Tuesday, 23rd February, 2021.
Bible Reading: Genesis 15: 12-14, Exodus 12:40
Memory Verse: The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. James 5:16b (AMP)
In Genesis 15:12-14, God told Abraham explicitly that his seeds shall be afflicted for 400 years and afterwards come out with great substance. To the natural man thinks: Fine, God has spoken, I shall wait for the elapse of the 400 years and we enter into a season of great abundance. No! Spiritual things don’t work like that. As a matter of fact, the 400 years prophesied became 430 years. Your wilderness season may be extended if you don’t take personal responsibility on the altar of prayers.
It seems God’s hand is tied until a man pray. “God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil.” – Mother Teresa. The Bible says not until the children of God cried to God, he did not deliver them from Pharaoh, the strongman prolonging their years of affliction (Exodus 3:9). Nothing happens until a man prays. In fact, God Himself may be helpless until a man of prayer draws down His hands. He said, “I searched for a man among them” Ezekiel 22:30a (CSB). To buttress this point, let’s consider Daniel. Take note: Daniel was a “Christian politician” in Babylon and also a prophet.
What a seeming paradox in our own generation! He understood by books that the time assigned for the children of Israel in Babylon was 70 years. Friends, your wilderness has an expiry date attached to it. Seek the face of God to know its duration. Then, he began to pray unto God for the fulfillment of the prophecy as he engaged the heavens. Prayer works! Even in the belly of fish, way deep in the waters, God still answers prayers. Ask Jonah! Dearly beloved, your earnest expectations must be met with the artillery bombardment of prayers. God wants to smell that sweet aroma of your incense of prayers that He may move on your behalf. If there is a man to pray, there is a God to answer. “The more you pray, the less you’ll panic. The more you worship, the less you worry. You’ll feel more patient and less pressured” – Rick Warren.
Quote: To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees – Billy Graham.
Prophetic Decree: Altar of prayerlessness in your life, catch fire, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Thank you Father for the awesome privilege of prayer.
2. I shake off the beast of prayerlessness out of my life, in Jesus name.
3. I receive grace to pray prevailing prayers, in Jesus name.
4. C.A.S.H: Before I Call, God will Answer me, while I yet Speak, He will Hear me, in Jesus name (Isaiah 65:24).
5. As the deer pants after the water brooks so shall my heart pant after fellowship with you, O Lord, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Numbers 1-2