PROTOCOL

One of the first lessons a recruit in this earth's armed forces learns is 'matters of protocol.' This means how to and who to salute, and address as "sir" or "ma'am". And even though they rarely meet their Commander-in-Chief, soldiers are still taught the proper protocol, just in case.

Prayer Warriors need to know, and learn proper protocol too, if they want all the power of heaven in their intercessions.

1) ASK THE FATHER. Some Christian soldiers pray "Dear JESUS," but JESUS instructs us to pray "asking the Father."  The disciples said, "Teach us to pray!"  And JESUS told them to start with "Our Father..."~Matthew 6:9. In this one chapter JESUS deals with the following subjects: prayer, giving, fasting, and trusting, for all our spiritual and physical needs, and throughout it He spoke of GOD as our Father twelve different times.

And in John 16:23, He says: "In that day you shall ask Me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ASK THE FATHER for..."

What about praying "Dear GOD" or "Dear LORD"? There is nothing really wrong using these terms; however the title we wear "Christians" denotes a closer relationship. The Scriptures as a whole call those who belong to GOD, His children (Romans 8:16,17)...and JESUS calls Himself our Elder Brother. We are family. And the use of Father indicates that close family tie.

"Christ gives us the privilege of addressing God as Father. This name, spoken to Him and of Him, is a sign of our love and trust, and a pledge of His regard and relationship to us. Spoken when asking His favor and blessing, it is as music in His ears..." ~E.G.White, Christ's Object Lessons, pp.141,142.

When we ask the Father, our requests are music in His ears!

2) IN THE NAME OF JESUS. Review now the rest of John 16:23 and 24. We are 1st to, Ask the Father; and 2nd  "...whatever you ask the Father IN MY NAME, He will give it to you."  If we want our intercessions answered, we must learn to close them using the precious name of JESUS. By following His method, we can expect results.

Following another prayer practice is not a sin. Our Commander-in-Chief wants us to pray and is eager for our prayers, not looking for an excuse to ignore them if we don't pray just the right way. No, to neglect to pray  "in JESUS' name"  is not a matter of condemnation. It simply disregards the 'power-circuit' of prayer GOD has established. When we pray in "JESUS' name" the power is free to flow. When we do not, the power is blocked...it is that simple. Prayer Warriors need that power!

3) IN (or BY) THE SPIRIT. One of the major functions of the HOLY SPIRIT is to translate into heavenly language our prayers (see Romans 8:26,27). He shapes and molds our burdens and intercessions to be in harmony with the Father's will. Not only does Romans, but many other sources including Ephesians and Jude, show us the HOLY SPIRIT is our greatest prayer partner on this earth.

Prayer Warriors, especially, need to know that these three are our "secret weapon of power."