While this class was written to prepare sisters for Women’s day, it is practical, powerful and applicable for all situations in which we desire to do something great for God and for God to do something great in our lives.
BY PRAYER AND PETITION
By Catherine Mukundi, Nairobi, Kenya
Phillipians 4:6As we approach our very special Women’s Day 2007 what is it going to take?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Nehemiah 1:4-91. Cleanse your heart
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said:
"O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. "Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, `If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.' ”
When faced with the enormous task of going back to rebuild his city he started with a prayer of confession.
Q. What is going on in our hearts?
Q. What do we need to confess?
God will not grant us victory unless we are willing to come clean
2. Enquire of the Lord
You have two options: Panic or pray; be a prayer warrior or a worrier. Sincere prayer shows God that we depend on him, and it unleashes God’s power in our lives.
Payer is not one of those novel items that came with the internet or is a latest development from Microsoft. It is as old as the history of man’s relationship with God, and if it worked for Nehemiah it will work for you.
3. Ask and you shall receive
You have two options:
Pray believe and receive, or
Pray doubt and do without.
If we pray and also have hearts that are faithful hearts to God he promises to gather and deliver us. Think about it: Is anything too hard for the Lord?
By Prayer and Petition let us experience Success and Salvation.
Catherine Mukundi is a member of the Nairobi church's singles professionals ministry.
She was the MC in what turned out to be a highly successful singles Women's Day.