For Vision and Understanding In Our Prayers

Can Demons Block Our Prayers?

For Vision and Understanding In Our Prayers
Last Updated on January 22nd, 2019

I had a comment recently asking the question if demons could block our prayers. While many Christians jump up with a hasty NO, I think the sincerity of the question is worthy of investigation. Plus, do we really know this to be true or do we just want to believe it?

Was Daniel’s Prayer Blocked By Demons?

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.

Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” – Daniel 10:12-14

This passage from Daniel is probably the source of many people’s questions regarding demons blocking prayers. Daniel was the chief advisor for three separate kings during Israel’s captivity.

He faithfully prayed and ministered to these nations and is a great role model for us. In this story he was given a vision of terrible things coming to Persia, and they troubled Daniel.

He prayed to seek understanding for the vision.

The first thing to notice was that God immediately heard the prayer. However, God’s answer was delayed by an evil presence. This passage therefore does not support or deny that demons can block our prayers. It does support that demons can delay God’s response which is alarming enough.

What Can Block Our Prayers?

The Bible does talk about some things that can block our prayers. “If I had cherished sin in my heart, God would not have listened [to my prayers]” (Psalm 66:18). Since this passage holds many people in bondage and fear, let’s first take a look at a couple things this doesn’t mean:

1. God Doesn’t Hear the Prayers of Non-Christians. Many people use this verse to say that the first prayer God hears is the salvation prayer.

God is a loving Father longing to connect with each person He created. He responses to those who are sincerely seeking Him. Just look at the life of Jesus.

How many people did He lead to salvation before He healed them? Jesus was representing His Father on earth.

2. God Doesn’t Hear the Prayers of People Stuck in Sin.

 Other people use this verse to say that if you are an alcoholic, pornographer, adulterer, liar, rebellious, or the , God will not hear your prayers.  Again, Jesus is our model.

He spent time with the prostitutes and tax collectors. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, and Jesus answered his prayer even though he cheated people money (Luke 19:1-10).

Now that I have confused you with what Psalm 66:18 doesn’t mean, I should give some explanation on what it does mean. The best way to do this is to give another verse to add light to it.

James 4:3 says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

” It is this asking for the wrong reasons that represents cherished sin.

Wait, there is more that can hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7 says that husbands should love their wife so that nothing would hinder their prayers. Therefore an unloved wife can hinder prayer. Which also means any man wanting to be used by God should regularly make sure his wife feels loved.

Spirit Wars is an insightful book on the topic of spiritual warfare that might be useful in your extended study on whether demons can block your prayers.

How Can Demons Use This to Block Our Prayers?

What does Psalm 66:18 and 1 Peter 3:7 have to do with demons hindering our prayers? While demons may not be able to directly hinder our prayers, they can motivate us to a place where our prayers will be hindered. Keep alert and don’t become unaware of the demons’ schemes (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).

Speaking of being outwitted, this verse in 2 Corinthians says Satan was trying to outwit them through unforgiveness. Jesus said that when we harbor unforgiveness, God grant demons the right to torment us (Matthew 18:32-35).

Jesus gives the impression that our gifts to Him will not be received if we have broken relationship with others (Matthew 5:23-24). Relationships are very important to God. Loving our neighbors is the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39). Demons will work hard to cause you relationship problems.

Overcome their tactics with never-ending love and unrestricted forgiveness.

Can Demons Hear Our Prayers?

Demons hearing our prayers is sometimes brought up with the question if demons can block our prayers. The suggestion is it is better to pray in our hearts without words so that they cannot hear.

That is true demons cannot hear your thoughts (although they are pretty good at guessing your thoughts since they put a lot of them in there). This is a fearful approach to prayer.

There is power in the spoken word and verbal prayers have a lot of power in the kingdom. The demonic realm is shaken by the powerful prayers of faith.

In Conclusion… Can Demons Block Our Prayers?

In conclusion, it does not seem that demons can directly block our prayers. However, they will try to get us into a place where our prayers are ineffective.

They will also try to discourage us by slowing God’s responses to our prayers. Don’t get discouraged. Keep seeking to do the two great commandments: love God and love others.

Focus on this, do it well, and your prayers will line up.

How Can We Maintain Access in Our Prayers?

My best advise to keeping people encouraged in their prayers is to maintain proper perspective in our prayers. It is not about getting the answer as much as it is connecting with God. Take time to listen to whatever God wants to talk about even if it isn’t the topic you were praying about.

You may be asking for healing of a loved one, direction in an important life decision, money for upcoming bills, etc. God knows your needs, but He wants you to know what He thinks of you. God thinks you are worthy of His undivided attention. You make Him happy.

If God delights in you and you delight in Him, all blockages of wrong motives and unforgiveness will quickly come into alignment. Nothing will keep you from Him for He loves you too much.

  • This blog post came in response to a question from a reader. If you have any questions you would to address, please let me know through a comment or on the contact page.

Kevin Shorter is the founder of this prayer-coach site and have served for several years in ministry and churches teaching on a variety of Biblical topics. Go to the contact page to request him to speak at your conferences and seminars.

Источник: //prayer-coach.com/2014/03/29/can-demons-block-our-prayers/

An Intercessory Prayer – Encouraging Others

For Vision and Understanding In Our Prayers

Have you ever felt an unexplained burden on your heart to pray for the masses, for unnamed others, for your community or the world at large? The Bible is filled with examples of men and women who lifted up others in prayer, and Ephesians 6:18 tells us to: pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people

What is Intercession and Intercessory Prayer?

The primary principle of intercession is simply to tell God what He tells us to tell Him as the means of releasing His power. He tells us what to pray in His Word. We can pray the Bible. It is profoundly simple. Intercession is God’s brilliant strategy for including the saints in ruling with Him in power. Its mystery is in its weakness, simplicity, humility, and accessibility to all.

God has chosen intercession as the primary means in which He releases His power now and forever. Jesus operated in the principle of intercession when He created the earth by speaking the Word to the Father (Genesis 1). He releases His power now and will rule the nations forever in partnership with His people through intercession.

  • Intercession causes us to internalize God’s Word and changes us.
  • Intercession unites our heart to people and places we pray for.
  • Intercession renews our hope and faith.
  • Intercession imparts life (John 6:63).
  • Intercession makes a long-term impact beyond this age (Rev. 5:8, 8:1-6).
  • Intercession humbles us.
  • Intercession changes the spiritual atmosphere of cities and nations.
  • Intercession causes multiple blessings to return to the intercessor (Luke 6:38). 

(Excerpt from The Revelation of Intercession by Debbie Przybylski)

Example Intercessory Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come to you today and thank you for the privilege of praying for others. I've been the recipient of others' prayers so often, I understand how powerful intercessory prayer can be.

I ask you first to cleanse my heart and show me if there is any unconfessed sin in my own life so that my prayers for others will not be hindered.

I thank you that through your name, I can come boldly before you and pray with confidence, according to your will and know that you hear me.

I lift up those in my neighborhood, in my city, and in my church. Begin with those who follow you, and help them influence others for good. Let them be salt and light, pointing others to you. Deepen their love for you and for the people around them. Guard them from hypocrisy or from giving in to temptations that could harm the cause of Christ.

Raise up leaders who will serve you faithfully at all costs. Turn the hearts of fathers toward their children, and families toward you. Help them to exemplify your values, and make them bold in their faith. Strengthen my own family, and those closest to me, Lord.

May our love for you help us to love and forgive others and make a difference in our world.

I pray for teachers, for students, and for all those in authority and leadership, both locally and throughout the world. Give them your mind, and surround them with godly counselors who will exercise integrity and work for justice, morality, and freedom. Help them to esteem you, not dismiss you. Send revival, Lord.

I pray for the lost, the hurting, the lonely, the sick, the bereaved, and those who are imprisoned—behind both visible and invisible walls. Send your comfort, your peace, and your calming presence to those who are without hope. Protect the defenseless, and hold them close to your heart.

I pray for laborers to tell the good news of Jesus to people around our world. Jesus, my heart cries out for persecuted believers, too. Make them brave, and give them your powerful protection. I pray you will bring swift justice to those who want to destroy the innocent and those who carry your name.

Bind the power of Satan, and strengthen believers everywhere.

So many needs, Jesus, but you are adequate for every need. Your name is powerful, and your power is great. So it's in your name that I pray—and believe.
Amen

Who are you seeking intercession for today? Join our amazing praying community in the comments below and see God move in wonderous ways!

Rebecca Barlow Jordan is an inspirational author, speaker, and passionate follower of Jesus who loves to encourage others heart to heart.

She has written 11 books and over 1700 other articles, greeting cards, and other inspirational pieces. Her daily devotional Daily in Your Presence is available for delivery through Crosswalk.com.

You can find out more about Rebecca at www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com.

Publication date: September 7, 2016

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Strength
Prayer for Protection
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
The Prayer of Jabez
Short Prayers
The Lord's Prayer
The Prayer of St Francis
Serenity Prayer
A Birthday Prayer
Sinner’s Prayer
Prayer for Forgiveness
Prayer for Guidance
Intercessory Prayer
Irish Prayers and Blessings
Advent Prayers
Christmas Prayers
Thanksgiving Prayer
Holy Week Prayers for Each Day
Easter Prayers
Mother’s Day Prayer
Prayers for My Husband
Prayers for My Son
Prayers for My Daughter
Prayer Quotes

Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional! An easy way to find start your day with prayer, read today’s prayer and sign up to receive by email.

Источник: //www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/a-prayer-of-intercession.html

Be Involved – Vision Christian Media

For Vision and Understanding In Our Prayers

Vision’s broadcast, online and printed media – as well as our prayer ministry – are all resources for you to use to reach out to your community with the truth and hope of God’s word.

As a Vision Advocate, you can be a vital link between this source of hope and the community.

Vision Advocates have a simple role: they spot opportunities to introduce new people to Vision and grow local awareness. They might:

  • Letterbox drop a town or suburb (often combined with a local ‘prayer walk’)
  • Run a stand at the local show
  • Find places for local road signs
  • Make announcements in church
  • Lots of other things in between

If you have a heart to reach your community, then becoming a Vision Advocate is a great way to do it!

Register your interest

Thanks for being keen to help! As a first step, please have a look at what we believe and then tell us a little about yourself and how you’d to be part of what Vision is doing in your community.

God has given each of us different gifts – which is just as well, because it takes a diverse range of gifts to keep bringing life and hope across Australia 24/7.

Presenters, producers, writers, graphic artists, journalists, technicians, engineers, IT specialists, coders, managers, clerks, administrators, accountants,  storemen, promotions teams, prayer teams, fundraisers and more… We have a diverse range of paid and volunteer roles, both full-time and part-time.

This is no ordinary workplace. Every person on our team is contributing to lives being changed – and it’s an unbelievable thrill to hear stories coming in and to think, ‘I’m part of that!’

Want to be part of our team? Find out more.

We pray for God’s will to be done through everything we do here at Vision. We ask God to continue to reveal His desire for us and then to give us the wisdom, resources, relationships, and faith we need to boldly go after what He has called us to do.

After all, we know from Scripture (and from experience) that God enables those whom he calls, he did with Moses:

‘But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.

” Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”’ Exodus 4:10-12 NLT

Prayer Watchmen commit to praying regularly for us. Each month, we create a prayer calendar featuring specific things to bring before God each day. We’d love to have you as part of our nationwide prayer team, regularly bringing us before God – just Paul did for the church at Ephesus (Ephesians 1:15-18):

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.”

You can view the latest Prayer Watchman calendar here

You can also receive the monthly prayer calendar straight to your inbox.

Thanks for standing with us! If you’d to know more, please contact us.

Did you know?

  • Vision is a non-profit charity, registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
  • Donations to our work are tax deductible (for Australian taxpayers)
  • Over 80% of our costs are covered by donations (the rest comes from product and advertising sales)
  • We’re reaching hundreds of thousands of people every day!

We’ve seen how amazing things happen when we work together. Vision has been built on the faith and generosity of people who understand the power of partnership, and your donation will help us continue.

You may even to consider supporting us monthly by credit card or direct debit. (It’s very easy to get started, and easy to cancel if you need to stop.

)  There are full details here of the different ways you can support us financially — or you can simply fill in this form:

We are extremely grateful to every person who has chosen to support us financially — and in prayer!

A Legacy of Hope

The making of your Will is one of the most important acts in your life. It communicates with intentionality the nature of the blessing you plan to pass on down your family and to significant others in your life.

Once you have made adequate financial provision for your loved ones, you may to leave a lasting expression of your Christian faith through a bequest to Vision Christian Media.

‘…from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children…’ Psalm 103:17 NIV

Through a bequest given to Vision Christian Media, you will enable the next generation of Australians to be blessed through the ongoing ministry of Christian radio, The Word for Today, Vision180, our prayer request service, our resource store and pilgrimages to Israel.

To download our brochure that contains more information, click here. 

Or if you’d prefer to talk to someone please phone us on 1800 00 777 0

When you donate to Vision, rest assured that your donation goes directly toward the cost of ministry. We always look for the best value for any spending and the salaries of paid staff are modest. Many people are surprised just how much we do with the funds we have!

If you have any questions about how we operate please feel free to contact us.

Since then, our radio network has exploded all over the country, and new stations are coming on nearly every week. Today, Vision is heard in every state capital and in hundreds of regional locations, bringing hope and encouragement 24/7 to hundreds of thousands of people.

Our dream is Trusted Christian Media for every Australian. We’re especially aware of those in outback towns because these people often don’t have regular access to a church, or even Christian friends to share with, so for them Vision is family in the midst of isolation.

Make an investment in Australia by helping start a Vision relay station in an Australian town. Your support could mean that in a very short space of time a station is installed and broadcasting a positive, encouraging message of hope in Jesus Christ.

To donate towards a station click here.

Can you help in other ways?

There are many ways you can assist to get a station on air.

If you believe you might be able to help, we’d love to hear from you!

Simply fill in the form below.

Источник: //vision.org.au/heart-of-vision/our-needs/

9 Good Inspirational Prayers for the Workplace

For Vision and Understanding In Our Prayers

Reciting a prayer before work is a great way to get your day started. Whether you are in need of God’s presence during your lunchtime or after a morning meeting, here is a look at some great prayers for the workplace.

Prayers #1

Lord, I give you all that I am this day. Please brush away my weariness, So that I may be inspired in my work. Help me to discover new ways to reveal your love to all I meet. Keep my mind clear and focused on all I need to achieve, And give me the wisdom to overcome difficulties and find solutions. I look to you and trust you are with me this day.

Amen.

Prayers #2

Living Lord, Be with us as we work today. Fill this office with inspiration and energy. Help us to work as a team, and bring out the best in each other. May we be efficient and achieve all we need to, but also remember to rest. May this place be full of fun and friendship And may relaxation and harmony inhabit this space. Thank you for this new day and the opportunity to work together.

Amen.

Prayers #3

Loving Father, May I be your hands and feet today, Bringing comfort, healing and care. May I speak with your love, Bringing hope, understanding and kindness.

May I carry your peace in my heart, Bringing clarity, reassurance and calmness. May each moment be filled with heavenly truth. With you I am stronger, kinder and wiser.

Come lead me through each moment And watch over my working day.

Amen.

Prayers #4

My Heavenly father, as I enter this workplace I bring your presence with me. I speak your peace, your grace, your mercy, and your perfect order in this office. I acknowledge your power over all that will be spoken, thought, decided, and done within these walls.

Lord, I thank you for the gifts you have blessed me with. I commit to using them responsibly in your honor. Give me a fresh supply of strength to do my job. Anoint my projects, ideas, and energy so that even my smallest accomplishment may bring you glory.

Lord, when I am confused guide me. When I am burned out infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit. May the work that I do and the way I do it bring faith, joy, and a smile to all that I come in contact with today.

Prayers #5

Loving Father,
As I begin my day, I want to thank You for the skills and abilities that You have given me in preparation for my job. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I pray that you will teach me to speak with Your voice, to treat my co-workers, customers, and suppliers with Your grace, and to be Your witness no matter what I say or do.

I ask Your blessing over all I say, think, decide, and do today. Bless my creativity, my ideas, and my energy so that everything I do may bring honor and glory to You.

Father, when I am confused, guide me; when I’m tired, energize me; and when I’m totally burned out, strengthen me with the light of Your Holy Spirit.

May everything I do today bring hope, life, and encouragement to those around me.

And Lord, even in this day’s most stressful moments, help me find rest in You! In the precious name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen

Prayers #6

Majestic Creator, the LORD of our Kingdom Success, we seek opportunities to exhibit the Wisdom, Strength and Understanding You have bestowed unto us.

We humbly seek opportunities that go beyond all the strife, we seek Courage to Strive and to dare to be Divinely different; and when we are Successful, let it be by Your Spiritual code, that is with our Faith and our Honor held high that we may be true representatives of You on this earth

Prayers #7

Almighty Father, the C.E.O.

of our Workplace, even if our supervisors, managers, employees or even our customers, are creating chaos and mayhem in our place of employ or business, let us continue performing, as if we are working directly unto You, with cheerful Hearts, let every challenging duty come to us, as if it is coming directly from You.

Father, give us the Blessings of Your Divine Help and Guidance, and suffer us not to fail. LORD, let us remember You when we receive the Fruit of our Success, and Bless You with Your Tithes and Offerings, as it is You who gave us the Power to Succeed. In JESUS’ Majestic and Mighty name we pray… AMEN!!!

Prayers #8

Lord, I offer you my work I give you the dissappointment I feel I surrender by dissillusionment I confess my weakness Reconnect me with You I want to live again To be fully alive Stir in me a new song May I sing for joy Envision my mind Equip my hands Anoint my feet Empower my voice For your service and your work This day and everyday

Amen

Prayers #9

Lord, I feel confused about life at the moment I’m not sure I’m in the right place Thank you that wherever I am You have gone before You turn the night into day Sadness in joy And mourning into dancing Help me to live in this place And through my serving Bring daylight, laughter and rejoicing

Amen

Kim Hoogeveen, owner of MindSet discusses innovation and expansive leadership and the impact on work culture. Several effective strategies are shared on how to make your organization an ideal place to work.

About the Author of this Blog Post
Crystal Ayres has served as our editor-in-chief for the last five years. She is a proud veteran, wife and mother. The goal of ConnectUs is to publish compelling content that addresses some of the biggest issues the world faces. If you would to reach out to contact Crystal, then go here to send her a message.

Источник: //connectusfund.org/9-good-inspirational-prayers-for-the-workplace

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