Bearing Fruitful Prayers

BY

Phil Scovell

JOHN 15:7-8 If you abide in me, and my Words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples.

INTRODUCTION

Jesus said: “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). iS the reverse true? “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:34). Since both are true, the question is “How?” Jesus makes reference to the “how” in John 15:7-8…through prayer.

PART I

THE PLACE OF PRAYER

From John 157-8, I offer twelve personal observations on prayer which apply to the life of every Believer. They are not theologically deep, obstreperous, nor spiritually abstract. They show, however, the place prayer should hold in our lives and we need to be continually acknowledging them as we make request of our Lord.

1

Perhaps the most overwhelming, certainly the most ostentatious, truth about John 15:7-8 is the acknowledgement that God desires to answer our prayers. “You shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.” He not only desires to answer our prayers; it is His will; according to His Son’s own words.

2

Closely connected is the promise that He in fact will answer our prayers under certain conditions. “And it shall be “done.”

3

By simply reading John 15:7-8 we must quickly assume He has the power to answer any request we make of Him. If He does not, why say: “And it shall be done?”

4

An elementary observation of this text also reveals God’s willingness to see His people fruitful. “Herein is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit.” If God desires His own to be spiritually fruitful, we must conclude He has provided some way of that being achieved.

5

This immediately brings us to the way in which such fruitfulness is accomplished. “You shall “ask” what you will.” Prayer, and specifically the petitioning of God in prayer, is how such spiritual fruitfulness is achieved for the Christian.

6

Our text begins with a condition: “If.” That is, if we do…He will…and if we don’t…He won’t? Yes, but the condition is not “will He” or “can He,” but “if we will.” “If you abide in me and my Words abide in you.”

When we pray, petition God, we come with what I call our “spiritual identity” or “integrity.”

ILLUSTRATION #1

An aircraft, any aircraft, has what is commonly referred to as a “signature.” This signature is revealed when it is scanned by radar. Simply put, the inbound aircraft has an identity. The radar operator, air traffic controller, can identify what type of an aircraft is approaching and can then give instructions as to where it should fly, land, and in which order.

When we pray, we too have an identity – signature. When we approach our Heavenly Father with our petition, we look like, spiritually speaking, His Son Jesus. Of course, the reverse may also be true. If we approach God with a petition looking like someone other than His Son, we will find it impossible to receive an answer. “What does that mean?” Most of the time we come running to God for a quick fix, a snappy answer, or a cry for immediate help! We are not, nor have we been, “abiding in Him,” nor have His “Words” been abiding in us, and if the truth were known; we probably don’t intend on abiding in His Word after our prayer is heard. Bless God, though, we’re going to get an answer and right now because God’s Word is true! The Father says, “That doesn’t look or sound like any prayer I would honor,” and it isn’t. Thus, what generally occurs is a loss of spiritual fuel. In another words, we crash and burn before ever landing our petitions before God. How do I know this is what normally happens when we pray? If you accuse God of being deaf, think He is too busy to take time for your prayers, threaten to give up, suggest he is perhaps powerless, get mad, cuss, jump up-and-down, stomp your foot, punch holes in the wall, spit, kick the dog, slam the door, pull your or someone else’s hair out, skip church because of, withhold your offerings, neglect your Bible, threaten never to pray again, avoid other Christians, refuse to sing during church, or anything else remotely close to such behavior, it is a pretty safe bet He isn’t abiding in you and you sure-a-shootin’ ain’t abiding in His Word. .

ILLUSTRATION #2

One day i went to the bank to cash a check. Passing it over the counter, I waited patiently with my identification card in hand. A Minute passed and she, the teller, returned with my cash counting it out and placing it in my hand. “DOn’t you want to see my ID?” I questioned.

“No,” she said, “wE checked the signature on your check against the signature cards we had you sign when you opened your account. They’re the same,” she smiled, “so there’s no problem.” That is exactly what happens when we pray. Our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). One might worry, however, that their name isn’t good enough. We likewise have the signature, name of Jesus, to back us up. When our petition comes before God, He looks to His Son and shows Him the request. “Is this your signature Son,” He, God, asks. “Yes, Father,” Jesus responds, “that’s one of mine. Put it through.” In a very earthly sense, this is what happens when we pray in Jesus name. That is, we must pray as Jesus would have prayed and his Words must abide in us; else the petition is invalid – without correct signature. If you have not been getting answers to your prayers of late, ask yourself, “Who do I sound like when I pray?” Jesus? The Devil? If you are not abiding in Him and His Words are not abiding in you, you will not be sounding like His Son when you pray. By the way, simply closing your prayers with “in Jesus name” does not mean you are abiding in Him. It is how we live which proves what we say is what we mean when we pray.

7

Something else I believe is note worthy from John 15:7-8 is that, if we meet the conditions, we can anticipate an answer from our Heavenly Father. “And it shall be “done” unto you.”

This word, “done,” is a rather interesting word. To simplify things, I will refer to a single verse where the same word is used three times successively in a very powerful way. All things were “made” by Him; and without Him was not any thing “made” that was “made” (John 1:3). In each of these three cases, the word “made” is the same word

translated “done” in John 15:7…”And it shall be “done” unto you.” That’s right! It is a CREATION word. When we pray and make request of God, if we meet the conditions, we have the creative power of God Himself working in our behalf. I believe it even means that our Heavenly Father will create something out of nothing, if necessary, to answer our prayers. That is “bearing fruitful prayers!”

8

An overwhelming fact, easily missed, is that this tremendous promise is personal! “If YOU abide in Me, and My Words abide in YOU, YOU shall ask what YOU will and it shall be done unto YOU.” Personalize your petitions if you desire a personal response.

9

Fact: God is honored when we ask of Him. “Herein is My Father glorified.” If, by our asking, He were grieved, worried about our request, too busy to listen, wearied by, aggravated, irritated with, or just simply not willing to do anything, how could He thus be glorified?

10

It is our Father’s will that our prayers not only be answered but that we abound with answer-after-answer-after-answer. “Herein is My Father glorified, that you bear “much” fruit.”

The word “much” means little to us today but in the day which Jesus spoke it, it carried power and great force. It was a word which might have been used to describe a rainbow – having “much” color. That is: many colors. Our Lord is not only desirous of having His people pray and ask of Him, but He is willing to answer our prayers, and He wants to answer our prayers over-and-over again – “much,” or many times.

11

Getting your prayers answered shows, demonstrates, discipleship. “Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, so shall you be my disciples.” The best witness we can be for our Lord is to get our prayers answered. When, and if, you get your prayers answered; even the lost will be attracted to you because everyone, especially the lost, want God to hear their prayers. Pray for your lost friends, relatives, and co-workers. Let them know you are praying for them concerning situations they face – marital problems, illness, hardships, financial difficulties, personal problems – and as God begins to work in their life through your prayers, they will be drawn to the Saviour.

12

Although my final observation will not be popular, it must be made: “Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples.” Do you see it? If we are not “bearing much fruit,” that is, if we are not getting answers to our prayers: [A] the Father is not being glorified, and [B] are we His disciples?

Many today attempt to demonstrate their Christian identity by saying: “See my faithfulness? I never miss church. I always go.” Or, “See my giving? I give a lot. You can never out-give God…bless the Lord.” Or, “See my love? I love everybody. People can see God in me because I show His love.” Or, “See my gifts? I cast out devils in His name. I lay hands on the sick and they recover. See my gifts at work for God?” Or, See my position in the church? I’m a deacon. I’m an elder. I’m the pastor! See where God has placed me?” Or, “See my training? I’ve been to seminary, Bible college, the best in the land!” Or, See my standards? Look at how I walk the line for the Lord. I’m straight, I’m narrow, I never deviate. See all the things I do for the Lord? I read my Bible, I pray, I tithe, support missions and others in need. I memorize Scripture, I go to church, I win the lost to Christ. Besides, look at all I don’t do for the Lord…I don’t smoke or drink or take drugs or live sinfully. See my standards?” Or, “See my doctrine? See what I believe and don’t believe? God knows I’m Ok!.”

Now that we have gotten it out of our system; none of those things proves discipleship. I could name dozens of cults and other nonchristian sects which could boast of all such dedication. The real Christians, the real followers of Christ, the real disciples of Jesus Christ get their prayers answered…Jesus said so…”So shall you be my disciples.”

ABIDING WORDS

Now that you are good and mad, let me comment on what I believe to be the meaning of “If my “words” abide in you.” This must certainly be the key to experiencing regular and consistent answers to prayer.

There are, generally speaking, two basic Greek words used in the New Testament for the term “word.”

We know, of course, our Lord Jesus is called “THE WORD.” “In the beginning was the “Word,” and the “Word” was with God, and the “Word” was God. The same was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1-2). “And the “Word” was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). There is absolutely no denial that these are references made of our Lord Christ as “THE WORD.” In this case, the Greek word (logos) is used to refer to what I call “God breathed.” That is, the totality of God’s Word. In the case of Scripture, for example, it is correctly called “The Word of God.” In the case of our Saviour, He is “The Word Of God;” personalized and personified as God’s Son.

The other term for “word” was used by Jesus when He said, “If my “words” abide in you.” This Greek word is (rhema) and means, “Thus saith the Lord.” Simply stated, (rhema) can be seen as those words of promise to those who are His disciples. John 15:7-8, for example, is a (rhema) word or promise from God. The entire Old and New Testaments, however, are the (logos) word or the complete Word. In another words, John 15:7-8 is personal and is only applicable to those belonging to Christ. The Bible, on the other hand, is applicable to all whether they believe God’s Word or not.

ABIDE

The word “abide” is used over one hundred times in the New Testament. (Abode, dwell, remain, tarry, continue, endure, present), and (stand), are but a few other ways in which “abide” have been used by the King James translators.

ILLUSTRATION

Most Christians pray about like they camp. We spend two weeks preparing. Packing the trunk, loading the boat, buying food, stocking the cooler, practicing casting in the backyard, digging worms, preparing the camper, etc. Then we buzz out to the lake and spend an entire day setting up the tent, or camper, and unloading everything. The minute it begins to sprinkle, we yank everything down, jam it into the trunk/camper/boat, and drive like crazy back to town.

Jesus said, “If you abide – remain in, abode in, dwell with, continue in, stand on – no camping…permanent dwelling; your prayers will be answered. In another words, when we pray, we are to build a permanent dwelling place upon the Holy rhema word/words of God – His promises – then we can “ask what we will” and expect something to happen. If we are just happy campers and not house builders, prayer is fruitless.

Paul wrote, “Let the rhema/word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Why? You cannot get your prayers answered otherwise. If we will allow God’s Word to dwell, inhabit, our lives richly – consider God’s Word to be of great value and thus live as Scriptural millionaires – our prayers would become powerful manifestations of the work of Christ in our lives as “THE LIVING WORD.”

PART II

THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER

Have you ever noticed the different responses you get from people who dial the wrong telephone number? When they are told, “No, I’m sorry. You’ve dialed the wrong number,” some slam down the phone, some cuss, some experience brain-lock and maintain connection breathing heavily into the mouth piece, others insist they dialed correctly, “So quit playing around and put Shirley on the phone.” Funnier yet is what happens next. Usually they immediate redial your number again. When they have been informed, for the second time, they have misdialed, they then get good and mad! Most of us pray like that.

For years I prayed religiously for at least forty-five minutes each day. I had my little list and prayed over each item faithfully. If I was in a hurry, I could breeze through my list in twenty minutes; but admittedly I did not feel quite as spiritual on those days. I, like the dedicated phone dialer, was doing everything I knew to do. I was praying…they were dialing. I was trying to reach God…they were trying to reach someone. I was praying everything I knew to pray…they were dialing all the required digits. I knew with whom I wished to speak…they knew with whom they wished to speak. I continued to get the wrong answers…they, the misdialer, likewise got the wrong answers. I would get mad…they would get mad.. No matter how long, how often, how faithful, or how sincere we may be, if we dial/pray incorrectly; even if we get the correct number of digits, we will still be unable to receive an answer.

About this time, many Christians stomp their foot and confess: “I’m doing the best I can.” That may certainly be true but Father God is not obligated to answer prayers based on “your best.” He promises, however, to answer any and all our prayers based upon His best – His Word…”If you abide in me, and my Words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.” If we proclaim that such is unfair, we are just as wrong as the person who dials the incorrect phone number and then blames the person on the other end. Stop complaining about always getting the wrong number and learn how to “REACH OUT AND TOUCH” your Heavenly Father.

PETITIONING DEFINED

Although I have written on the subject of “petitioning” in my booklet “God’s Three Steps To Answered Prayer,” I feel it necessary to do so again in light of those things already mentioned.

I JOHN 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us: And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. The incorrect interpretation of this passage has caused more

frustration in the life of the praying Christian than perhaps any other on the subject of prayer. Most interpret this to mean, “Well, maybe He will and maybe He won’t.” Or, “I’ll pray about it for awhile and if I don’t get my answer, well then, it just isn’t God’s will.” That is blaming God when it is we who have dialed incorrectly. I John 5:14-15 cannot mean “Maybe He will and Maybe He won’t” Nor can it mean if an answer is not received, “Well, it wasn’t His will.” The passage concludes with, “and we know that we have the petitions that we DESIRED.” Remember Jesus said, “You shall ASK what you will, and it shall be done unto you.” These two words, “desired,.” and “ask” are the same Greek word. Both passages, I John 5:14-15 and John 157-8, say that WE are to “ASK” and if we do so, not only are we assured an answer – “and it shall be done unto you” – but we can likewise pray with “confidence” – boldness.

The problem most of us face when praying is what does it mean if we don’t receive an answer right away. “Well, it must not have been God’s will or I would have gotten my answer?” Is that how you dial a friend on the phone? Do you dial and then, if there is no answer, assume they did not wish to talk to you? Do you give up and say, “Well, I’m never going to call that person again. They just don’t want to talk to me.” Then why pray that way? If God does not answer a particular prayer right away, why would we assume He is not interested in doing so; especially when He said He wanted to answer? What happened to faith? Stop being paranoid. Just keep praying and claiming His promises. He said He would answer. If you do not have faith when you pray, don’t dial His number…it will look like He, God, is not home or that He is not interested in hearing from you.

ILLUSTRATION

The first time I applied for a business loan, I discovered: [1] I was asking for more than they were willing to lend, and [2] my request was made according to my terms. When the loan officer explained the bank’s terms, I reapplied and secured a loan. Knowing the bank’s terms and asking according to those terms made the difference. So it is with God. We either ask according to His terms or experience rejection and frustration. If we, on the other hand, are willing to conform to His terms for asking, we can petition Him with great confidence – boldness. Thus, interpret I John 5:14: “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His (terms), He hears us.”

The word “petitions” in I John 5:15, “and we know that we have the “petitions” that we desired of Him,” is also found in one of Paul’s epistles.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your “requests” be made known unto God. The word “requests” is the same Greek word translated “petitions” in I

John 5:15. Thus we discover God’s terms for asking: “Prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving.”

PRAYER

It is amazing how often we pray without ever really praying. We tell Him all about the problem and how difficult it is for us. We inform Him on just how worried we are that things are not going to turn out well. We remind the Lord that He did not do too well the last time we asked Him for help – probably because we’re such a poor Christian – and we even doubt that He will do much this time; but, bless God, we ask nevertheless. So much for praying.

If we are going to petition God, we must ask. The word for “praye” in Philippians 4:6 means exactly that – to ask. The Greek word (proseuche) for “prayer” simply means to pray. Its prefix (pro) means (forward) or )in front).

DIAL #1

Calling long distance has been made convenient with “dial 1” service. The days of requiring the assistance of an operator are nearly gone. Now we simply press #1, followed by an area code, followed by the seven digit number. When you pray, REMEMBER to “dial #1.” Do not forget the (pro) of prayer – in front – where God is. Place the God of answered prayer “in front” where He belongs. Turn from the natural realm where the problem resides, and step into the supernatural where God, who is Spirit, lives. It is there, in the spiritual realm, where our petitions are presented before our Heavenly Father. Remember, however, to be sure to put on the whole armor of God as you do so. [See Eph. 6:10-18 for instructions]. As we do so, we will be spiritually conceiving and God will thus give life, answer, to our prayer.

SUPPLICATION

Following conception, there is a period of gestation – development – which precedes birth. If prayer, petitioning, is spiritual conception, supplication is that period of gestation and should be maintained until the answer is given – bORN. This period of time, the time of supplication, is Scriptural confirmation.

When a mother conceives, she has nine months in which to CARRY her child. Her body changes physically because she now has different needs chemically. Her emotions shift because of hormonal changes. She eats differently and watches her diet. Wise moms abstain from certain foods and activities to provide the fullest protection possible for the growing child. Adequate rest and proper sleep ADDITIONALLY play an important roll as the baby develops. This period of gestation is, spiritually speaking, supplication. and it is only the beginning.

After conceiving in the spiritual realm, it will take diligent watchfulness if that petition, prayer, is ever to be born. Again examining Ephesians 6:10-18, we see that we are doing spiritual battle when we pray. We are additionally commanded: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” The “watching”, protecting, is supplication. It is during that period of gestation, development, in which we take God’s Holy Word and confirm His promises.

Such agreement with God is what Jesus was teaching His disciples in John 15:7-8: “If you “abide” in me, and my Words “abide” in you.” I mentioned earlier that this word, “abide,” was translated elsewhere in the King James Version as (abode, dwell, remain, tarry, continue, endure, present), and (stand). Such is the nature, character, of “supplication.” Protect your petitions by confirming the promises of God’s Word perpetually. How long should you practice such prayer? Until you receive an answer; of course.

THANKSGIVING

If you get the idea that personal responsibility is ended when you receive an answer to your prayers, think again. Paul said that when such petitions were made, it was to be done by “prayer, supplication, and with thanksgiving.” This giving of thanks is available to every Believer for the expressed purpose of protecting that petition until maturity – fruition. This “thanksgiving” is an attitude of spiritual contentment. How can we be spiritually content when the answer has not yet come? By faith!

Many Christians express concern over giving thanks in advance of any answer not yet experienced. This attitude of contentment is not thanking God for an answer not yet received. It is thanking God for being the God of every circumstance. It is appreciating God for having the power to answer our requests. It is the utilization of God’s promises in the spirit of agreement. It is seeing, knowing, that God hears and answers the prayers of His people. the expression of such spiritual contentment demonstrates our faith. The greek word for “thanksgiving” means (the usage of grateful language). Hence; worship. Worship god during the period of gestation. It is perhaps our most powerful weapon as believers.

It is amazing how often a baby, then a child, and finally a teenager, tries to kill themselves during the various stages of growth development. Falling during the weeks of learning to walk, cracking their head on the corner of the coffee table, rolling down the stairs, getting bitten by the dog, scratched by the cat, and stung by a bee all contribute to their early education. Later they discover touching hot stoves, crashing bicycles, falling from trees, stepping on rusty nails, breaking bones, stapling fingers together, hammering thumbs, scraping knees, and rolling off top bunks as useful tools for increasing their knowledge of life as growing children. Then it gets worse. Parents spend most of this time simply trying to protect their children from doing great bodily harm to themselves.

How far are you willing to go to protect your prayers. How much time are you willing to spend in worshiping god as you wait for your petition to be answered? When it is answered, how much time is generally spent in praise and adoration of the God who heard and answered your request? If this aspect of petitioning is overlook or neglected, the Devil, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy, will rob us of many blessings. Show spiritual contentment when you petition God. Exercise thanksgiving.

PART III

THE POWER OF PRAYER

ROMANS 8:26-27 Likewise the Holy Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Holy Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He – God – who searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Holy Spirit, because He – the Holy Spirit – makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Frankly, most of us forfeit answers to prayer by simply not knowing the

Holy Spirit. This section could just as easily be called “THE PARTNER OF PRAYER” because thus is the nature and ministry of the Holy Spirit.

PERSON

I know, for most, it is silly to point out that the Holy Spirit is a person, but you would be amazed at the number of so-called Christian groups which deny his personage. He, the Holy Spirit, is indeed a person and this “Person” is no less than God Himself. We are commanded in Scripture to “walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16). Likewise we are commanded to “pray in the Spirit” (Eph. 6:18 & Jude 20). One would find these commands impossible to honor if the Holy Spirit is not a real person. So, get to know the Holy Spirit. How? Pray!
PARTNERSHIP

It is comforting to realize the Holy Spirit becomes personally involved with us as we pray: “Likewise the Holy Spirit helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Holy Spirit (Himself)..” Just praying alone once is enough experience to realize we need help! He, the Spirit of God, personally becomes involved so acknowledge His presence when you pray.

The word “helps,” or “helpeth” in the King James, means “to take hold, together, against.” The Holy Spirit takes hold with us on the other end of our prayers and helps carry the load as it is presented before the Father. He even “makes intercession.” This is literally translated (makes prayers), or you could say the Holy Spirit (generates) or (creates) prayers in our behalf. I should point out, however, He does not do so unless we pray. He is our Partner and He does not work alone.

POWER

Power is released when the Holy Spirit “makes intercession” for us. This little phrase, “makes intercession” is used twice by Paul in context. The first is when we are told the Holy Spirit “Makes intercession” with groanings which cannot be uttered.” As just mentioned, this means He “makes prayers” for us.

The second usage is in verse 27: “because the Holy Spirit makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” The translation of this second use of the term “makes intercession” is slightly different than the first. This time it means (to confer with God). In an earthly sense, the Holy Spirit, our partner in prayer; sits down with the Heavenly Father and confers, counsels, with Him concerning God’s perfect will for our lives. As one might hire an attorney to represent Him in a court of law, so the Holy Spirit represents us before the God who hears and answers prayer. He, the Holy Spirit, speaks the language of the Holy Court – “groanings which cannot be uttered.” This does not mean the Holy Spirit offers unspeakable prayers; simply prayers which are unnatural; humanly speaking. Other New Testament translations render this phrase, “prayers too deep for human words.” Such is the ministry of the Holy Spirit as a partner in petitioning God.We must conclude, therefore, such intercessory prayer is supernatural – powerful.

APPLICATION

ACTS 1;8 But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me…” The Holy Spirit’s manifestation of power is realized in being filled.

The reason we do not receive answers to our prayers, see the lost won to Christ, regular and consistent growth in the Christian life, miracles, and the like; is because we are not filled with the Spirit.

“But don’t I have the Holy Spirit if I’m born again?”

Certainly! – (Eph. 1:13). But do we have power? If we do, then we are filled…if not, we are not filled. Being unable to experience perpetual answers to our prayers is a flashing neon sign testifying we are not Spirit filled.

“Does it really make that much difference?”

After being filled with the Holy Spirit, I immediately began to experience answers to my prayers. I had gotten some prayers answered before; but with no regularity nor understanding. Within six months of being filled with the Spirit, I received more answers to my prayers than since I had been born again. I am not exaggerating! What made the difference? I began to pray in the Spirit and He, the Holy Spirit, became my faithful Partner as I prayed.

I encourage you to be filled with the Spirit if you desire His partnership when you pray.

“How will i know when I am filled?”

“You will receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you!”

“What is the evidence of that power?”

Acts 2:4 says, “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

“But I don’t believe in speaking in tongues…that died out with the last apostle.”

That, and other related questions, you will have to answer for yourself from Scripture. If we deny the evidence of the Holy Spirit in today’s New Testament Church, He will not manifest His power, prayers will remain unanswered, miracles will not occur, few will be saved, and the Devil will maintain control of this world. I choose to believe the Holy Spirit was sent to minister power and that such power will be evidenced when we are filled by Him.

CONCLUSION

What must we do then? We must bear fruitful prayers by praying. We must likewise believe that God honors His Word. We must, by faith, pray and expect God to hear and answer our prayers as He promised in Scripture. We must pray with confidence – boldness. We must rely upon the ministry of intercessory prayer by means of the person of the Holy Spirit. We must likewise be filled with the Spirit if we plan to pray in the Spirit. We must pray faithfully, consistently, and deliberately. We must be found faithful before our God. We must “Pray without ceasing” (I Thess. 5:17). Then we must allow our praises to be heard by God and all upon the earth. “We serve the God who hears and answers prayer!”

UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY EKKLESIA; AND THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT. <MATTHEW 16:18> END OF FILE