Episode 241: Prayer that Moves Mountains: Jonathan Youssef

[00:00:00] Hello and welcome to Candid where we never settle for less than the truth. I'm your host, Jonathan Youssef.

[00:00:10] Each week we'll tackle tough issues, answer your hard questions, and take a candid look at the Christian Faith.

[00:00:18] If you've been enjoying the podcast, would you take a minute and log onto your favorite podcast platform?

[00:00:23] Rate us and leave us a review. It would be a tremendous help, and it does allow others to find us easily.

[00:00:31] Many people seem to think that their prayers don't matter. Even people who believe in the power of prayer don't always consider their prayers to be effective.

[00:00:41] What is the key to effective prayer?

[00:00:45] The Bible tells us in James 5 that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

[00:00:52] A righteous person has a personal relationship with Jesus and is in right standing with God.

[00:00:59] Righteous person seeks to obey God, yield to the direction of the Holy Spirit and see God's will established on this earth.

[00:01:08] We see the effectiveness of prayer by a righteous person in the Old Testament prophet Daniel, his prayers provide a model for us to follow.

[00:01:18] Read his powerful plea to God in Daniel chapter 9 verses 4 through 19 and observe the key components of his prayer.

[00:01:28] Daniel began his prayer by praising God, focusing on the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands.

[00:01:40] Start your prayers with praise and thanksgiving to God, praise him for his glory, power, his love.

[00:01:48] Thank him for his daily provision in your life, your salvation and his many blessings.

[00:01:55] Spend time just adoring God.

[00:01:59] Then Daniel confessed that Israel had sinned. He didn't try to dismiss, justify or sidestep the fact that Israel had made a grave error.

[00:02:10] He didn't make excuses to God but took responsibility, saying we have sinned and done wrong.

[00:02:18] We have been wicked and have rebelled. We have turned away from your commands and laws.

[00:02:26] When you go to God in prayer acknowledge your sins before him.

[00:02:30] And Daniel appealed to God's mercy, saying, oh Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem.

[00:02:43] For your say go Lord, look with favor on our desolate sanctuary.

[00:02:49] We do not make requests of you because we are righteous but because of your great mercy.

[00:02:56] Acknowledge to God that you do not deserve his blessings but you receive them because he is a merciful and loving God.

[00:03:06] Humble yourself before God, realizing that personal transformation and corporate revival can only come by his grace.

[00:03:15] Daniel very specifically asked the Lord to take action. Oh Lord, listen, oh Lord, forgive, oh Lord, hear and act for your sake.

[00:03:26] Oh my God, do not delay because your city and your people bear your name.

[00:03:33] Like Daniel, we are to pray that God will act in a way that brings God the greatest glory and in a way that is the most profound witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

[00:03:46] Like Daniel, we are to pray boldly and full of faith without which it is impossible to please God.

[00:03:53] These are the prayers that God uses to move mountains.

[00:03:56] How can you be assured that you are praying for God's will and not your own to be done?

[00:04:03] Emmerce yourself in the Word of God as you pray for specific requests. Always check them against Scripture.

[00:04:12] You can be sure God's desire for you will never go against his Word.

[00:04:17] As you read God's Word and study it, ask the Lord to give you a greater awareness of specific promises that he wants you to pray about and believe for.

[00:04:28] We must pray with praise on our lips, a confession of our sin and with a petition that God will act in a way that accomplishes his purposes and brings him glory.

[00:04:41] And we must listen very closely to what God may lead us to say or do.

[00:04:47] God uses individual people to accomplish his purposes, be willing to be used.

[00:04:53] As you pray, never lose sight of this truth. Let us not become weary in doing good or at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

[00:05:05] Galatians 6.9

[00:05:08] Continue to pray and act as God leads knowing that it God's appointed time, the harvest will come.

[00:05:17] Candid is a podcast from leading the way with Dr. Michael Yusef. Don't forget to connect on our social media pages, an Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

[00:05:26] and subscribe to Candid Conversations on your favorite podcast platform.

[00:05:31] Thank you for listening to and sharing our episode.