Page 58 - The Importance of Prayer Student Textbook

tongues more than any of you. But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words
to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language. Or they may say of you what was
warned about in Acts 2:13, But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, they're just drunk, that's all!
Let’s not let our great cooperate prayer meetings that are so prevalent on the continent of Africa be evil
spoken of and may those of us in the west, throw away our radical individualism which distorts the
cooperate nature of the scriptures.

Pray for Unity

In Acts 1:14 we read, These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication… Four more times
the term of one accord was used in Acts to describe the amazing unity that the early church
experienced. (Acts 2:1; 2:46; 4:24; 5:12 KJV) I cannot over emphasize the importance to pray for unity in
the church. I believe that the early church was used as it was because of the amazing unity of the saints.
Yes, they had disagreements as recorded in the book of Acts and needed to convene different counsels
in order to work through these problems. But the unity of the church was something that Luke calls to
our attention by recording it five times in the first five chapters. Unity is not something that comes
naturally and is vital if the church is to grow! You would do well to study any leadership material you can
get your hands on regarding developing and maintaining unity in the church.

Sun Stand Still Prayers

Some years ago, I was introduced to a book written by Steven Furtick entitled, Sun Stand Still. It is a
book based upon Joshua 10:12-13 which says, Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD
delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou
still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed,
until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Steven wrote that his intention in writing
his book was to incite a riot in the readers mind. He called his writing a theology of audacity. He said “if
the size of your vision isn’t intimidating to you, there’s a good chance it’s insulting to God”. Have you
ever thought about your life slipping by without seeing God show himself mightily on your behalf?
Again, I want to remind you that when God calls us to Himself and His agenda it will always be an
assignment which is beyond our abilities. The reason why is our God is able do to things that are beyond
our understanding. (See Ephesians2) The children of Israel have grasshopper mentalities because the
failed to realize that the conquest of Canaan depended upon divine intervention and not human effort.
(Numbers 13:33) I was taken back when I read chapter 9 and was confronted by two statements. The
size of our vision isn’t even determined by who God is. Instead the scope and impact of your vision will
be determined by who you believe God is – and whether you have the courage to respond accordingly.
Dream God – worthy dreams. Pray faith fueled prayers. Live a life that can be explained only by the
existence of God who is infinitely great. If your problem is too big for you, it’s just the right size for God.

Praying for Insignificant Things

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all
thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. How many things and decisions should we pray
about? And old hymn written many years ago probably answers this question the best. What a friend we
have in Jesus… All our sins and griefs to bear… And what a privilege to carry… Everything to God in prayer…
Oh, what peace we often forfeit… Oh, what needless pain we bear… All because we do not carry… Everything
to God in prayer… Have we trials and temptations?... Is there trouble anywhere?... We should never be
discouraged… Take it to the Lord in prayer. Another verse found in Philippians 4:6-7 says basically the same

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