Prayology (Week 1)

• Read II Corinthians 4:18

18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The scripture speaks of this paradox. We know as people of God there is a world we cannot see. How does faith play a role in our beliefs? 

• Read John 20:11-16

11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept, she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”

14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”

She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to [c]Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).

Mary is responding to what she sees. The angels are not responding because they know something that Mary does not. there was a lot happening in the spiritual realm and Mary could not see it, but the angels knew. Heaven is not worrying about our issues on earth. What’s happening is not what’s happening, there is something moving in the spirit realm. Have you ever had a time in your life that you had to focus on unseen things and pray them through, instead of focusing on what was in front of you? 

• Read I Peter 2:9

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

The church is supposed to look like what heaven looks like on earth. Our citizenship is in heaven, we represent kingdom here on earth.  We are a royal priesthood. We are standing in the gap as intercessors. What is someone who intercedes? A priest is a go between.  when you stand between what is and what God wants, and you turn around and seed it and impregnate it with our prayers. Do you see yourself as a “go between” heaven and earth when you pray? 

Reference Scriptures

• Read Luke 21:25

25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring.

• Read Ezekiel 22:29-30

29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. 30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.

God is seeking someone that would stand in the gap between heaven and earth. But God could not find anyone. 

• Read Romans 1:18-28

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who [d]suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is [e]manifest [f]in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and [g]Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,  23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like [h]corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their [i]women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the [j]men, leaving the natural use of the [k]woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.