Posts tagged "Power of Prayer"

What are some good prayer sites on the web?

For example, a prayer chain or prayer wall type of website. Maybe even a live site, where people pray with you.

i know godtube.com has an interactive prayer wall…

How can my son enter a prayer for judgement for speeding in NC?

He got a speeding ticket 2 1/2 hours from home and would like to enter a prayer for judgment. Does he have to go to court, or hire a lawyer?

Prayer for judgment is not something I’ve heard of, but the link below gives some information about it. But generally any kind of plea requires a personal appearance or an attorney to appear for him.

If he has a prior history, much less likely this will be granted.

What is the connection between prayer and fasting? Does fasting make prayer more effective?

What is the connection between prayer and fasting?
Does fasting make prayer more effective?

Although the connection between prayer and fasting is not specifically explained in Scripture, a common thread connecting the two seems to run through all the instances of prayer and fasting that are recorded in the Bible. In the Old Testament, it appears that fasting with prayer had to do with a sense of need and dependence, and/or of abject helplessness in the face of actual or anticipated calamity. Prayer and fasting are combined in the Old Testament in times of mourning, repentance, and/or deep spiritual need.

The first chapter of Nehemiah describes Nehemiah praying and fasting, because of his deep distress over the news that Jerusalem had been desolated. His many days of prayer were characterized by tears, fasting, confession on behalf of his people, and pleas to God for mercy. So intense was the outpouring of his concerns that it’s almost inconceivable he could “take a break” in the middle of such prayer to eat and drink. The devastation that befell Jerusalem also prompted Daniel to adopt a similar posture: “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes” (Daniel 9:3). Like Nehemiah, Daniel fasted and prayed that God would have mercy upon the people, saying, “We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws” (v. 5).

In several instances in the Old Testament, fasting is linked with intercessory prayer. David prayed and fasted over his sick child (2 Samuel 12:16), weeping before the Lord in earnest intercession (vv. 21-22). Esther urged Mordecai and the Jews to fast for her as she planned to appear before her husband the king (Esther 4:16). Clearly, fasting and petition are closely linked.

There are instances of prayer and fasting in the New Testament, but they are not connected with repentance or confession. The prophetess Anna “never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:37). At age 84, her prayer and fasting were part of her service to the Lord in His temple as she awaited the promised Savior of Israel. Also in the New Testament, the church at Antioch was fasting in connection with their worship when the Holy Spirit spoke to them about commissioning Saul and Barnabas to the Lord’s work. At that point, they prayed and fasted, placed their hands on the two men and sent them off. So, we see these examples of prayer and fasting as components of worshipping the Lord and seeking His favor. Nowhere, however, is there any indication that the Lord is more likely to answer prayers if they are accompanied by fasting. Rather, fasting along with prayer seems to indicate the sincerity of the people praying and the critical nature of the situations in which they find themselves.

One thing is clear: the theology of fasting is a theology of priorities in which believers are given the opportunity to express themselves in an undivided and intensive devotion to the Lord and to the concerns of spiritual life. This devotion will be expressed by abstaining for a short while from such normal and good things as food and drink, so as to enjoy a time of uninterrupted communion with our Father. Our “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19), whether fasting or not fasting, is one of the most delightful parts of that “better thing” which is ours in Christ. Prayer and fasting should not be a burden or a duty, but rather a celebration of God’s goodness and mercy to His children.

How can you have a prayer said for a deceased during mass?

My mother who is deceased, her anniversary is coming up next week. I want to have my church (catholic) say prayer on her behalf during Sunday mass. I have seen this done before. How can I have them do this for my mother?

Call your parish office and make the request.

Most people offer the church a donation when they make a request like this.

With love in Christ.

Is prayer asking God to change natural law on behalf of oneself or others?

I’m a little confused about some ideas on prayer such as the admonition to go into a closet to pray and God knows what you need before you pray. If God knows what we need and He has established a natural order of things and is all powerful, wise and loving, do we really need to pray? Isn’t prayer just a request to upset the apple cart?

You ask a very good question.

Going into a closet to pray is the illustration God uses in Scripture because, in Bible times, self-righteous religious folk would sometimes make a spectacle of themselves by praying in public so others might see how "pious" they were. That did not please God.

Then, of course, the Almighty, Infinite God knows all about us; hence, He knows what we need — and not only that, but what we will need at all times and at any given point in our lives.

You inquire, next, about God overriding His own laws. Yes, sometimes God does supersede His own laws. He knows all about everything and, therefore, knows all the ramifications of such interference. We humans cannot possibly know all of those things. And if He does choose to override natural laws which He, Himself, has set in place — commonly called " miracles" — you can be sure He knows exactly what He is doing.

But . . . all of this deals with the OUTSIDE world, circumstances outside of the individual.

So, now I must ask you. Have you ever considered that perhaps prayer is not only about things and “outside” circumstances but is also about what prayer does for, and to, us — deep INSIDE our own hearts?

The Bible states in Romans 8:28 that “All things work together for good to them who are the called according to His purpose.” But the thought doesn’t stop there. Verse 29 continues . . . “that we may be conformed to the image of His Son.”

Wow! Think about that!

God wants us to think like Him! To think like His Son, Jesus. We are told to have “the mind of Christ.” He desires that we become like Him.

Now, please think of your best friend. How did you become friends? By spending time together. How do you get to know your God? The same way. By spending time with Him.

As you spend time with your friend — and, likewise, as you spend time with your God — you get to know the personality of each. You learn how they think.

There are many reasons to pray — and most of them are good. Many of us pray to God in times of trouble. But how many do you suppose pray to Him in the good times — or just to talk with Him? Do you suppose spending time in the presence of the Almighty God might effect a change in a person’s heart? In their outlook on life? Especially if this individual began to thank God for all He has done? Even praise Him? (Do you think this focus might change any one of us for the better? )

This is not just a mental or spiritual exercise. There really is a Person at the other end of our prayers.

Surely, then, we can pray for those things which we need in our lives. God does answer those prayers; sometimes Yes, sometimes No, sometimes Wait.

But maybe — just maybe — prayer is not only about changing “things.” Perhaps it is also — maybe even a whole lot more — about changing us! : )

What is intercessory prayer? How can I intercede for others through my prayer life?

What is intercessory prayer?
How can I intercede for others through my prayer life?

Quite simply, intercessory prayer is the act of praying on behalf of others. The role of mediator in prayer was prevalent in the Old Testament, in the cases of Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, Hezekiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Christ is pictured in the New Testament as the ultimate intercessor, and because of this, all Christian prayer becomes intercession since it is offered to God through and by Christ. Jesus closed the gap between us and God when He died on the cross. Because of Jesus’ mediation, we can now intercede in prayer on behalf of other Christians or for the lost, asking God to grant their requests according to His will. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). “Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).

The following is only a partial list of those for whom we are to offer intercessory prayers: all in authority (1 Timothy 2:2); ministers (Philippians 1:19); the church (Psalm 122:6); friends (Job 42:8); fellow countrymen (Romans 10:1); the sick (James 5:14); enemies (Jeremiah 29:7); those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44); those who forsake us (2 Timothy 4:16); and all men (1 Timothy 2:1).

God calls all Christians to be intercessors. It is God’s desire that every believer be active in intercessory prayer. What a wonderful and exalted privilege we have in being able to come boldly before the throne of Almighty God with our prayers and requests!
Source:

http://www.gotquestions.org/intercessory-prayer.html

What God wants to do on the earth, He will do through prayer intercessors. When God wants to change those course of actions or events that will take a path of their own, He searches out an intercessor, on whose heart He can place His desires. Therefore that intercessor will interceed, and pray, and change those events or courses of action.

Make a list of the people you pray for. Be specific. What needs do you want to help carry for another. When someone asks you to pray for them, add them to your list. Then make it a point to contact these people and tell them you are praying for them daily. This is important because the next time you are tempted to omit your time of prayer you will remember that you told someone you were praying for them and in your desire to be faithful you will make time to pray.

Also note what is going on in the news, like right now the world’s response to the earthquake in Haiti. Add any disaster, or weather related situations, for example, to your prayers. Pray for those affected, or in harms way who may not be able to pray for themselves. People you may not even know!

What is intercessory prayer? How can I intercede for others through my prayer life?

What is intercessory prayer?
How can I intercede for others through my prayer life?

Quite simply, intercessory prayer is the act of praying on behalf of others. The role of mediator in prayer was prevalent in the Old Testament, in the cases of Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, Hezekiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Christ is pictured in the New Testament as the ultimate intercessor, and because of this, all Christian prayer becomes intercession since it is offered to God through and by Christ. Jesus closed the gap between us and God when He died on the cross. Because of Jesus’ mediation, we can now intercede in prayer on behalf of other Christians or for the lost, asking God to grant their requests according to His will. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). “Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).

The following is only a partial list of those for whom we are to offer intercessory prayers: all in authority (1 Timothy 2:2); ministers (Philippians 1:19); the church (Psalm 122:6); friends (Job 42:8); fellow countrymen (Romans 10:1); the sick (James 5:14); enemies (Jeremiah 29:7); those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44); those who forsake us (2 Timothy 4:16); and all men (1 Timothy 2:1).

God calls all Christians to be intercessors. It is God’s desire that every believer be active in intercessory prayer. What a wonderful and exalted privilege we have in being able to come boldly before the throne of Almighty God with our prayers and requests!
Source:

http://www.gotquestions.org/intercessory-prayer.html

What God wants to do on the earth, He will do through prayer intercessors. When God wants to change those course of actions or events that will take a path of their own, He searches out an intercessor, on whose heart He can place His desires. Therefore that intercessor will interceed, and pray, and change those events or courses of action.

Make a list of the people you pray for. Be specific. What needs do you want to help carry for another. When someone asks you to pray for them, add them to your list. Then make it a point to contact these people and tell them you are praying for them daily. This is important because the next time you are tempted to omit your time of prayer you will remember that you told someone you were praying for them and in your desire to be faithful you will make time to pray.

Also note what is going on in the news, like right now the world’s response to the earthquake in Haiti. Add any disaster, or weather related situations, for example, to your prayers. Pray for those affected, or in harms way who may not be able to pray for themselves. People you may not even know!

Why did the Dumbocrats CELEBRATE the national day of PRAYER by ENCOURAGING its members to PAY HOMAGE to Obama?

Is this the Democratic Party’s preferred Day of Prayer homage?

Barack Obama may not have attended a ceremony for the National Day of Prayer on Thursday. But the Democratic National Committee’s official blog "Kicking Ass" did celebrate reverence and worship on that day: it reposted a photo of Obama reverently looking up at a portrait of John F. Kennedy.

Surprise, surprise: the networks ignored the National Day of Prayer, too.

I heard that if you sneeze around Obama he says " I Bless You "

Is prayer offered at midnight or early dawn more effective than that offered during the day?

Why should midnight or early dawn be chosen rather than any time of the day for any form of prayer?I mean, would the same heartfelt prayer offered at midnight or early dawn be more effective than when offered during the day?

You are considering prayer to be like magic words. Magic does not exist. Praying is merely talking, to another person or to a deity. Another definition of praying is "pleading", and still involves talking.
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What is soaking prayer? How is soaking prayer connected to contemplative prayer and emerging church movement?

What is soaking prayer?
How is soaking prayer connected to contemplative prayer and the emerging church movement?

"Soaking Prayer" is a Charismatic term, when I was a Charismatic meant that you experience the Holy Spirit touching your being and you "soak" in the actual presence of the Holy Spirit. I now believe that what was experienced was the etheric energy generated by a congregational worship, and those that are sensitive will soak in the energy generated by the large number of people.

There are no connections to contemplative prayer. The emerging church movement is really just another term for pleasing the crowd, as most emerging church movement is just audience style worship, manipulating the masses on whatever works.