EPISODE 157 – PRAYER IS YOUR FIRST STRATEGY
Apostle Bennie
Wednesday 28th June, 2023
PRAYER IS YOUR FIRST STRATEGY
” Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” Acts 12:5 (NKJV)
What is your first response to challenges or pressure from opposition?
Time and time again in scriptures, you will find God’s people responding to challenging situations with prayer.
Don’t give anyone room to underestimate the effectual workings of prayer.
One of the evidence that you have confidence in God’s ability, is how you respond to situations through prayer.
I believe you took time to pay attention to the opening verse?
Look at the full story:
” Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.
Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were [keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.” Acts 12:1-11 (NKJV)
— Herod decided to harass the Church, so he killed James the brother of John.
— He saw the people were pleased so he arrested Peter, and purposed to kill him after Passover.
— Nevertheless the Church responded to this situation differently.
We didn’t see the response of the Church when James was arrested. It was likely they reacted in fear and only went to hide.
But when Peter was arrested, the Church responded with earnest, constant PRAYERS.
The earnest prayers of the brethren dispatched an angel to release Peter from the prison. Considering the soldiers assigned to guard Peter in the prison and even outside the prison, it will only take a supernatural hand to deliver him.
No matter the challenge, get into prayers.
In the place of prayer:
— you will receive strength.
— your faith will be strengthened.
— you will receive direction as to what to do.
— you will see visions
— the great help and answers of God will be released.
Paul said to the Philippians:
” Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4: 6-7 (NKJV).
Don’t cry, don’t be anxious, don’t worry, don’t fret, ONLY PRAY!
Nehemiah, when he was opposed, he prayed to God.
Daniel, when himself and his friends’ life were under threat, they prayed to receive understanding of the King’s dream.
David prayed when he was under threat.
Jesus prayed when He was overwhelmed by the burden of his crucifixion and He received strength.
It took prayer for Esther, Modecai and the Jews to reverse Haman’s plot against them.
Beloved, refuse to be troubled, get into prayer.
The saints were together praying until they saw Peter at home.
” And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying” Acts 12:12
Pray earnestly until you have really prayed. Pray until you are fully convinced in your spirit that it is settled. Pray until you see the victory not until you feel tired.
It means you may feel tired but you have to continue earnestly in prayer.
GET INTO PRAY!
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DIG DEEPER:
(Matthew 18:19; Isaiah 62:6-7; Esther 4:16; Daniel 2:15-18; Luke 22:39-46)
WE PRAY:
That by the mighty hand of the Lord we shall see great victory in all situations, no matter the pressure and opposition.
BIBLE READING:
DAY 147: 2 Chronicles 35-36
DECLARE THESE WORDS
– I don’t stagger in faith.
– By the strength of God, I prevail.
– With God I do valiantly.
– I don’t lack strength, I increase in strength by the day.
– I don’t consider the opposition or pressure, I turn to God.
Oh Hallelujah, Gloreeeey!!!
Hhhhaaa!!! I get into prayer…
Thank you sweet Jesus.
I will respond to every situation I am confronted with first by prayer. Oh glory to God
Kabashadadaaa!!!!
I Watch and Pray
Shagalaba!!! In all things I PRAY!!
I get it done by PRAYER..
In all things i pray….I commune with God through prayer
I respond to all Situations in PRAYER
I dispatch Angel and activate the supernatural in PRAYER
I Am a Man of PRAYER
When u pray, I receive Strength, direction..my Faith strengthens
I see Visions
Prayer is the strategy to the plan. I walk in the spirit of prayer.
I HAVE FOUND THE ANSWER TO OPPOSITIONS…PRAYER!! HEZEKIAH AND ISIMAIAH, THE SON AMOZ PRAYED AND THE LORD SENT AN ANGEL THAT DESTROYED THE ARMY OF KING SENNECHERUB, THE ASSYRIAN KING. THANK YOU SIR!!!
Glory to God
I don’t fret at oppositions
I continue earnestly I’m prayer.
Hallelujah
Oh Glory to God! I don’t stagger at oppositions! I give myself wholly to prayer
Thank you, Lord, for your word. I always win no matter the circumstances because Prayer is my strategy.
Prayer is my first strategy, prayer is my first call in any situation
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I don’t fret or fear at the face of opposition or challenge
I get into prayer
I turn things around in the spirit
Oh glory to God
Favorite punchline: Pray until you see the victory, not until you’re tired
I get into prayer
I believe in the power of prayer
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