The Basics of Prayer

Many people ask me about prayer, as the concept of it can feel quite intimidating. I have met many people who understand the power of prayer and will gladly offer to pray for others. The sad reality is many feel too sinful to speak to God and become uncomfortable when prayer is mentioned. It is normal to feel uncomfortable praying out loud, especially if public speaking brings fear. My encouragement is to remember that prayer is a conversation with God, the Creator of the Universe. Yes, there are different types of prayer and other methods, but ultimately, an essential aspect is that we are speaking to our Heavenly Father about the things that burden us, cause us fear, or bring joy to our hearts. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prayer. Prayer doesn’t change God; it changes the nature of the one who prays. It is not the least we can do but the most we can do.

To illustrate how I envision prayer, imagine a wide bridge over a deep canyon. Now imagine the gorge below is so deep it is NOT passable other than by this bridge. I envision prayer as a wide bridge. When we pray, those we pray for are placed on that bridge right before the throne of God. Our prayers create a bridge on which the sick, the wounded, the addicted, and those in mourning are placed right before our Heavenly Father. Not only can God work in those we put on our bridge of prayer, but He can work in the bridge itself (us praying).

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Warfare Prayer Example

Heavenly Father, in the name of Yahweh, I thank You for Your mercy and grace. I go to the courtroom of heaven, repenting of every sin and every open door to the enemy, known and unknown. Lord, your children perish spiritually due to lack of knowledge. But you are all-powerful and all-knowing and allow us to learn continually.

Lord, I ask that by the power in Your son's name, every satanic power, religious alter, and claim on this house be destroyed. Please remove anything opposing Your goodness through any hex, vex, incantation, sorcery, black magic, white magic, voodoo, soul power, marine spirit, or any other imagination that attempts to exalt itself above Your holy name be bound and removed. Lord, I ask that anything opposing Your love be placed at the feet of Jesus for its demise. Lord, I pray for a restraining order against anything operating for the enemy of our souls. Lord, You hijack what the enemy does so Your light can shine through us. I give thanks and ask that any seed of darkness unknowingly planted be ripped out by the root and destroyed in Your Son's name. I praise Your holy name, giving You all the glory, honor, and adoration. In your mighty name, I pray.

Amen