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Silent Prayer vs Loud Prayer: Which is More Powerful?

Prayer Relay Movement October 18, 2020 Leave a Comment

Silent Prayer vs Loud Prayer: Which is More Powerful?

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Is it better to pray out loud or silent? Silent prayer vs loud prayer tends to be a matter of opinion and preference among Christians. Examples of this within the Bible include all the prayers that are credited to Jesus. Had he said those prayers in silence, we wouldn’t have the wealth of knowledge that is contained within each of them. Most of our prayers are moulded on the prayers of our Lord and Saviour. They are moulded around how he communicated with the father.

Who are you praying to

Considering that God is omnipresent. That saying that no matter how you choose to communicate with him he will understand and hear you. The first thing to consider when discussing the silent prayer versus loud prayer is who these prayers are being sent to. If you’re praying to the Lord our God, there isn’t much of a need to shout about it. Unless of course, this is a prayer that is being done in a corporate setting. In which case, loud prayer is for the edification of the body of Christ. 

Praying in Agreement

Adding to the previous point about the body of Christ. The scripture tells us that where two or more meet in his name, he is present. It also tells us that whatever we agree to bind or to loose on this earth is bound in heaven. As such, the only way that we could facilitate such agreement in prayer is through prayer that others can hear and agree with. 

The Example of the Pharisees

Going back to the point about who you are praying to. It is easy to get caught up in your surroundings. In such a manner that you would find yourself praying more for the pleasure of the people around you instead of pouring your heart out to the Lord. 

Luke 18:9-14New International Version

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2018%3A9-14&version=NIV

Jesus teaches about this through the example of the Pharisees. How they would pray aloud. In a manner that was boastful and filled with pride. Their prayers were said in a way that those around them could hear of their virtuous ways. 

“They have gotten their reward already.” 

We know that God sees what is done in secret. He hears what is said in secret places and rewards us publicly. 

The Prayer Closet

The secret place mention above is what is often referred to as the prayer closet. It is in such places that God works mighty things. We know that Jesus would often draw away from the crowds, to spend time alone in prayer and contemplation. It is in that place where the miracles that we see would have been birthed. 

To Pray or not to pray aloud?

Luther

Martin Luther was known to have prayed aloud. It is said that he did this because he “wanted even the devil to hear him pray.”

He was a man that was at odds with the church of his day. In his quest to keep the church as pure as Christ would have wanted it, he made enemies of the Catholic Church. His loud prayers would have been in defiance of this. It is said that his enemies feared his prayers!

Daniel

One of my favourite examples of this is the case of Daniel. At a time when prayer had been outlawed, he was found guilty of praying! He would have stood in defiance of the king’s edict and prayed. He did so with his window open. His enemies heard him pray. We all know how that ended! 

Daniel 6:9-11International Standard Version

9 So King Darius signed the edict contained in the written document.

Daniel is Accused

10 When Daniel learned that the written document had been signed, he went to an upstairs room in his house that had windows opened facing Jerusalem. Three times a day he would kneel down, pray, and give thanks to his God, just as he had previously done.

11 The conspirators then went as a group and found Daniel praying and seeking help before his God.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%206%3A9-11&version=ISV

Hannah

We know that when Hannah desperately prayed to the Lord that she may have a sign, she did so silently. The priest even thought that she was drunk. Yet, the Lord heard her prayer and stretched his loving hand to change her situation. 

The Need for silent prayer

You have probably heard prayer described as dialogue. Some of the most critical decisions and clear communication to come from God comes in our moments of silence. That comes when we learn to quieten ourselves and listen to him. Remember that you are speaking to someone that you know. It is someone that adores you. Sometimes we are deprived of God’s voice because we have become too fond of hearing our own. 

Silent Prayer vs Loud Prayer: Which is More Powerful? 1

It is not always a bad thing. You may even have the best of intentions. King Saul had the best intentions when he decided to go to war to protect the Lord’s people instead of waiting for the prophet’s arrival. He stepped into an office that wasn’t his. He played a role that he was not meant to play. It cost him his legacy. What are some of the things that you may be missing out on because you are speaking when you should be listening? 

One of the things that silent prayer gives you are moments of truth. You are on your own with God. The natural tendency of human beings to please others is placed aside. 

To conclude

Do not be like the Pharisees. Check the condition of your heart and what drive you to pray silently or indeed loudly. Silent prayers yield results! Loud prayers yield results! The volume of your prayer is not an indication of your faith. Another aspect to take into consideration is what type of prayer you are engaged in. Passionate prayer such as Luther’s was done alone. It was focused on the Holy Spirit and on his Savior Jesus. Choose your weapon. May God elevate your prayer life.

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Filed Under: Prayer For

Powerful Points And Prayer for President Trump

Prayer Relay Movement September 19, 2020 Leave a Comment

Powerful Points And Prayer for President Trump

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Prayer for President Trump

Prayer for President Trump poster

How to say a Prayer for President Trump

As divided as the United States may be, we are called to be men and women of prayer. The bible tells us that we are to pray for our leaders.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

Pray for All Men

2 Therefore I a]exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, andgiving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in b]authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and c]reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

This is regardless of whether we agree with them or not. You are free to despise them, we are a democracy. This is not a partisan thing. We are to seek God’s will in all cases.

By prayer, we ensure that there is a divine influence in higher places. Leadership plays a purpose in the physical realm and in realms unseen. God uses things to orchestrate what we would have otherwise failed to. We understand that he uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.

We know that there is no way that one can hate and pray. Pray is based on love. Our hearts are softened to the things that we place before God. Our prayer should always be for God to open our eyes, and to enable us to love the least among us.

This is not in defence of Donald J Trump. He is far from being a model leader. Yet, for such a time as this, he is a leader. Leadership is God-ordained. Even unruly leadership has a purpose to play. We know that God raises leaders for different purposes. Some to awaken us from our slumber. Some punish us for our lawlessness. Others force us to seek God more.

These are our prayer points for president Donald Trump.

Transformation

We know that when one is in Christ, they are bound to be transformed. As with other presidents before him, many call Jesus with their mouths but their actions do not mirror that.

2 Corinthians 5:17 King James Version (KJV)

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

  • Father, we thank you for president Trump. He is a man in an office of authority, whether we like it or not. We ask that you would visit his administration oh Lord. Purge them of wickedness and greed.
  • We pray for transformation from within. A transformation like one that has never been seen before.
  • Open their eyes, draw their hearts to you oh Lord. We pray for salvation in the White House. Let it truly become a house of prayer.

Matthew 7:21-23 New International Version (NIV)

True and False Disciples

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

  • Lord raise true disciples in the white house, men and women of God. Let it not only be those who serve you lip serve. Awaken men and women who will stand for you when it is unpopular too. Those who will stand for the weakest among us, just as you do.
  • Father, we pray that the White House would be known for standing for the things that you stand for.
  • Any person of bad influence or leadership, oh Lord. May they be removed. Anyone who would seek to hinder your will shall not stand.

Wisdom

James 1:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

  • Lord, we acknowledge that our leaders lack wisdom. Even when they won’t ask you for themselves, we stand on their behalf, Give them generously in Jesus’ name. Our prayer for President Trump is that you would give him wisdom to lead, oh Lord.
  • Open their hearts to desire to be of true service to the nation, and not to self-interest.
  • Open their eyes that they may see where and how to best serve the people.

Health

3 John 1:2

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

  • Father, we ask that you would bless president Trump with good health. Give him a testimony of how you have kept him.
  • We pray for any illness that may already be in his body. Heal him oh God.
  • We pray for health in body, in mind and in spirit. In Jesus’ name.

Family

We understand that most of our challenges are shared with our families. Most of our greatest burdens may also come from within. We are praying for President Trump’s family.

  • Father, we speak a blessing over the Trump family. May they seek you in this time of great opposition and scrutiny.
  • Teach them to walk in paths of righteousness.
  • Order their footsteps, oh Lord.

Allegiance

We have seen unprecedented arrests of individuals involved in the white house. There are too many wrong alliances in that place. Our prayer is that God would orchestrate righteous allegiances within the White House.

Proverbs 29:2 King James Version (KJV)

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

  • Father may righteousness penetrate the walls of the White House.
  • Cut off any parasitic alliances that seek to take advantage of the nation.
  • Raise Holy alliances from within and from the outside.

Sovereignty

Father now more than ever we need you.

We acknowledge that you are God of the United States of America.

We pray for unity oh God. We commit president Trump into you hands.

Even when we don’t understand what you are doing.

Even when we don’t understand why it is happening, we choose to trust in you.

You are tried and tested, and found to be true.

Lead American to where you want it to go.

Use even those who are working against it.

You work all things to our good, dear God.

We have shut you out of many processes,

We have barred you from many places,

Yet you remain faithful

You are God over The United States of America.

You are God over the wicked and the righteous

You are God over president Trump.

Use him, even unwitting and unwillingly.

Raise a testimony for such a time as this.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen

Prayer for President Trump
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Filed Under: Prayer Points Tagged With: USA

His Mercies are New Every Morning: Grabbing Hold of Them

Prayer Relay Movement September 19, 2020 Leave a Comment

His Mercies are New Every Morning: Grabbing Hold of Them

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Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

HIS MERCIES ARE NEW EVERY MORNING_ GRABBING HOLD OF THEM

Understanding how his mercies are new every morning

I grew up hearing and singing a song that goes something like this. “The servant’s love for the Lord never ceases, great is thy faithfulness oh Lord. His mercies are new every morning. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness, oh Lord!” I may be getting some of the words jumbled there.

Even with all that singing, there is a risk that the message at the heart of it all will fall through the cracks. This post will explore this message in a little more detail. What does it means when it is said that “His mercies are new every morning?”

What is mercy? Mercy compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. [1] God is almighty, he can do anything at any time. Nothing on this earth of outside of it can occur outside of his control. He is omniscient and omnipresent. Present everywhere, knowing everything.

The Need for Mercy

Romans 3:23 New King James Version (NKJV)

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 3:23 highlights our need for mercy. Even the best people among us are sinners. We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We are called to be holy as he is. Yet, this is not a standard that we adhere to. The condition of mankind is that of constantly seeking things that are visual and offer immediate gratification.

This is not to say that these things cannot be avoided. We are in constant contention, to amplify our spirit. The flesh has demands that often need to be harnessed. The wisest man to ever walk the planet, Solomon lost his way. It is not an easy walk. The saving grace is in knowing that Christ understands. 

Hebrews 4:15 New King James Version (NKJV)

15 For 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.

We need mercy. God is merciful! 

For we know that for everything that we put into this life there is a result. What you sow is what you reap. The wage of sin is death. Yet here we are walking. That is what mercy will. By his grace and mercy, with love as a vehicle, God sent his son down to die in our place. He took upon himself what should have been ours. Having never sinned he took upon himself the wages of sin.

Life is difficult

If we are honest, we can all admit that life is filled with difficulty. In all its wonder and awe, it is also difficult. You only need to watch the news or hear stories of what people are going through. There is no sign that any of this will slow down at any point. Our goal should always to grab hold of the mercy that we have been freely given. No matter the difficulty, his grace is sufficient. 

Mercy gives you and I a break. In a world where most people just want to take and take from you. Just to know that there is someone who truly cares, and extends unhinged mercy our way is insane.

Your situation is no reflection of a lack of mercy. Difficulty is not a sign that you are lacking his mercy. There are battles that the Lord is fighting on your behalf that you are not aware of. In situations that could have taken your life, you have survived.

There are things that could have robbed you of sanity, but you are here and of sound mind. These are victories that we often take for granted. Part of this is a direct result of mercy. Mercy means that you may not see arrows being fired at you, so you will not realise how close you were to perishing.

One of my favourites sayings goes, “I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds it!” Knowing that our God, the one who holds tomorrow is merciful gives us peace. Rather be at his mercy than that of anyone else. He is a just, and merciful God. It’s a rare combination for justice to be paired with mercy. 

Nothing is too big or too small for mercy

Another reminder that we all need at one point or another is that there is nothing too big or too small for God’s mercy. His mercy was sufficient for David after he had murdered Uriah and committed adultery with Bathsheba. It is enough for a small child who has stolen some candy. 

How to make the most of mercies that are new?

Grace and mercy, as great as they are are not passports to live free of consequence. Mercy gives us another chance to walk on a better path. It is not for us to get back on the wrong path. Accepting mercies that are new every morning begins with making the most of the new opportunity that you have received. We ought to pursue true repentance diligently.

Guilt is a thief

Dwelling in guilt is a thief. This is what steals our joy. We are not saying that we should not feel bad for falling short of God’s glory. However, when we hold on to things that he has forgiven us of, we rob ourselves. His mercies are new every morning. Let mercy pick you up from the dust and set you back on the right path.

Remember it is not necessarily about how many times you fall. It is how you pick up after you have risen. King David was known to be a man after God’s own heart. Was he a perfect man? Not even close. He simply leaned on God’s mercies at his lowest points as well as at the highest points in his life.

His Mercies are New Every Morning: Grabbing Hold of Them 2

C.S. Lewis has an incredible take on this. He contended that mercy that comes without justice will at some point no longer be mercy. What does this mean? When you offer mercy, a price that should have been paid is no longer paid, so in some way we have negated justice. In the case of Christ dying our behalf, justice was served. The cost of sin was death, and that price was paid on the cross. So there was both mercy and justice. It is a delicate balance, one that is difficult for humans to comprehend or exercise.

Another case of mercy is that of a young man who had murdered his friend. While in prison, paying for his crime, the deceased’s family pleaded for his release. Upon released he lived with them while getting back on his feet. Justice would have cost two lives in this case. Perhaps, even more, seeing as the parents of the deceased man would have been affected as well.

By extending mercy to the perpetrator, they extended the same to themselves. In the case, justice was served.

His Mercies are New Every Morning: Grabbing Hold of Them 3

Thomas Watson captured this in a wonderful way. God doesn’t take pleasure in punishing us. We know from scripture he is a giver of perfect gifts, and that he delights and giving good things to us. Our sinfulness places him in a position that he does not delight in being. For this reason, he makes a way for us. Mercy is in his nature!

He is more inclined to save than to punish. Hold on to that.

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Filed Under: Devotion

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