The Weapon Of Prayer

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Sunday Afternoons @ The Olivers (starting today Sunday 5/21 bring food and come ready to relax and fellowship see me or Robyn after service to get our address)

Why Prayer?

I am excited to be continuing our series on prayer. Last week we looked at how we must make prayer a lifestyle not just something we do from time to time or when it is convenient for us. It is a gift and we must continually speak with our Father and to help us remain in Him and having a beautiful relationship

WHY WE PRAY!

Intimacy with God: Prayer is the gateway to intimacy with God. As followers of Christ, our ultimate goal is to know and experience a deep relationship with our Heavenly Father. Through prayer, we can freely express our thoughts, feelings, and desires to Him, while also receiving His love, comfort, and guidance. It is in prayer that we draw near to God and experience His presence in our lives.

Dependence on God: Prayer reminds us of our dependence on God. As flawed and limited beings, we acknowledge our need for His wisdom, strength, and provision. Through prayer, we humbly surrender our self-reliance and recognize that apart from Him, we can do nothing. It is through prayer that we actively seek His guidance and invite Him to work in and through us.

Aligning with God's Will (this will be the focus of todays sermon): Prayer aligns us with God's will. By seeking His guidance and submitting our desires to Him, we open ourselves to His leading and direction. Through prayer, we invite God to shape our hearts and align our desires with His purposes. It is in prayer that we surrender our will to His, trusting in His perfect plans for our lives.

Strengthening Faith (this will also be apart of todays sermon): Prayer strengthens our faith. As we bring our hopes, fears, and struggles before God, we witness His faithfulness and experience His grace. In times of doubt or uncertainty, prayer becomes a source of encouragement and a reminder of God's promises. Through prayer, we deepen our trust in Him and grow in our reliance on His power and provision.

Transforming Lives: Prayer has the power to transform lives. As we bring our concerns, sins, and burdens before God, He works within us, molding us into the image of Christ. Through prayer, we experience His forgiveness, healing, and restoration. It is in prayer that we are transformed from the inside out, becoming vessels of His love and agents of His kingdom in the world.

Today we will be looking at “The Weapon of Prayer” this has many different meanings to different ones of us who may have many different spiritual experiences some good and some bad in regard to this term. Some take this and abuse it while others know how to use prayer as a weapon properly.

Read Romans 8:26-27 “In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

PRAY!!

Tony Evans once said “prayer is not the way of making God do what He does not want to do, but to get to know what He wants to do”

How We Use Prayer Section (A weapon?,leverage? a way to get what we want? :

I want to start us off this morning by looking at how we can sometimes use prayer as a weapon in a healthy way and an unhealthy way. Firstly the healthy way is Praying God’s word as our weapon (this means we are sticking to His will and His truth not ours and want we want/desire)

The unhealthy way is we can sometimes treat the Lord like a genie thinking we can get whatever we desire, we will misinterpret scripture and try to twist it so we can feel like we can twist the Lords arm to bend to our will and give us what we want (this isn't always ill intended sometimes we do it unknowingly)

Lets look at how leverage works and how we can try to do that during prayer.

Using prayer as leverage…Or as a leverage weapon:

When we talk about weaponizing leverage in a non-literal sense, it usually refers to using strategic advantages or influential factors to achieve desired outcomes or objectives. Leveraging power dynamics, resources, or relationships can be employed in various contexts, such as negotiations, politics, business, or personal interactions. Here are a few examples of how leverage can be used:

Negotiations: In a negotiation, leverage can be obtained by having alternative options, information, or resources that give you an advantage over the other party. This leverage can be used to secure more favorable terms or concessions.

Economic leverage: Economic strength, such as controlling key resources, markets, or financial power, can be leveraged to influence decisions or gain advantages in international relations or business transactions.

Social influence: Building a strong network or having a large following can provide leverage in influencing opinions, decisions, or public perception. This can be used in marketing, advocacy, or political campaigns.

Legal leverage: Having legal rights, intellectual property, or contractual obligations can be used as leverage in legal disputes or business negotiations, giving one party an advantage in achieving their desired outcomes.

Personal relationships: Leveraging personal relationships or connections can be employed to gain support, access resources, or influence decision-makers in different areas of life, such as career advancement, promotions, or personal favors.

It is important to note that the concept of weaponizing leverage should be used ethically and responsibly. Misusing leverage can harm relationships, create animosity, and lead to negative consequences. Building mutually beneficial and collaborative solutions often yields more sustainable and positive outcomes.

So what does this look like when brought to prayer....?

People may use prayer as a means to seek support, guidance, or intervention in various aspects of their lives. While prayer can be a deeply personal and spiritual practice, some individuals may approach it with the intention of trying to influence outcomes or manipulate circumstances to align with their desires. This can be seen as an attempt to "weaponize" prayer by using it as a tool to achieve personal or selfish goals.

There are a few reasons why some people might resort to using prayer in this way:

Belief in divine intervention: Some individuals have a strong belief that prayer has the power to influence the actions of a higher power or divine being. They may see prayer as a means to appeal for assistance or to persuade a higher authority to grant their requests.

Religious teachings and practices: In certain traditions, there may be teachings or practices that emphasize the efficacy of prayer in obtaining desired outcomes. This can lead individuals to view prayer as a means to leverage their faith and spiritual connection for specific purposes.

Misunderstanding or misinterpretation: Sometimes, individuals may have a limited understanding of prayer or their teachings, leading them to view prayer solely as a means to get what they want. They may overlook the aspects of prayer that focus on surrender, gratitude, or seeking spiritual growth.

It is important to note that using prayer as a tool to manipulate or force desired outcomes may conflict with the true essence of prayer, which often involves seeking guidance, finding inner peace, and aligning oneself with God and His will. I want to emphasize the importance of acceptance, surrender, and understanding that the outcomes of prayer are not based on our desires and will but that of our Heavenly Father!

Does prayer change God’s mind? and 2) Does prayer change things? The answer to the first is, no, God does not change His mind. The answer to the second is, yes, prayer changes things. So how can prayer change circumstances without changing God’s mind?

First of all, in order for God to change His mind, He would have to improve upon Himself in some way. In other words, if God changed His mind, that action would suggest that His first way of thinking was deficient, but, because we prayed, He improved His plan concerning our situation. We change our minds when we see a better way to do something. We thought A but realized B was better, so we change our mind. But, since God knows all things, the beginning from the end (Revelation 22:13; Ephesians 1:4), it is not possible for Him to improve upon any plan that He has made. His plans are already perfect (2 Samuel 22:31), and He has stated that His plans will prevail (Isaiah 46:9–11).

God delights in changing our circumstances in response to our prayers of faith. Jesus instructed us to “always pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). First John 5:14–15 also reminds us that, when we pray according to God’s will, He hears and answers. The key phrase is “according to His will.” That will also includes His timing.Lead into how Moses Prayed! Which is one reminder how we should pray

Something i kept coming back to is how some may use prayer in regard to those they feel are against them snd how we may use prayer to try to bring judgment down on people who have hurt us...

imprecatory prayer. To imprecate means “to invoke evil upon or curse” one’s enemies. King David, the psalmist most associated with imprecatory verses such as Psalm 55:15, 69:28, and 109:8, often used phrases like, “may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them” (Psalm 35:6) and “O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!” (Psalm 58:6).

Psalms 7, 35, 55, 58, 59, 69, 109, and 139 were written by David to ask God to bring judgment upon his enemies. (The other two imprecatory psalms, 79 and 137, were written by Asaph and an unknown psalmist.) These prayers were written not so much to exact revenge upon one’s enemies, but rather to emphasize God’s hatred of evil, His sovereignty over all mankind, and His divine protection of His chosen people. Many of these prayers were prophetic and could be seen taking place later in the New Testament in actual historical events.

When David prayed for God to shatter the teeth of his enemies, likening them to young lions pursuing him to his death, he was making the point that God is holy, righteous, and just, and He will ultimately judge the wicked for the evil they do. Jesus quoted some of the imprecatory psalms during His earthly ministry. In John 15:25, Jesus quotes Psalm 35:19 and 69:4. Paul also quoted an imprecatory prayer in Romans 11:9–10, which is a quote of Psalm 69:22–23. Since Jesus and Paul quoted verses from these imprecatory psalms, it proves those psalms were inspired by God and counters any allegation that they were sinful or selfish prayers of revenge.

Using imprecatory prayers from the Psalms today should only be done against our spiritual enemies (Ephesians 6:12). Praying imprecations on human foes is unjustifiable, as it would require taking these prayers out of context. In the New Testament, Jesus exhorts us to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44–48; Luke 6:27–38), but praying for their death or for bad things to happen to them isn’t what He meant. (we are gonna dig a little deeper into this in a few minutes)

Before we move on and look at how Jesus prayed and used prayer i want to look at a man and his prayer and how this can be a guide for us and help shape our view of how to pray

Read Psalm 90

this is a prayer penned by Moses, the great leader of Israel. This psalm invites us to reflect on the brevity of our lives and the eternal nature of God. It calls us to embrace an eternal perspective that shapes our understanding of time, mortality, and the significance of our relationship with God. Let us explore the timeless truths embedded in this beautiful psalm.

Acknowledging God's Eternity (Verses 1-2): In the opening verses, Moses acknowledges God's eternal nature, describing Him as the dwelling place of His people throughout all generations. By contrasting the eternal nature of God with the limited lifespan of humanity, Moses humbly recognizes our transient existence and emphasizes the unchanging character of our Heavenly Father. This truth compels us to seek a deeper understanding of God's eternal nature and place our trust in Him.

The Brevity of Life (Verses 3-6): Moses goes on to illustrate the frailty of human life, emphasizing its brevity and transience. He compares our lives to grass that withers and fades away, highlighting the fleeting nature of our time on earth. This reminder prompts us to ponder the significance of our actions, urging us to live purposefully, investing our limited time in pursuits that align with God's purposes.

God's Wrath and Human Frailty (Verses 7-11): In this section, Moses confronts the reality of sin and its consequences. He acknowledges that God's anger is provoked by our iniquities and that our days are marked by trouble and sorrow due to the fallen nature of humanity. This humbling realization should drive us to seek God's forgiveness and mercy, recognizing our need for His grace to redeem and restore our brokenness.

A Prayer for Wisdom and Divine Favor (Verses 12-17): Moses concludes the psalm by offering a prayer for wisdom and divine favor. He asks God to teach us to number our days, recognizing the brevity of life as a catalyst for pursuing godly wisdom. Moses pleads for the Lord's favor to be upon His people, enabling them to experience joy and to see the work of their hands established. Through this prayer, we are reminded to prioritize our relationship with God, seeking His guidance and seeking to honor Him in all that we do.

This prayer from Moses to me is a reminder of one of the ways we should approach prayer.

How Jesus Prayed Section :

Did Jesus use scripture to pray and how did he pray? what can we learn from His prayers and how he prayed from those against Him?

The Bible does not explicitly state that Jesus prayed scripture, but it does record several instances where Jesus prayed or quoted from Scripture during his ministry. As a devout Jew, Jesus would have been familiar with the Jewish scriptures, which Christians refer to as the Old Testament.

For example, when Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, he responded by quoting scripture. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus quoted from the book of Deuteronomy three times, saying, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4), "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test" (Matthew 4:7), and "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve" (Matthew 4:10). These quotes demonstrate that Jesus drew upon scriptural passages to respond to the devil's temptations.

Additionally, Jesus often prayed to God throughout his ministry, and it is likely that he incorporated elements of scripture into his prayers. One notable instance is when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion.

In Matthew 26:39, Jesus said, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." While this particular prayer does not directly quote scripture, Jesus frequently used scripture as a foundation for his teachings and prayers, so it is possible that he included scriptural references in his prayers on various occasions.

Overall, while the Bible does not explicitly state that Jesus prayed scripture, there are instances where Jesus quoted from scripture and relied on scriptural principles in his teachings and prayers.

Lessons From Jesus’ Prayers:

Relationship with God: Jesus demonstrated an intimate and deep relationship with God, addressing Him as "Father" and emphasizing the importance of this personal connection.

Humility: Jesus approached God with humility, acknowledging His sovereignty and expressing a submissive attitude. He recognized God's will above His own desires.

Persistence: Jesus prayed persistently, spending long hours in prayer, often retreating to solitary places to commune with God. He teaches us the importance of persistence and consistency in our prayer life.

Surrender: Jesus exemplified surrender in His prayers, surrendering His own will to God's will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, "Not my will, but Yours be done," showcasing the ultimate act of surrender. Gratitude: Jesus frequently expressed gratitude to God, giving thanks for His provision, blessings, and answered prayers. He reminds us to cultivate a grateful heart in our own prayers.

Intercession: Jesus prayed for others, displaying a compassionate and intercessory nature. He prayed for His disciples, future believers, and even His enemies, demonstrating the importance of praying for others. Trust and faith: Jesus prayed with unwavering trust and faith in God's power and faithfulness. He believed that God would hear and answer His prayers, setting an example for us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision.

And lets also remember what Jesus said about praying for our enemies…

Several places in the Bible command us to pray for our enemies (Luke 6:27, 35; Romans 12:20). Most familiar to us is the passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:43–45, Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” It is clear that Jesus expects us to pray for our enemies, but how do we do that?

Our first response to that question is probably not the right one. When someone wrongs us, we’d like to pray that disaster falls on them! We may be tempted to pray the imprecatory psalms and hope to sit back and watch God exact vengeance on the evildoers, much like Jonah did outside of Nineveh. But that is not what Jesus meant by praying for our enemies. He had something better in mind that will benefit us as well as our enemies.

When someone sets out to cause us harm, our natural reaction is to protect ourselves and fight back. They gossiped about us; we’ll gossip about them. They lied about us; we’ll lie about them. They smeared our reputation; we’ll smear theirs, too. However, Jesus calls us to a higher standard. He demonstrated that standard by never retaliating when someone wronged Him. And they wronged Him a lot. His own people rejected His message (John 1:11). The religious leaders mocked and tried to trap Him (John 8:6). His own family was ashamed of Him and tried to make Him stop preaching (Mark 3:21). His friends deserted Him in His worst moment (Mark 14:50), and the city who had cried “Hosanna!” when He arrived in town shouted “Crucify Him!” a few days later (Mark 15:13). So, Jesus had enemies, and, when He said to pray for our enemies, He knew what He was talking about.

Jesus gave us a perfect example of praying for our enemies when He was being nailed to a cross. In the middle of His own agony, He cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

He talked to His Father about the people who were harming Him. He did not ask for their destruction; He did not pray for revenge. He prayed they would be forgiven. Jesus had compassion on the deceived people who believed they were doing the right thing by killing the Son of God. They had no idea what was actually taking place. They had no idea how wrong they were. When Jesus said, “They don’t know what they are doing,” He hinted at an important factor to keep in mind when we pray for our enemies.

The “enemies” we pray for hurt us from their own world of hurt. Their thinking may be influenced by the devil (2 Corinthians 4:4). Their attitudes may have been shaped by past wounds (Judges 15:7). Their actions may have been manipulated by peer influences (2 Kings 12:13–14). None of this excuses their behavior or minimizes the damage they cause, but it helps to explain the why of the matter. People do what they do for their own reasons. They may not be valid reasons, but they seem so to the ones who hold them.

So how do we pray for those who have hurt us and never tried to make it right? 1. We can pray that God will “open the eyes of their hearts that they will be enlightened” about truth (Ephesians 1:18). When enemies set themselves against us, they lack understanding. They are reacting from the flesh instead of responding from the Spirit. We can pray that God will open their hearts with understanding so that they will learn from their mistakes and grow wiser. 2. As we pray for our enemies, we can pray for their repentance. Second Timothy 2:25 says that “opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” It is God who softens hearts enough for repentance. When we pray for our enemies to repent, we know we are praying in accordance with God’s will because He also desires their repentance (2 Peter 3:9). 3. When we pray for our enemies, we can ask that our hearts will remain soft and useful if the Lord wants to use us to accomplish His plan in the lives of our enemies. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). When we return anger for anger, wrong for wrong, we put ourselves on the same level as our enemy. But when we respond with kindness, gentleness, and mercy, the situation is often diffused within moments. Nothing is more convicting than a gentle response to a hateful, rude action. It’s what turning the other cheek is all about (see Matthew 5:39). Satan desires discord, so he tries to stir up our fury and coaches us to respond in kind. We should pray that God keeps our hearts soft toward the offenders so that His goodness will be revealed to them through us. Praying for our enemies is not a natural response to their mistreatment. But we remember that we were once enemies of God ourselves, and we are now His children. We can now intercede for others who are still far off (Colossians 1:21). In doing so, we keep our own hearts free from bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). In praying for our enemies, we become more like Christ, and we keep ourselves in harmony with God’s will, which is how every human being was designed to live.

(DOING THIS FLIPS THE TABLE AND WITH THIS TYPE OF PRAYER IT TRULY BECOMES A WEAPON AGAINST THE ENEMY)

So with all of this in mind....How we can sometimes abuse prayer and try to use it as a leverage weapon to get what we want and the examples of Moses prayer and how Jesus prayed and used prayer lets wrap up with how we should use Gods word to pray:

The Bible is not merely a book to be read, but a living and powerful instrument that connects us to the heart of God. Let us delve into the significance of using the Bible during our prayers and how it can deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father. and just like Romans 8 we read at the start when we don’t know what to pray (the Holy Spirit is interceding for us, But Gods word can also help guid us on what to pray)

The Authority of God's Word: When we incorporate the Bible into our prayers, we align ourselves with the authority of God's Word. The Scriptures are God-breathed and infallible, guiding us in wisdom and truth. As we seek His guidance, His Word serves as a reliable compass, grounding us in His perfect will.

A Language of Communication: Using the Bible in prayer provides us with a language of communication with God. By reciting Scripture, we express our dependence on His promises, His character, and His faithfulness. The Psalms, for example, offer beautiful expressions of praise, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication that can inspire and guide our own prayers.

Igniting Faith and Confidence: Incorporating the Bible into our prayers ignites faith and confidence. The Word of God is filled with countless examples of His faithfulness, grace, and provision. When we pray with Scripture, we are reminded of His past works, which strengthens our belief in His ability to answer our prayers according to His perfect timing and purposes.

Discerning God's Will: The Bible serves as a guide for discerning God's will in our prayers. Through Scripture, we gain insight into His character, values, and desires. As we align our prayers with His revealed Word, we grow in understanding His heart, allowing us to pray in alignment with His plans and purposes.

Meditating on God's Word: Praying with Scripture encourages us to meditate on God's Word. As we reflect on its teachings, our minds are renewed, and our spirits are nourished. Meditating on Scripture enables us to listen attentively to God's voice, and it deepens our intimacy with Him.

let us remember that using the Bible during prayer is not a mere ritual or formula, but a way to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. It grants us access to the richness of His truth, aligns us with His will, and strengthens our faith. May we diligently incorporate the Word of God in our prayers, allowing it to transform and shape our lives as we commune with our loving Creator.

QUESTIONS:

1.Have you ever weaponized leverage against someone to try to have and outcome you desired?

2.Have you tried to use prayer to get God to give you what you want/desire? Have you thought you could change God’s mind?

3.Have you incorporated the Bible into your prayer life? What does that look like? What do you do when you don’t know what to pray?

4.How do you pray for your “enemies”? Has then been easy or hard for you? Why?