Impact Prayer International and Jerry McCullah’s
“7 Keys to Kingdom Praying!”
In this devotional prayer outline, we have covered the first three aspects of prayer:
“Praise” — “Confession” — “Intercession”
Next we will look at the more personal aspects of this prayer outline which benefit the believer’s life of prayer greatly.
- Petition: This is your time! Petition focuses on your needs. You might even be verbalizing your desires to the LORD. Jesus emphasized petition when He said to His disciples: “What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them. And ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24). Also, “Give us this day our daily bread” is a part of this time.
What is it that you want God to do for you? Ask Him! Do you have physical needs? . . . Material needs? . . . Relationship needs? . . . Mental needs? . . . Emotional needs? . . . Spiritual needs? Ask Him!
A few years ago, a gentleman who lived across the highway from me passed away leaving a large piece of property in the heart of Green Valley where I pastor. This property was 14 lots with a house of 3,000 square feet and a detached three-car garage. On this property, enclosed with chain-link fencing, were approximately 175 trees.
From where I lived, this beautiful place was in enticing view of my eyes each day. I knew the man’s family had the place up for sale for about a year with no interests.
One day, I felt compelled to walk prayerfully around the outside of the fence as I expressed my interest, and soon to be desire, for this prime piece of land for our church.
Not long after, I heard through the local grapevine that this property was going to auction on a particular date. We casually discussed this within the membership of the church board. The more we talked, the more our excitement grew. In the end, we decided to be active in the auction process and determined what our maximum bid could be. These decisions moved me to prayerwalk both outside and inside the property, asking God to bless us with this awesome piece of land.
The night before the scheduled auction, the church gathered in prayer. We prayed much that night, and as we began to wind down, I felt a strange boldness as I prayed in closing, “Lord, please do not allow anyone to bid against us!”
The rules of the auction were that anyone who desired to bid must put up a cashier’s check for ten thousand dollars. That morning, 17 persons handed in ten thousand dollars. I will admit that knowledge had me on the edge of my seat.
The auctioneer called for an opening bid. The room was strangely quiet. He then asked, “Who will bid $200,000.00?” Again, a silence that was eternal. I prompted our designated bidder to bid the requested amount. He did. More silence except for the auctioneer pleading and cajoling to up the bid. Finally, after a lengthy period of requesting bids, he declared, “Sold, at $200,000.00!”
God stopped the mouths of all who came, money in hand, to bid on a great piece of property, to bless His church, which asked!
Beloved, the Scripture says we have not because we ask not! Also, the one who is abiding in Christ in a deep personal relationship, will not ask for the wrong things!
This brings us to Prayer Aspect number five:
- Thanksgiving: This is a time to show appreciation to God for His blessings, and His activities in our lives! The Psalmist said, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving” (Psalm 100:4). Paul said in Colossians 4:2, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Be very thoughtful to remember how blessed you are by your Heavenly Father. Be purposefully thankful for all He has done, and is doing, in and for you. Be specific! More than simply, “Thank You for Your many blessings,” name them!
“Count your blessings, name them one by one!” Express your gratitude to your Personal LORD God!
I will conclude this prayer outline, “7 Keys to Kingdom Praying” in the next installment. God bless you as you pray!