“He cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between His knees” (1 Kings 18:42)
Some of the praying postures being practiced and used by people include;
a.SITTING; Someone can sit down, focus his heart on the Lord and still communicate properly to God. This is mainly required during the time of supplication and intercession.
b.KNEELING; This praying posture shows deeper humility,reverence and in awe of God. Many people prefer this posture to others. It is mainly used during the period of confession, intercession and thanksgiving.
c.PROSTRATING; This praying posture shows a greater level of submission and adoration. Many people do not prefer this style in certain cases because they feel it is an easy way to fall asleep while praying. It is mainly practiced by Christians living in the African Continent of the world. It is also used for confession,supplication and intercession.
d.STANDING: Someone can stand up praying and still communicate effectively with Heaven. This praying posture keeps someone in a good consciousness of himself, so that he should not sleep while praying. This method is mainly used during supplication,intercession and spiritual warfare.
e.PUTTING FACE ON THE KNEE; This praying posture is mainly practised by the Orientals, for example Elijah, the prophet of God at Mount Carmel in 1 kings 18:42. It is mainly used during intercession and supplication.
f.LYING DOWN; This praying posture is uncommon. Some people prefer lying at their beds while praying. However, others term it an act of laziness and laxity as the one engaging in it may not concentrate fully. God equally hears prayer offered in this manner. The only disadvantage of this method is that the enemy, the devil may use the opportunity to cause the person to sleep or lose concentration. It is mainly used during intercession and thanksgiving.
Generally, there are no recommended pattern to approach your father in your secret prayer chamber or in the public. This does not mean that you should do things anyhow or embarrass Him with words. You should not jump in and out at will. To many people, their prayers start with praises, adoration and thanksgiving. The Word of God says “let our requests be made known to God through prayer, supplication and thanksgiving”.
Prayer is a part of our worship and communion with God. He is not interested with our half-hazard or muttered words. He needs our sincere fellowship. He is never tired of hearing you. When you don’t feel His presence at first,then go into praises for you are assured of an answer to your prayer as you adore and magnify Him. When you do this, you lift Him so high, thereby creating a conducive atmosphere for your prayer to reach Him. This equally increases your faith to receive from Him.When you praise God, you put the enemy to flight. You will also feel the presence and power of the Lord.
God is spirit!
You should worship Him in truth and spirit. He knows your heart. You should not be in a haste to drop your prayer points when you come into His presence. When you do so, you may lose effectiveness in your communication to Him. Remember, when you pray according to His will and in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, you should never go empty-handed.
Again, the model prayer taught by Jesus Christ to His disciple should be an example. You should learn how to pray for your material needs and daily bread. It is not the will of God that His children be beggars or paupers. There is hope that He will supply your needs. St. Paul put it this way;
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:19)
“ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”.(ESV)
“And my God will give you all you have need of from the wealth of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (BBE)
Beloved, God loves you so dearly, that He thinks of your welfare. He wishes to keep you afresh than the lily of the field. Furthermore, Jesus tells us about forgiveness in His model prayer. Forgiveness is very essential in the prayer life of an intercessor. It can give you success and breakthrough in your ways. But, unforgiveness is a great weapon being used by the enemy against the people of God in this generation. This hinders the blessings from God and can spoil an effective prayers offered under forty days and night. God wants you to forgive your enemies and pray for those who despitefully use you.
THE PRAYER PATTERN
The prayer pattern can follow these ways;
1. COMMUNION
2. ADORATION
3. CONFESSION
4. SUPPLICATION
5. INTERCESSION
6. THANKSGIVING
1.COMMUNION
Communion is the total thirst, hunger and partaking in the fellowship of the Blessed Trinity. When you have communion with God, it brings you closer to the ground of victory and success. God longs for the fellowship of His children. Communion refers to fellowship. At Eden, God had fellowship and communion with our first parents though it was lost by an act of disobedience. Glory be to God that the communion was restored by the second Adam, Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God. So, Children of God have access to their Father again. You can now rejoice in the power of His fellowship.
Halleluyah! you are not forgotten.
Jesus Christ also gave to us the example of deeper communion which He had with His Father during His earthly ministry. Bible says;
“And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12)
Another translation of the Bible put it this way;
“ At about that same time he climbed a mountain to pray. He was there all night in prayer before God”. (MBCL)
Yes, prayer begets life!
Prayer and life are inseparable. So, communion is an essential part of prayer. When you have communion with your Maker, you should always feel happy. At His presence, you are elevated to a greater level. When you stay in His presence daily, you receive new wisdom and power to defeat your enemies and overcome the snares of death which may seek to compass you. Fellowship with God makes you victorious. Likewise, communion as part of prayer gives you deliverance from the forces of evil and troubles. Look at the word of God through His servant, John.
It says; “ That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you,that ye also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship
is with the Father, and with His son, Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3)
When Paul wished the Corinthian Church well, he said to them; “ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen” (2 Corinthians 13:14)
2.ADORATION
Adoration is quite different from prayer though they go together. It is an instrument which helps you to be lifted up into the presence of the Lord. God is worthy of our praises and adoration because He is rich in mercy and great is His power to supply our needs. He inhabits the praises of His children, says the scripture. He also delights in the adoration of His saints. You are lifted higher to receive from God’s throne when you begin to adore His greatness and majesty. When you are in the presence of the Lord, adoring Him, you are making the hands of the Lord stronger to do His wishes for you and fight your battle. So, you should release yourself and allow your spirit to meet His awaiting power and glory. This moment, your burdens are being rolled away and your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
The Bible people knew how to adore the Lord for His power, love, care, protection and majesty. The Book of Revelation revealed the picture when John was in the Spirit. He saw the scenario where the four beasts were adoring the Lord, day and night. Also, the twenty and four elders were seen on the Lord’s throne. He recorded their words and sayings;
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor, and power; for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were
created” (Revelation 4:11)
“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased." (MBCL)
When you praise the Lord, you should believe He hears prayer (Psalm 65:1-2). Praising the Lord should be the activity of all that is within you. You should praise Him with all your whole being. You have many reasons for doing so. David said;
“Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me; bless his holy Name. Bless the Lord, O’ my soul and forget not all his benefits. Who
forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction;who crowneth thee with lovingkindness
and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, so that thy youth is renewed like the eagles” (Psalm 103:1-5)
“I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me. He forgives all
my sins. He heals me. He ransoms me from hell. He surrounds me with loving-kindness and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things! My youth is renewed like the eagle's! (TLB)
3.CONFESSION
Confession is one of the patterns of prayer. The lack of confession may hinder a successful prayer. It is a medium by which one feels sorrowful over the sinful deeds committed against God and mankind, and sincerely repent from them. Many prayers are unanswered today because of an unconfessed sin. You should tell God how you feel when you discovered your wrongs to Him, neighbour, boss,people around you, even your spouse. The word of God says,
“ Let the wicked forsake his ways, and the unrighteous man his thoughts... let him return unto the Lord and He will have mercy upon him...He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7)
Confession attracts the forgiveness of the Lord and draws you nearer to His presence, especially when you begin to ask things from Him.
Sin is an insanity!
Sin is like a cancerous disease and should be treated immediately. It can break your relationship with God. The Psalmist recognised this when he prayed in Psalms 51 and summarized in Psalms 66:18
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me”
Beloved, sin is a great hindrance to your success and victory. It must be confessed before you receive favor from the Lord. The problem is from you.
“Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you so that he does not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue mutters wickedness” (RSV)
As mentioned earlier, the man, David in Psalm 51 showed an example of a penitent soul. He emptied himself before the all-seeing God and acknowleged his manifold wickedness. He knew the repercussion and consequence of his evil, and so never hide anything from the Lord. Nothing is hidden before Him. David pleaded for God’s cleansing and restoration of his spirit, salvation and glory to his soul. The Lord heard him and showed him mercy.
Confession of sin brings turning away from all wickedness. It is an act of forsaking anything that will hinder your prayer before the Lord. You should eshew anything that is in enemity with God.
However, before the Lord sent His angel to bring an answer to Daniel’s prayer and gave him skill and understanding, He first made confession concerning his sins and that of his people, Israel. He said;
“And while I was speaking and praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord, my God for the holy mountain of my God; Yea; whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding” (Daniel 9:20-22)
Confession of sins and forsaking the iniquity are necessary before one begins to make requests from the Lord.
4.SUPPLICATION
Supplication is a form of prayer which is asking God's help and visitation. It is a humble request for help from someone in authority. It is also an act of communicating with God as a petition or in adoration, contrition or thanksgiving. It is a proper form of prayer. This is the heart of the prayer pattern-when one enters into the presence of His maker to “ask”
As stated before, ‘prayer is asking and receiving’. So supplication is when you go to God in prayer with the sole aim of receiving an answer from Him. It is a moment to pour your heart before Him like Hannah, or solicit for a change of your destiny like Jabez.
Many men of God in the scriptures knew what it was to enter into His presence. David had the secret. He explained the ways he waited for the Lord till his prayers were answered and God turned around his situation for good. It is a lovely portion of the scripture.
“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord”. (Psalm 40:1-3)
As you go to God in prayer, be assured of a positive outcome especially when you approach Him in humility of the mind and sincerity of purpose. He is a merciful God that can turn your mourning into dancing. He is able to deliver you from the horrible pit and miry clay and change your position in life.
5.INTERCESSION
Intercession is a form of prayer. It is a moment when a living vessel or agonizer prays for the need of others such as neighbours, well-wishers,nation, business of others, travellers, missionaries at the field, young converts, the church, the widows, the orphans, the ministers of the gospel, the afflicted ones, traditional and community leaders,expectant mothers, prisoners, government officials and those in authorities etc. It is a time you should have concern for the plight of others, take their place and approach the Lord on their behalf. It is a time to be in the gap for the benefit of others. They may not be aware of your sacrifices but God who sees in secret is taking note of these efforts.
Paul prayed for the salvation of the nation of Israel in Romans 9:1-2 .
“At the same time, you need to know that I carry with me at all times a huge sorrow. It's an enormous pain deep within me,
and I'm never free of it. I'm not exaggerating — Christ and the Holy Spirit are my witnesses. It's the Israelites . . .” (MBCL)
“I am speaking the truth in Christ. I am not lying; my conscience [enlightened and prompted] by the Holy Spirit bearing witness
with me .That I have bitter grief and incessant anguish in my heart”. (AMP)
Abraham, the patriach prayed for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.(Genesis 18); Jesus Christ prayed for the transgressors(Isaiah 53:12). Paul prayed for the brethren in Christ at Colossae (Colossians 1:9-11)
Intercession, which is very important in our Christian life as a burden-bearer calls for concern and compassion. The understanding of the book of Hebrews 13 verse 3 will make the request for an intercession clearer to you. The passage can change your perceptive as you long to seek for the welfare of others. Intercession rules away every form of selfishness, unconcerned attitude and carelessness from the life of a true believer in Christ.
6.THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving is a moment of appreciation in advance. You should come before the presence of the Lord with thanksgiving in your heart. You should be grateful to God for what the Lord has done and is still doing in your life, both in the morning, afternoon and night. The memory of His goodness and lovingkindness should continue to linger in your face and heart.
May you learn to appreciate the Lord always!
The act of thankgiving will push the hand of the Lord to do more for you. When you’ve moved into His presence, and made your requests to Him, you should never be in a hurry to leave. God wants to hear those courteous words from your heart and lip, such as ‘thank you, my Lord’; I love you, Lord with all my heart’ ; ‘Blessed be to your Name’ etc.
Thanksgiving is very essential in your prayer time especially at the beginning and conclusive part of your prayer. God gave you good health, good food, cloth, light, salvation,money,car,provision, other good things of life and changed your condition for the better. Why can't you express your heart and thoughtfulness for all these marvellous works?
The man after God’s heart, David recognised this secret of success and admonished you to adopt the same way always;
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise, be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generation” (Psalm 106:4-5)
Again, you should offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving daily to Him!
“Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing”. (Psalm 107:21-22)
However, being unthankful hinders an effective prayer. It is one of the behaviours listed during the perilous times in 2 Timothy 3:2.
Finally, thanksgiving is showing gratitude and appreciation to God for His goodness and care in your life. It is not of merit,position and qualification that you receive certain blessings from Him but He purposely desired to bless you. In Philipians 4:6, you will observe that thanksgiving goes with prayer and supplication. So, you should learn to thank the Lord for everything. Thank Him for His faithfulness, keeping His promise and covenant to you. Thank Him for sustaining your life, your business, church, children, the animals, people at the factory, ministers feeding His flock,soldiers, pregnant women,lawyers, doctors and nurses in the hospital,missionaries at the mission field etc
