The Powerful Weapon Of Intercessory Prayer

                                             When The Door Slams

Jesus answered them, "I assure you: If you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you tell this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea, it will be done. And if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matthew 21:21-22 HCSB). For nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37 HCSB).  

            The person who sins is the one who will die. A son won't suffer punishment for the father's iniquity, and a father won't suffer punishment for the son's iniquity. The righteousness of the righteous person will be on him, and the wickedness of the wicked person will be on him (Ezekiel 18:20 HCSB). 

            These words from the LORD should end the controversy once and for all. Each adult is responsible for his own behavior, and that of no one else. So where does this leave us as Christian parents? Are we without spiritual resources with which to support our sons and daughters? Absolutely not! We are given the powerful weapon of intercessory prayer which must never be underestimated.

            The Scriptures teach: Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect (James 5:16 HCSB). God's answer to our requests will not remove the freedom of choice from our children, but He will grant them clarity and understanding in charting their own course. They will be given every opportunity to make the right decisions regarding matters of eternal significance. I also believe the LORD will place key individuals in the paths of the ones for whom we pray--people of influence who can nudge them in the right direction. 

            Think about this: "What would Jesus want me to do first? What would He want me to forget? Who would He like me to forgive?" Establish clear goals so that there is purpose to your life. More important, be clear about what reality matters. This will help you to deal with the waste-products of your life, to dump the unnecessary disappointments or the criticism that comes from someone who doesn't matter anyway. Receive from your LORD GOD and Master the poise of a balanced, unhurried mind that knows the will of the Father in all things--and you will begin to be guilt free.   

             Confession : The LORD hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers (Proverbs 6:16-19 HCSB). 

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness. 

                                                   Never Rest Ministries