Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is Part 4, the final part, in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.
Over the years, as we reflect on the greatest principles to attribute our successes in life, our gratitude should go out to a strong faith in God, and unabashed prayer in the spirit. Hands down, developing the discipline of prayer in the spirit will be one of the most rewarding crafts we’ve mastered.
Much of life is about timing. It is about where we are, who we meet, and if we are prepared to embrace the opportunities that avail themselves—at that very point in time. Most of us have skills enabling us to walk through doors of opportunity— we just need those doors to open. Prayer in the spirit is that door opener. It corrects your timing errors. It synchronizes the gears in the machinery of your life. Then you too, like others of us, can say: “all things are working together for good.” (Romans 8:28). Sure, there are several principles fundamental to success—but this is one you really do not want to miss.
In closing, I encourage you to identify reminders that will help you to “S.I.T.” much. Find what works for you: posters, notes, watch alarms, etc. Sometimes the crazier, the more memorable! Associate routines, places, colors, even people! Have fun with it, and it will reward you.
Practice speaking out loud to expand your fluency, and then do it for a minimum duration every day. Then, learn to speak silently in your mind for extended periods. Enjoy the discipline: you will be proud of yourself when you see the rewards flowing into your life!
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is the Part 2 in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.
John 14:12: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. Can’t you just hear the squawking when you begin broadcasting you can do greater works? “What—you think you can do greater works than Jesus Christ?!” Yet, that is exactly what the Word of God declares.
So, every Christian in modern times must ask himself this question: “What are these greater works that God would have me to perform?” The evidence is found in Mark 16. Here, Jesus Christ foretold specifically of tongues: it was to be a sign of the future believers. It would be a sign simply because it would be a uniquely new work—one not yet available until after Christ’s ascension:
Mark 16:12: And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name…they will speak with new tongues. So, what then qualifies tongues as truly a greater work? Because when we speak, we bring to pass multiple accomplishments simultaneously. By means of tongues, God was able to incorporate into one work nearly all of the greatest works a man can do for God—and perform them perfectly, and simultaneously! For example:
praying perfectly,
making intercession for others,
receiving the mysteries of God,
praising and worshipping Him,
bonding with Him,
acquiring confirmation that you are a son of God…
…and this summarizes only some of the benefits. These are the greatest works believers perform before God. A single work of this magnitude was previously unachievable.
If Jesus Christ called it a “greater work”, wouldn’t that infer that he wished speaking in tongues were available in his day? And why wouldn’t he? Yet, it could not become available until he himself made the ultimate sacrifice.
Take a moment to recall some of what we would think are the super-cinematic “20th Century Fox” greatest works of Jesus Christ: raising the dead, giving sight to the blind, commanding devils out. Water into wine. Walking on water. Yet, above all these, Jesus Christ prized speaking in tongues as a “greater work.” Either we have not yet risen up to realize the raw power of tongues, or just perhaps our value scale of “greatness” is skewed.
But this we know to be certain—looking ahead to the coming of speaking in tongues, Jesus Christ foresaw its impact to be of such enormity that it was to be a “game changer” for the Church. Does it not seem astonishing to you how that which Jesus Christ so highly esteemed, his ministers today have made least significant?
But now, God has preserved this for our time, your tool to rely on throughout life’s travels. Analogous to the revolutionary cellular and internet technologies of recent decades, tongues is a convenience and a time-saver, which as you familiarize yourself with it, becomes easier and more dependable. It is truly a spiritual technological advancement. And like all newer and greater technologies, its purpose is to carry out a greater work.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is the first part in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.
The Prayer of the Prophets
“Greater works than these he will do…”
Now, here is a challenging subject to ponder: Today we have tongues as a tool to pray for unforeseeable matters in advance.
But, how did Jesus Christ and the prophets before him make intercession for future events that were beyond their sense knowledge to know anything about? The answer is apparent: they had to rely on revelation, as speaking in tongues became available only after Christ’s ascension. Until that time, when God requested prayer for matters beyond a believer’s senses perception, He had to reveal it with word of knowledge and word of wisdom.
Once details were made known to the believer, prayers could be offered via the understanding. So, before Pentecost, prayer for the unknown was limited by the recipients’ ability to first believe to receive the revelation.
Not so today. Praying by the spirit makes prayer as easy as prayer can be, and yet still be called “prayer!” Now we can pray with the same accuracy and precision that Christ and the prophets were able to achieve by revelation, yet accomplish it “passively” in tongues. This is because the “Christ in you” is actively originating the prayer, and is aware of all needs. As accurate as Christ’s revelation is, so is your prayer in tongues. Likewise, unless your revelation receptivity rivals that of the prophets, speaking in tongues might be the choice for you! Let the spirit obtain the guidance—we need only to speak in tongues with faith for perfect intercession to be successfully made!
Why couldn’t Jesus Christ nor the greatest of Old Testament prophets ever speak in tongues? Because it was simply not available. Only after Jesus Christ was seated at God’s right hand—and we with him—did speaking in tongues become available to the church. Foreseeing this, Jesus Christ declared specifically that we today would do even greater works than he himself was able to perform—a claim that would be censured as blasphemous today, if Christ had not said it himself!
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is the second part in a new series on prayer called ‘Supplication In The Spirit’ by Steve Sann.
So, we are to use our minds while we speak in tongues to generally direct and enhance our prayer faith. Furthermore, Philippians 4 lays out for us a veritable supplication success formula, detailing the mindset and attitude in which to effectively offer supplication: Philippians 4:6,7: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Already in Ephesians 6 we were instructed to offer these supplications in the spirit. But, here we are exhorted specifically regarding our mindset when we pray. First, we select the specific requests that we desire to make known to God. Here we are told we should be offering these petitions for “everything.” Indeed, whatever is triggering within you feelings of anxiety, wouldn’t those matters be encompassed by this term “everything”? God wishes you to bring Him those very petitions, leaving nothing to be anxious about.
Now that is a mindset that would serve all of us well to master. At the very moment an anxiety steals its way into your heart or mind, stop and speak in tongues, lifting that specific supplication to God. Should it return, we repeat as necessary, until our hearts are guarded by peace.
Secondly, we are to pray “with thanksgiving” to God for promising to take care of our requests. Believing with expectation our needs will be fulfilled, we can already at this time offer thanksgiving—as though we had already received His answer in the senses realm.
Thirdly, we are to make our requests “known unto God.” God already knows our requests. Rather, here we declare our petitions as one would before a court of justice. We claim them, as one would his legal rights. Although God knows our every supplication ahead of time, He now requests for us to claim those petitions before Him as rightfully ours.
And then, finally, with this prayer attitude firmly in place, “the peace of God…will guard your hearts and minds” from the anxieties and worries that defeat. This peace of God surpasses all understanding, in that it is built upon the foundation of confidence in the principles of the Word, not of the senses reasoning. Hence, although it is supremely logical to trust in God, it surpasses the understanding of the natural man. It subsists by the third fruit of the spirit, “peace,” Galatians 5:22.
So, although speaking in tongues bypasses the understanding, God allows us to lift our specific needs to Him by the spirit when we focus our minds on the subject of our supplication. Speaking in tongues for that specific need gives us confidence that He has heard perfectly all that He needs to act on your behalf.
As we picture the specific needs of ourselves and others being met by God, while praying in the spirit, we are both praying in the spirit and in our understanding simultaneously. And, we are concurrently believing to bring it to pass. No more powerful form of prayer can be made. It follows then that, as a result, the peace of God protects the hearts of those who pray with supplication in the spirit.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is the second part in a new series on prayer called ‘Supplication In The Spirit’ by Steve Sann.
1 Timothy 2:1: Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.
This commandment is clear. And, notably, supplication heads the list of the first of four critically needed types of prayer. Why are four different types of prayer listed in this exhortation? Because all four are different, all four must be practiced.
Generally, when a person speaks to God, we call that “prayer.” However, prayer comes in a variety of forms. Prayer that centers on the needs rather than on God Himself is called a supplication. In contrast, when we emphasize God, glorifying Him as the giver, that is prayer. Intercession is to stand before God in prayer in place of another. And, giving of thanks returns to the Father much deserved gratitude and recognition. All four of these forms of prayer are to be practiced in our private prayer life.
“Supplications,” as used in the Old Testament scriptures and even in the secular literature of that day, are literally this: the written requests and petitions— humbly, yet earnestly—brought before one of higher authority, as one would when making a plea before a ruler, a court or a judge. When the word “supplication” is used, it is to emphasize the person’s need for help, rather than accentuating God’s great ability to provide. When the scripture orders us to pray with supplications, it is telling us to call attention to our needs before God. God wants this. It enables Him to provide for us. So, supplications are those specific requests we claim before God to supply, whether for ourselves or for others.
God wants us to offer these supplications “in the spirit”—aka: tongues. How is this to be accomplished? By focusing individually on the people and the needs from our prayer list, we simultaneously pray with the spirit. While speaking in tongues, we center our mind’s attention on each issue of prayer at hand. Like we do when we “pray with our understanding,” we mentally picture the subject or issue of prayer; only now we speak in tongues simultaneously. The spirit then prays to God the details for each of the issues, the specifics of which we are usually unaware.
For example, I know to pray for my family. Nonetheless, I have little idea of the needed details. So, I make supplication via the spirit. In this way, specific prayer is offered for specific people. Supplication in the spirit is truly a blend of praying with your understanding and praying in the spirit—simultaneously: “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding.” As Ephesians 6 emphasizes, we are to be, “watchful to this end with all perseverance”—not only for ourselves, but for “all the saints.” But, most importantly, He wants us to do this “always”—and He desires it via “in the spirit”; that is, praying in tongues. Day after day, He wants us passing the needs of the saints before Him via tongues.
For those “watching”, so becoming spiritually sensitive, often God will stir our hearts with an “awareness” to pray. Some call this a “burden of prayer.” At the time, the details are often not known, only that a certain someone or something somewhere requires prayer. Directing our thoughts to the subject of alert, we pray in the spirit covering the details, allowing God to intervene.
To develop this sensitivity, when praying with others, occasionally pray as God directs your hearts by revelation. Each can call out and describe the need as God guides. You will find that God graciously gives revelation to those who are willing to serve Him in prayer. Often God will make known only the topic, expecting that your prayer by the spirit will handle the details.
When God calls on us unexpectedly to make supplication, it is our responsibility to focus with faith. If you need to, pull your car over or excuse yourself from the room. Just like Jesus requested the urgent prayers of his disciples in his last hours at Gethsemane, we likewise are to “be watchful” and “persevere” during these critical moments, Matthew 26:40-41.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is Part 4, the final part, in a new series on prayer called ‘Why Must We Pray, Anyway’ by Steve Sann.
With this in mind, it is easy to understand the spiritual pressure mounting from this world to minimize the importance of prayer. All the while, however, it is only the “believing believers,” those who remain active in prayer, who continue to restrain the powers of darkness from raiding and destroying.
II Thessalonians2:6-8a:
And now you know what is restraining, that he [the “son of perdition”; i.e., the anti-Christ] may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed…
We know Satan is the god, the authority, of this world. It is his to destroy. So, we must ask: Why hasn’t Satan completed his objective of annihilating the earth and all the people in it? After all, he’s “large and in charge!”
As long as the believers—those who actually call upon God in prayer—are intermixed within Satan’s kingdom, the grand finale of Satan’s power cannot be revealed. But the day will come at Christ’s return when the believers will be taken out of the way (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), and the authorities of Satan will usurp preeminence. This event of our departure is detailed in I Thessalonians 4 and referred to in II Thessalonians 2:1 as the Gathering Together, in more recent times as the Rapture.
Until that day, however, it is the believers who restrain Satan’s rage. Yet, not just any believer; it is the “believing believer” that stands between the people of this world and Satan’s wholesale wrath.
Who are these “believing believers”? These are not just the people who have attended a few church fellowships, perhaps have read a lot of the bible, or even who are merely born-again. Satan has been haply running over these folks for centuries. No—rather, the believers spoken of here are those who have sharpened their skills at bringing the powers of heaven to bear on earth—by walking in their sonship rights, claiming their authority, walking in the spirit, and petitioning God. We are speaking here of the true intercessors, those who bring the fight into the streets.
These are they who cannot be destroyed because they reside within the cone of God’s presence. And until they are taken out of the way at Christ’s return, it is they who restrain Satan’s ultimate will upon this world and its inhabitants.
Since man’s expulsion from the garden, throughout history, there has always been at least one “believing believer” standing, interceding on behalf of protecting God’s people. In fact, in the Old Testament, this was taught: it was understood as a vital responsibility of every man and woman of God to readily intercede for God’s people.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is Part 2 in a new series on prayer called ‘Why Must We Pray, Anyway’ by Steve Sann.
E.M. Bounds further correlated: “If prayer puts God to work on earth, then, by the same token, prayerlessness rules God out of the world’s affairs, and prevents him from working.” Truth be told, God is regulated by the same laws of justice that He incorporated in all His creation. He cannot just interrupt the continuum, violate personal property rights, suppress dissent, and generally force His will on the lives of others. In contrast, Satan and the governments of men overstep these boundaries with reckless abandon. Nonetheless, God is constrained by the rule of law: to God, what is His property is His, and that which is Satan’s is Satan’s.
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, observed in his day: “It seems God is limited by our prayer life – that He can do nothing for humanity unless someone asks Him.” He went on to say: “God does nothing but in answer to prayer.”
But how could that be?
The ugly facts are these: Adam legally transferred to Satan the authority and rulership of this world by heeding Satan’s words and rejecting God’s command in the garden. With that transaction, God’s liberty to direct the affairs of this world became restricted. At that time, the day-to-day administration of the material realm passed from man to Satan, limiting the scope of God’s involvement. Satan was instated as “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), with mankind subjected unto him.
Satan is now the god of this world! Clearly, ”The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalms 24:1), but God leased out the property management to man—who summarily legally transferred that lease to Satan. Christ terminated that lease for we who believe, and the eviction notice has been sent. The sheriff will soon be arriving (1 Corinthians 15:24). Yet, now, with God’s sovereignty temporarily impaired and man ensnared in Satan’s world, man became alienated from God.
Because many do not understand this, they are forever making excuses for why God does not save the suffering children, stop the hate and war, cure the world’s diseases, and generally make all of us wealthy! These matters are now left up to the faith and labor of the individual person.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is Part 1 in a new series on prayer called ‘Why Must We Pray, Anyway’ by Steve Sann.
The Commandments of the Lord
God takes speaking in tongues seriously. How seriously? In the Pauline Epistles alone, we find there are more verses referencing speaking in tongues than contain the words “heaven” or “hell” combined!
I Corinthians 14 is the richest chapter in the Bible regarding tongues. In it is found an abundance of instructions, promises, and commandments clarifying God’s will for us on this vital subject. But, most notably, it concludes with this stern exhortation for us all:
I Corinthians 14:37-39: If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.
We are to accept the Lord’s instructions to us regarding tongues not merely as recommendations. These are commandments, not helpful suggestions. He expects every son and daughter to take their place as spirit-filled men and women. Frankly, should church elite, or loved ones agree, is of secondary significance to God. Then it should be to us, as well.
E.M. Bounds, the Civil War era author acclaimed in modern times as the “prophet of prayer,” accurately penned: “Only God can move mountains, but faith and prayer move God.” Yes, we move God…through prayer. If this alone was taught from the pulpits today, the very foundation of churches would be shaken. Yet, it is true: God is limited by the prayers of His people.
If we are to begin to grasp how the all-powerful God depends on us to exercise His power, we must first intelligently answer this question—a question feared by the faithful: “Why must we pray, anyway?” “After all,” the question begs, “if God loves us, knowing our every need even before we ask it, why must we pray at all? Can God not answer our prayers even without asking?!” Shocking to some, the answer is no. If not you, then someone else will have to pray on your behalf before God can meet that need.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is Part 3 in a new series on prayer called ‘Paul Prayed Without Ceasing’ by Steve Sann.
The Benefits: Let’s highlight a few of the many benefits richly awarded to you each and every time you utter His words by the spirit. Please turn to these scriptures and study them on your own: a wealth of confidence and appreciation of speaking in tongues will begin to mature in you.
a. We pray bypassing our earthly understanding. Praying by the spirit in another language, we are able to pray for needs beyond our understanding and perception (I Corinthians 14:14-17); While praying beyond your understanding, the spirit addresses your personal needs—for example, in your family, finances, spirit, soul, and body.
b. We intercede for others according to God’s will. The spirit searches the hearts and lives of others, making requests for needs of which we, in our limited perception, are unaware. (Rom. 8:26,27); This makes us global prayer warriors. Interceding for others, the spirit identifies and prays for the needs of your loved ones and worldwide for all the saints.
c. God speaks to our spirit unfolding His mysteries, guidance and truths, spiritually renewing, strengthening and edifying you (II Corinthians 5: I Corinthians 14:2,4; Jude 20; Ephesians 3:14-19; John 14:25; 16:13); When we speak to God in the spirit, He speaks back. He not only reveals spiritual truths, but opens your eyes to wisdom and insight in all aspects of your life, and of others, as well. In addition, He builds up your spirit, preparing and strengthening you in the operation of the other manifestations.
d. We praise and bless God by giving thanks well, speaking the wonderful works of God (I Corinthians 14:16,17; Acts 2:11); When we “bless with the spirit” we are energizing the Christ within us to bring forth perfect praise to God. If translated, we would hear a litany of the great things God is doing, His nature, and His love for his people. So, by the spirit we “give thanks well”, we are “speaking the wonderful works of God.”
e. We offer the “true worship” the Father seeks. We “worship God in the spirit” (Phil. 3:3). Jesus Christ foretold: “…the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:21-24); Man has always sought various methods of worshipping God, most of which God is spirit and cannot be truly worshipped in the flesh. Rather, by worshipping in the spirit, scripture assures us we are pleasing Him, as we, with confidence, properly “worship Him in spirit and in truth.”
f. It engenders intimacy with the Father, sharing our heart’s secrets with Him (Rom. 8:15; Gal 4:6; Rom. 8:27; I Corinthians 14:2); On the surface, it is difficult to become acquainted with the heart of a man. But the inner desires and secrets of our hearts the spirit shares with the Father. We speak with each other tenderly like a child with His Father.
g. The spirit continually reaffirms to us that we are the sons of God. (Rom. 8:14-17; Ephesians 1:13,14); Speaking in tongues is the absolute proof in the senses realm to you that you have received eternal life, are born-again, and have received the spirit. It confirms to you that the promises of the Word are true.
As with all of God’s promises, these many benefits come to those who expect and believe. By holding these benefits in our hearts, we can acknowledge them as we pray in the spirit. We do not need to understand the specifics of prayer by the spirit to claim and believe to bring it to pass. Build up your faith in these benefits.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is the sixth and final installment in this series on prayer by Steve Sann.
Ephesians 6:18: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
In this verse, God isn’t trying to decree a minimum prayer requirement, or else He would say: “…pray 3.5 hours per day. Increase as needed.” Rather, He is emphasizing to us that we should pray to the greatest degree possible—at every available opportunity.
So, this is a commandment that each of us can live up to. God’s desire for us, then, is really more of an adjustment of attitude and priority than it is an edict. You are the one who determines your potential, the “greatest degree possible” for your lifestyle. And, probably that “greatest degree possible” will increase as you regularly exercise your ability. Paul disciplined himself until he spoke in tongues more that all the Corinthian church.
As we see, these figures breathe life into our understanding of God’s heart toward prayer. Particularly in this verse this is evident, as Ephesians 6:18 contains not just one, but four absolutes: one “always” and three “all’s”. Each emphasizes a different direction to us regarding prayer. Each gives force to a specific aspect of prayer, each worthy of our focus. For ease, all four are broken-out below. Each figure of speech is used to answer these ques*ons regarding our prayer responsibility: when, what, how and for whom prayer should be made.
When? “Praying always What? …with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, How? …being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication For whom? …for all the saints.”
Or, to restate this in everyday understanding:
We are to be… • ‘Always praying’ at every available opportunity; • Offering ‘all prayer’ that’s needed for each specific situation; • With ‘all endurance’ while vigilantly being on watch and guarding by your prayer; • For ‘all the saints’.
Woven into this one verse are all the exhortations needed for us to move prayer up to the top of our daily “To Do” list. The priority of prayer has clearly and squarely been placed upon our shoulders.
In passing, please note that the believers of the first century commonly referred to speaking in tongues as praying in the spirit. As a matter of fact, every reference in the New Testament to praying, speaking, singing, praising, worshipping or crying in, with or by the spirit, when directed from man to God, we find is related to speaking in tongues! This is why, in Ephesians 6:18, we are encouraged to pray in tongues “always…in the spirit.”
