I know that we all want to have our prayers answered, and we will wait forever and a day for that answer to become evident. Once that happens we don't tend to continue to pray for that unless at some time we have to once again to pray for that. There is nothing wrong with that. The power of prayer is an amazing thing. I love when we pray for something and we get told the results, good or bad, the more proof of God's love for us can never be a bad thing.
The most amazing answer to prayer was when I seen the changes in our neighbourhood. We took a street and prayed over it and asked God to work to solidify the area in which we live. Somehow the streets seem lighter, free, and happy. God knew what areas needed work and those who needed to be helped as they did his work on the ground. Jan was a manager of a group of buildings that had a bad reputation, and she had with God's help turned it around. People on the street were cordial to their neighbours, respect was given and received. Pastor Jessica was vigilant in ensuring that we were remembering in our prayers those in our community who needed to hear and see from God. The devil had lost his foothold in this community.
Then for some reason we stopped praying for our community. It happened little by little, very gradually, the devil seen the slack happening and he put his foot in the door. Soon our church had to install cameras to protect ourselves. Our neighbours also began to install cameras. Those who were receiving prayer began to find their lives in turmoil. These were oftentimes people who knew of our church but didn't attend. That didn't mean that God wasn't looking out for them. Jan moved away and the prayers stopped for her buildings and they fell into the old reputation. Police have been showing up on our street more often and just this past few days a senseless murder happened. How did we let up on our prayers? Did we feel that because we had prayed enough for change to happen we didn't have to do it anymore?
I have personally found that when I stopped praying for family members, said that I had prayed enough and seen answers that was it. My job was over. I have now come to the realisation that answered prayers are not enough, our prayers need to continue so that the devil can not get his foot in the door to prop it open. We need to be vigilant even when we think that things have gotten better. Prayers will have been answered when God has returned to reclaim His kingdom and healed the earth that He created. Then and only then can our prayers end. So I challenge you, become the prayer warrior God knows you can be and help to show that God's love is for all and not just a chosen few. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 (ESV) 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle,[a] encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Yours in Christ,
Heather
Call Upon The Lord - Elevation Worship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7iKmka651U
Let It Rain - Anthony Evans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azwDyU68IbE
Ask - Anthony Evans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tutBssvfj0
Holy Spirit - Francesca Bastelli https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zEiiZi2DKk
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