OBEDIENTLY but also CREATIVELY speaking into being the plans and purposes of God. <\/p>\n

LIKELY WEEK TWO will be begin by looking into the \u201ccontroversial\u201d scriptures of 1 Cor 12-14 regarding praying in tongues, speaking in tongues, the public prophetic purpose of tongues, the potential of praying in tongues, and the religious warfare and rantings AGAINST praying tongues. <\/p>\n

FOR NOW, SUFFICE TO SAY \u2013 Jesus put this priority on being filled with the Holy Spirit, and then Acts 2 HAPPENED:
\nACTS 2
\n4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, \u201cwhich,\u201d He said, \u201cyou have heard from Me;
\n5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.\u201d
\n6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, \u201cLord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?\u201d
\n7 And He said to them, \u201cIt is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.
\n8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.\u201d<\/p>\n

AND THEN:
\nActs 2
\n1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
\n2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
\n3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
\n4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.<\/p>\n

These were fully saved saints, and Jesus told them to do nothing until they were baptized by a baptism of fire, after which time they\u2019d be empowered for the Kingdom work. And when that occurred, it was marked by the outpouring of the gift and sign of tongues. <\/p>\n

Prayer is the highest calling of God for a man to walk in. He is looking for those who will \u201cworship Him in spirit and in truth\u201d. <\/p>\n

Dictionary Definition, again
\nWORSHIP: The act of showing respect and love for a God especially by PRAYING WITH OTHER PEOPLE who believe in the same god; the act of worshipping God or a god. <\/p>\n

That WORSHIP includes the active component of prayer. Worship and Prayer are inseparable. <\/p>\n

I believe it is one reason why sometimes worship fails to attain its full potential \u2013 because worshippers (onstage and off) may not be coming into the place of worship, prayed up. <\/p>\n

THE RESISTANCE TO OUR PRAYERS, and our PRAYING:
\nSo what we need to realize is that Satan (Hebrew: \u201cAdversary\u201d) rages against prayer and worship. It is his worst nightmare \u2013 a praying, worshipping saint. <\/p>\n

Look what was promised to our Lord, in a lie, by Satan: <\/p>\n

Luke 4:6-8
\n6\tAnd the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.
\n7\t“Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.”
\n8\tAnd Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'”<\/p>\n

Besides that promise being a lie, it was also in complete opposition to the purpose of mankind.
\nWe were meant for worship and prayer \u2013 only to God.
\n8\tAnd Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'”<\/p>\n

This is why WE, as redeemed creatures, consistently encounter so much opposition to prayer \u2013 opposition to wanting to pray, to engage in prayer, to remain in prayer, to stay awake in prayer, and to surrender in prayer. These are all topics we\u2019ll be INVESTIGATING, and PRACTICING, during the next few weeks. <\/p>\n

PERSONALLY:
\nMy wife and I grew up in a militant, revival church. We were taught to pray by the hour. Much of it was \u201crock pile prayer\u201d \u2013 \u201cwatching our watches\u201d \u2013 making sure we got our appointed time in.
\nThe DISCIPLINE was excellence.
\nThe PURPOSE was sort of goofy and religious.
\nThe RESULT was that we learned to prayer.
\nGOD HONORS PRAYER. <\/p>\n

Saying that, having not missed a day of prayer in 43 years (some more intense and more effective than other days, btw) \u2013 I can say that as I was preparing for this class I encountered HUGE OBSTACLES to my own prayer life \u2013 finding time to be alone with God, keeping my iphone or ipad SHUT DOWN while I prayed, maintaining a focuses while praying, having my mind wander, sometimes to the worst of places. <\/p>\n

I\u2019m not BLAMING GOD \u2013 but I will say I believe the Lord let me see some of the demons that would and could come upon someone who sincerely intends to become a praying person.
\nWE ARE IN A BATTLE THAT WON\u2019T BE WON WITHOUT PRAYER
\nWE ARE IN A BATTLE TO PRAY
\nWE ARE IN A BATTLE WHEN WE PRAY
\nWE COME OUT OF PRAY EQUIPPED FOR THE BATTLE<\/p>\n

THE PLAN is for this to be a WORKSHOP as much as a TEACHING. REMIND ME OF THAT, please, if I need to be reminded. <\/p>\n

I sometimes go crazy over how many sermons we HEAR about PRAYER, and yet how little PRAYER is going up from the mouths and hearts of the saints. AND WE NEED TO BE PRAYING. <\/p>\n

Some Biblical Promises \u2013 and we\u2019re invited to remind the Lord of His promises:
\nA FAMOUS BIGGEE \u2013 couched in the CONTEXT of the prophetic paragraph \u2013 for clarity and emphasis:
\n(After the temple-dedication events we had looked at earlier \u2013 the Lord chooses to visit Solomon, alone \u2013 likely in a dream sequence \u2013 similar as to how He had appeared to him when Solomon first asked for wisdom. Ref: 1 Kings 11:9):
\n2 Chr 7:12-22
\n12\tThen the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice.
\n13\t“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people,
\n14\t“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
\n15\t“Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.
\n16\t“For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.
\n17\t“As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments,
\n18\t“then I will establish the throne of your kingdom, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘You shall never fail to have a man as ruler in Israel.’
\n19\t“But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, and worship them,
\n20\t“then I will uproot them from My land which I have given them; and this house which I have sanctified for My name I will cast out of My sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.
\n21\t“And as for this house, which is exalted, everyone who passes by it will be astonished and say, ‘Why has the LORD done thus to this land and this house?’
\n22\t“Then they will answer, ‘Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and embraced other gods, and worshiped them and served them; therefore He has brought all this calamity on them.'”<\/p>\n

This 2 Chronicles promise is not a GET-OUT-OF-JAIL-FREE card. It is a CALLING CARD, with a PROMISE ATTACHED, an ACCOUTANTLY AFFIRMED, and a DIVINE THREAT ILLUSTRATED: the dismal conclusion of foolish disobedience, and prayerlessness. <\/p>\n

God is jealous (QANA) over His people, His plans, and His purposes, and He will bring conditions upon His people, and upon a land, when they are disobedient to Him. And He offers the solution out of the mess. <\/p>\n

This of course needs to be soberly understood within the context of His divine and sovereign plans. God is not our PRAYER-GENIE. We do not simply rub the magic lamp for Him to appear and comply. And we would do well to be filled w the presence of God, so that WHEN we pray, we are praying according to His will.
\nI admit that many times, prior to a prayer meeting w other folks, I try to spend time in prayer. <\/p>\n

Look at this condition of disobedient Israel \u2013 and look at what the Lord tells Jeremiah:<\/p>\n

Jer 11:9-14
\n9\tAnd the LORD said to me, “A conspiracy has been found among the men of Judah and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
\n10\t“They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers who refused to hear My words, and they have gone after other gods to serve them; the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken My covenant which I made with their fathers.”
\n11\tTherefore thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will surely bring calamity on them which they will not be able to escape; and though they cry out to Me, I will not listen to them.<\/p>\n

14\t“So do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry out to Me because of their trouble.<\/p>\n

Jer 14:11-15
\n11\tThen the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for this people, for their good.
\n12\t“When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.”
\n13\tThen I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, the prophets say to them, ‘You shall not see the sword, nor shall you have famine, but I will give you assured peace in this place.'”
\n14\tAnd the LORD said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart.
\n15\t“Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who prophesy in My name, whom I did not send, and who say, ‘Sword and famine shall not be in this land’–‘ By sword and famine those prophets shall be consumed!<\/p>\n

And look what Jesus Himself reveals to us in the famous UNITY-PRAYER OF JOHN 17:
\nJohn 17:5-11
\n5\t“And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
\n6\t“I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.
\n7\t“Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You.
\n8\t“For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
\n9\t“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.
\n10\t“And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them.
\n11\t“Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.<\/p>\n

Jesus Himself knew and knows the condition of the world, and therefore is interceding for the UNITY of BELIEVERS, not for the unity of the BELIEVERS to the sinful condition of the world. The world in fact is already condemned because of its sinful condition.
\n We of course know that the will of heaven is for all men to come to repentance \u2013 but wisdom reveals to us that Jesus\u2019 prayer of unity is NOT a \u201cCOEXIST\u201d Bumper Sticker.
\nWe want to pray according to knowledge of the plans and purposes of God. <\/p>\n

The GOSPEL MESSAGE (John 3:16) is for people to respond to the good news of a Savior and to come out of the already condemned world system. <\/p>\n

That truth is being warred against by some of the doctrines in many churches \u2013 that things are only going to get better and better even before the return of our Lord.
\n1. That defies scriptural prophecy.
\n2. That is not what we are seeing, on our watch. <\/p>\n

Our PRAYERS ought to be for the workers to be sent into the increasingly growing harvest, that as our Lord shakes the heavens and earth, we would be there to rescue and deliver the captives, to help them make the born-again transition from slave to freeman, where they can then take up their own SWORD OF PRAYER and WORSHIP, and join in the victorious conclusive battle. <\/p>\n

ALL THIS HAS TO HAPPEN, and we are called and told and encouraged and charged to be praying people. And we\u2019ll look into that. <\/p>\n

We\u2019re told to PRAY:
\n1.FOR the will of God \u2013 which the Spirit will reveal to us, either knowledgably or supernaturally (as we exercise our spiritual language of heaven).
\n2. ACCORDING to the will of God \u2013 the perfect model being the \u201cLord\u2019s prayer\u201d (which is really OUR prayer as well as His), and also we will look into the examples of successful prayers throughout scripture \u2013 because it is senseless to waste our time praying as some religious exercise, simply because we are told to pray. You want to \u201credeem your prayer time\u201d by praying according to the will of God \u2013 as revealed in scripture and also by the Spirit, as you pray. And we can know that scriptural revelation and Holy-Spirit revelation will never contradict one another. THAT is another reason why you want to know your bible \u2013 it will make your prayer life more effective. <\/p>\n

GOD WANTS US TO KNOW HOW TO PRAY, and to even become MORE EFFICIENT in our prayers \u2013 NOT so that we can pray LESS, but so that we can ACCOMPLISH more during our prayer times. I believe that kind of accomplishment will actually inspire us to be praying MORE, not less. <\/p>\n

We\u2019re going to look at silent prayer, prayer with words, prayer in the Spirit.
\nWe\u2019re going to look at prayer in solitude, in groups, everywhere, at all times.
\nWe\u2019re going to look and see how potentially unstoppable our prayers can be. <\/p>\n

THE END OF AGE ADMONISHMENT:
\n1Thes 5:1-28
\n1\tBut concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.
\n2\tFor you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
\n3\tFor when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
\n4\tBut you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
\n5\tYou are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
\n6\tTherefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
\n7\tFor those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.
\n8\tBut let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
\n9\tFor God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
\n10\twho died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
\n11\tTherefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
\n12\tAnd we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
\n13\tand to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
\n14\tNow we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
\n15\tSee that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
\n16\tRejoice always,
\n17\tpray without ceasing,
\n18\tin everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
\n19\tDo not quench the Spirit.
\n20\tDo not despise prophecies.
\n21\tTest all things; hold fast what is good.
\n22\tAbstain from every form of evil.
\n23\tNow may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
\n24\tHe who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
\n25\tBrethren, pray for us.
\n26\tGreet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
\n27\tI charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
\n28\tThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.<\/p>\n

The REVELATION BOWLS and what\u2019s to be in them:
\nRev 5:6-14
\n6\tAnd I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
\n7\tThen He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.
\n8\tNow when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
\n9\tAnd they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
\n10\tAnd have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”
\n11\tThen I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,
\n12\tsaying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
\n13\tAnd every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
\n14\tThen the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.<\/p>\n

WE\u2019VE LOOKED AT:
\nTEACH US TO PRAY \u2013 the Lord\u2019s prayer.
\nJESUS PRAYING ALL NIGHT
\nROMANS 8 \u2013 SPIRIT PRAYER<\/p>\n

NOW LET\u2019S LOOK AT:
\nDANIEL\u2019S AMAZING PRAYER OF OWNING SIN OF HIS NATION – BUT NOT TAKING ANY CREDIT<\/p>\n

Dan 9:1-23
\n1\tIn the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the lineage of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans–
\n2\tin the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the LORD through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
\n3\tThen I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
\n4\tAnd I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments,
\n5\t“we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments.
\n6\t“Neither have we heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings and our princes, to our fathers and all the people of the land.
\n7\t“O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame of face, as it is this day– to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those near and those far off in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of the unfaithfulness which they have committed against You.
\n8\t“O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You.
\n9\t“To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.
\n10\t“We have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets.
\n11\t“Yes, all Israel has transgressed Your law, and has departed so as not to obey Your voice; therefore the curse and the oath written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against Him.
\n12\t“And He has confirmed His words, which He spoke against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing upon us a great disaster; for under the whole heaven such has never been done as what has been done to Jerusalem.
\n13\t“As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not made our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and understand Your truth.
\n14\t“Therefore the LORD has kept the disaster in mind, and brought it upon us; for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works which He does, though we have not obeyed His voice.
\n15\t“And now, O Lord our God, who brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and made Yourself a name, as it is this day– we have sinned, we have done wickedly!
\n16\t“O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I pray, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all those around us.
\n17\t“Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord’s sake cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate.
\n18\t“O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies.
\n19\t“O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.”
\n20\tNow while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God,
\n21\tyes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering.
\n22\tAnd he informed me, and talked with me, and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand.
\n23\t“At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:\u2026.<\/p>\n

PRAYING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT \u2013 its prophetic purpose, and its prophetic SIGN to the world.
\nIts use and misuse and why we need to get that right.<\/p>\n

ONCE AGAIN: JESUS SAYS TO THIS FOLLOWERS:
\n\u201cDON\u2019T DO ANYTHING UNTIL YOU GET FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT\u201d
\nActs 1:6-9
\n6\tTherefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
\n7\tAnd He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.
\n8\t“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
\n9\tNow when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.<\/p>\n

THE BAD EXAMPLE \u2013 albeit with a good ending:
\nActs 19:11-17
\n11\tNow God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,
\n12\tso that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.
\n13\tThen some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.”
\n14\tAlso there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
\n15\tAnd the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”
\n16\tThen the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
\n17\tThis became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.<\/p>\n

BACK TO THE INFILLING
\nActs 2:1-47
\n1\tNow when the Day of Pentecost (FIRST FRUITS) had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
\n2\tAnd suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
\n3\tThen there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
\n4\tAnd they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
\n5\tAnd there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.
\n6\tAnd when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
\n7\tThen they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?
\n8\t“And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?
\n9\t“Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
\n10\t“Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
\n11\t“Cretans and Arabs– we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”
\n12\tSo they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”
\n13\tOthers mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”
\n14\tBut Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.
\n15\t“For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.
\n16\t“But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
\n17\t‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.
\n18\tAnd on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
\n19\tI will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
\n20\tThe sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
\n21\tAnd it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
\n22\t“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know–
\n23\t“Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;
\n24\t“whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.
\n25\t“For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.
\n26\tTherefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.
\n27\tFor You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
\n28\tYou have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of joy in Your presence.’
\n29\t“Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
\n30\t“Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,
\n31\t“he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.
\n32\t“This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.
\n33\t“Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
\n34\t“For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand,
\n35\tTill I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ‘ (QUOTING AN END-TIMES PROPHECY)
\n36\t“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
\n37\tNow when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
\n38\tThen Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
\n39\t“For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
\n40\tAnd with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”
\n41\tThen those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
\n42\tAnd they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
\n43\tThen fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
\n44\tNow all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
\n45\tand sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
\n46\tSo continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
\n47\tpraising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.<\/p>\n

What does Paul teach us about the warfare of Holy Spirit, tongue-talking prayer? He equates it to only ONE passage of scripture in the OT:
\nTHE PAULINE REFERRAL TO ISAIAH 28, and then ISAIAH 28
\n1 Cor 12:1
\n1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:<\/p>\n

1 Cor 14:1-25
\n1\tPursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
\n2\tFor he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
\n3\tBut he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.
\n4\tHe who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
\n5\tI wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
\n6\tBut now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?
\n7\tEven things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?
\n8\tFor if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle?
\n9\tSo likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
\n10\tThere are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance.
\n11\tTherefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.
\n12\tEven so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
\n13\tTherefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
\n14\tFor if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
\n15\tWhat is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
\n16\tOtherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?
\n17\tFor you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
\n18\tI thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;
\n19\tyet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
\n20\tBrethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.
\n21\tIn the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; and yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.
\n22\tTherefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.
\n23\tTherefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
\n24\tBut if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.
\n25\tAnd thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.<\/p>\n

AND WHAT WAS PAUL QUOTING IN V21:
\n21\tIn the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; and yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.<\/p>\n

AND JUST AS IMPORTANTLY, WHY WOULD PAUL QUOTE THESE VERSES:
\nIsa 28:10-22
\n10\tFor precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little.”
\n11\tFor with stammering lips and another tongue he will speak to this people,
\n12\tTo whom He said, “This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest,” and, “This is the refreshing”; yet they would not hear.
\n13\tBut the word of the LORD was to them, “Precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little,” that they might go and fall backward, and be broken and snared and caught.
\n14\tTherefore hear the word of the LORD, you scornful men, who rule this people who are in Jerusalem,
\n15\tBecause you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we are in agreement. When the overflowing scourge passes through, it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood we have hidden ourselves.”
\n16\tTherefore thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.
\n17\tAlso I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plummet; the hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding place.
\n18\tYour covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand; when the overflowing scourge passes through, then you will be trampled down by it.
\n19\tAs often as it goes out it will take you; for morning by morning it will pass over, and by day and by night; it will be a terror just to understand the report.”
\n20\tFor the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the covering so narrow that one cannot wrap himself in it.
\n21\tFor the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim, he will be angry as in the Valley of Gibeon– that He may do His work, His awesome work, and bring to pass His act, His unusual act.
\n22\tNow therefore, do not be mockers, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts, a destruction determined even upon the whole earth.<\/p>\n

First we would do well to understand that Isaiah, the OT prophet, was looking forward to a destruction determined even upon the whole earth. That\u2019s an HHY (Hasn\u2019t Happened Yet). Therefore, we would be naive to think the surrounding verses would be reserved ONLY for the days of Isaiah. But more importantly, for our purposes, is the understanding that the \u201cOTHER TONGUES\u201d Isaiah was referring to was the army of Nebuchadnezzar, CALLED AND ASSIGNED by God to INVADE DISOBEDIENT ISRAEL, for the purposes of judgment. <\/p>\n

Going out on a prophetic limb, which I\u2019ve gone out on many times before \u2013 I would prayerfully proclaim I believe RABBI PAUL is understanding that the sign of TONGUES OF A FOREIGN NATION \u2013 in NT times, and as demonstrated by the Spirit led sons and daughters of God \u2013 is a sign, not to a DISOBEDIENT NATION, but instead to a DISOBEDIENT WORLD, that there is another ANOINTED KINGDOM ARMY on hand, called and appointed to invade the place of disobedience. THAT is the prophetic charge for the Spirit Filled Saints. <\/p>\n

At the same time, godly wisdom and humility would have us understanding what PRAYER in TONGUES is for, and what it is NOT for. But of one thing I am confident: I do not believe it was ever intended by our IN YOUR FACE GOD, to be relegated to the back rooms of church, where we \u201cdo some weird Christian thing\u201d so as to not offend anyone. <\/p>\n

God takes Holy Spirit authority and activity seriously, and I believe it is why Jesus was so adamant about not blaspheming the Holy Spirit. The WORLD might curse Jesus and there is much grace there, but THE CHURCH is where the Holy Spirit is typically blasphemed \u2013 when biblically ignorant brethren start condemning things of God and calling them as things of darkness..<\/p>\n

POINTS TO DISCUSS\/CLOSE W:
\nSTOPPING AND PRAYING
\nPRAYING WITHOUT CEASING.
\nINCREASING OUR PRAYER LIFE IN PREPARATION FOR UPCOMING EVENTS that will happen, because our Lord already told us they will happen.
\nNOT FAINTING.
\nBEING STUBBORN and PERSISTENT. <\/p>\n

WEEK 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

PRAYER IN THESE TIMES
\nWEEK TWO \u2013 7\/7\/16<\/p>\n

My notes for THIS WEEK have been modified from what was sent out prior to last week. It goes that way. I always noted that SOME POINTS I had written to discuss LATER actually were covered last week. It just happens. And we made time for prayer last week. That was great. I want to continue doing that during these sessions. <\/p>\n

We left off last week looking at the critical nature of the establishment of the new-born church, w all its bonafide needs, and meanwhile we see the leadership making this decision: <\/p>\n

ACTS 6:
\n3\t“Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
\n4\t“but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
\n5\tAnd the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
\n6\twhom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
\nTHE RESULT:
\n7\tThen the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.<\/p>\n

One of the TRAPS OF URGENCY – particularly for people w responsibilities – is distraction from prayer.
\nAnd yet the scriptures illustrate SUCCESS in our SINGLE-MINDEDNESS and DETERMINATION TO PRAY. <\/p>\n

The past few weeks I\u2019ve become aware of several tough situations that saints find themselves in, and in several of the cases \u2013 granted from the outside looking in \u2013 but still looking in \u2013 it appears that there may have been \u201cSPIRITUALLY MORE EFFECTIVE\u201d decisions made and priorities established, and biblical method complied with, that likely might have resulted in better outcome. I am just saying\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

PAUL said it this way:
\n1 Cor 11:1
\n1\tImitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.<\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s admonishment to \u201cIMITATE\u201d comes w the understanding that the \u201cimitate\u201d was not a matter of doing the same DEEDS as Jesus, but instead emulating the same lifestyle of 100% desperately chasing God \u2013 in as best alignment w the word of God as possible. That will be our success.<\/p>\n

PAUL SAYS AGAIN:
\n1Thes 5:16-22
\n16\tRejoice always,
\n17\tpray without ceasing, ( I BELIEVE THERE\u2019S A KEY HERE \u2013 a mind & spirit continually in dialogue w God)
\n18\tin everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
\n19\tDo not quench the Spirit.
\n20\tDo not despise prophecies.
\n21\tTest all things; hold fast what is good.
\n22\tAbstain from every form of evil.<\/p>\n

I am of the mind that as the days get darker, the weight of this next scripture will impact us more and more: <\/p>\n

Eph 6:11-12
\n11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
\n13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
\n(Paul isn\u2019t even talking about forward progress. Here is saying that on the darkest of days, our being fully equipped will keep us standing).<\/p>\n

17-19
\n17\tAnd take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
\n18\tpraying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints–
\n19\tand for me (intercessory prayer for those at the tip of the spear), that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,<\/p>\n

Part of us having CHRIST in us is coming into agreement w biblical truth \u2013 living out the scriptures in obedience and faith.
\nWe\u2019re called LIVING EPISTLES.
\nIF all the word of God is going to be in alignment, and it is, then your \u201canointing\u201d to be a living epistle will have your life, your struggles, your successes and your failures, all coming into alignment w the truth of scripture. So if God wants to world to know that EPHESIANS 6 is TRUE, how can we logically anticipate success and authority in kingdom situations if we are living at a level below biblical truth?
\nI am so challenged by that.
\nONE WAY OR THE OTHER, our lives as the people of God will confirm scripture. EXAMPLE: ISRAEL modeling covenant correction in their disobedience.<\/p>\n

A GLORIOUS TRUTH: IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO COUNTERFEIT having spent time w God
\nActs 4:10, 13
\n10\t“let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
\n11\t“This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’
\n12\t“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
\n13\tNow when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.<\/p>\n

JEALOUS\/ZEALOUS (qana) God is jealous for those who are His. He MARKS THEM (like Moses, when he came down from the mountain and his face shown.
\nThere is no \u201cpretending\u201d or \u201cmaking believe\u201d that someone has spent time w Jesus. It in fact ends up looking silly, religious or much worse \u2013 when someone wants to FAKE Kingdom authority or anointing: <\/p>\n

FIRST \u2013 AN EXAMPLE OF THE \u201cMUCH WORSE\u201d \u2013 getting into the deep issues of the Kingdom, without being in the deep place of relationship w God:
\nActs 19:13-18
\n13\tThen some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.”
\n14\tAlso there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
\n15\tAnd the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”
\n16\tThen the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
\n17\tThis became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
\nTHE RESULT OF THEIR FAILURE STILL CONFIRMED SCRIPTURAL TRUTH \u2013 albeit to the negative
\n18\tAnd many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.<\/p>\n

KEY REVELATION RE PRAYER \u2013 BY OUR LORD \u2013 HOW to pray and WHAT to say (NOT as ROTE [not as stiff formula] \u2013 but as REPRESENTATIONAL EXAMPLE<\/p>\n

Matt 6:5-13 (Parallel to Luke 6)\u2013 after telling us how eternally worthless all our good acts are, if they are being done so other people can know about them \u2013 Jesus tells us:
\n5\t“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
\n6\t“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
\n7\t“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
\n8\t“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
\n9\t“In this manner (HOUTOS – IN LIKE MANNER, LIKE THIS), (Luke 11:2 says “SAY” – LEGO – which means to set forth as a model. There’s OTHER WORDS Jesus would have used – in Aramaic – which would have translated into other Greek words – had He intended for us to repeat some WORD FOR WORD MEMORIZATION) therefore, pray: our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
\n10\tYour kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
\n11\tGive us this day our daily bread.
\n12\tAnd forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
\n13\tAnd do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.<\/p>\n

Matt 6 is amazing in that we\u2019re told by our Lord that the religious hypocrites like prayer because, when they\u2019re seen praying, it makes them look religious. His response is NOT for His true disciples to NOT pray, but to PRAY PROPERLY, w the proper motives, w humility, and in such a manner that we are exalting and praising God, acknowledging and repenting of our sins, and then crying out for HIS will to be accomplished on earth \u2013 especially in OUR LIVES. <\/p>\n

The FORMAT of \u201cThe Lord\u2019s Prayer\u201d is also a spectacular model for us when we pray:
\n1. Beginning w exaltation and praise.
\n2. Acknowledging our human condition of sinfulness, and addressing that by way of repentance.
\n3. Surrender to, and request for, His will.
\n4. Supplication and request.
\n5. Conclusive acknowledgement of His kingdom and power and glory.
\nAMEN. <\/p>\n

(PRACTICE PARAPHRASE OF THAT MODEL?) <\/p>\n

ONCE AGAIN – In a car going over a cliff: \u201cYOW! HELP ME LORD!\u201d is a perfect prayer model.
\nBut there\u2019s a purpose and an effect, if\/when conditions allow, for us to GENERALLY be praying along the lines of the Lord\u2019s prayer. <\/p>\n

–\tPicture picking up a phone, not saying hi, not acknowledging the person, and immediately asking for things. How\u2019s that sound?
\n–\tPicture coming before the Lord of heaven and earth and doing likewise.<\/p>\n

IMPORTANT TO THE LORD\u2019S PRAYER IS THIS: We are told to offer to God OUR wills, and replace OUR wills w what we receive by revelation, and by circumstance, in His will, which will always be in alignment w scripture.<\/p>\n

Ps 118 says it this way re: our wills –
\nPs 118:24-29
\n24\tThis is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
\n25\tSave now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.
\n26\tBlessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.
\n27\tGod is the LORD, and He has given us light; bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
\n28\tYou are my God, and I will praise You; you are my God, I will exalt You.
\n29\tOh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.<\/p>\n

V27 \u2013 He has illuminated HIS PURPOSES and HIS PLAN to US. Our offering to Him is something live, that on its own does NOT want to remain on the altar. I firmly believe that is best modeled as OUR WILLS. <\/p>\n

Back to Matthew 6 for a moment \u2013 that verse comes RIGHT AFTER \u2013 yep \u2013 Matt 5 \u2013 where our Lord tells us not ONE JOT or TITTLE of the LAW (nomos) will pass away until ALL THINGS are fulfilled \u2013 He is confirming the fullness of ALL SCRIPTURE \u2013 and THEN He continues in the next chapter \u2013 which was NOT a \u201cNEXT CHAPTER\u201d in His teaching that day, but instead a continuation of thought and word \u2013 and tells us HOW TO PRAY and WHAT TO PRAY throughout the entire age \u2013 so us PRAYING:
\n\u201cYour will be done on earth as it is in heaven\u201d \u2013 is actually AN OPENING OF THE GATES (of Ps 24) so that the (plans of) the King of Glory might come in. I firmly believe that Prayer of the Saints is one of the gates through which the presence of God comes in. It\u2019s a healthy mindset w which to enter into prayer \u2013 praying understanding the eternal impact of our prayer activity \u2013 our investment into the plans of God. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s precisely what the book of Revelation tells us in chapter 5:<\/p>\n

Rev 5:8-10 \u2013 WHERE WE GET THE TERMINOLOGY: HARP & BOWL
\n8\tNow when He (JESUS THE LAMB) had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
\n9\tAnd they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
\n10\tAnd have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”<\/p>\n

I also believe we would be more effective IN PRAYER and even IN LIFE, were we to spend less time NEGOTIATING W GOD and telling Him OUR WILLS, and instead seeking out HIS will and how to live that out. <\/p>\n

GOING IN ANOTHER DIRECTION \u2013 The anointed, faith-based prayer for healing and also if necessary for forgiveness of sin \u2013 which sometimes needs to accompany healing request:
\nFrom the brother of Jesus \u2013 we read v16 earlier \u2013 but context is always good:
\nJames 5:14-16
\n14\tIs anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
\n15\tAnd the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
\n16\tConfess 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.
\n17\tElijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.
\n18\tAnd he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
\n19\tBrethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back,
\n20\tlet him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.<\/p>\n

Merriam Webster Dictionary tell us
\nPRAYER:
\n1a. An address (as a petition) to God (or a god) in word or in thought.
\n1B. An earnest request or wish.
\n2. The act or practice of praying. <\/p>\n

Also \u2013 one who prays. A supplicant
\nORIGIN: Medieval Latin (14th century) \u201cPrecarius\u201d \u2013 obtained by entreaty<\/p>\n

YES we also get the word PRECARIOUS from Precarius. It too is dependent upon the \u201cwill of another\u201d \u2013 typical implied meaning being the \u201cwill\u201d of an unknown condition….
\n(16th century)<\/p>\n

EARLIER than the Greek language, though, is the HEBREW \u2013 TEPILA (prayer) and PALAL \u2013 intercede, make supplication, thought, judgment, intervene, mediate. <\/p>\n

THE NEED TO BE PRAYING NOW: In case you are living under a rock, we are living in increasingly more and more perilous times. The issue is really not WHY we are living in these perilous times \u2013 we\u2019ve covered that in depth in the Isaiah Apocalypse study, and several others that we\u2019ve been through in the past years \u2013 and we\u2019ll likely get into a LITTLE of that in this class, as well as subsequent classes. <\/p>\n

I firmly believe we are living in increasingly more and more trying, and even perilous times according to the purposes and timing and intentions of our sovereign God, Who kindly told us the following: <\/p>\n

Hag 2:6-9
\n6\t“For thus says the LORD of hosts: “Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land;
\n7\t‘and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts.
\n8\t‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts.
\n9\t‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.”<\/p>\n

So we see there is PROMISE that there will be a ONE TIME shaking work to draw men to the Desire of the Nations. That DESIRE would be the Lord Jesus, the soon and coming King. <\/p>\n

Interestingly, prophetic biblical words like we just read in Haggai are NON-NEGOTIABLE. This is why silly doctrines like us SHIFTING THE BIBLICAL PLANS OF GOD by our prayers is goofy. Lots of what is coming into the church \u2013 often by good HUMAN INTENTION but IN BIBLICAL IGNORANCE in these days are doctrines that DEFY SCRIPTURE. They will not work, and in reality the preaching and teaching and praying into things that clearly contradict scriptural truth, are a waste of time. THEY ARE NOT EFFECTUAL PRAYERS, AND THEY AVAIL LITTLE IF NOTHING AT ALL. <\/p>\n

Paul told us in Ephesians NOT to waste TIME but to redeem it. <\/p>\n

BIBLICAL SUPPORT re non-negotiable plans of God:
\nIsa 14:24-27
\n24\tThe LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand:
\n25\tThat I will break the Assyrian in My land, and on My mountains tread him underfoot. Then his yoke shall be removed from them, and his burden removed from their shoulders.
\n26\tThis is the purpose that is purposed against the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations.
\n27\tFor the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?”<\/p>\n

This is why praying CONTRARY TO THE WILL OF GOD will accomplish nothing, btw \u2013 another reason why it\u2019s great to have the word of God in you. <\/p>\n

We want to pray according to scripture. <\/p>\n

There are many examples of men and women of God coming before God w PETITIONS and PLEAS, and God relenting (turning back) from a plan He had earlier expressed for a particular person, or even a particular nation. THAT TRUTH remains. <\/p>\n

But there are PROPHETIC REVELATIONS of the plans of God that will not be turned back, and this is why our KNOWLEDGE OF SCRIPTURE will increase our EFFECTIVENESS IN PRAYER. <\/p>\n

ALIGNING OURSELVES W THE PLANS OF GOD is BI-DIRECTIONAL. God WANTS US to understand His plans \u2013 both via scripture and via revelation:
\n1.\tRECEIVING Knowledge of His will DURING PRAYER, and also
\n2.\tPROCLAIMING and DECLARING HIS WILL IN PRAYER. <\/p>\n

I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve heard your brethren PRAY GOOFY. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve probably PRAYED GOOFY. I have. Sometimes I marvel at God\u2019s patience w us. In fact, always. <\/p>\n

PRAYING ACCURATELY \u2013 according to the will of God and the revealed truths of scripture:
\nWe will see later that King Solomon, when he dedicated the great temple to God and prayed and put forth a HUGE DOCTRINAL STATEMENT to God \u2013 ends up receiving back from God:
\nA. Not ONE WORD of doctrinal correction, but instead
\nB. A confirmation of the accuracy and truthfulness of his prayer by a powerful outpouring of the presence and glory of God \u2013 that was so intense nothing more could be done that day by the priests. It was a dog pile of priests in their priestly robes. <\/p>\n

I believe that the PLACE OF ACCURATE PRAYER both IS and WILL CONTINUE TO BE a place of His manifold weighty CHABAD glory. Personally, I am a junkie for that (His presence), and that is ONE (of many) reasons I love to pray. <\/p>\n

Reading Solomon\u2019s amazing prayer and its result: the interruptive presence of God (I wasn\u2019t going to go here NOW, but in this preparation \u2013 I\u2019m on it): <\/p>\n

This prayer is profound for many reasons:
\nIt clearly reveals biblical doctrinal accuracy, and because of that, it is particularly effectual.
\nThe result is one of the greatest manifestation-responses of God in all of scripture.
\nSo it can teach us doctrinal truth, and it ought to encourage us to, as much as possible, come before God with an understanding of who God is and what He is doing, so that our prayers can be in alignment w His will. <\/p>\n

2 Chr 6:14-42
\n14\tand he (SOLOMON) said: “LORD God of Israel, there is no God in heaven or on earth like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.
\n15\t“You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father; You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day.
\n16\t“Therefore, LORD God of Israel, now keep what You promised Your servant David my father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man sit before Me on the throne of Israel, only if your sons take heed to their way, that they walk in My law as you have walked before Me.’
\n17\t“And now, O LORD God of Israel, let Your word come true, which You have spoken to Your servant David.
\n18\t“But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!
\n19\t“Yet regard the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O LORD my God, and listen to the cry and the prayer which Your servant is praying before You:
\n20\t“that Your eyes may be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your name, that You may hear the prayer which Your servant prays toward this place.
\n21\t“And may You hear the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive.
\n22\t“If anyone sins against his neighbor, and is forced to take an oath, and comes and takes an oath before Your altar in this temple,
\n23\t“then hear from heaven, and act, and judge Your servants, bringing retribution on the wicked by bringing his way on his own head, and justifying the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness.
\n24\t“Or if Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and return and confess Your name, and pray and make supplication before You in this temple,
\n25\t“then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and bring them back to the land which You gave to them and their fathers.
\n26\t“When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, when they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and turn from their sin because You afflict them,
\n27\t“then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people as an inheritance.
\n28\t“When there is famine in the land, pestilence or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers; when their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or whatever sickness there is;
\n29\t“whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when each one knows his own burden and his own grief, and spreads out his hands to this temple:
\n30\t“then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men),
\n31\t“that they may fear You, to walk in Your ways as long as they live in the land which You gave to our fathers.
\n32\t“Moreover, concerning a foreigner, who is not of Your people Israel, but who comes from a far country for the sake of Your great name and Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm, when they come and pray in this temple;
\n33\t“then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, that all peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this temple which I have built is called by Your name.
\n34\t“When Your people go out to battle against their enemies, wherever You send them, and when they pray to You toward this city which You have chosen and the temple which I have built for Your name,
\n35\t“then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.
\n36\t“When they sin against You (for there is no one who does not sin), and You become angry with them and deliver them to the enemy, and they take them captive to a land far or near;
\n37\t“yet when they come to themselves in the land where they were carried captive, and repent, and make supplication to You in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, and have committed wickedness’;
\n38\t“and when they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have been carried captive, and pray toward their land which You gave to their fathers, the city which You have chosen, and toward the temple which I have built for Your name:
\n39\t“then hear from heaven Your dwelling place their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive Your people who have sinned against You.
\n40\t“Now, my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and let Your ears be attentive to the prayer made in this place.
\n41\t“Now therefore, arise, O LORD God, to Your resting place, you and the ark of Your strength. Let Your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let Your saints rejoice in goodness.
\n42\t“O LORD God, do not turn away the face of Your Anointed; remember the mercies of Your servant David.”<\/p>\n

ANOTHER POINT TO NOTE: Although Solomon\u2019s prayer is LENGTHY and DOCTRINAL \u2013 this is NOT \u201cTEACHING PRAYER\u201d \u2013 first of all, no one is teaching God. Second, Solomon is proclaiming the truths of scripture, and the declaring the personality of God. <\/p>\n

We want to be careful that we are not PLANNING to TEACH, or LECTURE our prayer partners, when we come to the place of prayer.
\nTEACH when it is time to teach. PRAY when it is time to pray. <\/p>\n

GOD\u2019S AFFIRMATION OF SOLOMON\u2019S PRAYER:
\n2 Chr 7:1-2
\n1\tWhen Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.
\n2\tAnd the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house.<\/p>\n

THAT is successful prayer that moved HEAVEN into EARTH.
\nSolomon prayed ACCURATELY, WITH PASSION, AND WITH ANOINTED PURPOSE.
\nTHAT is what we are looking for!!!<\/p>\n

(we\u2019ll continue w this PRAYER-IGNITED EVENT, later \u2013 when God comes to Solomon and offers HIM, and US, the promise of IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME\u2026\u2026come and pray, then God will do His work.)<\/p>\n

BTW \u2013 it is theologically illogical and unwise for any saint to:
\nA.\tUnderstand the TRUTHS that Solomon prayed, and then
\nB.\tignore them, and then
\nC.\ttry to invoke the promises of God that were spoken IN RESPONSE to Solomon\u2019s prayer. <\/p>\n

THIS WHOLE BOOK WORKS TOGETHER.
\nJust like God Himself, the word of God is ECHAD. It is ONE, PRIMERO, UNIFIED, COMPLETE, INDIVISIBLE, SET APART, UNIQUE.
\nSlicing and dicing it for our purposes, whether IN PRAYER or IN LIFE, is a waste of time, and a huge jeopardy. Drives me nuts. <\/p>\n

I believe that prayer of Solomon confirms the glory and the potency of scripturally accurate prayer. This is why we want the word of God in us, so that when we pray, that same word can flow from us, accurately. And our prayers will be more effective because we are praying along the lines of truth. And when we pray along those lines, I believe we are invited to \u201chold\u201d God to His promises.
\nWeek three<\/p>\n

One thing I pray frequently, when I pray for our nation.
\nI KNOW IT IS A PROMISE OF SCRIPTURE, AND I KNOW I NOT \u201cSTRETCHING IT\u201d FOR MY PURPOSES \u2013 SO I CAN PRAY IT W CONFIDENCE OF ITS ACCURACY.
\nPsalm 125:1-3
\n1 Those who trust in the Lord
\nAre like Mount Zion,
\nWhich cannot be moved, but abides forever.
\n2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
\nSo the Lord surrounds His people
\nFrom this time forth and forever.
\n3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
\nOn the land allotted to the righteous,
\nLest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s good to understand this Psalm, so it can be prayed effectively.
\nAt first blush, it looks like it is ABOUT Mount Zion in Jerusalem \u2013 but it is not. The promise is way broader than that. It says THOSE \u2013 any people group, anywhere, who trust in the Lord will be LIKE (equivalent to, seen by God as) Mount Zion \u2013 and that becomes unmovable.
\nThen verse assures that IN LIKE MANNER AS HOW GOD SURROUNDS JERUSALEM \u2013 He will surround that group who trust in Him \u2013 and that is a \u201cforevermore\u201d promise.
\nThen verse 3 \u2013 which is pregnant w promise, tells us that a covenant land can gain access to a place of rescue and deliverance because \u2013 if we\u2019re reading the Word \u2013 we know God is QANA over His people, all around the world – any place on earth. <\/p>\n

THAT IS WHY we want the Word in us, and understood by us \u2013 so that our prayers can be most effective.
\nLook at these portions of Isa 55 \u2013 They are HHY \u2013 HAVEN\u2019T HAPPENED YET. We know the nations have not yet flocked to the people of God. In fact, it has very much been to the contrary. But we know this WILL HAPPEN. So we can wait w expectation for these things to occur, and for the fullness of these verses to happen: <\/p>\n

LOOKING AT \u201cTHE WORD OF GOD NOT RETURNING VOID\u2026.\u201d \u2013 often proclaimed, and then nothing happens. Let\u2019s see how that is explained to us: <\/p>\n

ISA 55
\n5 Surely you shall call a nation you do not know,
\nAnd nations who do not know you shall run to you,
\nBecause of the Lord your God,
\nAnd the Holy One of Israel;
\nFor He has glorified you.\u201d (HHY)<\/p>\n

6 Seek the Lord while He may be found,
\nCall upon Him while He is near.<\/p>\n

8 \u201cFor My thoughts are not your thoughts,
\nNor are your ways My ways,\u201d says the Lord.<\/p>\n

9 \u201cFor as the heavens are higher than the earth,
\nSo are My ways higher than your ways,
\nAnd My thoughts than your thoughts.<\/p>\n

10 \u201cFor as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
\nAnd do not return there,
\nBut water the earth,
\nAnd make it bring forth and bud,
\nThat it may give seed to the sower
\nAnd bread to the eater,<\/p>\n

11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
\nIt shall not return to Me void,
\nBut it shall accomplish what I please,
\nAnd it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.<\/p>\n

THAT is HOW you want to be praying \u2013 in ALIGNMENT and OBEDIENCE and LED by the Spirit of God, so that your prayers can truly be prayed in the faith that you are speaking and proclaiming the word of God \u2013 and can believe Him for success in your prayers. <\/p>\n

Here is a promise of God to Isaiah the prophet, that then extends forward forever to his spiritual lineage. THAT would be us, when we are fully His:
\nISA 59
\n21 \u201cAs for Me,\u201d says the Lord, \u201cthis is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants\u2019 descendants,\u201d says the Lord, \u201cfrom this time and forevermore.\u201d<\/p>\n

THAT is what is available to us. THAT is in part why Peter told us \u201call things that….(…oops was missing from my notes!):
\n2 Peter 1:2-4
\n2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,
\n3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
\n4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.<\/p>\n

BACK TO HAGGAI (which we read earlier) and the SHAKING-WORK PROMISE: Further to the SAME prophetic word is another PROMISE TO BE FULFILLED: God will fill His temple with glory \u2013 as we also just saw in the Solomon-temple-dedication bunny trail. There appears to be a distinct relationship between PRAYER, THE PRESENCE OF GOD, AND THE FILLING WITH GLORY: <\/p>\n

And the further revelation is that the (v9): \u201cglory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former\u201d. <\/p>\n

Hag 2:7-9
\n7\t‘and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts.
\n8\t‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts.
\n9\t‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.”<\/p>\n

Isaiah further tells us the FULFILLED TEMPLE is going to be a certain kind of place \u2013 accessible to Jew and Gentile alike \u2013 this is the temple the Lord
\nIs Preparing FOR US; and
\nIs Preparing US FOR: <\/p>\n

Isa 56:1-7
\n1\tThus says the LORD: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, for My salvation is about to come, and My righteousness to be revealed.
\n2\tBlessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who lays hold on it; who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.”
\n3\tDo not let the son of the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD speak, saying, “The LORD has utterly separated me from His people”; nor let the eunuch say, “Here I am, a dry tree.”
\n4\tFor thus says the LORD: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, and choose what pleases Me, and hold fast My covenant,
\n5\tEven to them I will give in My house and within My walls a place and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.
\n6\t“Also the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants– everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and holds fast My covenant–
\n7\tEven them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”<\/p>\n

God\u2019s great plan has ONE age coming to an end, and THE NEXT age immediately following, like DAY follows NIGHT.
\nThat NEXT AGE is going to see a rebuilt temple, filled with people who:
\nKNOW TO PRAY; and also
\nKNOW HOW TO PRAY<\/p>\n

I believe the season we are entering, and in fact have already entered, is a season of intensified conflict. GOD, knowing that, is allowing our prayers to WORK when they are in alignment w Him and His word, and also NOT WORK when they are out of that alignment. HE IS TRAINING US TO ENGAGE IN PRAYER WARFARE, EFFECTIVELY. <\/p>\n

WEEK 3<\/strong><\/p>\n

Prayer In These Times \u2013 Week Three \u2013 7.14.16<\/p>\n

Next week I WILL NOT BE HERE \u2013 but I hope you are.
\nThe corporate vision for this gathering RESTING PLACE, and these gatherings, is that they would be centered around prayer and worship, ministering to the Lord, hopefully w a deeper understanding and deeper conviction as to the invitation, the effectiveness, the impact, and the need for such activity. <\/p>\n

Michele H, who loves the place of prayer and worship, will be sitting in for me next week \u2013 and the plan is for me to be back the following week. <\/p>\n

We are praying and seeking the Lord as to how this continues and what it looks like. Suffice to say that there will be alternating evenings of prayer and worship and time in the Word. For now, our focus will definitely be on prayer, and things related to prayer, to get us into a deeper place of revelation, as we begin engaging in active prayer. <\/p>\n

I do hope these meetings have had impact on your prayer life, on how you look at prayer and how you engage in prayer, and how you appreciate the \u201cprayer opportunity\u201d. More than the \u201ccharge\u201d and the \u201cinstruction\u201d and the \u201cadmonition\u201d to pray, what is wonderful is when we get to a place of understanding that prayer is an opportunity for the Kingdom of heaven to come in and invade the kingdom of man \u2013 through our revelation of God\u2019s will, through our anointing that is imparted to us, through our ability to take before the throne of the King the issues of life. <\/p>\n

Quite importantly, in these most-shaking days, it\u2019s also critical for us to understand the URGENT REQUIREMENT for the prayer of the saints.
\nIt will be our survival and success, and in large part it could mean the survival of our society and our nation. <\/p>\n

Each and every day is demonstrating the increase in intensity and frequency of wild events.
\nMan grows in his defiance of God. <\/p>\n

LAST Thursday, as we met and discussed the time were in and the need for prayer, the Dallas shootings occurred.
\nTODAY we are heading off a huge terror attack in Nice, France.
\nI take no pleasure in saying that the obvious intensity and frequency of events of global trotroubling confirms my interpretation of end times events, and the call to the saints to be in place, on post, and in prayer. <\/p>\n

I recently wrote something called: \u201cTHE EXALTATION OF WICKEDNESS\u201d.
\nPs 12 begins w the psalmist crying: \u201cHelp O Lord for the godly man ceases\u201d and then concludes w the revelation as to why things are so awful, and getting worse all the time, until the return of the Lord. <\/p>\n

The spiritual forces behind all this is not going to be withstood unless and until the church is praying as it called to pray. <\/p>\n

Isa 28 offers a prophetic promise to the warriors of the Lord who understand the battle, and also the reward to those who would engage:
\nIsa 28
\n5 In that day the Lord of hosts will be
\nFor a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty
\nTo the remnant of His people,
\n6 For a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment,
\nAnd for strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.<\/p>\n

This is A season during which we should be prioritizing prayer, and in many way I believe it is THE season, prior to the Lord\u2019s return, when we need to be prioritizing prayer in order to finish well. <\/p>\n

AND SPEAKING OF GATES \u2013 points of entry – HERE IS THE HOPE: <\/p>\n

Ps 24 (we touched on this earlier) – but this time the complete psalm \u2013 to reveal our qualifications to be receivers of His presence.
\nPsalm 24: <\/p>\n

(The declaration of God\u2019s sovereign ownership by virtue of it being His creation)
\n1 The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
\nThe world and those who dwell therein.
\n2 For He has founded it upon the seas,
\nAnd established it upon the waters.<\/p>\n

(The question of ANY PERSON\u2019S qualification)
\n3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
\nOr who may stand in His holy place?<\/p>\n

(The qualifications for attendance)
\n4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
\nWho has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
\nNor sworn deceitfully.<\/p>\n

(The reward for that \u201cperfect person\u201d who might possess those qualities \u2013 which in the natural would disqualify us all)
\n5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
\nAnd righteousness from the God of his salvation.<\/p>\n

(The miraculous revelation that there exists SOMETHING that can qualify even those whose fundamental spiritual DNA would disqualify them even from the womb \u2013 Jacob being referred to as \u201cthe deceiver\u201d or \u201csupplanter\u201d \u2013 AND ALSO THE REVELATION as to what would over-ride that disqualification: DESPERATE HUNGER)
\n6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
\nWho seek Your face.
\nSelah<\/p>\n

(NOW, with that revelation \u2013 here\u2019s the invitation to those who recognize their sincere hunger qualifies them)
\n7 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
\nAnd be lifted up, you everlasting doors!<\/p>\n

(THE ASSURANCE AND THE PROMISE)
\nAnd the King of glory shall come in.<\/p>\n

(THE QUESTION AND THE ANSWER: The One who reigns in sovereign authority)
\n8 Who is this King of glory?
\nThe Lord strong and mighty,
\nThe Lord mighty in battle.
\n9 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
\nLift up, you everlasting doors!
\nAnd the King of glory shall come in.
\n10 Who is this King of glory?
\nThe Lord of hosts,
\nHe is the King of glory.
\nSelah<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what the Lord confirms in Isa 65 \u2013 after dealing w the majority of the ones who are NOT going after Him in spirit and in truth:
\nISA 65<\/p>\n

THE REVELATION OF THE REMNANT
\n8 Thus says the Lord:
\n\u201cAs the new wine is found in the cluster,
\nAnd one says, \u2018Do not destroy it,
\nFor a blessing is in it,\u2019
\nSo will I do for My servants\u2019 sake,
\nThat I may not destroy them all.<\/p>\n

THE PROMISE
\n9 I will bring forth descendants from Jacob,
\nAnd from Judah an heir of My mountains;
\nMy elect shall inherit it,
\nAnd My servants shall dwell there.<\/p>\n

THE CONFIRMATION OF REWARD FOR SEEKING HIM
\n10 Sharon shall be a fold of flocks,
\nAnd the Valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down,
\nFor My people who have sought Me.<\/p>\n

THE CHASE needs to be on.
\nThat is our choice.
\nWe choose to chase God. <\/p>\n

In determining to CHASE GOD, we enter into the qualified group that is invited to lift up their heads, so the King of glory might come in.
\nAnd there is no better place for that, than the place of prayer – the intimate and personal place – even when we gather in groups – where time is spent on God and time spent with God. <\/p>\n

To be effective, we should pray ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES. There are assurances, when we pray accurately, w understanding. <\/p>\n

A FAVORITE PLACE for me, in these days, as we see a society eroding because of its raging against God.
\nI KNOW Psalm 125 CONTAINS A PROMISE, AND I KNOW I AM NOT \u201cSTRETCHING IT\u201d FOR MY PURPOSES \u2013 SO I CAN PRAY IT W CONFIDENCE OF ITS ACCURACY.
\nPsalm 125:1-3
\n1 Those who trust in the Lord
\nAre like Mount Zion,
\nWhich cannot be moved, but abides forever.
\n2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
\nSo the Lord surrounds His people
\nFrom this time forth and forever.
\n3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
\nOn the land allotted to the righteous,
\nLest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s good to understand this Psalm, LIKE ANY PSALM, so it can be prayed effectively.
\nAt first blush, it looks like it is ABOUT Mount Zion in Jerusalem \u2013 but it is not. The promise is way broader than that. It says THOSE \u2013 any people group, anywhere, who trust in the Lord will be LIKE (equivalent to, seen by God as) Mount Zion \u2013 and that becomes unmovable.
\nThen verse assures that IN LIKE MANNER AS HOW GOD SURROUNDS JERUSALEM \u2013 He will surround that group who trust in Him \u2013 and that is a \u201cforevermore\u201d promise.
\nThen verse 3 \u2013 which is pregnant w promise, tells us that a covenant land can gain access to a place of rescue and deliverance because \u2013 if we\u2019re reading the Word \u2013 we know God is QANA over His people, all around the world – any place on earth. <\/p>\n

THAT IS WHY we want the Word in us, and understood by us \u2013 so that our prayers can be most effective.
\nLook at these portions of Isa 55 \u2013 They are HHY \u2013 HAVEN\u2019T HAPPENED YET. We know the nations have not yet flocked to the people of God. <\/p>\n

In fact, it has very much been to the contrary. But we know this WILL HAPPEN. So we can wait w expectation for these things to occur, and for the fullness of these verses to happen \u2013 and I believe our prayers can activate these events to happen, as we fill those bowls in heaven. <\/p>\n

Understanding these intended purposes, and praying in faith, we are literally partnering w God in His word not returning void, but instead, in His word being fulfilled. <\/p>\n

LOOKING AT \u201cTHE WORD OF GOD NOT RETURNING VOID\u2026.\u201d \u2013 often proclaimed, and then nothing happens. Let\u2019s see how that is explained to us: <\/p>\n

ISA 55 – refrigerator magnet verses, like ps118.
\n5 Surely you shall call a nation you do not know,
\nAnd nations who do not know you shall run to you,
\nBecause of the Lord your God,
\nAnd the Holy One of Israel;
\nFor He has glorified you.\u201d (HHY \u2013 so it sets the timing for fulfillment)<\/p>\n

6 Seek the Lord while He may be found,
\nCall upon Him while He is near.<\/p>\n

8 \u201cFor My thoughts are not your thoughts,
\nNor are your ways My ways,\u201d says the Lord.<\/p>\n

9 \u201cFor as the heavens are higher than the earth,
\nSo are My ways higher than your ways,
\nAnd My thoughts than your thoughts.<\/p>\n

10 \u201cFor as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
\nAnd do not return there,
\nBut water the earth,
\nAnd make it bring forth and bud,
\nThat it may give seed to the sower
\nAnd bread to the eater,<\/p>\n

11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
\nIt shall not return to Me void,
\nBut it shall accomplish what I please,
\nAnd it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.<\/p>\n

THAT is HOW you want to be praying \u2013 in ALIGNMENT and OBEDIENCE and LED by the Spirit of God, so that your prayers can truly be prayed in the faith that you are speaking and proclaiming the word of God \u2013 and can believe Him for success in your prayers \u2013 that your prayers do not return void. <\/p>\n

If WE are praying simply what we are THINKING, we\u2019re already told WHAT God is thinking is higher than what WE are thinking. <\/p>\n

And God\u2019s desire is to reveal to us what He is thinking:
\n1 Cor 2:11, 12
\nFor what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
\n12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.<\/p>\n

THERE is an ACTIVE AND ONGOING REVELATION OF THE SPIRIT that we are going after.
\nAnd the church without the Spirit is a dead church.<\/p>\n

Remember when Jesus was responding to Satan\u2019s lies, and told him this:
\nMATT 4:4
\n4 But He answered and said, \u201cIt is written, \u2018Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n

Jesus was quoting Deuteronomy 8 (a favorite chapter of mine as it led me on an amazing journey of revelation, years ago, that continues to this day).
\nDeut 8:3 says:
\n3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.<\/p>\n

(YOU CAN READ THE FOLLOWING ON YOUR OWN \u2013 I don\u2019t want to get hung up on this cool thing, for time-sake)
\nFIRST – The OT Hebrew word typically translated into \u201cWORD\u201d is DABAR. But that does not come up as the Hebrew word used in Deut 8 \u2013 because there is no word \u201cWORD\u201d in Deut 8:3. <\/p>\n

3605 [e]
\nk\u0101l-
\n\u05db\u05b8\u05bc\u05dc\u05be\tby everything\tNoun
\n4161 [e]
\nm\u014d-w-\u1e63\u0101
\n\u05de\u05d5\u05b9\u05e6\u05b8\u05a5\u05d0\t[word] that proceeds out\tNoun
\n6310 [e]
\np\u0304\u00ee-
\n\u05e4\u05b4\u05bd\u05d9\u05be\tout of the mouth\tNoun<\/p>\n

What would more accurately be written would be:
\n\u201cMan does not live by bread alone, but by EVERY (all things!) that proceed from the mouth of God\u201d
\nGOD\u2019S ENTIRE CREATION-WILL AND PLAN AND SUBSTANCE CAME FORTH – WHEN HE SPOKE. It is so much bigger than the word \u201cWORD\u201d. <\/p>\n

FOR our prayer-focused purposes in this class \u2013 that is NOT what I want to focus on. I want us to consider THE TENSE of WHAT IS COMING OUT OF GOD\u2019S MOUTH. <\/p>\n

We would do well to understand that the PROCESSION of the revealed will of God CONTINUES, always. <\/p>\n

Jesus did NOT recite Deut 8 and tell us \u201c\u2026every (word) that proceeded (in the past) from the mouth of God\u201d. <\/p>\n

The ongoing revelation of His will is revealed to us, oftentimes, as we pray.
\nThere is a divine necessity to remain in continuous communication w God, in the Spirit. <\/p>\n

I below this is why there is so much resistance to prayer “in the Spirit”, prayer in tongues, in a heavenly language.<\/p>\n

This coordinates perfectly w Romans 8 \u2013 once again \u2013 so that we recognize the critical nature of Spirit-led, Spirit-infused LIFE and PRAYER:<\/p>\n

Rom 8:14-28
\n14\tFor as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
\n15\tFor you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
\n16\tThe Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,<\/p>\n

19\tFor the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
\n20\tFor the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;
\n21\tbecause the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.<\/p>\n

22\tFor we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.<\/p>\n

23-25 speak to a groaning work of waiting, w expectation, and then tells us this is God\u2019s HELPER for us during this travailing period<\/p>\n

23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
\n24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
\n25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.<\/p>\n

26\tLikewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.<\/p>\n

(HERE\u2019S THE GOOD NEWS AND GREAT RELIEF RE THE EFFECTIVENESS AND POTENTIAL OF HOLY-SPIRIT INFUSED PRAYER: We don\u2019t really need to know all the things we specifically need to be praying for, nor HOW to pray for some of them \u2013 because the Holy Spirit, IN US, is in complete harmony with the purposes of heaven, and HE KNOWS how we ought to be praying. He wants to pray FOR YOU THROUGH YOU)
\n27\tNow He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
\nAND THEN WE GET THE \u201cALL THINGS….\u201d PROMISE VERSE \u2013 within this context of Holy-Spirit infused, Spirit led life:
\n28\tAnd we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.<\/p>\n

Not in earlier notes:
\nPAUL\u2019S DISCOURSE ON TONGUES AND HOLY SPIRIT PRAYER, leading into PROPHECY<\/p>\n

The words of our Lord – prophesying the upper room event:
\nActs 1:4-5
\n4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, \u201cwhich,\u201d He said, \u201cyou have heard from Me;
\n5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then the day of Pentecost :
\nthey get filled w fire from heaven and they start praying weirdly, and here’s how it is DESCRIBED:<\/p>\n

Acts 2:8-13
\n8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? (Then nations and languages are listed)
\n11\u2014we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.\u201d
\n12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, \u201cWhatever could this mean?\u201d
\n13 Others mocking said, \u201cThey are full of new wine..”
\n(Peter re Joel 2.)<\/p>\n

PAUL starts by saying this:
\n1 Cor 12
\n1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:<\/p>\n

I WANT TO ADDRESS THIS BECAUSE I AM CONVINCED OUR EFFECTIVENESS AND SUCCESS REQUIRES HOLY SPIRIT TONGUE TALKING HEAVENLY LANGUAGE PRAYER. PAUL QUOTING JOEL TO EXPLAIN THE UPPER ROOM CONFIRMS ITS CRITICAL REQUIREMENT. <\/p>\n

OR CHURCH POSITION? LIKELY.
\nELLIOT’S POSITION? DEFINITELY.<\/p>\n

(ARE WE ALL GOOD TO GO RE SPEAKING AND PRAYING IN TONGUES?
\nDO WE WANT TO DISCUSS OR REVIEW THE FOLLOWING?) <\/p>\n

Then he interrupts his 2-chapter instructional by telling us that unless we\u2019re doing everything and anything out of true love, it is simply noise, and religion.
\nThen he goes back to finish up what is so critical to a Spirit-led, Spirit-infused life \u2013 which is one huge reason why our enemy has so campaigned against our walking in this authority \u2013 and his campaign has in many ways been most successful INSIDE the church. <\/p>\n

I believe, in large part, that is why Jesus said the following \u2013 THIS IS CRITICAL FOR US TO UNDERSTAND AS THE CHALLENGE APPROACH US:
\nMark 3
\n28 \u201cAssuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter;
\n29 but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation\u201d\u2014
\n30 because they said, \u201cHe has an unclean spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Luke 12
\n10 \u201cAnd anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.
\n11 \u201cNow when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.
\n12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

What we see, above, is Jesus assuring us of a Spirit-directed life in the most critical of times, and those times are being resisted EVEN by the ones who ought to be understanding the things of God. <\/p>\n

The greater sin is calling the spirit-active components of God \u201cunclean\u201d or \u201cdemonic\u201d or \u201cnot of God\u201d \u2013 which actually takes place more IN church than OUT of church.
\nOUT of church, ignorant people typically bad-mouth Jesus.
\nIN church, it\u2019s the ones w the charge to humbly know God and His ways, who have been raging against the Holy Spirit. Their accountability is greater. Hence, the warning above from the mouth of our Lord. <\/p>\n

Preemptively, that is why Paul told us he did not want us ignorant of these things \u2013 because the church has blasphemously led many saints into that ignorance, speaking and teaching against these critical verses. And ignorance of the fullness of the Kingdom plan hamstrings saints.
\nEPH \u2013 \u201cHaving done all, to stand\u201d becomes an impossibility. <\/p>\n

ONE KEY to understanding these verses in Corinthians is to recognize when it says SPEAK and when it says PRAY\/PRAYER. <\/p>\n

SPEAKING is public speaking out.
\nPRAYING is to God \u2013 but individually as well as publicly.
\nIt would clarify things to recognize where Paul is writing about SPEAKING in tongues and where is writing about PRAYING in tongues. <\/p>\n

LALEO \u2013 g2980. \u03bb\u03b1\u03bb\u03ad\u03c9 lale\u014d; a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words: \u2014 preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter. <\/p>\n

PROSEUCHOMAI g4336. \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u03b5\u03cd\u03c7\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9; from 4314 and 2172; to pray to God,<\/p>\n

1 Cor 14
\n13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
\n14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
\n15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
\n16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say \u201cAmen\u201d at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?
\n17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
\n18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;
\n19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
\n20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.<\/p>\n

Then Paul goes on to reveal to us that our obedience to opening our mouths, in the Spirit, and praying and speaking in tongues \u2013 although it does not EDIFY (build up) OTHERS, it will edify our own spirits, so that we might prophesy. <\/p>\n

And he tells us that our obedience to this spiritual charge is a prophetic declaration to the unbelieving world that one kingdom has been called by God to invade and overtake another kingdom.
\nTHE WORDING PAUL USED is from Isaiah 28 \u2013 and only Isaiah 28 \u2013 and refers to anointed Nebuchadnezzar who was being called to invade disobedient Israel.
\nThat was a WICKED KINGDOM being used by God to invade and conquer.
\nPAUL is telling us that the Spirit led children of God, in this age, are being called to represent a way more holy invasion \u2013 of God\u2019s kingdom into the world. <\/p>\n

21 In the law it is written:
\n\u201cWith men of other tongues and other lips
\nI will speak to this people;
\nAnd yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,\u201d says the Lord.
\n22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.
\n23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
\n24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.
\n25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.<\/p>\n

So we would do well to be filled w the Spirit of God, and to walk in all the fullness of the provisions of God, to accomplish His purposes. THAT will open the door for our infilling. <\/p>\n

This is why Jesus told His disciples:
\nLuke 24
\n49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.\u201d<\/p>\n

ACTS 1
\n7 And He said to them, \u201cIt is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.
\n8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.\u201d<\/p>\n

LET\u2019S PRAY RIGHT NOW \u2013 for that infilling of the Spirit \u2013 be it your first time or your thousandth time. <\/p>\n

BACK TO HAGGAI (which we read earlier) \u2013 the PROMISE OF GLORY around the time of the SHAKING-WORK:
\nGod will fill His temple with glory \u2013 as we saw last week the Solomon-temple-dedication bunny trail \u2013 which we will get back to shortly, this evening. <\/p>\n

There is a distinct correlation between PRAYER, THE PRESENCE OF GOD, AND THE FILLING WITH GLORY:
\nHag 2:7-9
\n7\t‘and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts.
\n8\t‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts.
\n9\t‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.”<\/p>\n

Isaiah tells us the GLORY-FILLED FINAL TEMPLE is going to be a certain kind of place \u2013 accessible to Jew and Gentile alike \u2013 this is the temple that the Lord
\nA. Is Preparing FOR US; and
\nB. Is Preparing US FOR: <\/p>\n

WE NEED TO GET A VISION OF THIS END-PLAN:
\nThis is yet another reason why He is \u201cdivinely working us over\u201d to get us to the place of Spirit-filled living, through Spirit-filled prayer. <\/p>\n

Isa 56:6-7
\n(the promise extending beyond the sons of Abraham who come to the Lord):
\n6\t“Also the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants– everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and holds fast My covenant–
\n7\tEven them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”<\/p>\n

God\u2019s great plan has ONE age coming to an end, and THE NEXT age immediately following, like DAY follows NIGHT.
\nThat NEXT AGE is going to see a rebuilt temple, filled with people who:
\nKNOW TO PRAY; and also
\nKNOW HOW TO PRAY<\/p>\n

I believe the season we are entering, and in fact have already entered, is a season of intensified conflict. GOD, knowing that, is allowing our prayers to WORK when they are in alignment w Him and His word, and also to NOT WORK when they are out of that alignment. <\/p>\n

HE IS TRAINING US TO ENGAGE IN PRAYER WARFARE, EFFECTIVELY, NOW. <\/p>\n

What we are seeing in these and many other prophetic verses is an IMAGE OF THE PURPOSES OF GOD at the END of THIS AGE, and then extending into the NEXT AGE. <\/p>\n

Furthermore, and critical for our understanding of the PRIORITY OF PRAYER is this amazing fact that ought to ignite our understanding of
\nour WORTH,
\nour POSITION,
\nour CALLING and
\nour PARTNERSHIP into the CREATION PLAN OF GOD. <\/p>\n

CRITICAL NT REVELATION as to God\u2019s prophetic plan \u2013 that WILL SURELY come to pass \u2013 is the BATTLE FOR OUR WORSHIP. <\/p>\n

The scriptures make it clear that Satan\u2019s ultimate goal was to get Jesus Himself to worship him.
\n(Luke 4:6-8). That is ongoing. Scriptures describing the end-of-age anti-Christ man illustrates someone so demonized that even world control will not satisfy him. He will demand worship. <\/p>\n

THE RESISTANCE TO OUR PRAYERS, and our PRAYING:
\nSo what we need to realize is that Satan (Hebrew: \u201cAdversary\u201d) rages against prayer and worship. It is his worst nightmare \u2013 a praying, worshipping saint. <\/p>\n

Besides Satan\u2019s promise to Jesus \u2013 that He\u2019d get everything were He to worship Satan, it was and remains in complete opposition to the purpose of mankind.
\nWe were meant for worship and prayer \u2013 only to God.
\nLUKE 8
\nAnd Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'”<\/p>\n

This is why WE, as redeemed creatures, consistently encounter so much opposition to prayer \u2013 opposition to wanting to pray, to engage in prayer, to remain in prayer, to stay awake in prayer, and to surrender in prayer. <\/p>\n

Some Biblical Promises \u2013 and we\u2019re invited to remind the Lord of His promises:
\nA FAMOUS BIGGEE \u2013 couched in the CONTEXT of the prophetic paragraph \u2013 for clarity and emphasis:
\n(LAST WEEK we concluded with the prayer of Solomon at the dedication of the temple \u2013 a doctrinally accurate and effective prayer that ushered in the presence of God. <\/p>\n

WRAPPING UP TONIGHT and looking at the amazing response and promise BY GOD, after Solomon had so powerfully and so accurately prayed at the dedication of the temple:
\n2 Chr 7:1-2
\n1\tWhen Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.
\n2\tAnd the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house.<\/p>\n

SHORTLY THEREAFTER
\n2 Chr 7:12-22
\n12\tThen the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice.
\n13\t“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people,
\n14\t“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
\n\u2026.God\u2019s dream-dialogue w Solomon continues to confirm the accuracy of Solomon\u2019s earlier temple-dedication prayer, accurately describing the cause and effect of man\u2019s sinfulness and God\u2019s righteous judgment. <\/p>\n

Meanwhile, for us, let\u2019s close w a prayer that would move God and put a smile on Solomon\u2019s face \u2013 praying for our nation. <\/p>\n

All scripture NKJV<\/p>\n

WEEK 4 <\/strong><\/p>\n

PRAYER IN THESE TIMES \u2013 week FOUR<\/p>\n

Last week I was out of town and hopefully many of you were here, engaged in prayer and worship w Michelle. We want and require all of the components of prayer and worship, just as we are supposed to want and require a full gospel. <\/p>\n

Over and over again the prophets encountering God were told to \u201ceat the whole scroll\u201d. That\u2019s bible-speak for the whole enchilada. <\/p>\n

Thankfully, the work of the Lord will not depend upon any one believer. God continues to be on the move, particularly in these days \u2013 and He\u2019s wanting all hands on deck. Part of the plan. <\/p>\n

TONIGHT, in keeping w the theme PRAYER IN THESE TIMES, I very much want to look at THESE TIMES, and also what the scriptures appear to be telling us about these times. <\/p>\n

THAT will help align our prayer lives w the things God is doing on earth, as well as in the heavenly realms.
\nI believe our adversary would prefer we NEVER ADDRESSED, or at very worst, GLANCED OVER end times writings, because he knows our awareness of things coming would activate our prayer part I option, and he fears the elf ft of that.<\/p>\n

Several things occurred while I was briefly out of town \u2013 one most notable being my receipt of a news article from friends in Israel speaking of a barely-disguised (except for the spiritually blind) satanic worship event coordinated in seven cities around the world – something that began several years ago in Belgium and is spreading country to country because of its \u201cglobal\u201d and \u201c\u201dworld order\u201d roots. Positioned as a festival of peace and unity. <\/p>\n

The roots of the festival run directly back to paganism, Hinduism, and the occult. It is functionally another appearance of Baal evangelizing THE WORLD, and ISRAEL.<\/p>\n

SOME EXCERPTS FROM THE NEWS ARTICLE (Kehila News \u2013 a Messianic news service in Israel): <\/p>\n

https:\/\/kehilanews.com\/2016\/07\/20\/occult-music-festival-tomorrowland-invades-the-holy-land\/<\/p>\n

Occult Music Festival \u201cTomorrowland\u201d Invades the Holy Land
\nThe annual festival that uses music as a cover for occult indoctrination stakes a claim in Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

Kehila News Israel Staff Jul 20, 2016<\/p>\n

If the name makes you think of Disneyland, you\u2019re right. \u201cTomorrowland\u201d is a theme section at Disneyland. The original Walt Disney, a great fan of futuristic ideas, said that the Disneyland version was designed \u201cto give you an opportunity to participate in adventures that are a living blueprint of our future.\u201d <\/p>\n

The global music festival called \u201cTomorrowland\u201d \u2026has the same goal\u2026 sort of. What is being offered, however, is neither a musical experience nor a technological one. The festival is openly spiritual, weaving \u201cstories\u201d and \u201cfairy tales\u201d in between the musical performances to communicate a hybrid of Luciferian, Wiccan and Hindu religion.<\/p>\n

This year the \u201cTomorrowland\u201d festival comes to Israel for the first time as the new 11,000-seat Payis Arena Stadium in the Holy City of Jerusalem hosts this pagan missionary outreach extravaganza, choosing instead to see it as \u201cthe world\u2019s biggest music festival\u201d.<\/p>\n

This festival began in 2005 in Belgium, and its growth has been impressive. Starting in 2008, it settled on a weekend in late July, and the numbers topped 50,000. By 2012, the headcount was an incredible 185,000 participants. <\/p>\n

In 2013, a companion festival was established in the USA (Georgia), named \u201cTomorrow World\u201d. The following year, \u201cTomorrowland\u201d opened a second base in Brazil. Then in 2015 came the idea of \u201cmirror\u201d festivals, live-linked from different locations via giant video screens. The \u201cMirror to Tomorrowland\u201d festivals enabled youth to \u201cunite\u201d through the mirror and \u201cbe part of the Madness\u201d in six countries: <\/p>\n

Mexico, India, Japan, Colombia, Germany and South Africa. On July 23 (the second day of the 3-day Belgian festival), Israel becomes mirror number 7 to join the madness. The Jerusalem event is scheduled to run on July 23, 2016 from 8:00pm until 4:00am.<\/p>\n

Each year revolves around a theme, and these provide the first clue that despite its billing as a global music festival, \u201cTomorrowland\u201d is not really about music. The concepts of \u201clife\u201d and \u201chappiness\u201d, the \u201cpower\u201d and \u201cmysteries\u201d of the invisible world, are explored in captivating, high-budget theme clips released well ahead of each festival. Often music is not even mentioned in these introductions. The second clue is that every single intro clip \u2013 as well as the festival kickoff ceremonies beamed from Belgium \u2013 includes the reverent opening of an animated book called \u201cthe book of wisdom\u201d, from which all the festival\u2019s \u201cstories\u201d are drawn. On its cover is the logo of \u201cTomorrowland\u201d, an ambiguous design except for the \u201cthird eye\u201c, the traditional occult sign of spiritual enlightenment. The eye is crowned, symbolizing a claim of lordship over this spiritual power source.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe book of wisdom\u201d was mentioned in the video promo clip for 2013 Georgia festival, stating, \u201cThe book of wisdom will be opened in our second home.\u201d In the 2012 video, these explanations and visuals leave no doubt as to the pagan roots of this \u201cwisdom\u201d. The custodians of these writings (portrayed in the clip as bizarre horned characters engaged in various occult activities) are described as a \u201cmagnificent civilization\u201d composed of \u201cfairy-tale keepers\u201d, and they receive honorable mention during the festivals.<\/p>\n

In \u201cThe Arising of Life\u201d (Tomorrowland 2013 Trailer), hints are dropped about an unidentified man who is \u201chidden from civilization\u201d somewhere, and who is unlocking ancient secrets for mankind. This clip invites you to \u201cconnect with the beings who roam in the heart of this magical land\u2026 Just because you haven\u2019t seen something doesn\u2019t mean it doesn\u2019t exist.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Key to Happiness\u201d (Tomorrowland 2014 Trailer) \u201creveals a secret behind a magical key\u2026\u201d which acquaints festival-goers with another occult symbol of the mythical pathway to enlightenment: a mythical ancient machine waiting to be reactivated. Here again, we are told that this machine was built for mankind in the past by a mysterious hidden man, who entrusted the key to \u201cguardians\u201d.<\/p>\n

Only once does music become a theme (\u201cThe Secret Kingdom of Melodia\u201d, 2015). The short intro teases the viewer by asking where all music comes from. A longer clip presents music as merely a gateway into the spirit dimension, using innocent children as models, but doesn\u2019t answer the question. You get that later at the Belgium festival, which introduces \u201cthe king of Melodia\u201d\u2026 an image embedded in what looks like a Christian cathedral, framed by organ pipes. In fact, the audio reveals church-like organ music playing\u2026 not exactly the favorite genre for party-loving youth, but some things are more important than pleasing fans. Over this background music, the narrator explains that \u201cThe king of Melodia holds all music in his heart. His only desire is to unite the world in a single melody, and giving joy to all who come to his kingdom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Readers who know their Bibles will remember that as \u201cthe covering cherub\u201d in God\u2019s holy mountain, one particular archangel was endowed with musical ability, described as inlaid \u201ctambourines and pipes\u201d (Ezek.28:13, Hebrew). His Hebrew name, \u201cHeilel ben Shahar\u201d (Isa.14:12, \u201cbrightstar, son of the dawn\u201d) indicates his ability to illuminate the darkness. So when the Belgian \u201cmirror\u201d tells us that the music produced by the king of Melodia has \u201cimmense power, filling the world with illuminating sounds,\u201d we can know exactly which \u201ckingdom\u201d is sponsoring \u201cTomorrowland\u201d.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s theme is \u201cThe Elixir of Life\u201d (Tomorrowland 2016 Introduction Trailer) in which a beautiful Wiccan maiden roams through an equally beautiful forest, consulting a book and gathering ingredients for a spell. The witch tells us that \u201cit is from the past that our secret elixir originates,\u201d and that the necessary ingredients are \u201cin a place where only the chosen ones can enter.\u201d Her cryptic statement, \u201cWe are all connected to her; it is her voice that guides me,\u201d is left unexplained, but Gaia worshipers will understand. She needs one last ingredient to establish \u201cmy road to eternal bliss\u201d, and to find it she has to walk blindfolded \u2013 a common requirement for an occult initiate. <\/p>\n

God of course is never surprised.
\nThe torch portion for last Shabbat was about Phineas standing up, getting a spear, and I paling a Hebrew man having see w a Canaanite woman, and the psalmist says:
\nPsalms 106:30-31
\n30 Then Phinehas stood up and intervened,
\nAnd the plague was stopped.
\n31 And that was accounted to him for righteousness
\nTo all generations forevermore.<\/p>\n

THE CONCLUSION OF THE ARTICLE \u2013 A CALL TO PRAYER \u2013 and a list of bullet points for the prayer. <\/p>\n

What we are seeing, in complete alignment w scriptural prophecy, is the resurgence and even increase in Baal worship. And w that increase in worship is an increase in demonic activity. <\/p>\n

Particularly the youth of Israel, disappointed and disgusted in the deadness and religiosity of what they see as \u201cJudaism\u201d by the Pharisaical Hasidim, are turning to the ways of the world.
\nSadly, the ways of the world are not simply WORLDLY.
\nThey are demonic.<\/p>\n

This kind of activity ought to confirm to us what is happening, globally. We need to be praying people, taking a stand for righteousness. UNDERSTANDING WHAT PAUL SAID 2,000 years ago: <\/p>\n

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. \u2013 Eph.6:12<\/p>\n

Eph 6:13 & 18
\n13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
\n18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints\u2014<\/p>\n

I sent out an email to many, from Malibu, so that folks might pray and intercede.
\nI am confident many did, not simply from my email alert, but from alerts and notices from saints all around the world. <\/p>\n

HERE\u2019S THE GOOD NEWS \u2013 in the way of a promise \u2013 represented in the portion of scripture referred to as the ISAIAH APOCALYPSE \u2013 which I taught on several months ago \u2013 it pertains to assaults against Israel (PARTIALLY fulfilled in past historic events, but never FULLY-FILLED \u2013 so stay tuned): <\/p>\n

THE REWARD WAITING FOR THOSE WHO ARE ON-POST
\nIsa 28:5
\nIn that day the Lord of hosts will be
\nFor a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty
\nTo the remnant of His people,
\n6 For a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment,
\nAnd for strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.<\/p>\n

There is a place of spiritual conflict and resistance to which the saints are being called, and that call is a place of PRAYER and WORSHIP and STANDING ON THE WORD OF GOD. <\/p>\n

This particular invasive demonic festival, held the 17th of Tammuz and in the holy city of Jerusalem \u2013 also ought to confirm w us the spiritual relevance of the times and seasons in which we live. <\/p>\n

HISTORICALLY \u2013 17th of Tammuz:
\nhttp:\/\/www.chabad.org\/library\/article_cdo\/aid\/479885\/jewish\/The-17th-of-Tammuz.htm<\/p>\n

The fast of the 17th of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, known as Shivah Asar B\u2019Tammuz, is the start of a three-week mourning period for the destruction of Jerusalem and the two Holy Temples.
\nThe fast actually commemorates five tragic events that occurred on this date:
\n1\tMoses broke the tablets when he saw the Jewish people worshipping the Golden Calf.
\n2\tDuring the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, the Jews were forced to cease offering the daily sacrifices due to the lack of sheep.
\n3\tApostomos burned the holy Torah.1
\n4\tAn idol was placed in the Holy Temple.2
\n5\tThe walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Romans, in 69 CE, after a lengthy siege. (Three weeks later, after the Jews put up a valiant struggle, the Romans destroyed the second Holy Temple on the 9th of Av.)
\nThe Jerusalem Talmud maintains that this is also the date when the Babylonians breached the walls of Jerusalem on their way to destroying the first Temple.<\/p>\n

Prophetically, if 17 Tammuz happens to be a special day of judgment by God, I personally would be looking to TWO MORE events to occur\u2026.<\/p>\n

So here we have a spiritual enemy at work, and we have a God who is leaning heavily upon His disobedient people, Israel \u2013 fulfilling HIS PROMISE OF SHAKING AND PRESSURIZATION \u2013 also revealing to us the PURPOSE OF THE INVASIVE WORK: <\/p>\n

(THESE ARE NOTES WRITTEN PRIOR TO THE FESTIVAL NOTICE \u2013 several weeks ago)
\nBACK TO HAGGAI (which we read earlier) \u2013 the PROMISE OF GLORY around the time of the SHAKING-WORK:
\nGod will fill His temple with glory \u2013 as we saw last week the Solomon-temple-dedication bunny trail \u2013 which we will get back to shortly, this evening. <\/p>\n

There is a distinct correlation between PRAYER, THE PRESENCE OF GOD, AND THE FILLING WITH GLORY:
\nHag 2:7-9
\n7\t‘and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts.
\n8\t‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts.
\n9\t‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.”<\/p>\n

Isaiah tells us the GLORY-FILLED FINAL TEMPLE is going to be a certain kind of place \u2013 accessible to Jew and Gentile alike \u2013 this is the temple that the Lord
\nA. Is Preparing FOR US; and
\nB. Is Preparing US FOR: <\/p>\n

WE NEED TO GET A VISION OF THIS END-PLAN:
\nThis is yet another reason why He is \u201cdivinely working us over\u201d to get us to the place of Spirit-filled living, through Spirit-filled prayer. <\/p>\n

Isa 56:6-7
\n(the promise extending beyond the sons of Abraham who come to the Lord):
\n6\t“Also the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants– everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and holds fast My covenant–
\n7\tEven them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”<\/p>\n

God\u2019s great plan has ONE age coming to an end, and THE NEXT age immediately following, like DAY follows NIGHT.
\nThat NEXT AGE is going to see a rebuilt temple, filled with people who:
\nKNOW TO PRAY; and also
\nKNOW HOW TO PRAY<\/p>\n

I believe the season we are entering, and in fact have already entered, is a season of intensified conflict. <\/p>\n

THE BIRTHING PROCESS OF THE NEXT AGE IS, LIKE ALL BIRTHING PROCESS, TRANSITIONAL, UNCOMFORTABLE, AND DEFINITELY A “PROCESS”.
\nTHAT IS SUPPORTED by scripture. <\/p>\n

GOD, knowing that, is allowing our prayers to WORK when they are in alignment w Him and His word, and also to NOT WORK when they are out of that alignment. <\/p>\n

HE IS TRAINING US TO ENGAGE IN PRAYER WARFARE, EFFECTIVELY, NOW. <\/p>\n

What we are seeing in these and many other prophetic verses is an IMAGE OF THE PURPOSES OF GOD at the END of THIS AGE, and then extending into the NEXT AGE. <\/p>\n

Furthermore, and critical for our understanding of the PRIORITY OF PRAYER is this amazing fact that ought to ignite our understanding of
\nour WORTH,
\nour POSITION,
\nour CALLING and
\nour PARTNERSHIP into the CREATION PLAN OF GOD. <\/p>\n

CRITICAL NT REVELATION as to God\u2019s prophetic plan \u2013 that WILL SURELY come to pass \u2013 is the BATTLE FOR OUR WORSHIP. <\/p>\n

The scriptures make it clear that Satan\u2019s ultimate goal was to get Jesus Himself to worship him.
\n(Luke 4:6-8). That is ongoing. Scriptures describing the end-of-age anti-Christ man illustrates someone so demonized that even world control will not satisfy him. He will demand worship. <\/p>\n

THE RESISTANCE TO OUR PRAYERS, and our PRAYING:
\nSo what we need to realize is that Satan (Hebrew: \u201cAdversary\u201d) rages against prayer and worship. It is his worst nightmare \u2013 a praying, worshipping saint. <\/p>\n

Besides being A LIE (because there is no truth in Him), Satan\u2019s promise to Jesus \u2013 that He\u2019d get everything were He to worship Satan, was and remains in complete opposition to the entire creation-purpose of mankind. <\/p>\n

We were meant for worship and prayer \u2013 exclusively and only to God.
\nLUKE 4:8
\nAnd Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'”<\/p>\n

This is why WE, as redeemed creatures, consistently encounter so much opposition to prayer \u2013 opposition to wanting to pray, to engage in prayer, to remain in prayer, to stay awake in prayer, and to surrender in prayer. <\/p>\n

Some Biblical Promises \u2013 and we\u2019re invited to remind the Lord of His promises:
\nA FAMOUS BIGGEE \u2013 couched in the CONTEXT of the prophetic paragraph \u2013 for clarity and emphasis:
\n(LAST WEEK we concluded with the prayer of Solomon at the dedication of the temple \u2013 a doctrinally accurate and effective prayer that ushered in the presence of God. <\/p>\n

Looking at the amazing response and promise BY GOD, after Solomon had so powerfully and so accurately prayed at the dedication of the temple:
\n2 Chr 7:1-2
\n1\tWhen Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.
\n2\tAnd the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house.<\/p>\n

SHORTLY THEREAFTER
\n2 Chr 7:12-22
\n12\tThen the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice.
\n13\t“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people,
\n14\t“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
\n\u2026.God\u2019s dream-dialogue w Solomon continues to confirm the accuracy of Solomon\u2019s earlier temple-dedication prayer, accurately describing the cause and effect of man\u2019s sinfulness and God\u2019s righteous judgment. <\/p>\n

GOD\u2019S PROMISE TO JERUSALEM \u2013 His city and the city central to His people and His purposes
\nIsa 62
\n1 For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
\nUntil her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
\nAnd her salvation as a lamp that burns.
\n2 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness,
\nAnd all kings your glory.
\nYou shall be called by a new name,
\nWhich the mouth of the Lord will name.
\n3 You shall also be a crown of glory
\nIn the hand of the Lord,
\nAnd a royal diadem
\nIn the hand of your God.
\n4 You shall no longer be termed Forsaken,
\nNor shall your land any more be termed Desolate;
\nBut you shall be called Hephzibah (LOVELY) , and your land Beulah (MARRIED);
\nFor the Lord delights in you,
\nAnd your land shall be married.<\/p>\n

OUR CHARGE AND OUR ASSIGNMENT – RIGHT NOW
\n6 I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
\nThey shall never hold their peace day or night.
\nYou who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,
\n7 And give Him no rest till He establishes
\nAnd till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.<\/p>\n

10 Go through,
\nGo through the gates!
\nPrepare the way for the people;
\nBuild up,
\nBuild up the highway!
\nTake out the stones,
\nLift up a banner for the peoples!
\n11 Indeed the Lord has proclaimed
\nTo the end of the world:
\n\u201cSay to the daughter of Zion,
\n\u2018Surely your salvation is coming;
\nBehold, His reward is with Him,
\nAnd His work before Him.\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n

12 And they shall call them (later, once Israel returns to their God) The Holy People,
\nThe Redeemed of the Lord;
\nAnd you shall be called Sought Out,
\nA City Not Forsaken.<\/p>\n

ISA 66
\n8 Who has heard such a thing?
\nWho has seen such things?
\nShall the earth be made to give birth in one day?
\nOr shall a nation be born at once?
\nFor as soon as Zion was in labor,
\nShe gave birth to her children.<\/p>\n

9 Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?\u201d says the Lord.
\n\u201cShall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?\u201d says your God.
\n10 \u201cRejoice with Jerusalem,
\nAnd be glad with her, all you who love her;
\nRejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn for her;<\/p>\n

15 For behold, the Lord will come with fire
\nAnd with His chariots, like a whirlwind,
\nTo render His anger with fury,
\nAnd His rebuke with flames of fire.
\n16 For by fire and by His sword
\nThe Lord will judge all flesh;
\nAnd the slain of the Lord shall be many.
\n17 \u201cThose who sanctify themselves and purify themselves,
\nTo go to the gardens
\nAfter an idol in the midst,
\nEating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse,
\nShall be consumed together,\u201d says the Lord.<\/p>\n

18 \u201cFor I know their works and their thoughts. It shall be that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see My glory.
\n19 I will set a sign among them; and those among them who escape I will send to the nations: to Tarshish and Pul and Lud, who draw the bow, and Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands afar off who have not heard My fame nor seen My glory. And they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles. <\/p>\n

THEN, AFTER JUDGMENT AND PURIFICATION OF THE LAND:
\n22 \u201cFor as the new heavens and the new earth
\nWhich I will make shall remain before Me,\u201d says the Lord,
\n\u201cSo shall your descendants and your name remain.
\n23 And it shall come to pass
\nThat from one New Moon to another,
\nAnd from one Sabbath to another,
\nAll flesh shall come to worship before Me,\u201d says the Lord.
\n24 \u201cAnd they shall go forth and look
\nUpon the corpses of the men
\nWho have transgressed against Me.
\nFor their worm does not die,
\nAnd their fire is not quenched.
\nThey shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.\u201d<\/p>\n

That is how the prophetic book of Isaiah, prophetically ends. It completes its prophesy AT AND ABOUT THE END THE AGE, CITING CONDITIONS AT THE END OF THE AGE. <\/p>\n

1 Cor 10:11
\n11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.<\/p>\n

AND PETER PUTS IT THIS WAY \u2013speaking of the events at the end of age:
\n2 Peter 3
\n10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
\n11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
\n12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
\n13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.<\/p>\n

The Jewish People speak of DAYS OF AWE each year, as a season of remembrance. I believe the Days Of Awe are actually reserved for the climax of this age \u2013 and I am further inclined to believe we are heading towards them at noticeable pace. <\/p>\n

What we appear to be experiencing is the beginning of the bubbling of the teapot of God. The teapot of troubling. Tribulation, if you will. Whether you might think it is THE Tribulation, or merely A SEASON OF Tribulation, we are no doubt living in increasingly troubled times. <\/p>\n

And our great God utilizes, and in fact often initiates troubling for the purpose of drawing men to Himself.<\/p>\n

Psalms 78:32-34
\n32 In spite of this they still sinned,
\nAnd did not believe in His wondrous works.
\n33 Therefore their days He consumed in futility,
\nAnd their years in fear.
\n34 When He slew them, then they sought Him;
\nAnd they returned and sought earnestly for God.<\/p>\n

SOME GOOD deeds of Asa, a Judean king whose life sadly later illustrated the problems associated with disobedience. BUT FOR OUR PURPOSES \u2013 we see him responding well, early, and we get to hear some good teaching from Azariah the prophet
\n2 Chronicles 15:1-8
\n1 Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded.
\n2 And he went out to meet Asa, and said to him: \u201cHear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.
\n3 For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law;
\nAND HERE\u2019S THE GOOD FRUIT OF GOD\u2019S TROUBLE:
\n4 but when in their trouble they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them. <\/p>\n

(I am praying about spending a few Thursdays analyzing some of the kings of Israel and Judah \u2013 so that we might learn from their successes and failures. There is much to learn. AND we\u2019re called KINGS as well as PRIESTS. Some examples might be good for us \u2013 pray for me re this direction as we go forward)<\/p>\n

Daniel 12:1-3
\n1 \u201cAt that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;
\nAnd there shall be a time of trouble,
\nSuch as never was since there was a nation,
\nEven to that time.
\nAnd at that time your people shall be delivered,
\nEvery one who is found written in the book.
\n2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
\nSome to everlasting life,
\nSome to shame and everlasting contempt.
\n3 Those who are wise shall shine
\nLike the brightness of the firmament,
\nAnd those who turn many to righteousness
\nLike the stars forever and ever.<\/p>\n

COMPARE (SLIDE) Dan 12:1 to Matthew 24:21
\n21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. <\/p>\n

CONTINUING IN MATTHEW (to defuse the popularized misunderstanding that the toughest days ever to hit the earth was in the first or second century AD<\/p>\n

Matt 24
\n29 \u201cImmediately (\u201cEUTHEOS\u201d \u2013 at once) after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
\n30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.<\/p>\n

These things are coming upon us, and our great God is calling us to that watchman position, and as He\u2019s doing that, I believe He is \u201cwatching the watchmen\u201d, and taking note of our response to His calling upon our lives. <\/p>\n

I can testify that God has been doing wondrous things in my own life the past few weeks. Not all necessarily according to my plan or purpose, but instead according to HIS PLANS and HIS PURPOSE to draw me deeper to the DESIRE OF THE NATIONS. <\/p>\n

Our response and also our own initiative to press in to Him will have a lot to say about our success. <\/p>\n

I so love and appreciate pastor Daniel\u2019s message this weekend re spirit living, and coming back into the place of hearing God. It will be our safety and our success, and the only safety and success. <\/p>\n

I wrote something recently called SHORT TIME LIVING. I would recommend it.<\/p>\n

Short Time Living<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n