Scripture Reading
Mark 11:22-24 (NIV)
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Introductory Remarks:
True prayer is practicing the presence of God. Prayer doesn’t change God. God is absolute and unchanging. Instead, prayer is the key that transforms the heart and mind of the one who prays. When I understand and follow the seven steps in True Prayer, I activate a powerful key that opens my heart to experience more of the life, power, wisdom, love, and substance of God – that has been there all along.
Major Points of the Lesson:
Step 1: Retreat to your Secret Place – your Inner Chamber of Prayer
“But when you pray [commune with God], go into your room” [within the sanctuary of your soul]… Matt. 6:6
Step 2: Close the door on external factors & facts.
“…shut the door [on doubt and fear] and pray to your Father who is in secret…” Matt. 6:6
Step 3: Let go of every unforgiving thought.
“When I choose to forgive – give up the false and fleeting for the Truth – I create space allowing the unobstructed flow of God’s healing potential in my body, life, world, and affairs.” — J.G. McKenzie
Step 4: Recognize God as your Unfailing Source
Our Father God is Good and the Absolute Source of all good and “everything comes from God…” Romans 11:36
Step 5: Acknowledge your oneness with God – the Unfailing Source
Our Father, who art in heaven, has created each one of us in the image and likeness of God. (Matt. 6:9 & Gen. 1:26-28)
Step 6: Desire and seek first and foremost the kingdom of God above all things.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matt. 6:33 ESV
Step 7: Believe you have already received it.
“Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24 NIV
ASSIGNMENT FOR THE WEEK:
Which step or aspect of your prayer life could you strengthen? Based on this step, choose and work with an affirmation for the week.
- In the quiet of my soul, I make time for the Holy Spirit – wherever, whenever.
- Greater is God, in me, than any suggestion of the world.
- I forgive me. I forgive you. I forgive them.
- God is the source of all the good there is.
- I am created in the image and likeness of God. What is true of God is true of me.
- The Christ in me, is my first priority.
- My good is already mine by right of consciousness. I am happy and grateful, NOW, for every good gift.