The Principle Of Faith In Prayer

[0:00] Thank you for choosing to listen to today's message by Reverend Dr. David Etrie. We know you will be blessed as you seek and serve God. We believe that this message will stir up a desire for more of God even as you listen.

[0:13] Be blessed. In the book of James chapter 5, James chapter 5, thank you Jesus.

[0:26] Thank you God. Verse 13. All the way down. Is anyone amongst you suffering?

[0:41] What should he do? Let him pray. Is anyone amongst you suffering? What should he do? Let him pray. I can't hear you. Let him pray.

[0:52] All right. So he says, Is anyone amongst you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone amongst you sick?

[1:04] Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him. Anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

[1:16] And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one.

[1:27] I'm reading from King James. Confess your trespasses to one another. And pray for one another. That you may be healed. The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

[1:42] Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. And he prayed earnestly that it would not rain. And it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.

[1:57] And he prayed again. And the heaven gave rain. And the earth produced its fruits. Let's all read verse 16 together.

[2:12] Let's read it again.

[2:26] Confess your trespasses to one another. And pray for one another. That you may be healed. The effective fervent prayer of the righteous man avails much.

[2:38] The effective fervent prayer of the righteous man. That's what? What's the meaning of avails much? It works very much.

[2:51] It has viability. It has viability. The effective fervent prayer of the righteous man carries potency.

[3:05] It carries force. It carries power. The effective fervent prayer of the righteous. So when you are praying, you are doing something that can change things.

[3:22] When you pray, you are engaging in something that can change people and change situations. Prayer.

[3:36] Somebody say prayer. Prayer. Scientists have always tried to study.

[3:50] And see the anthropologists. To see the comparison. And the difference between human beings and animals.

[4:03] So they've always tried to say, okay, maybe human beings are the same as animals. Or animals are the same as human beings.

[4:15] Okay. In what way do human beings differ from animals? That does not make them. Because in basic science, they tell you that humans are part of animal kingdom. The animal.

[4:26] All right. But when we talk about animals as you know, you see, animals. They try to differentiate. Or try to see if there's any real difference. Because there are so many things human beings do.

[4:39] Animals also do. Especially the advanced animals. Like Michael Jackson's monkey. And in UK, it's our dogs. You know.

[4:54] Dogs can be trained to do a few things. So, and monkeys can be trained. In fact, chimpanzees can do a lot more.

[5:06] They look very similar. Like men. So, scientists have tried to say, okay, chimpanzee. In what way is a chimpanzee different from man? If you can bridge the gap, then actually men are just another higher form of the animals.

[5:23] We are all the same. And so, they've tried it. And so, one of the initial difference between animals and human beings is that human beings can make, we develop tools to do things.

[5:44] But after some research, over a few years, they discovered that animals also can make tools. So, they may not make advanced tools like microphone.

[5:57] If it's a tool. You know. Or guns and stuff like that. But animals who develop, they can make tools to do some of the things. They will depend on what kind of animal you are talking about.

[6:08] And then they say, okay, human beings talk. That's one difference. And animals don't talk. But animals can communicate. Fishes communicate in water. Effectively.

[6:19] Animals communicate. So, they realize that, oh, okay. Human beings can make tools. Animals can make tools. Communication. Animals do communicate. So, really not much.

[6:30] So, they're trying to, you know, narrow the gap. And then they came across, okay, how about cooking? Human beings cook. But animals really can't cook and prepare their food. But the animals, some of the chimpanzees have a way of preparing their special food.

[6:46] So, it may not be as sophisticated as the way we do it. They can't cook rice and stew. But they found out that animals, at least, they also have a way of preparing food.

[7:03] You know, they prepare their food, especially the advanced ones. So, really now, the issue of the difference between human beings and animals was becoming a bit tricky and narrowing down.

[7:15] But one thing that human beings can do and animals cannot do is human beings can pray. Animals can never pray.

[7:28] So, please, use it. Widen the gap. Widen it, my brother.

[7:47] Widen it. So, and anthropologists have studied in the human life.

[7:57] Even the remotest people, in the remotest wherever, from antiquity, have always had this sense of God. Some may say the sun God, in the rivers, in the trees, ghosts, in other human beings, in elephants, in cows, and other things.

[8:18] But the most remotest people, in the mountains, believe in something beyond the natural realm. You do not have to teach them.

[8:30] So, in certain parts of Africa, they say they have their own religion. But Christianity is the white man's religion.

[8:41] That is a very, it's not a very sensible approach. Because Christianity is even not a white man.

[8:51] So, human beings can be religious. And every group of people, before Christianity came to the shores of Europe, they had their own religious practices.

[9:09] They had their own religious practices. Like, for instance, Saturday comes from Saturn. The God Saturn.

[9:20] And Saturnalia. All right. So, Saturday really, especially on the day, Sunday. Saturday really is the name after the God Saturn. Saturn is one of the planets as well, but it's a God.

[9:31] The way there are other different, Jupiter and all that, Zeus and all those things.

[9:42] I think, basically, when you go to school, this year, something, two, three, four, five. They will teach you a bit about the Greek mythology and all some of those things.

[9:55] They will teach you. Some of these things came from there. But the point is that human beings everywhere have had their own form of religion. Because human beings have a way of appealing to the force and power beyond.

[10:12] Does that make sense? And so, but the difference between the Christian prayer and all other religions is that all other prayers or religious prayers are instinctive.

[10:27] Based on instinct. Instinct. Whilst Christian prayer is actually distinctive. There is a certain way to go about it.

[10:38] And in what way is it distinctive? When you talk about Christian prayer, I need you to know that Christian prayer is the only prayer that cannot be private.

[10:54] Islam teaches you. Your prayer is private. It's just you by yourself. But Christianity, in Christianity, there's no way you can have private prayer.

[11:14] I know some of you are thinking very well. Isn't it? It's good. What do you mean, Pastor? Christian prayer is not private because for Christian prayer to be prayer, it must have at least four people.

[11:33] Four persons. At least four. Four persons. Other than that, it is not prayer.

[11:43] The four persons. Number one is you. The one praying. Number two, God the Father.

[11:55] Number three, God the Son. Number four, God the Holy Spirit. It must be at least four. Four persons must be present for it to be a Christian prayer.

[12:09] In other words, the Christian prayer that does not include the Holy Spirit is not really prayer. The Christian prayer that does not include God, does not include God the Father. It's not prayer.

[12:20] The Christian prayer that is not conscious of God the Son is not prayer in the name of Jesus. So it's fundamentally there must be four.

[12:30] It's not just you privately. It must be, it's a corporate prayer or it's public in a sense that, and not just that, you must be guaranteed that there's also somebody who takes delight in you when you begin to pray.

[12:49] His interest in you increases the devil. So as soon as you pray, the devil also begins to come around. So that, I mean, your prayer will attract the devil. Do you understand what I'm saying?

[13:01] Your prayer, your prayer gets Satan's attention. So at least devils will show up. If not many, one.

[13:16] Will show up. And then guess what? Not just that. When you, last, two days ago or so, I thought on Thursday or yesterday, when I was teaching, I spoke about how when we pray, angels are sent.

[13:29] Yes. So we have this company of innumerable, we are in the company of innumerable angels. Many angels too. Sure.

[13:40] Bible says they look into the matters of salvation. So angels are actually part of our spiritual lives as Christians. Angels. We don't pray to them, but they show up.

[13:52] Bible says, and angels came and ministered to Jesus. When he went to pray on the mountain to be tested, tempted by the devil and everything, angels came.

[14:04] And on this, I think, Luke chapter 23 or so. Luke chapter 23, I suppose so. Bible says that he prayed around verse 40 somewhere. It's 40, 40. He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane.

[14:17] And Bible says that, and angels came and strengthened him. I think 60 something, 43. And angels appeared to him from heaven, strengthening him. So when we pray, angels also get engaged.

[14:32] So the Christian prayer is very distinctive. And it's not very private. As soon as you begin to pray, you enter into a corporate arena. You enter into a corporate arena.

[14:45] That's why Bible says in Hebrews chapter 12, that see, we are compassed with so great a cloud of witnesses. It's Hebrews 12 that says that we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.

[14:59] And then, is it the 22, Hebrews 12, 22, it says that we have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels.

[15:11] And it didn't end there. It's verse 23 says that to the general assembly. That word assembly is actually similar. It's the same as church. Church is an assembly.

[15:22] Okay. The general church of the church of the first one. So when you enter into God's presence, you are actually entered into a company.

[15:34] Does that make sense? Bible talks, even in the Old Testament, Bible talks about how Jacob prayed and a man wrestled with him. Jacob prayed and angels appeared. And so from times of antiquity, men have always prayed.

[15:49] The Christian prayer is distinctive and very different. One, it is not private prayer. As soon as you enter the place of prayer, you have entered into a public arena.

[16:01] Somebody shout hallelujah. Hallelujah. Angels like it when we pray. So in Christianity, there's no such a thing as private prayer.

[16:14] It is very public. Did you hear what I said? It is very public. In Matthew chapter 6, from verse 6.

[16:40] Thank you, Jesus. Matthew chapter 6. I think let me read from verse 5. And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men.

[17:04] Assuredly I say unto you, they have their reward. But when you pray, go into your room. And when you have shut the door. It looks like this is very private. So when you pray, go into the room.

[17:18] And when you have shut the door. Right? Pray to your father who is in the secret place. And your father who sits in secret will reward you openly.

[17:30] When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they might be heard for their many ways. Therefore, do not be like them.

[17:42] For your heavenly father knows the things you have needed of before you asked. In this manner, therefore, pray our father. So even that Jesus Christ said when you are praying, it's a corporate thing.

[17:57] When you are praying, say, not my father, our father. Let's look at it. Our father who, our father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

[18:10] Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us, give me, give us.

[18:22] Give me this day my daily bread. No. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

[18:36] And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

[18:49] Amen. So he says that when you pray, you should say these things. Now listen to this very carefully. There is, I think, let me mention this.

[19:01] That there's a difference between the Christian prayer. One of the differences, as I've said in other religions, is that Christian prayer is not a private thing.

[19:13] It's a public thing. Number two, that Christian prayer is, watch this, this is very important.

[19:25] Christian prayer is not meditation. The Christian prayer is not meditation.

[19:38] It's conversation. Let's all say that together. The Christian prayer is not meditation. Let's say it again.

[19:50] The Christian prayer is not meditation. It's conversation. Conversation, you speak, you talk. Meditation, you think.

[20:03] Just think. And there was the influence of Eastern religion on Christian prayers to the extent that people began to say that the lowest form of prayer, watch this, this is very careful, I need you to understand it.

[20:21] The lowest form of prayer is that's the entry level, the baby level form of prayer, is by asking. So when you ask God, God, I need you to do this for me.

[20:33] God, I need you to do this for me. I need you to do this for me. That is the baby level of prayer. Then the intermediary level, when you go up higher, you don't ask God.

[20:44] You don't ask God. You just, I think, praise. I think they were thinking, you just thank him. You don't ask anything. Thank you.

[20:56] You are just good. Have your own way. And then the highest form is when you don't even say anything. You just think. So you are very high.

[21:13] It's just thinking. And they will get scriptures like God is able to do exceedingly above all that you can ask or think of. So you just, asking is basic.

[21:24] Thinking is the highest. It's the advanced form of prayer. That is, that's Satanism anyway. That is not Christianity. Christianity. Let's, let's, first of all, let's look at the contents of the prayer Jesus said.

[21:41] He said, when you pray, he said, ask for six things. Six different things he said we should be asking. Three of them are very personal things.

[21:52] Give us this day. Our daily bread. I need something, Lord. We need it. So, if you say prayer, you don't have to be asking. You don't understand prayer.

[22:05] Prayer involves asking. Ask. Listen. In fact, this is about, I believe it's about 13 years ago, if my memory may save me right.

[22:18] I was listening to Premier Christian Radio in my car. And then someone said, I don't know. I think it was the phone-in discussion. That, is it necessary to be praying?

[22:30] When there are bigger things about in life to pray about. People are dying in other places. People are suffering. Is it necessary to pray for a car park spot? You are going to work. You are praying, God, as I go, give me a car, a spot to park my car.

[22:43] You are praying about, you know, as I go to the shop, may I find the item I want? May it not be, oh, you know. And so, it was discussion. Is it okay to pray about things like this, this material thing, petty things, when there are major other things to think about?

[23:00] And I was listening to it, and I said, sometimes we just try to be open-minded and accommodate all kinds of, Paul calls it foolish Galatians.

[23:12] How come that you started, you started in the spirit, now you are ending in the flesh? So, I just was thinking about, oh, there was all this nonsense about.

[23:27] I shouldn't pray about my salary, because someone is dying in India. Did I, did I, I'm not the one who was kidding me. Am I behind? I'm going to work, and I've been, Pastor, I used to, where she used to work, if you go early, you can't, sometimes go early, but, you know, some of the parking, maybe you are going to catch a train parking.

[23:47] God, I believe you. Every morning when I'm dropping the children, I pray before I move. And then when I'm praying, sometimes, by the time you go, you are in a hurry, a bin lorry is in front of you. For, and they don't have a problem at all, they can wait for five minutes, or three minutes.

[24:03] And so I pray, God, I say, well, let know, oh, what you don't want is when you are in a hurry. And Elena is at the runabout. Elena.

[24:16] It's okay, but not today, not today, not this time. So when I'm late, I pray, Lord, may I not encounter lenness ahead of me. What a prayer.

[24:30] Ah, my mind is to get there on time. It says I should pray, Lord, the people in India, or the people in Somalia, Lord, my friend, there's time to pray for that. Bible says, in everything by prayer, instead of worrying, instead of fretting, letting something worry you.

[24:49] Pray about it. Philippians 4, 6. It said, be anxious for nothing, but in everything. Somebody say everything. Somebody say everything. But in everything.

[25:02] So if we said anything that brings you anxiety, don't be anxious about, don't stress out, pray about it. Then why should I pray about it? Because others' own is more serious. So, but remember, even Jesus Christ himself, when he was praying, his longest prayer recorded in the scripture, in the book of John.

[25:30] John chapter 17. That was Jesus' longest prayer before he went to the cross. He was praying, and when he checked the content of prayer, he did a lot of asking.

[25:42] He was doing a lot of asking. I pray for them that you do this for them. Jesus himself who taught us to pray, he would pray. He said, ask. Jesus himself said, ask.

[25:56] And when he was praying, he was asking. He kept asking. He kept asking. Lord, do so. Asking is part of prayer. In fact, 95% of Christian prayer has to do with asking.

[26:12] Are you guys seeing what I'm saying? It's very important. Did you read what the scripture I read? It says that, is any of you in trouble? Let him pray. Is any of you married?

[26:23] Let him sing praises. Sing some. Let him sing some. He said, let him throw parties for people to come and get drunk. Let him sing some. And then he said, is any of you sick?

[26:37] Let him call for the elders to come and pray. Let him call for the elders to come and pray. Then he said, pray for, confess your sins to one another.

[26:48] Pray. Verse 15 says that. Confess your sins to one another. Pray for one another. So you can tell that that topic is about prayer. Pray for one another. Are you in trouble? Pray. What should you be?

[26:59] God, this trouble. Help me out. If someone's sick, Lord, we pray for this sick person. Be healed. Pray for one another. Then he goes on to say that effective fervent prayer of the righteous really works.

[27:14] It works very powerfully. Christians, let us arise and pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. So, as I said, 95% of prayer is about asking and talking according to Jesus, talking to God.

[27:37] You can pray in your head because in Mark 11, verse 24.

[27:48] Mark 11, 24. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask in prayer, believe that you have them and you have. Look at verse 23. Very short.

[27:59] You wish to ever shall say. All right. Say. Everybody say say. Say. And does not doubt in his heart. But believe that the things which he says shall be done. He shall have whatever he says.

[28:10] So, prayer involves communication. It's conversation. You have to say. You have to speak. All right. So, prayer involves speaking.

[28:22] Yesterday, I quoted a scripture in Hebrews chapter 5, verse 7. Bible talks about Jesus Christ in the days of his flesh. He offered up prayers and suffering with vehement cries and tears.

[28:36] Cries. Vehement cries and tears. Cry. Cry. He opened his mouth and spoke. When Jesus was praying in the garden, he said, I pray for these ones.

[28:46] How would they have recorded his prayers if he was thinking? When he was praying, look in John chapter 17 from verse 1. The whole John 17 is the record of Jesus' prayer.

[28:59] And Jesus spoke. Did you see that? He didn't think. He spoke these words. Lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, Father, the hour has come. Glorify your son. That is where you go.

[29:11] Take time and read. It's a lovely prayer. I pray for the church. All right. So, Jesus lifted up his voice or his eyes to heaven. Spoke these words.

[29:21] Lifted up his eyes to heaven and said. So, prayer involves saying. That thinking thing. I'm sitting, I'm thinking my prayers.

[29:31] Please. One day. One day in Luke chapter 11. Look at verse 1. Luke chapter 11, verse 1.

[29:42] Let's already have from the screen if you can see. Let's go. One day he was praying.

[29:58] When he finished. The guys saw. They knew how to pray. Because they were Jewish guys. But the way he used to pray. They saw something very different about his prayer. And they asked. So, they came to him.

[30:09] And they asked him. Lord. Teach us how to. John taught his desire. Teach us how to pray. And you know what he said? He says that. And Jesus said to them. When you pray, do what? Say.

[30:20] When you pray. Say. I can't hear you. When you pray. Say. When you pray. Say. Didn't say think. Say. When you pray.

[30:32] Say. Say. Say. Say. Yeah. Open your mouth. And speak. Prayer involves.

[30:43] Say. That's what Jesus said. Jesus said. When you pray. If you want to pray. You have to say. It's as simple as that.

[30:55] He said. Lord. Teach us how to pray. He said. When you pray. Say. Oh. I can say it in my head. I know that's what I'm saying. No, no, no.

[31:05] Please. When we say. He said. When we say. He said. Obviously. It means that. When you pray. Say. Let's all say. When we pray.

[31:16] Say. When you pray. Say. Please say it again. When you pray. Say. When you pray. Say. The heart of Christian prayer. Is talking to God. About our knees.

[31:26] And about his desire. The heart of Christian prayer. Is talking to God. Is not thinking. Is talking to God.

[31:36] About our knees. And about his desires. That is at the heart of Christian prayer. The heart of Christian prayer.

[31:49] Is talking to God. About our needs. And about his desire. It involves talking.

[32:00] And asking. Sometimes they will tell you that. Oh. Just sit down quietly. And be thinking. Just sit down quietly. And be thinking. How many of you have thought.

[32:11] And had wandering thoughts before? Wandering. You are thinking. Baba. By the time. You realize. It's gone. It's gone. If you are having. Wandering.

[32:22] Wandering thoughts. Try worse. You won't have wandering ways. If you are having. Wandering thoughts.

[32:34] Try worse. Christian prayer. Is about speaking. For if you have faith. You shall. Say to this mountain. Say to this mountain.

[32:46] Mark 11. 23. Say to this mountain. You can't think your prayers. You have to speak out your prayers.

[33:00] One of the things. Let me mention this too. And I'll move on to the third thing. And then we will pray. Two things I want you to notice here. Brothers and sisters. That.

[33:12] Sometimes. We think. So much. About. The. Methods. And the answers. We forget to realize.

[33:23] That prayer. Is actually a privilege. Okay. Prayer. Is a privilege. Tell someone. Prayer is a privilege.

[33:34] Prayer is a privilege. God. Amen. Can you imagine you meet. You go. You went for a conference. And the prime minister comes.

[33:45] And afterwards. Maybe you are one of the guys. Working behind the scenes. And he said. Take my number. Call me. Anytime you want. So. Would you be going around.

[33:58] And telling people. This is a prime minister's. Card. And the. Personal. Private number. You can copy it. If you want to. Or would you take a picture of it. Snap a picture of it.

[34:09] And put it on. WhatsApp. Status. And Facebook status. You won't do that. So. It's a privilege. Prayer is just a privilege.

[34:20] So if you meet. The prime minister. Or an MP. Or someone significant. And they give you their number. It's just a privilege. To have your number. So.

[34:33] When you get the number. You are not first of all. Thinking about. What am I going to ask them. You are thinking. What a privilege. Prayer is not. You have to think. First of all. It's not about.

[34:43] What am I going to tell God. Or ask God. It's about. What a privilege. What a privilege. To talk to God. Go to God. Directly.

[34:54] And talk to him. Prayer. Is a privilege. And. It's a privilege. Because. One. Listen. Prayer. Is not mastering. Techniques.

[35:05] So it's not about. Mastering techniques. How to. Okay. You have to do. What you want to pray. You have to kneel down. Maybe with one leg. So some. Some people. When you come to church. You watch the way.

[35:16] The one who look very fiery. Pray. And then go and mimic it. Maybe that's what will determine. The answer to your prayer. So maybe. You see the person always praying. They go like this.

[35:29] You go home. And you kneel down like this. And you master. Some of you. Learn tongues. You learn tongues.

[35:42] So you hear someone praying. Lamb, band, da, banana. Bang, land, da, banana. Lamb, band, da, banana. And then you go home. You say. I like that one. Lamb, band, da, banana. Some of you know what I'm talking about.

[36:00] Those things can rub on. So it's not. But prayer fundamentally is not a technique. It's not about mastering a technique. But watch this. It's about practicing his presence.

[36:12] You are practicing the presence of God. So you can be in the kitchen. And you are cooking. But you are praying. You are conscious of the presence of God around you. You can be in the washroom.

[36:26] And you are using the washroom. But you are praying. Because you are mastering his presence. You are conscious about the presence of almighty God with you.

[36:36] It's very important. Because it's a privilege. You are aware. He's with you. The omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God is with you.

[36:51] And so you are more conscious about his presence than even just what to be asking. Amen. So prayer is about practicing his presence.

[37:02] Say, I'll practice his presence. Say, I'll practice his presence. Which means you have to be conscious of the presence of God around you. Ananias lied to Peter.

[37:17] And Peter said, you didn't know he was here. Peter said, I know he's here. Everything we are doing here, he's here with us. But you lied because you didn't know he's here. So you have to practice his presence and be conscious of God's presence.

[37:34] That will even make you careful of what you are watching. And what you are practicing. And what you are doing. Because you are practicing his presence.

[37:49] And you are communicating with him, talking to him. Praise the Lord. Hallelujah. This is so important and I need you to understand it.

[38:01] When I was trying to win Pastor Awu, sometimes there will be a group of people somewhere.

[38:13] And in fact, she used to be in their church, she used to be a youth leader or something. And they go for rehearsal and other things. And there are times I will manage to go and meet her somewhere halfway.

[38:24] And I will stand somewhere where I know the times they will close. So I can see. So it's not the place. My concern, my focus was not the place.

[38:36] My focus was the person. My focus was not the place. It's the person I'm looking for. So wherever I will stand. Sometimes you will stand in a place where it's very awkward place waiting for somebody.

[38:50] But it's just because of the person that's why. Those of you who did dodgy things. You went behind the window and...

[39:02] And they pour water. Hot water. So it's not the place, but it's about the person. Alright.

[39:14] So I want you to understand that. It's not just trying to master a method. But it's about the person. The personhood of God. Who you are trying to communicate with. So you are more conscious of the person than a method.

[39:28] Are you getting what I'm saying? But many people ask. Oh, okay. What are the styles? What is the method I should pray? It's not about a method. It's more about a person. Consciousness of the person.

[39:40] It's not about place. Whether you are facing east. You are facing north, south, or west. It's not about that. It's about the person. Look at our services.

[39:51] It's not about where we are. It's about the person who is within our midst. Yesterday's prayer service was so powerful. It was so powerful.

[40:01] It wasn't about how many people were there. It's about who showed up. He showed up. And I see God showing up in your life. I see God showing up in your life.

[40:15] And number, number, second point I want to notice on that this. First point, prayer is not about a method. Mastering a method is practicing the presence.

[40:26] Secondly, watch this. When it comes to Christianity, prayer is not a routine. Okay? It's not a matter of a routine.

[40:39] I'm sorry. It's not a matter of... It's not a fortune. Forgive me. It's not a fortune. Fortune. I'll explain it. Fortune. This is very important.

[40:50] Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Fortune. Fortunate. Fortune. Fortune teller. Everyone. Fortune. Fortune.

[41:04] Prayer is not a fortune. You know why we say something is a fortune? Kind of. Let's pray maybe to work. Let's try it. Chance.

[41:17] It's not a chance. Maybe. Let's try it. I heard a story about... Years ago... A Muslim young girl...

[41:30] Who... I think their mom sent him... She and her brother... And... They lost their money or something like that. And they were so worried.

[41:41] So they started praying. Or... Praying their prayers. It wasn't working. They prayed. They said... After a while... They said... Why don't we pray... And try the ones that Christians have been using...

[41:53] In the name of Jesus. Because now we want the results. It's not... The method. We just need the results. So he said... Let's just try...

[42:03] What these Christians do. And they... Because they... They asked our neighbors who are Christians... They always had them praying. So they also tried it. In the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus. We prayed that we'll find... And they found their money.

[42:15] See? See? But that is... A religious approach to prayer. A Quranic approach to prayer. That maybe... Let's pray.

[42:25] It may... God reserves the right not to answer. He may not answer. Maybe you pray to... Most of us have been approaching our prayer life like that. Let me just try it. Let me just try it.

[42:37] So that's why you came for the prayer meeting. You came to try. Maybe. In Christianity... Don't try. In Christianity... You trust. Yeah. Good work.

[42:51] We don't try. Christians don't try. Christians do what? Trust. Don't try prayer and see. If it will work.

[43:04] Because it's not a fortune. It's not something that you are doing... And then... Maybe... You never know. And so...

[43:15] It will happen for her. Let me also try. Maybe it will happen for me. Let me try it again. Maybe this is... In this instance. It will happen again. So to be honest... Most of us here...

[43:26] Most Christians... Try. With prayer... Hoping... It might work. It might work.

[43:38] Or it might not work. But let's try. Prayer is not a fortune. Prayer is faith. It's a faith thing.

[43:56] Am I teaching? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yeah. Prayer is a faith thing. Thank you, Jesus.

[44:09] Hallelujah. Yes. In Mark chapter 11, verse 22. That's the starting point of prayer. Without verse 22, don't try to pray. Don't try to pray.

[44:20] It will not work. Amen. Without Mark 11, 22... Being the foundation of your prayer...

[44:30] While you are praying... Don't attempt it. It will work. Let's all read it from the screen. Let's go. So Jesus answered and said to them...

[44:41] Have faith in God. How about time? So Jesus answered and said to them... Have faith in God. Can I hear the ladies, please? So Jesus answered and said to them...

[44:52] Have faith in God. How about the men? So Jesus answered and said to them... Have faith in God. Isn't that fast? Most of you look very tired and weak. You sound tired.

[45:04] You sound... Depleted. Isn't that fast? No, it can't be the fast. Ah, come on.

[45:14] It's just midday. And you are so... Anyway, some of you, I know you consume a lot. All right.

[45:27] Overcome that fear of hunger. Because after church, you will break your fast, okay? Amen. That should give you energy to read it out loud. Let's go. Let's read it out loud.

[45:38] Let's go. So Jesus answered and said to them... Have faith in God. Yay. That sounds better. Jesus answered and said to them...

[45:51] Have faith in God. That's where prayer starts. Prayer starts from where... Have faith in God. Trust God. Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6 says that...

[46:05] For without faith, it is impossible to please God. For whoever comes to God must believe that he is and is... So before you come, it's a necessary condition.

[46:16] Necessary requirement for your coming to God is you must believe. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Don't attempt coming if you haven't sorted the belief issue.

[46:26] Mm-hmm. Did you see that? Yeah. He says, for he who comes to God must believe that he is. It's a necessary requirement.

[46:37] Yeah. He who comes to God must believe. Yes. So don't attempt... Don't bother coming if you won't believe.

[46:50] He who comes to God must believe. He who comes to God... Must believe. He who comes to God...

[47:00] Must believe. Because coming to God to get God to do anything for you... It starts with your believing. In James chapter...

[47:12] One. James chapter one, verse five. It says that...

[47:22] I'm reading from New King James. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. Say ask. Ask. Ask. You know, some people are so religious... Not spiritual.

[47:33] Religious. They tell you, you're always asking, asking, asking. Prayer is about asking, okay? Yeah. Asking. We talk to God asking him a petition.

[47:44] Putting a petition before him. And not just that. To know also his desire. Yeah. So, it's very important. It said, if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.

[47:58] Who gives to all liberally and without reproach. And it will be given to him. But watch this. This is concerning the issue. To note.

[48:09] It said, if you ask him. But let him ask in faith. With no doubting. For he who doubts is like the wave of the sea.

[48:19] Driven. Driven and tossed by the wind. Now, this is good. Strong point. But it's not as scary. As scary as the next point.

[48:33] The day I saw it, I said, but what is this one doing in the Bible? Look at the next point. For let that man, let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from.

[48:45] Hey. He said, forget it. You know, sometimes your mom said, don't think I will give you the money if you have not done the dishes. Forget it. He said, don't think it.

[48:58] Forget it. Forget it. Forget it. There's no way around it. You have to go through this.

[49:08] You have to do it. He said, don't think I will buy you anything for your birthday if you don't finish your exam. Forget it. Forget it. God is so serious about your faith that he said, don't think I am going to do anything for you if you can't believe.

[49:21] Forget it. Don't ask. Don't bother praying. You can get all the techniques, but without trusting God. Forget it. Prayer is faith. Tell somebody, have faith in God.

[49:36] Have faith in God. Say to the other person, have faith in God. Have faith in God. So, prayer is not fortune.

[49:53] For Christians, it's faith. Other religion is just fortune. For Christians, it's faith. Now, I want to give you, if you have to exercise your faith in prayer, what should be?

[50:12] The points or the principle of faith. That's actually the title of the message I want to preach. The principle of faith in prayer.

[50:24] So, if you are praying, you better believe. Okay? The principle of faith in prayer. Now, number one, I know some of us will be thinking that what should be the first principle of faith in prayer.

[50:37] Most of us will be thinking that, ah, believe that you will get what you ask. No, no. That's not where I want to start from. The principle, one, two, I want to give you six principles quickly.

[50:49] Number one, believe that God is there. So, for you to have faith and exercise your faith in prayer, number one, believe that God is there.

[51:00] He is there. He is there. He is there. You, you see, everybody say believe.

[51:16] Believe. Say it again, believe. Believe. God is not a feeling, okay? It's not a feeling. Believe. Believe. Believe. You cannot use the faculty of your feelings, your physical body or your mind to access God.

[51:41] It doesn't take that faculty. The mental faculties cannot tell you he is there. Your mind can only tell you about physical things.

[51:51] Your mental faculties cannot. So, if you are going to depend on your mental faculties to, oh, God is there, God is there, your mental faculties cannot tell you God is there.

[52:02] It takes your spirit man. That's why it starts with being born again. It takes your spirit man to know God is there. All right? So, number one, you have to believe.

[52:14] I didn't say you have to feel it. So, if you are not believing that God is there and as you are talking, you are talking to him, you are talking to a God who is there, then it's like you are just talking to yourself.

[52:26] What's the point in talking to yourself? Oh, my God. I'm praying. I'm praying. No, yeah. What's the point in talking to yourself? That is going down a slippery slope of a mental issue.

[52:39] Yeah. Number two, believe. So, you have to believe that he is personal.

[52:53] Wow. Number one, believe that he is there. Number two, believe that God is personal. He is personal. Let's all say God is personal. God is personal.

[53:05] Let's all say God is personal. God is personal. Now, some will try and tell you that God is something out there.

[53:19] No, God is not something out there. God is someone. He is not something. He is someone. He is someone. Islam, the Allah of Islam is significantly and completely, totally different from the Jehovah of Christians.

[53:38] Amen. Of Christianity. One of the things that the Allah of Islam is not is the Allah of Islam is not love. Love. Islam never presents Allah as love.

[53:51] Because to talk about love, you must talk about a community, more than one person. Because love cannot exist in the absence of others. Does that make sense?

[54:02] Why is love? It's not just you. And God is love. That means that God must have a relationship with himself. He is three in one.

[54:15] Three persons in one. So when God, when there was nothing at all, God existed and he was love. He is love. So God is love.

[54:28] And he's not just a person. I'm not saying believe that God is a person. Believe that God is personal. He can feel. He can be touched.

[54:39] He can feel. He can hear. You know what I'm talking about. Because if you're a person, you can think. Because you are personal, you can think. The reason why you like your friend is because of how you feel around that friend.

[54:53] The way you feel. You see, you can relate with people easily who are like you. You can easily relate to people who are like you. Some of you go out to someone and say, no, no, it's not good.

[55:04] It's a word. We are two different. We are two. What's that? We are two different people. And some of you have noticed that you are two different people. You are still hanging around. You are wasting your time. So it is.

[55:15] Let me go back to my notes. So. God is a personal God. He has feelings.

[55:27] He can relate with you. That is why, watch this. That's why he created us in his image. We are like him in a lot of ways. So we can relate with him.

[55:42] So when you are going to, for you to pray in faith, number two, remember that or believe that God, that he is personal. Number three.

[55:58] Oh, I like this one. Believe that God, God has got ears to listen. What's the point in talking to someone who can hear?

[56:13] In 1 John chapter 5, verse 14 and 15, he said, this is the confidence that we have in him, that when we pray according to his will, what happens? What happens?

[56:24] Let's not read it from the screen. Let's go. Now, let's do the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. If we ask anything according to his will, what happens?

[56:37] He hears us. And then verse 15 said, and we know that if he, and if we know that he hears us, then we, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petition.

[56:48] So prayer, you see, prayer is about asking. And you, when you, before you come asking, know that God hears prayers. And it's not like he's hearing everybody at the same time.

[57:01] In other words, okay, everybody talk. When everybody begins to talk, you can't hear. You don't know who, you know, like sometimes in a class. Okay, who knows, who knows the first prime minister in the United Kingdom.

[57:13] And everybody says, no, no, one at a time. Just one at a time. So that you can have time. But God is very interesting. All right. But the point I want to make here is that God, our voice reaches, when you begin to pray, know that your voice is reaching to the highest.

[57:31] All right. Sometimes you are traveled, you have traveled very far, and then you pick your phone and call your cousin or your auntie or your mother, your brother, your husband, your wife, your friend. And it's very far in America.

[57:42] But you know what, I can just talk to you. Now, because of WhatsApp, we just do international calls so easily. And even video calls so easily. You call the person, you are talking to them. And you know, when I dial the anama, I'll get through to them.

[57:56] In the same way, you must know that when you start praying, or whatever information you need to tell, maybe the bank wants some information from them. You need to tell your sister who I travel. You know that even though she's in South Africa, when I pick the call, I can just tell her.

[58:11] In the same way, when you are picking the call, when you are about to pray, know that God will hear when I talk to you. Do you understand what I'm saying? Yes, sir. Some of you set up manages to tell you that God will not hear you. All right.

[58:22] Now, God hears when we pray. Let's all say God hears when we pray. God hears when we pray. And it's interesting, all of us can be praying at the same time, but God is hearing every word of everybody.

[58:33] So don't say, oh, too many people are praying, I'll wait when they finish praying, then I'll pray. No, it does not work like that. All right. When you pray, God is hearing you. Not them.

[58:44] He's hearing you. And he's hearing them by hearing you. Do you understand what I'm saying? And then number four. Believe that God will listen. God hears, but then it's different from listening.

[59:00] Believe that God will listen. Believe that God will listen. You know, in our generation, we always, we have been trained to know our rights.

[59:19] Rights to health. Rights to clean water. Rights to vote. Rights to... Rights to speak out.

[59:35] Rights to practice what you want to practice. Your religion. Rights. Rights to be heard. The government, you also have to, right to tell the MP what you think about the situation.

[59:49] You know, we all have the rights. So when it comes to God, we also think that he's like a welfare God. And we have the rights. It's a right for him to listen.

[60:00] God, I'm talking. God, sometimes, you know, I don't know if it's only my children. Sometimes we are talking. My wife and I are talking. And they will interject. And because we are talking, I rather, Mommy, I'm talking to you.

[60:16] Children. Very interesting. So you feel it's your right to be heard. To be listened to. So when you are praying, you think, God, you have to listen to me. Don't you? If you don't listen, I'll be very accepted.

[60:27] I won't go to church again. You have to listen to me. No, no, listen. Listen. It's not your right to be listened to when you are praying. It's not your right. But it's his message.

[60:39] Because, listen to this. Let's assume that Bible says that I can hear you. Isaiah chapter, I think, 59 verse 1 and 2. It said, when you pray, I can hear you.

[60:49] No, it didn't say when you pray. It says that my hand is not too short that I can't hear. Behold, this is what the Lord, the Lord's hand is not short that he cannot save, nor is he heavy that he cannot hear.

[61:01] So what's the problem? Verse 2. What's the problem? Your sins, your iniquities have separated. So can you imagine if your sin is what separates you and God can't hear you? Can you imagine in the, even some of us, just this year alone?

[61:13] So if every sin is a wall, is a barrier, then can you imagine the number of barriers? Wow. The number of barriers.

[61:26] And can you imagine a whole year? 365 barriers, even assuming that you're only seeing once a day. Some of us, some of us, multiple times.

[61:39] So, God reserves, he reserves the rights to choose to who he will listen to. But when you are coming to God, one, believe that he hears and also believe that he will listen.

[61:55] Why? Because he's interested in your matter. He's interested in you as a child, as his son, or his, just to help some of us, or his daughter.

[62:10] Is that one getting what I'm saying? Yes, sir. Yeah. And then number, quickly, what number is that? Number four. Number five. Number five. I like this.

[62:22] Number five. Believe that God will reply. He will reply. What you don't have to be bothered about is some of us get so bothered about how is he going to reply, when is he going to reply.

[62:38] Just believe he will reply. And leave the how and the when in his hands. Did you hear what I said? Believe he will. Some of us, because we are afraid, it must happen immediately.

[62:49] No. Believe that he will reply. Believe that he will reply, but leave the how and the when in his time. You are believing God to be able to pay off this debt.

[63:01] And you are praying, I've prayed about it. Believe God that it will be done. As you are afraid about it. But how? Maybe the way he will do it is he will make you pay it yourself. Or he will make the bank write it off.

[63:13] Or he will make your cousin just give you some money, loan you money. Different ways. So, leave the how, but trust God. That is why as a church, we don't depend on people to help the way.

[63:27] We depend on God to build his church. And we train, we teach people to love God. So, watch this. if God says that he's going to give you, he's going to bless you with maybe a new job.

[63:41] Suddenly, some of you, it happens to a lot of people when maybe there's a prophecy that I see. A marital breakthrough coming your way. Immediately, your mind goes to your boss who has started talking to you. Because, a lot of people help you.

[63:54] Or that gentleman who has started showing interest. Maybe. Or that lady who has started sending me the messages. Maybe, because I've received a prophecy that marriage is coming. Maybe it's far from what you are thinking. Some people receive a prophetic word that you are going to be married to a pastor.

[64:10] And so now, you are looking for a pastor. Anybody who comes your way must be a pastor. Must be a pastor. Do you understand that? A word can come, but sometimes, you may be married to someone who is not a pastor, but doing, but one day, it could happen.

[64:29] Do you understand what I'm saying? I know what some of you are thinking. Also, then that means I can go out with a non-believer one day. Go. It's not a good direction to go.

[64:45] It's not a good direction to go. Anyway, God has promised that one day I will drive a Bentley. So even though this car is not a good car, it's breaking down, it doesn't work, you let me buy it like that.

[64:58] One day, it will turn into a Bentley. Now, listen. I'll be a chief executive. I'll be a chief executive of a bank.

[65:11] So it doesn't matter. Today, I don't have any qualification. I'm a cleaner, so I'll just say that. God, no, please, please, start working on that. Take some courses.

[65:22] And then when you get a job, it may not be in the bank when you finish your course. But don't say, there's a prophecy that I'll work. So me, it is only the bank I have to work. No, maybe now you can't pay.

[65:33] They have kicked you out of your house and you are saying prophecy set. See, some of us, we are forcing God to do it our way. And most people, as I'm growing, I've realized, listen.

[65:45] Let me say this. You are not feeling well. Don't say, I don't take medication. Pastor doesn't mean to take medication. No, please, please.

[65:56] And now you are coming to ask me, Pastor, they have prescribed this medication but I don't want to take it. What do you think? I should think for you. Don't say faith.

[66:12] Oh, my faith. It's presumption. It's presumption and irresponsibility. Any faith that makes God absolutely responsible is an irresponsible faith.

[66:26] Take your medication. Go find a job and if it is the plan of God for you to be a chief executive one day to happen, but start with finding a job.

[66:36] Apply for a job and stop begging. It is not dignified for a Christian person like you to be begging and people, you are defaming the face of Christianity.

[66:53] Always. People see you are so struggling but they are just legitimate, natural, wise means to avoid this unnecessary suffering. That's wise means.

[67:05] The people who come to church and always be asking, I need money to do this. I need money. They are very dodgy people. Never even let it enter your heart, your head, that if I can't pay my rent I will go and ask the church.

[67:19] They are very lazy people. They say, lazy people who do that? Because, so if you are not part of a church, what would you do? How about people who are not part of a church, how do they pay their rent?

[67:30] Go and get a job. Oh, but I mean I can't do, it's not every job I can do. So it's not every money that will come to you then. We work not because we love our bosses.

[67:45] Some of you, you can't stand your manager. But you gotta go. But you gotta go. I don't respect your faith.

[67:57] If, I realize it's a presumptuous faith. And faith delivers. it brings results.

[68:09] Because, okay, I said, I'm meeting a big, somebody important in the hotel. And I said, if I stand in her faith I can appear there.

[68:24] After two years. One hour. The person is still waiting. Two hours. Now listen, realize that this time it didn't work. She was just go. Another time, try it again.

[68:35] And then go. And keep trying. That's your faith. But if you didn't go and you stood here and you are still standing and nothing is changing and you are still standing and nothing is changing and you are still standing and nothing says, oh, me, I know it has done.

[68:50] God has done. And first one has come and gone. Second husband has come and gone. Third husband has come and gone. Hey, sister. Go and sit there and start a prayer day. Am I communicating to somebody?

[69:16] What's the fifth step? Oh, my. I've preached too long today. Are you learning something? Yeah. I think I have to stop because I really want us to pray.

[69:28] There's a difference between deism, theism, and monism. Theism is, theism is, believes that God created and God is in control of the universe.

[69:42] Deism believes that God created the universe but is not in control. And monism believes that God didn't create the universe and the universe is doing its own thing. Many Christians practice deism.

[69:55] God created but is not in control. You are supposed to believe that God created and is in control. So when you are believing that God will reply, believe that he is actually interested and he can do something.

[70:11] Some people believe that, watch this, this is very important. Some people believe that God can change people but he doesn't change things. Do you understand? He can't change, he doesn't change things so things will remain the way they are but he can't change people for people to do things but he can't change the weather.

[70:27] You can't pray for God to help them. I've been in, I remember in Ghana with Rampeyakuf we were going for crusade and it's very heavy. The clouds are very, we are afraid and stopped rain.

[70:38] We are afraid and shifted the clouds by the time we realized the clouds are. against weather forecast. So you can pray for things to change. You can pray for your, the skin rashes to go.

[70:50] You can pray for situations. Pray. Not only people do things, you can also pray for things to change. I get it. sometimes you can open your fridge and prophesy that you'll be filled and then close it.

[71:04] But start finding ways to fill it and then God will help you to fill it. You don't open and close it and then the next one you come and chicken and that doesn't happen.

[71:15] That's not what I'm talking about. Alright, so you want me to add the last point? The last point is which is a very valid point. So what's the first point? What you have to believe?

[71:25] Believe that God is there. Number two. Believe that God is there. Number three. God has ears to hear.

[71:37] Number four. Believe that God is listening or God will listen. Number five. And number six. Believe that you will get what you ask.

[71:49] We normally want to start with that. When you are praying, believe that you will get what you ask. Did you hear that? Believe that you will. Mark chapter 11 verse 24. Mark 11 24.

[72:05] Thank you Jesus. Therefore I say to you what so, sorry, verse 23. Let's start with verse 23. I say to you what so, whoever says to the mountain be removed and be cast into the sea and does not die in his heart but believe that the things that, believes that those things he says will be done.

[72:27] He will have whatever he says. Look at verse 24. Therefore I say to you whatever thing you ask when you pray, believe that you have received them. Believe that what? Not what, not you will, you actually have.

[72:40] Believe that you have received them and you will have them. Right? So when you pray, believe that the answers have been granted. So that should be the last in the, because you can pray and ask, expect the answers have been answered but you are not sure if God knows much about you and God is interested in you.

[72:58] So these are the points and remember, don't try to feel. When it comes to faith, don't try to feel your faith. Okay? This is what you should do.

[73:10] Your feelings may be there but you have to believe and as you keep believing, you end up tying your faith, sorry, tying your feeling to your belief. Don't tie your faith to your feelings.

[73:22] Tie your feelings to your faith. Let your faith take the lead and your feeling must follow. Sometimes you are praying and it feels like nothing is going to happen. No! Don't be depending on your feelings.

[73:35] Don't depend on your feelings. Tie your feelings to your faith. It gets to a time your feeling will begin to follow your faith. Because your feelings are unstable.

[73:46] Your feelings can change any time based on who said what. Based on what you have heard. Based on how you feel or what you have seen. So it's very important that you tie your feelings to your faith.

[74:00] Don't try and force your faith. Don't try your faith. Don't force your faith. But what you have to do is to stimulate your faith and stretch your faith.

[74:13] How do you stimulate your faith? By looking at what faith has done for others. Others results in prayers and then to listening to God's word. Reading word. It stimulates your faith.

[74:25] Some of us we are just trying our faith and you are forcing by faith. It's what happens. You are forcing your faith. No! Don't force your faith. Don't try your faith. Stimulate it and stretch it. How do you stretch your faith? By believing God for things that it will take only God.

[74:38] This year I believe somebody has to stretch your faith. This year somebody you got to stretch your faith. You got to stimulate your faith and stretch your faith.

[74:51] You don't come to church your faith is about to suffer. You are starving your faith. You are starving your faith. Did you receive something? Thank God for using his servant Reverend Dr. David Entry to share this awesome word.

[75:05] If this message has blessed you in any way please spread the word by sharing it and send us an email to amen at charis.org Remember to stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter for regular updates on what God is doing here at Charis Ministries.

[75:21] Stay blessed.