Steve Sann

Why Must We Pray, Anyway: Part 1

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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.

Stay tuned for ‘Why Must We Pray, Anyway: Part 2’

Paul Prayed ‘Without Ceasing’ – Part 3

Steve SannLeave a comment

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.

Read Part 1 Here
Read Part 2 Here

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.

Why Did Paul Speak In Tongues So Much?-Part 6

Steve SannLeave a comment

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.

Read Part 1 here
Read Part 2 here
Read Part 3 here
Read Part 4 here
Read Part 5 here

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.”