We can all agree that the presence of the Holy Spirit is so tangible and glorious that there is nothing better than connecting with Him. Being fully open to Him, simply overcome by His love for us. It's the best place on earth. It's the place where rest really happens. It's the place we experience true joy, and satisfaction.
Oh, so glorious, so glorious! No language on earth can put that into words, but I'm gonna try anyway! English is what I have, so it's what I'm using to lift His name high!
Two nights ago, I sat in the basement all by myself, and reflected upon the yearning feeling in my heart and stomach. I began to pray. God spoke to me, like He always loves to do! (He's so kind to us!! =D) He told me that interceding for people is one of the greatest battles we as believers can fight. It's our decision to take the time and pray, and prayer has so much impact, it's crazy! Why do you think Jesus (in His life before His death) prayed ALL THE TIME? And why, now that He is seated at the right hand of God, does He make intercession for us daily?
Praying for others is one of the greatest ways to bring us closer to His heart, and to more fully understand His will!
Last night, I began interceding for my friend, not even namely, but I didn't know how to pray more powerfully.
So, God being loving and tender as He is, showed me a picture:
I was in a sword fight and I saw myself using the same attack over and over again, and it was blocked over and over again. It weakened the enemy, but wasn't very successful. He told me that I can pray for my heart to be more receptive, I can pray for His will to be done in my heart, I can pray that He would take down barriers, I can pray that He would show me how He is using the circumstances to make my heart more open to Him! And as He told me this, He showed me that these are different types of "attacks" that are much more successful, BECAUSE it is opening up your ears to more fully understand what He's speaking over that person. (In this example, me.)
Also, when multiple people will get together (virtually or physically) and agree, it is AT LEAST twice as powerful! Imagine trying to fight two people at once! If they both knew even the slightest about the art of the sword, you'd be done for. So, when there is a group of people, all praying individually for the same thing... Watch. Out.
What He's showing me now is that when I do normal things that are time-wasting, even though they are super fun (like... sorry to say, Minecraft ;) it's... like slacking off the attack to take a rest. And sometimes rests are very very necessary. But when there is a battle, you're in it till it's through.
Through my prayers, and God's mercy, my heart had become more open and attentive to what He is saying and doing. When I played Minecraft, I felt... like I was giving up at an important time. He kept nudging me to get off. After about five minutes, I wasn't even having fun. So I got off.
As we continue our lives, I encourage all of us to set apart LOTS of time just to pray for others and ourselves. We fight, wielding the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, right? So as we spend time in His Word, we become more accustomed to it, and are more comfortable using it in battle.
Does this make sense? Prayer is absolutely crucial to the healthy life of a Christian!
So, go for it! You can't fail! =) And God is already pleased with you!!!
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