Day 145
In developing this model for prayer, we have looked at invocation, adoration, confession and petition. Today we look at pleading. This is different from a simple petition. In the petition, we tell our God our requests; in the pleading we are making our case for Him to answer. This is where a knowledge of the Word of God is critical. If I am going to ask God for something, I should have some basis in the Word for the request.
An example will illustrate the point. Let us suppose that we seek healing for our child from a sickness or disease. In Mark 5:23, Jairus comes to Jesus and says: "My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live." In verses 41-42 we see the healing touch of Jesus: "And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment." So I might pray, "Lord Jesus you did not turn Jairus away when he came to you for his daughter. Now I come to you and I ask that you not turn me away as I seek Your divine touch for my child." You see the pleading of your case before the Master based on the Word of God.
Throughout the Word we see this type of challenge where God tells us to prove His Word in our lives. In Malachi 3:10 God issues a challenge: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (emphasis supplied) God so believes in His Word and He seeks the same response from His children. Whatever the need today, find a Scripture, take it before God and contend for your petition. This is never done in arrogance but in a spirit of humility. We are never to demand of God; however, we may and should argue or plead our case before Him with His Word. You will find prayer becoming much more real to you as you engage your Heavenly Father in this manner.
An example will illustrate the point. Let us suppose that we seek healing for our child from a sickness or disease. In Mark 5:23, Jairus comes to Jesus and says: "My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live." In verses 41-42 we see the healing touch of Jesus: "And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment." So I might pray, "Lord Jesus you did not turn Jairus away when he came to you for his daughter. Now I come to you and I ask that you not turn me away as I seek Your divine touch for my child." You see the pleading of your case before the Master based on the Word of God.
Throughout the Word we see this type of challenge where God tells us to prove His Word in our lives. In Malachi 3:10 God issues a challenge: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (emphasis supplied) God so believes in His Word and He seeks the same response from His children. Whatever the need today, find a Scripture, take it before God and contend for your petition. This is never done in arrogance but in a spirit of humility. We are never to demand of God; however, we may and should argue or plead our case before Him with His Word. You will find prayer becoming much more real to you as you engage your Heavenly Father in this manner.
