Joyfully Joyfully - Enjoying Prayer | April 2022 Monthly Newsletter
Written by Ps. Nicholas Hung | Senior Pastor of Antioch Gospel Church
Things happen when God’s people pray!
Amazing things.
… Especially when we pray according to God’s heart and will.
Understanding the necessity of prayer is not enough though. We must actually be doing the prayer – praying and believing and walking accordingly!
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV)
For prayer to become an integral part of our lives it must become something that we look forward to. I believe that a primary obstacle that keeps people from enjoying prayer is a lack of understanding – particularly of the limitless power that is released through prayer and the amazing life transformations that can take place as a result of prayer. Perhaps they have never been taught how to pray. Perhaps they cannot see the purpose or vision for why they ought to pray. Perhaps they see prayer like a one-way conversation, without hope of an answer or response. There are many reasons why people may not develop joy in their prayer journey.
Nonetheless, prayer is meant to be enjoyable!
Here are three simple keys to keeping your prayer walk joyful and effective.
1. Let every prayer flow from a spirit of rejoicing and thanksgiving
“Rejoice always … in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16,18 NKJV)
Not everything in life is fun and pleasant – far from it! But when our spirit is postured with a heart of rejoicing and thanksgiving we learn to see the heart of God and the redemptive purposes of God in every season and situation. We realise that the hardest of circumstances is the greatest of opportunities for God’s glory to shine and to see His miracle working hand at work. From a position of rejoicing and thanksgiving we can keep believing with joy, trust and gratefulness – we serve the God Who turns water into wine!
2. Always give the Holy Spirit room to move in and through every prayer
“Do not quench the Spirit … Do not despise prophecies.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 NKJV)
Prayer works because God works. Prayer is not a begging exercise – it’s an alignment exercise. As the Holy Spirit moves in our hearts He moves mountains; often starting with mountains that have developed within our own hearts and minds – doubt, lack of understanding, confusion, unforgiveness etc. As our hearts and minds are transformed into God’s likeness by the Holy Spirit it’s amazing how beautiful life can become, in spite of any struggles that we walk through and all the world’s imperfections around us.
Prayer is meant to change us – and that’s a joyful thing! Paul writes, “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 NKJV) It is the Holy Spirit Who gives us the power and strength to stand with holiness and integrity and godliness at all times. This position of right standing gives us full confidence and assurance in faith that the Holy Spirit will move upon our prayers.
3. Expect results from your God-centred prayers
There’s really no point praying if we don’t believe anything’s going to happen as a result. Prayer would be a totally joyless routine if He wasn’t a God Who answered prayer, but thank God He is fully faithful – our God answers prayer! He will do it according to His purposes!
“He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NKJV)
Church, believe, trust, pray with faith, earnestly and fervently, expecting results from your God-centred prayers. Proclaim it, declare it, worship towards it and walk obediently to God’s word. Oh, we’re so excited to hear about what God is doing in your life. Church, don’t stop sending us your prayer requests and praise testimonies. We’re expecting breakthroughs in your life too!
We really believe that it’s important that every believer discovers the beauty of daily conversation with our Lord – to enter into the place of experiencing the presence of God that changes our lives.
There’s nothing like it!
Many blessings from us, especially in this Easter season. Keep Christ at the centre of it all … and never cease praying.
Pastors Nicholas and Grace