ASCENSION: AN EFFECTIVE GUIDE TO PRAYING
Why another book about prayer? As I thought about that question, I was reminded of something I read by someone I hold in high regard. If you do not know the intent of something, it is more likely to be used improperly. If you do not know what it was created for, you will not maximize its use. You will not experience the full benefit of what that something has for you. I propose to you, that is also true in relation to the subject of prayer.
Therefore, to avoid misuse or abuse and to provide information, illumination, and revelation for the proper application and use of prayer; this book was written just for you! What you are about to read is not a secret formula designed to get you what you feel you want! The noted principles (structures) must always be activated by your faith through the guidance of the Holy Spirit to ultimately fulfill what God wants.
That said, what is prayer? In its simplest form, prayer is conversation and communication between you and God. Prayer is the vehicle by which there is a personal interchange and exchange of what is in God's heart and on His mind for what is in your heart and on your mind. Prayer is also a meeting place that grants you access to God's heart and not just the blessings of His hand. Know that if your sincere interest is the heart of God, you automatically receive blessings from the hand of God. As one of the most important forms of communication, prayer provides the opportunity and the vehicle for God to release from heaven what you and all the earth need.
Why do we pray? Prayer is quintessential to the life of every believer as it is a key component in sustaining the life of the believer. Prayer allows you to build, strengthen, and continuously develop your relationship with God. Prayer permits you to draw close to God. Prayer is a limitless arsenal in your journey of faith! Prayer is the heartbeat of the believer's life.
In this book, we will discuss five structures of prayer to instruct and assist you in the growth and development of your prayer life. Read this book for the purposes of affirming the proper use of prayer and developing an appreciation of the great value of prayer. Through prayer, we have been granted the awesome privilege of being able to connect and communicate with our Father in heaven whenever we choose.
The first principle involves praying to the right person in the right location. This is important because misdirected prayers may result in unanswered prayers. Christ both taught and demonstrated this principle of praying to the right source and the right location. He understood that both were vital in laying the foundation for answered prayers with supernatural results. He knew that for the disciples then and us today to call into existence what does not exist we must know where to go and who to ask.
Second, is the principle of transitional shifting. Your prayers must become the objects by which God's objectives can transition from the spirit to be seen in the natural. For this to happen, you must know and desire what heaven wants. We must pray with the understanding that the central and most important part of prayer is to pray for what God wants: "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done." This essential portion of prayer allows the earth to mirror heaven.
Third, is the principle of daily sufficiency. It is often presumed that sufficiency only means enough. Truth is, there is abundance in the daily provisions of God. In fact, sufficiency not only means having that which is needful, more importantly, it means having enough and some leftover. God gives what is sufficient for you but even in that, there is some leftover. The issue is, often the seed to be sown and the bread to be eaten are all consumed upon the desires of the individual. This leaves nothing for the individual or anyone else. What is important to remember regarding this principle is that what God wants for you is far greater than what He wants from you!
Fourth, is the principle of debt cancellation. Debt cancellation includes the elimination of financial responsibility. However, the core meaning of debt cancellation is far greater. Sadly, the full depth of this principle is misunderstood, or all too often misapplied. The initial reason for which the principle of debt cancellation was instituted was not about money. It was and still is all about life! Live to forgive and forgive to live. In that is the principle of debt cancellation fulfilled.
Fifth, is the principle of spiritual navigation: being guided from within. When you find yourself off-track and wandering, whether it is innocently unintentional or it is done in selfish and intentional disregard, the Holy Spirit is a present help. He is always present to usher you back to your rightful position and place. As you read this principle, keep in mind that who or whatever influences you will ultimately lead you.
All noted principles are for the purpose of getting you to the intended destination. The final destination is in the presence of God. This occurs through ascension. Ascension must be a desired outcome of prayer. Why? Because there are certain places in God and specific things about Him that will not be known or experienced unless we rise higher. Somethings are not revealed in the low place. You must ascend! To do so, you must skillfully use the word of God. In God's word is the law for ascension. In this, we can get a glimpse of what is to come. I assure you, just one momentary glance at what is to come will shift your focus from what is here in the earth to what is in heaven. So, pray and let the ascent begin!