The effect of ineffective prayers

Steve Lyston, Contributor

"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." (Ezekiel 22: 30)

With the recent uprising and turmoil now happening worldwide, the wanton murders especially of women and children, and the attacks against churches, and the security threats throughout the globe, many questions must be asked. Such as, with a nation that has the most churches per square mile, why does it seem as if darkness is getting the upper hand?

Let us look at our options. Many of those criticizing the church are attempting to legislate God out of the schools, businesses and the affairs of the nation, while they ask 'Where is God?'

One cannot pray effectively in order to bring quick results if there is unforgiveness or wrong motives. We can't be effective in prayer if one is politically biased, praying blessings for their party while they declare curses on the opposing party. Are we praying the perfect will of God? One cannot pray the perfect will of God if one does not even believe in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8: 26-28)

For example, if one is going to pray, then it is important for one to know what the will of God is for a particular situation. Oftentimes we pray but it hinders God from truly moving, because they don't know His will.

Are we praying and calling on the names of God, because each name carries different results. God has a name for every situation and it is critical for us to use the name that applies to the situation at hand. If we want to be effective intercessors then we need to listen to what God is saying.

Are we praying the Word of God?

Sadly, less than 20 per cent of the Christians don't know the Word thus they don't know their rights. Most are just interested in getting a prophetic word about material items.

Let us recognise also that effective prayer does not mean hosting a prayer breakfast or a prayer conference and inviting the guest speaker to give a nice speech and talk about his books. If we don't help the poor and have mercy and compassion (Isaiah 58) our prayers will not be answered.

In order to achieve effective intercession there must be unity, regardless of one's class/status or denomination. Most want people to support them but when others who they deem unworthy of their presence, they will not support. If one wants results, one must be broken in humility before God!

To be effective in spiritual warfare prayer, one must be disciplined and willing to fast. One cannot be walking in rebellion. A tree that is uprooted and replanted every month would die a slow death. Skipping from church to church will make one ineffective.

Intercession For Your Nation

Every person is required to pray if they want change. We must pray that God will reveal to us what we are really fighting against. Each of us is a watchman, and a watchman must stand in the gap. Standing in the gap means to bridge or repair what is broken. We must pray that God will deal with the epicentre of the problems and deal with the holes in the wall. We must be committed and disciplined! We must always remember that the word intercession in Hebrew is 'Paga' - which means to collide with, to encroach upon, to drive out, to strike up against, to be violent against' and so there is a measure of determination, effort and force in intercession.

As one who intercedes for his/her nation, one must:

Be confidential;

Live holy;

Keep your conversations circumspect;

Maintain openness and brokenness before God.

The church was called to be a light for all and a pillar to the society.

When we pray, there must be some ground shaking. Effective intercession is not about our status, it is about our lifestyle. Hence, it is our duty to unite and begin praying if we want to live in peace and to have our children experience the peace; so that the will of God aligns with the Earth. So that leaders make the right choices and not be deceived by the love of money, and that they will work in the interest of the poor and the suffering and not for selfish gain. They must know that each one of them is accountable to God.

Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'End Time Finance' and 'The New Millionaire'.