One question that is common when there is a need for prayer is this: “How should I pray?” That is a good question, but it is also an easy one to answer. When we pray, we should always pray God’s Word and we should pray in the spirit.
When Jesus was here on the earth, He said in John 12:49-50, “For I have not spoken on My own authority: but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”
Jesus Himself tells us here that He only said what the Father told him to say.
When we pray, we need to pray the Word of God. Too many Christians are out there praying for things to happen in their lives that are totally against God’s will for them.
If we want God to hear us when we pray, we must know His will. The only way to know His will is to know His Word. Only then will we know how to pray effectively.
Once a man told me that his son and daughter-in-law were having problems in their marriage. He said that they were both raised in Christian families and claimed to be Christians. He said they had a child and for a while seemed to have a happy family.
But then something happened and now it looks like they might get a divorce. Then he asked me this question. “How should I pray? Should I pray that they separate and each find someone that will make them happy or should I pray that they stay together?”
I told this man to get out his Bible and see what God said about it. Then pray the Word. A few days later he told me that he had direction in his prayers now. He knew God’s will was not divorce.
When we get sick, we must pray the will of God. I’ve heard well-meaning Christians pray that the sick person wouldn’t be in too much pain if they die. Don’t pray for me that way! Keep those people away from me! Wouldn’t it be better to pray God’s Word?
James 5:14 says, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” Praying God’s will in faith brings life. If you don’t pray the will of God in faith, you’re wasting your time.
The Bible says in 1 John 5:14-15, “This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
If you want to pray God’s will and can’t find it in the Word, then pray in the spirit. Romans 8:26 says, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
So, it’s this way: Pray the Word or pray in the spirit. Either way, you will be praying the will of God and He will hear you. And when God hears His will being prayed, He acts on His Word.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.