17TH JULY 2022 || Prayer for Family by Patricia Aruwa || The Call to Fast & Pray Series

Phillipian 3: 12, 14

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12‭, ‬14 NKJV)

Family has many dimensions: birth, marriage, adoption, work, church, etc

– We need to mourn disrupted families but provide alternative means of support.
– In family we build friendship and relationships.
– We need to make place in our lives for family and friends.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:2‭, ‬10 NKJV).

Take care of widows who have no one to care for them… (See 1 Timothy 5).

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (I Timothy 5:8 NKJV)

Why pray for family?

1. To attain abundant life (John 10: 10)

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10 NKJV).

Prayer grows our spiritual life. It helps us connect with God. Pray always.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (I Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 NKJV)

2. Prayer is communication

Prayer is talking to God.

Hannah prayed and God opened up her womb.
Find time to communicate with God on all matters.

3. Prayer moves the heart of God

There are many incidences in the Bible where through prayer God was moved, He heard and answered petitions.

In 1 Kings 18 we read about the Contest on Mount Carmel between Elijah and the false prophets. God heard the prayer by Elijah and brought fire to consume the sacrifice. God also stopped the drought after 3 years.

God was equally moved by Arab’s prayer of repentance that He deferred judgement upon him to the subsequent generations (Read 1 Kings 21: 22-29)

The enemy of our soul can come through our family. Our descendants are at risk if we do not pray for them.

We are called to bring the family to God’s altar. Pray for them always to do the right thing and to be at peace with God and those around them. Pray for God to avert calamity to family.

Pray for each member of family to change, for salvation, to love the word of God, for sense of direction, to be thankful, to hold right position on matters of family, to be a gift for the family.

4. Prayer builds unity of family

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalms 133:1 NKJV)
Unity is like ointment…it flows freely to all parts. It’s like the presence of God is on the family from head to toe.

The Lord has given us a beautiful thing in unity. It is attractive, fresh and annointed.

A united family or church is able to function well.

5. Prayer has a reward

There are many promises that come with prayer.

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22 NKJV).

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7 NKJV).

Find a reason, time and place to make a prayer.

Prayer goes hand in hand with the Word.

How would you pray if you do not pray back the word of God?
– God owns his Word. He is bound to honour it.

Prayer goes with service (1 Peter 2: 12)
– Use the spiritual gifts to serve others.

It’s a full cycle: Pray, invest in the Word, Serve then Pray and cycle continues.

We need to watch out against sin, transgression and iniquity:

Sin: Missing the mark. Opposite of what’s right.

Transgression: Downward progression leading to intentional sin.

Iniquity: Deeply rooted, does not seek for repentance, its intergenerational, no fear of God.

God immense love forgives all sin

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9 NKJV).

Calling

1. Intercede for ourselves and our children…
– That they may be green and sensitive to leading of the Lord

2. Agenda of prayer is in the Word of God.

Start in Psalms 1. You will find prayer items in every chapter.
– Praise
– Ask God to reign
– Ask God for forgiveness
– Ask God for our needs
– Pray for shielding
– Pray for service

Pray for your family

God bless.