4th Quarter 2017
We are all familiar with seasons of the earth: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Just as there are seasons of climate so there are seasons of prayer. I think seasons in prayer could be tied to our season in life and the place where we find ourselves. We understand the concepts of seasons of the year and we understand the seasons of life: birth, childhood, youth, adult and old age; however the seasons of prayer are less defined. There are times of great passion and energy and times of quiet and peace. The Spirit ebbs and flows, and we ebb and flow with it. We try to enter into the spirit of prayer but it is not always readily available. We think that prayer should unfold in a certain way, but it doesn’t always take the path we think it should.
Then it follows that we become disenchanted with prayer and it becomes more difficult for us to pray. The more we try to enter into the blessed halls of prayer, the more we struggle. In fact it becomes such a struggle that our prayer times become a battlefield. I’m reminded of the scripture: We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers and wickedness in high places. (Eph 6:12)
What do we do at these times? Keep praying. Pray whether you feel like you are touching heaven or not. Don’t give up. Hold fast to your time of prayer. Perhaps pray a little longer each time. Never give up. God is the same and he understands your struggle. He is near and hears you every time you call on Him. Persist in prayer and push past the inertia and stagnation. I believe that there are territorial spirits that rule in their area. When you move into their area, you need to prevail in prayer until you conquer them. Spirits of complacency and laziness that hinder and plague your prayer life have to step back when you prevail over them in prayer.
Remember we are seated with Christ in heavenly places. Rise up and use your authority. Push back the darkness that smothers your prayer life. Prayer does not always have to be a struggle. It should and can be a time of heavenly exchange and victory. Turn your season of struggle into a season of triumph through your prevailing prayer.
BOOK SUGGESTION: Mighty Prevailing Prayer—Wesley Duewel
~Cheryl Craft