When I think of using the Word as a sword to cut through the opposition of the Devil, I’m reminded of how various kinds of kitchen knives are specifically designed to cut certain foods. I discovered some years ago, for example, that if you want to perfectly slice a good, ripe tomato, you don’t want to use a standard kitchen knife. You want to use a tomato slicer.
The tomato slicer is a very precise device. All you have to do is put the tomato in the center of it and push the blades down. It does a perfect job every time.
Spiritually speaking, the Holy Spirit is the only one in your prayer kitchen who knows the exact Word from God that will most effectively do what needs to be done through your prayers. He is the one who knows whether you need a standard scriptural knife or a spiritual tomato slicer to cut through a particular difficulty.
You may have stored up thousands of scriptures in your heart. You may have spiritual shelves piled full of Bible truths and principles. You may have cabinets packed with promises from the Word. (And you should!) But only by following the leadership of the Holy Spirit will you be able to reach up with the hand of faith and get the precise truth you need every time.
He alone can guide you to the perfect tool!
Scripture Reading: John 14:18 – 26
On the chilly March night in 1972 when Lynne Hammond took her first step into a life of Spirit-led prayer, she had no idea what was about to happen. All she knew was the hunger in her heart for God wouldn’t let her sleep. In the few short months she’d been born again, her desire to fellowship with Him had grown so strong she could hardly contain it. “Help me, God!” she cried. “I want to know you. I want to be able to talk to you. Please, teach me to pray!”
Suddenly, a heavenly presence flooded the room. Lynne sensed waves of spiritual fire sweeping over her and a beautiful language began to flow like a river from within her. Although she’d never heard of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, she knew instantly, without a doubt—this was God!
What began that night soon blossomed into a life of prayer that ultimately became a ministry of prayer when, in 1980, Lynne and her husband, Mac, founded Living Word Christian Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Under Lynne’s leadership, the prayer ministry at Living Word has become an internationally recognized model for developing effective pray-ers in the local church.
A teacher and an author, Lynne publishes a newsletter called Prayer Notes, has written numerous books, and currently serves as the national prayer director for Daughters for Zion. Her passion for inspiring and leading others into the life of Spirit-led prayer continues to take her around the world to minister to believers whose heart cry, like hers, is “Lord, teach me to pray!”