THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER - PREVAILING

Recently we’ve been discussing the Purpose of Prayer.

Prayer is the most intimate and most influential type of communication that exists between God and His creation.

Prayer is the church where the heart of man and the heart of God marry.

We began this series by getting into the Proper Posture for Prayer. We are to position ourselves, based upon the right attitude toward God so that we can be in a posture that is pleasing to Him. Posture does matter! THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER - POSTURE — Benton T. Thompson III  

Next, we talked about having the Right Perspective of God in Prayer.  Our perspectives are the lens through which we base everything we do. Perspective shapes & impacts not only our past but also our future.  THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER - PERSPECTIVE — Benton T. Thompson III 

In this final segment, we’ll see The Purpose of Prayer in Prevailing.

You might be familiar with the word Prevailing, used in Prevailing Winds. These are the most dominant winds and powerful forces that dictate climate & seasons. They alter our Natural atmosphere.

Spiritually speaking, Prevailing Prayers are more dominant because they have the power to influence God, who created all of nature.

These prayers are persistent, fervent, earnest, and based solely on God's promises. No other prayers move God like Prevailing Prayers. They are what are known as the Prayers of the Righteous.

I want to make sure that we understand what it means to Prevail.

Prevail doesn’t mean Conquer. They are similar, but not the same.

Prevailing Prayers aren’t instant & microwaveable which focus on wins or losses. They are slow simmering and only want Gods will Gods way

Many are familiar with the phrase “Divide and Conquer”. But likely, only a few have heard of “Unite and Prevail”.

Divide and Conquer is a strategy based solely upon weakening the opponent by creating division to get victory.

Whereas Unite and Prevail, gains strength for victory through unity.

One seeks Control through Conflict, while the other uses Communion & Collaboration. Our strategies matter, they reflect our values.

The drawbacks of conquering are short term gain with long term consequences. Some side effects are isolation, paranoia, & loneliness.

To prevail requires more time to see it manifest but it will build long term connections and stability through relationships.

Let’s take a look and see how God views both strategies.

Psalm 133 says It is good and pleasant when Gods people work in unity.

Proverb 6, Sowing discord/division is one of the 7 things God hates.

I certainly don’t want to implore a strategy that God hates, do you?

Prevail is defined as something which has been proven to be more powerful than any opposing force. It gains ascendancy through strength.

Both Prevailing Winds and Prevailing Prayers fly above the noise.  

Prevailing power is proven power, that is more powerful than any force that can come against it. In other words, this aint its first rodeo. It’s been tested, tried, and proven to be more Powerful than anything.

Prevail is composed of two Latin words. Prae, which means before and Valere, which is to have power. We get the word Valor from Valere.

Just as the eagle can fly above the storm, so too do the wings of Prevailing Prayers lift us up. The storm may be around you, but it is not allowed in you. You can see the storm, but it cannot see you. It will not harm you nor consume you. Jesus’ disciples in the boat saw this firsthand, when he operated in Prevailing power.

And here is the best part of the anointing of Prevailing Prayers, it comes to us Prae, which is before, we need the power Valere.

Which means, when we Pray this way, we get Prevailing Proven Power before something happens. That’s why Gods word says to Pray always.

Prevailing Prayers equip us with Prevailing Proven Power to outlast, overcome, and lift us above whatever comes our way. Glory to God!!!

Every Prevailing Prayer has these 5 Key P components

#1 Prayer - Honest communication w/ God about what’s on your heart.

#2 Persistence – Thank God continually that he has heard your request

#3 Patience – Not on your time, but in Gods timing. His way His results.

#4 Pursuance – Seeking only Gods will to be done. Not our own.

#5 Promise – Based upon Gods promises in His word. You gotta read.

When you want to give up, Prevailing Prayer won’t let you. Something will always try to creep in while you wait, but wait on God, not a date.

 “Though the Vision tarry, wait on it, it will come.” This was Habakkuk’s Prevailing Prayer.

The Purpose of Prayer is to help us Prevail after we are in Posture and have Gods Perspective.

Next time I’ll provide some types and examples for us to study.

Until then, seek Gods face and he will give you what’s in his hand.

This is a Thompson Truth