Prayer in the Forward Position

Sm—Praying in the Forward Flow of the Spirit (Three Key Prayer Positions—Part 1)

“I’m about to lose my mind up in here” – DMX

“Ya’ll gonna make me lose my mind, up in here, up in here” – Tyler Perry’s character, Madea, gone mad.

The necessity of mental health and wellbeing.

The recent accident on Devil’s Hole Hill Road (red car plowing off the road knocking down a wall) is a metaphor. He lost control. His passengers and associates are not serving him well. His core values have been smothered too long...Interesting that, upon seeing me on the scene, commented, "Pastor, is that you? I don't need you to see this."

The truth is, Can’t nobody make you lose your mind up in here. Can’t no situation make you lose your mind… Can’t no devil in Hell make you lose your mind…Not when your mind is stayed on God! Why? Because God will keep you in perfect peace when your mind is in gear, in the forward position of Prayer.

The constant striving for inner peace and balance.

Communion reminds us of the importance of Covenant Renewal—It will keep you from losing your mind, up in here.

Last Sunday we start this conversation about three Key Positions of Prayer by introducing Prayer in the Forward Position.

Today we continue…

· The Image of Prayer Hands enfolded in the Hands of God—a sign of the Covenant (Circumcision of the Heart)

Today we revisit Deuteronomy 31:1-8 and companion it with Ephesian 6:10-18, a familiar passage that talks about putting on the armor of God. Why is this a good companion text to Dt. 31 and our sermon focus?

1. Your Prayer Position is Determined by How You Dress Yourself Each Day.

a. Did you get dressed this morning? If you didn’t, Satan knows it and, like a man-eating lion, he’s watching every step you take…

b. Your Father has laid out your clothes… Enrich your prayer life with the Word of God and His Spirit.

Deuteronomy 12:8

“You are not to do as we are doing here today; everyone is doing whatever seems right in his own sight.

CEB

Don’t act like we’ve been acting here lately—everyone doing what seems right to them—

CJB

You will not do things the way we do them here today, where everyone does whatever in his own opinion seems right;

i. What do firemen, police officers, doctors and nurses, judges and barristers, primary, middle and High school students, all have in common? Uniforms.

ii. You dress for duty and service…

iii. The Bible speaks of the importance of dressing with what the Father has provided in His Word and His Spirit.

2. You Dress Yourself with the Armour of God through Prayer

a. We are soldiers, dress like it!

b. Body Prayer in the Forward Position with the Armor of God

3. Get Dressed, No Stress.

We must keep a positive mindset.

Philippians 4:8-13

Pray with Thanksgiving

Pray with Faith

Pray in the Spirit—The Spirit is with us, within us, upon us and goes before us.

· God is with us

· Greater is He, than he that is in the world

·

And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you,

He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

·

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Ephesians 6:18)

This prayer is based on James 5:15- the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. This verse and the verses around this chapter gives instructions in taking care of the sick and praying the prayer of faith for those who are ill.