Prayer Works if You Work It

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07
Dec '20

Prayer Works if You Work It

Posted on Dec 7, 2020 in Devotions |

07
Dec '20
Text: Daniel 2:14-23
 
Introduction: Do you believe….. “PRAYER WORKS”? It really does, if you work it! Are you working it?
If not, will you start to see it works…..if you work it?

The prophet Daniel is writing during the 70-year captivity of the Jews in Babylon, prophesied by Jeremiah – (Jer 25:10, 11). Because of their negligence in allowing the land to lay rest (God instructed them – Lev 25), the southern kingdom of Judah was hauled away by Nebuchadnezzar and his armies. Meanwhile, the Lord had plans for them to return after the allotted time of 70 years (for each year they failed to obey the Lord). A study in the book of Daniel reveals four (4) key ingredients that come together that make “PRAYER WORK”!
 

1. How does God “WORK thru the POWER of PRAYER”? (Dan 2:16, 23)

“16Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.”

“23I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.”

Personal Application: God reveals things, “In His Time” (v. 16). He does this, “All for His Glory” (v. 23).

In Daniel’s case, the Lord revealed the meaning of the king’s dream through prayer. Likewise, the Holy Spirit reveals insights as we pray in faith.
 

2. When does God “WORK thru the POWER of PRAYER”? (Dan 2:17)

“17Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions.”

Personal Application: There are two important factors to “When God Works through Prayer.”

  1. When there is unity (v. 17).
  2. When there is maturity (v. 17).
Will you get someone to agree in faith with you?
 

3. What does God “WORK thru the POWER of PRAYER”? (Dan 2:13, 18)

“13And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.”

“18That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.”

Personal Application: The Lord realigns our “will” not wheel (v. 18).
 

4. Where does God “WORK in answer to the POWER of PRAYER”? (Dan 2:20-23)

“20Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: 22He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. 23I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.”

Personal Application: When the Lord Jesus answers prayer we ought to THANK Him. Like Daniel, we are to acknowledge Him as Creator of all things including seasons.
 

Conclusion: Since our Lord sets up Kings and removes them, He intends for His people to be led by Him through the vehicle of PRAYER. As we trust and obey Him, we begin to understand HOW, WHEN, WHAT, and WHERE the Lord WORKS in relation to PRAYER. Doesn’t that make you want to PRAY more? Why? Because remember:

“PRAYER WORKS if you WORK it”!
 

Love you,

Dr. Randy Reese