- Jan 25, 2009
- 19,765
- 1,428
- Faith
- Oriental Orthodox
- Marital Status
- Private
- Politics
- US-Others
Shalom 
I was curious as to what other WOF members here feel on the subject of prayer itself. Do you feel the world truly stands or falls based on how much believers pray - or do you feel that there are no things that God does not know already? Are there events in the world that God did not plan on/was aware of that are negative in impact because others don't pray - or is it the case that God already knows what is going to happen and his response to our prayers is simply illustrative? Also, is prayer something that God responds to indiviudally or is it a corporate matter?
I know in the scriptures that things often were answered when the saints came together collectively in prayer (be it here on the earth or in the heavenlies) and lifted things up before the Lord...even though prayer is personal as well. If interested, one may wish to investigate the following---on the issue of trusting God at all times/corporate faith, as it's from the ministry of the man who's apart of our church.....under the name of Joseph Garlington (one of the people I grew up around in the Faith Movement when I was younger )---and one can check out more of his ministry at the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4BXynrGt_k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6WrLwHDD54
And on his actual sermon as it pertains to the OP:
The sermon itself was preached on my church in 2007.... specifically on the issue of FAITH/Decreeing---as nothing happens in the Kingdom of God until something's said.....and the reality of what the issue of FAITH is truly about since many times people often equate what occurred with the Mustard Seed Faith Analogy/Cursing of the Fig tree message as if it was something meant SOLELY for individual usage when it really meant to be something done CORPORATELY....as in the issue of "WE SPEAK!!!!!" in a Church where all members of a fellowship come together to declare what it is God has said/tackle an issue. And on the issue, it's true enough since it was often the case that many of the commands Christ gave for establishing things in groups, ( Matthew 18:15-17 Matthew 18 , Matthew 18:19-21 , John 20:21-23 /John 20, James 5:15-17/James 5 /etc). That's not to say the disciples never had times where individually they did not bind things up---just as it was concerning what it is that you wrote on with the disciples/believers walking in authority to bind up spirits and declare things. But there's something to be said, I think, on the issue of corporately taking care of a problem facing ones' nation.
Even in the issue of spiritual warfare, the reality is that many of them were spoken with the intention of GROUP application rather than just for the individual...for there are some things we cannot stand in faith for apart from STANDING TOGETHER. Even when considering the issue of things like Spiritual Warfare, as Ephesians 6:10-27 notes, people often make it seem as if it's something we must face alone. But wven when considering things such as the ARMOR of GOD, the reality is that people forget that in Roman Culture there was always FRONT armor for the soldiers---but none for the backside....and the reason why was that the Soldiers had no choice but to go forward since their backsides were covered by the soldiers behind them who were marching...as the armies marched in rows.
As one of my brothers in Christ said best when he and I were dialouging on the very issue:
That said, I hope the questions in the OP make sense. How much impact does prayer really have?
I was curious as to what other WOF members here feel on the subject of prayer itself. Do you feel the world truly stands or falls based on how much believers pray - or do you feel that there are no things that God does not know already? Are there events in the world that God did not plan on/was aware of that are negative in impact because others don't pray - or is it the case that God already knows what is going to happen and his response to our prayers is simply illustrative? Also, is prayer something that God responds to indiviudally or is it a corporate matter?
I know in the scriptures that things often were answered when the saints came together collectively in prayer (be it here on the earth or in the heavenlies) and lifted things up before the Lord...even though prayer is personal as well. If interested, one may wish to investigate the following---on the issue of trusting God at all times/corporate faith, as it's from the ministry of the man who's apart of our church.....under the name of Joseph Garlington (one of the people I grew up around in the Faith Movement when I was younger )---and one can check out more of his ministry at the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4BXynrGt_k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6WrLwHDD54
And on his actual sermon as it pertains to the OP:
The sermon itself was preached on my church in 2007.... specifically on the issue of FAITH/Decreeing---as nothing happens in the Kingdom of God until something's said.....and the reality of what the issue of FAITH is truly about since many times people often equate what occurred with the Mustard Seed Faith Analogy/Cursing of the Fig tree message as if it was something meant SOLELY for individual usage when it really meant to be something done CORPORATELY....as in the issue of "WE SPEAK!!!!!" in a Church where all members of a fellowship come together to declare what it is God has said/tackle an issue. And on the issue, it's true enough since it was often the case that many of the commands Christ gave for establishing things in groups, ( Matthew 18:15-17 Matthew 18 , Matthew 18:19-21 , John 20:21-23 /John 20, James 5:15-17/James 5 /etc). That's not to say the disciples never had times where individually they did not bind things up---just as it was concerning what it is that you wrote on with the disciples/believers walking in authority to bind up spirits and declare things. But there's something to be said, I think, on the issue of corporately taking care of a problem facing ones' nation.
Even in the issue of spiritual warfare, the reality is that many of them were spoken with the intention of GROUP application rather than just for the individual...for there are some things we cannot stand in faith for apart from STANDING TOGETHER. Even when considering the issue of things like Spiritual Warfare, as Ephesians 6:10-27 notes, people often make it seem as if it's something we must face alone. But wven when considering things such as the ARMOR of GOD, the reality is that people forget that in Roman Culture there was always FRONT armor for the soldiers---but none for the backside....and the reason why was that the Soldiers had no choice but to go forward since their backsides were covered by the soldiers behind them who were marching...as the armies marched in rows.
As one of my brothers in Christ said best when he and I were dialouging on the very issue:
I am convinced that the church needs to rise up in its "body" life, as described in 1 Corinthians 12. We can't expect "babes" to just rise up with a faith and maturity level that appropriates the power of God over every daunting circumstance of life. They need others -- others gifts of miracles, healings, faith, etc. They need to go to the elders of the church (Jas 5:14). We all need to be good stewards of the manifold grace and not be so concentrated on our faith for our own lives.
.....place the purposes of God as dominant over the THINGS we're praying for. I honestly believe that Africa is seeing so many miracles because Christians are using them for the right PURPOSE -- Mk 16:17-20 -- signs confirming the Gospel. In America, we get scandals such as Lakeland Florida, where a bunch of already-Christian sign chasers flock the stadiums to get their own curiosities satiated, while the residents are claiming that not one single person is coming to the streets doing any Evangelism. Christ was about meeting FELT NEEDS -- Lk 4:18. Until the church focuses on Christ's mission, God's supernatural working will be stifled in America. The two occurrences of "GREAT FAITH" in the Gospels were instances of someone trusting God for the impossible FOR SOMEONE ELSE (Centurion, Syrophonecian woman) -- and neither one of these were covenant children at the time. That amazes me.
With regard to Matthew 17, the Gospel account mentions how the disciples couldn't cast out the demon -- Lack of faith, but also "Prayer and fasting" ....... likely they failed to MEET WITH GOD in prayer in fasting prior to casting out the devil. It's almost as if their lack of trust in God for that exorcism was based on an insufficiency in their communion with Him. Communion with God is where faith is built because it's where revelation is received -- revelation of His leading and His power and willingness to perform it. This revelation leads to faith. God seems to do things in very specific ways (e.g. blind guy rubbing mud on his eyes, or someone dipping 7 times in the pool of Siloam), and He wants us to take the time to hear from Him FIRST, and then ACT. Often times we ACT first. The disciples did many miracles in the book of Acts because they first sought God's direction, power, and boldness in prayer (Acts 4). Such supplication gave them the power and boldness to defeat any wile of the enemy that confronted them in the subsequent chapters of Acts.
And in the body, it was never solely an individualistic walk that was the focus......place the purposes of God as dominant over the THINGS we're praying for. I honestly believe that Africa is seeing so many miracles because Christians are using them for the right PURPOSE -- Mk 16:17-20 -- signs confirming the Gospel. In America, we get scandals such as Lakeland Florida, where a bunch of already-Christian sign chasers flock the stadiums to get their own curiosities satiated, while the residents are claiming that not one single person is coming to the streets doing any Evangelism. Christ was about meeting FELT NEEDS -- Lk 4:18. Until the church focuses on Christ's mission, God's supernatural working will be stifled in America. The two occurrences of "GREAT FAITH" in the Gospels were instances of someone trusting God for the impossible FOR SOMEONE ELSE (Centurion, Syrophonecian woman) -- and neither one of these were covenant children at the time. That amazes me.
With regard to Matthew 17, the Gospel account mentions how the disciples couldn't cast out the demon -- Lack of faith, but also "Prayer and fasting" ....... likely they failed to MEET WITH GOD in prayer in fasting prior to casting out the devil. It's almost as if their lack of trust in God for that exorcism was based on an insufficiency in their communion with Him. Communion with God is where faith is built because it's where revelation is received -- revelation of His leading and His power and willingness to perform it. This revelation leads to faith. God seems to do things in very specific ways (e.g. blind guy rubbing mud on his eyes, or someone dipping 7 times in the pool of Siloam), and He wants us to take the time to hear from Him FIRST, and then ACT. Often times we ACT first. The disciples did many miracles in the book of Acts because they first sought God's direction, power, and boldness in prayer (Acts 4). Such supplication gave them the power and boldness to defeat any wile of the enemy that confronted them in the subsequent chapters of Acts.
So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 13
Acts 13
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Acts 14:22-24
Acts 14:22-24
Romans 15:30
I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
Ephesians 1:18
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 3:14
[ A Prayer for the Ephesians ] For this reason I kneel before the Father,
[ A Prayer for the Ephesians ] For this reason I kneel before the Father,
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6
Colossians 1:9
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Colossians 1
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Colossians 1
Colossians 4:2
[ Further Instructions ] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4
[ Further Instructions ] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4
Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
Colossians 4
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
Colossians 4
1 Thessalonians 3:10
Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
1 Thessalonians 3:9-11
2 Thessalonians 1:11
Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
1 Thessalonians 3:9-11
2 Thessalonians 1:11
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
2 Thessalonians 1:10-12
2 Thessalonians 3:1
2 Thessalonians 1:10-12
2 Thessalonians 3:1
[ Request for Prayer ] Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 2 Thessalonians 3
2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 2 Thessalonians 3
That said, I hope the questions in the OP make sense. How much impact does prayer really have?
