By Gary Glanville
Years ago, I heard Dr. Charles Stanley preach on prayer. He shared how he prayed always on his knees. I began doing that sometime ago myself in the morning, and I’d like to share what I have learned.
The Bible speaks of crying out to God — a deeper level of prayer, no doubt. In each case, the person is seen on his or her knees with arms extended. It’s like a 911 call. If there’s an urgent prayer that’s what I do. My prayer time is around 6 a.m.
Here’s what I discovered in a nutshell: God has answered all my prayers and most all of the answers have been a yes from God. Although He has said no to some things, I am sure, I cannot recall one.
The second and final thing is this. I’ve learned the more you pray the harder the enemy comes back at you. Learn to expect that. It’s normal. Don’t ever let that discourage you. Also know this, God will make you aware of more needs to pray about as you faithfully pray. Expect that. Never fear Satan. Our prayers are our greatest weapons to the pulling down of the enemy’s strongholds. Rebuke the enemy out loud as you pray. He can’t read your mind. He’s not omniscient. I simply rebuke him in Jesus name and remind him and his demons of the power that is in Jesus’ name, blood, and resurrection. He flees when you do that. I believe those who pray, really believing and crying out to God, will find themselves engaged in spiritual warfare with the enemy. Once again, there is no need to fear that. Satan knows his time is limited.
Read about Moses praying over Israel while Israel was at war with Amalek in Exodus 17:8-16. I encourage you pastors and all believers to pray daily and to cry out to God when an emergency comes your way or a great need arises. Do it daily. There is no shortage of needs. Ever!
Pastor Gary Glanville retired as senior pastor of Northwest Baptist Church in 2016 after serving for 37 years. He continues to be active in ministry as the Lord leads.