Like most ministries we receive hundreds of prayer requests per week. Some come through the mail, some through the Internet, and some through direct telephone calls. It is extremely important that we not ignore a prayer request because there are so many. When someone entrusts our ministry with their destiny through prayer, I take it very seriously.
Likewise, individuals should take personal prayer requests just as seriously. Years ago I talked with a lady who was in charge of a church prayer group. She told me that she was very concerned because she had developed the habit of collecting and distributing prayer requests, but actually never prayed herself. In fact, she said she became so interested in reading the requests that they actually became her personal way of knowing the secrets of the people in the congregation. This should never be.
As a pastor, I see people in the church requesting prayer from others as they greet each other or pass by. Sometimes it may seem very casual, but when someone takes your hand and says, “Please pray for my family. We’re going through a tough time” and you say, “I will,” you must follow through on your promise.
Asking for prayer or saying you will pray should not become a Christian cliché. When someone asks for prayer and you say you will pray, you must pray. If you don’t, you are a liar and have allowed an opportunity to minister to pass by.
You may say, “I don’t know enough about the situation to pray. How can I pray God’s will for their life when I don’t know much about their life?” Well, I’m glad you asked and here’s your answer.
First, according to 1 John 5:14, if we pray God’s will, He hears us. Verse 15 says that when He hears us that we have the petition that we have asked of Him.
Of course, we must pray His will. According to Romans 8:26, when we don’t know what to pray for, we should pray in the Spirit. And verse 27 says that when we pray in the Spirit, we are praying the will of God.
So the next time someone says, “Please pray for me. I’m going through a bad time,” you can reply with a definite, “Yes, I will!” Then, pray in the Spirit and you will be praying God’s will and you will know by praying His will that He heard you.
Larry Ollison Ministries
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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.