Why general prayers work so well
And formula prayers fail a lot
Hi overcomer,
Above all to do in a day.
This is #1 for me...
Go pray.
Yet I've discovered a paradox by doing so.
That...
While simple is always best for most situations.
This is only true for certain types of prayer.
Why?
Because sometimes complex situations arise which need accurate in depth analysis. i.e. They are not simple to work out.
We need GOD's wisdom in such cases.
After which we may then require...
Almost 'keyhole surgery' type guidance from the Holy Spirit to apply the powerful solutions He gives to help us.
So.
When facing tough problems don't repeat formulaic prayers...
They fail.
Why?
There is no relationship with GOD in them.
Praying this way is like invoking mantras over and over. Firing waves of empty incantations at our kind, patient Father.
Jesus rejects praying like this...
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."
Matthew 6:8 KJV
People end up trusting the prayer itself this way.
Not trusting in the LORD.
Himself.
Yet overcomer we know a better way.
When we pray for help...
Our trust is (only) in the LORD who made heaven and earth.
Which also reveals why general prayers work so well.
Remember.
The very Word of GOD made flesh,
Jesus...
After thousands of years planning what to teach the disciples, (in consultation with our Father and the Holy Spirit too)...
Only taught us,
ONE prayer.
So shouldn't we value it?
I'd say so ;)
After all...
Your daily life is laid out in blueprint in it
"Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen."
Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV
Here are a few other 'general prayers' to also pray...
When faced with choices.
When entering GODs presence.
When building up spiritual muscle.
1. Helpful when choosing between equally good options...
"Father in the Name of Jesus above any of my feelings, for or against, I choose your will concerning (XYZ) over my own will. I surrender my spirit. My soul. My body to your will in this matter in Jesus Name.
I also surrender my past. My present. And my future to your will in the Name of Jesus concerning (XYZ) Father in all these things.
Thank you Father that you are working through all things together for good for me LORD. So therefore please help me to serve you now concerning (XYZ) Father.
I choose your will now in this in the Name of Jesus.
Amen!"
2. Enter the LORDs presence daily on holy ground...
"Father GOD, in your grace please meet with me now on the basis of the New Covenant.
The covenant that you ratified with me...
In the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
I humble myself under your mighty hand (James 4:10) and ask that you will lift me up into your presence now Father through your mercy and grace.
You are my glory and the lifter of my head Father (Psalm 3:3),
Thank you LORD! I come boldly into your presence through the new and living way now by faith in Jesus Name! (Hebrews 10:20).
Amen!
3. Here we go (The prayer the Holy Spirit taught me. I have prayed it DAILY for over a decade now. It lays a foundation of spiritual strength. Authority and power the enemy simply cannot uproot).
Therefore.
Think of 'general' prayers as foundations. The underlying structure of the house of a strong life if you like. A strong spirit. A clear bright soul (like windows of the house) shining forth light.
And even a strong body;
Because spoken out loud (IN FAITH not simply by rote repetition) these prayers proclaim and agree with eternal truths in the spiritual (and then later can also appear in the physical) realm.
General prayers are established by routine.
After these though…
The LORD bids us step up into a higher way of prayer.
Called,
'SPECIFIC' prayer.
These 'specific prayers' flow through union with the Holy Spirit.
Prayers which get spoken by Him, yet in and then out through your mouth instantly up to Father in heaven—Straight as an arrow.
Pray like this and you know the answer is yours.
Detailed help from GOD will reach you.
Specific, as Jesus shows here...
"But if I cast out the demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."
Luke 11:20 NASB
Jesus tells us 'The Finger of God' is the Holy Spirit in the parallel passage in Matthew 12:28.
Hence,
By entering this way of praying, the Holy Spirit will put His finger on the exact issue He knows you need help with. He will tell you.
When He does, next He will also send you help.
So wait patiently until it arrives...
"He knows the way that I take;
When he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread."
Job 23:10-12 NIV
And so to wrap up.
Real prayer…
Is.
Meeting GOD.
"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
Matthew 4:4 NKJV
As I wrote previously here dear champion of GOD...
"Go to your cell. It will teach you everything."
Bless you,
Dave.