PRAYER BY PHIL SCOVELL

BEARING FRUITFUL PRAYERS

Phil Scovell

By Phil Scovell

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Phil Scovell
840 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, Colorado 80226-8017
Toll Free: 888-936-0001
Voice: 303-936-2188
Fax: 303-936-1841
Email: Phil@RedWhiteAndBlue.ORG
Web: WWW.RedWhiteAndBlue.ORG

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

PART I THE PLACE OF PRAYER 1
ABIDING WORDS 6
ABIDE 6
ILLUSTRATION 6

PART II THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER 7
PETITIONING DEFINED 8
ILLUSTRATION 9
PRAYER 9
DIAL #1 9
SUPPLICATION 10
THANKSGIVING 10

PART III THE POWER OF PRAYER 12
PERSON 12
PARTNERSHIP 12
POWER 12

APPLICATION 13

CONCLUSION 14

BEARING FRUITFUL PRAYERS

PHIL SCOVELL

JOHN 15:7-8

If you abide in me, and my Words abide in you, you
shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.
Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much
fruit; so shall you be my disciples.

INTRODUCTION

Jesus said: "Without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
Is the reverse true? "For with God nothing shall be impossible"
(Luke 1:34). Since both are true, the question is "How?" Jesus
makes reference to the "how" in John 15:7-8...through prayer.

PART I

THE PLACE OF PRAYER

From John 15:7-8, I offer twelve personal observations on
prayer which apply to the life of every Believer. They are not
theologically deep, obstreperous, nor spiritually abstract.
They show, however, the place prayer should hold in our lives and
we need to be continually acknowledging them as we make request
of our Lord.

Perhaps the most overwhelming, certainly the most
ostentatious, truth about John 15:7-8 is the acknowledgement that
God desires to answer our prayers. "You shall ask what you will,
and it shall be done unto you." He not only desires to answer
our prayers; it is His will; according to His Son's own words.

Closely connected is the promise that He in fact will answer
our prayers under certain conditions. "And it shall be done." ____

By simply reading John 15:7-8 we must quickly assume He has
the power to answer any request we make of Him. If He does not,
why say: "And it shall be done?"

An elementary observation of this text also reveals God's
willingness to see His people fruitful. "Herein is My Father
glorified, that you bear much fruit." If God desires His own to
be spiritually fruitful, we must conclude He has provided some
way of that being achieved.

This immediately brings us to the way in which such
fruitfulness is accomplished. "You shall ask what you will."
Prayer, and specifically the petitioning of God in prayer, is how
such spiritual fruitfulness is achieved for the Christian.

Our text begins with a condition: "If." That is, if we
do...He will...and if we don't...He won't? Yes, but the
condition is not "will He" or "can He," but "if we will." "If
you abide in me and my Words abide in you."

When we pray, petition God, we come with what I call our
"spiritual identity" or "integrity."

ILLUSTRATION #1

An aircraft, any aircraft, has what is commonly referred to
as a "signature." This signature is revealed when it is scanned
by radar. Simply put, the inbound aircraft has an identity. The
radar operator, air traffic controller, can identify what type of
an aircraft is approaching and can then give instructions as to
where it should fly, land, and in which order.

When we pray, we too have an identity - signature. When we
approach our Heavenly Father with our petition, we look like,
spiritually speaking, His Son Jesus. Of course, the reverse may
also be true. If we approach God with a petition looking like
someone other than His Son, we will find it impossible to receive
an answer. "What does that mean?" Most of the time we come
running to God for a quick fix, a snappy answer, or a cry for
immediate help! We are not, nor have we been, "abiding in Him,"
nor have His "Words" been abiding in us, and if the truth were
known; we probably don't intend on abiding in His Word after our
prayer is heard. Bless God, though, we're going to get an answer
and right now because God's Word is true! The Father says, "That
doesn't look or sound like any prayer I would honor," and it
isn't. Thus, what generally occurs is a loss of spiritual fuel.
In another words, we crash and burn before ever landing our
petitions before God. How do I know this is what normally
happens when we pray? If you accuse God of being deaf, think He
is too busy to take time for your prayers, threaten to give up,
suggest he is perhaps powerless, get mad, cuss, jump up-and-down,
stomp your foot, punch holes in the wall, spit, kick the dog,
slam the door, pull your or someone else's hair out, skip church
because of, withhold your offerings, neglect your Bible, threaten
never to pray again, avoid other Christians, refuse to sing
during church, or anything else remotely close to such behavior,
it is a pretty safe bet He isn't abiding in you and you sure-a-
shootin' ain't abiding in His Word. .

ILLUSTRATION #2

One day i went to the bank to cash a check. Passing it over
the counter, I waited patiently with my identification card in
hand. A Minute passed and she, the teller, returned with my
cash counting it out and placing it in my hand. "DOn't you want
to see my ID?" I questioned.
"No," she said, "wE checked the signature on your check
against the signature cards we had you sign when you opened your
account. They're the same," she smiled, "so there's no problem."
That is exactly what happens when we pray. Our names are written
in heaven (Luke 10:20). One might worry, however, that their
name isn't good enough. We likewise have the signature, name of
Jesus, to back us up. When our petition comes before God, He
looks to His Son and shows Him the request. "Is this your
signature Son," He, God, asks. "Yes, Father," Jesus responds,
"that's one of mine. Put it through." In a very earthly sense,
this is what happens when we pray in Jesus name. That is, we
must pray as Jesus would have prayed and his Words must abide in
us; else the petition is invalid - without correct signature. If
you have not been getting answers to your prayers of late, ask
yourself, "Who do I sound like when I pray?" Jesus? The Devil?
If you are not abiding in Him and His Words are not abiding in
you, you will not be sounding like His Son when you pray. By the
way, simply closing your prayers with "in Jesus name" does not
mean you are abiding in Him. It is how we live which proves what
we say is what we mean when we pray.

Something else I believe is note worthy from John 15:7-8 is
that, if we meet the conditions, we can anticipate an answer from
our Heavenly Father. "And it shall be done unto you."

This word, "done," is a rather interesting word. To
simplify things, I will refer to a single verse where the same
word is used three times successively in a very powerful way.

All things were made by Him; and without Him was not
any thing made that was made (John 1:3).

In each of these three cases, the word "made" is the same
word translated "done" in John 15:7..."And it shall be done unto
you." That's right! It is a CREATION word. When we pray and ________
make request of God, if we meet the conditions, we have the
creative power of God Himself working in our behalf. I believe
it even means that our Heavenly Father will create something out
of nothing, if necessary, to answer our prayers. That is
"bearing fruitful prayers!"

An overwhelming fact, easily missed, is that this tremendous
promise is personal! "If YOU abide in Me, and My Words abide in ___
YOU, YOU shall ask what YOU will and it shall be done unto YOU." ___ ___ ___ ___
Personalize your petitions if you desire a personal response.

Fact: God is honored when we ask of Him. "Herein is My
Father glorified." If, by our asking, He were grieved, worried
about our request, too busy to listen, wearied by, aggravated,
irritated with, or just simply not willing to do anything, how
could He thus be glorified?

It is our Father's will that our prayers not only be
answered but that we abound with answer-after-answer-after-
answer. "Herein is My Father glorified, that you bear much
fruit."

The word "much" means little to us today but in the day
which Jesus spoke it, it carried power and great force. It was a
word which might have been used to describe a rainbow - having
"much" color. That is: many colors. Our Lord is not only
desirous of having His people pray and ask of Him, but He is
willing to answer our prayers, and He wants to answer our prayers
over-and-over again - "much," or many times.

Getting your prayers answered shows, demonstrates,
discipleship. "Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much
fruit, so shall you be my disciples." The best witness we can be
for our Lord is to get our prayers answered. When, and if, you
get your prayers answered; even the lost will be attracted to you
because everyone, especially the lost, want God to hear their
prayers. Pray for your lost friends, relatives, and co-workers.
Let them know you are praying for them concerning situations they
face - marital problems, illness, hardships, financial
difficulties, personal problems - and as God begins to work in
their life through your prayers, they will be drawn to the
Saviour.

Although my final observation will not be popular, it must
be made: "Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much
fruit; so shall you be my disciples." Do you see it? If we are
not "bearing much fruit," that is, if we are not getting answers
to our prayers: [A] the Father is not being glorified, and [B]
are we His disciples?

Many today attempt to demonstrate their Christian identity
by saying: "See my faithfulness? I never miss church. I always
go." Or, "See my giving? I give a lot. You can never out-give
God...bless the Lord." Or, "See my love? I love everybody.
People can see God in me because I show His love." Or, "See my
gifts? I cast out devils in His name. I lay hands on the sick
and they recover. See my gifts at work for God?" Or, See my
position in the church? I'm a deacon. I'm an elder. I'm the
pastor! See where God has placed me?" Or, "See my training?
I've been to seminary, Bible college, the best in the land!" Or,
See my standards? Look at how I walk the line for the Lord. I'm
straight, I'm narrow, I never deviate. See all the things I do
for the Lord? I read my Bible, I pray, I tithe, support missions
and others in need. I memorize Scripture, I go to church, I win
the lost to Christ. Besides, look at all I don't do for the
Lord...I don't smoke or drink or take drugs or live sinfully.
See my standards?" Or, "See my doctrine? See what I believe and
don't believe? God knows I'm Ok!"

Now that we have gotten it out of our system; none of those
things proves discipleship. I could name dozens of cults and
other nonchristian sects which could boast of all such
dedication. The real Christians, the real followers of Christ,
the real disciples of Jesus Christ get their prayers
answered...Jesus said so..."So shall you be my disciples."

ABIDING WORDS

Now that you are good and mad, let me comment on what I
believe to be the meaning of "If my words abide in you." This
must certainly be the key to experiencing regular and consistent
answers to prayer.

There are, generally speaking, two basic Greek words used in
the New Testament for the term "word."

We know, of course, our Lord Jesus is called "THE WORD."
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God" (John
1:1-2). "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John
1:14). There is absolutely no denial that these are references
made of our Lord Christ as "THE WORD." In this case, the Greek
word logos is used to refer to what I call "God breathed." That
is, the totality of God's Word. In the case of Scripture, for
example, it is correctly called "The Word of God." In the case
of our Saviour, He is "The Word Of God;" personalized and
personified as God's Son.

The other term for "word" was used by Jesus when He said,
"If my words abide in you." This Greek word is rhema and means,
"Thus saith the Lord." Simply stated, rhema can be seen as those
words of promise to those who are His disciples. John 15:7-8,
for example, is a rhema word or promise from God. The entire Old
and New Testaments, however, are the logos word or the complete
Word. In another words, John 15:7-8 is personal and is only
applicable to those belonging to Christ. The Bible, on the other
hand, is applicable to all whether they believe God's Word or
not.

ABIDE

The word "abide" is used over one hundred times in the
New Testament. (Abode, dwell, remain, tarry, continue, endure,
present), and (stand), are but a few other ways in which "abide"
have been used by the King James translators.

ILLUSTRATION

Most Christians pray about like they camp. We spend two
weeks preparing. Packing the trunk, loading the boat, buying
food, stocking the cooler, practicing casting in the backyard,
digging worms, preparing the camper, etc. Then we buzz out to
the lake and spend an entire day setting up the tent, or camper,
and unloading everything. The minute it begins to sprinkle, we
yank everything down, jam it into the trunk/camper/boat, and
drive like crazy back to town.
Jesus said, "If you abide - remain in, abode in, dwell with,
continue in, stand on - no camping...permanent dwelling; your
prayers will be answered. In another words, when we pray, we are
to build a permanent dwelling place upon the Holy rhema
word/words of God - His promises - then we can "ask what we will"
and expect something to happen. If we are just happy campers and
not house builders, prayer is fruitless.

Paul wrote, "Let the rhema/word of Christ dwell in you
richly." Why? You cannot get your prayers answered otherwise.
If we will allow God's Word to dwell, inhabit, our lives richly -
consider God's Word to be of great value and thus live as
Scriptural millionaires - our prayers would become powerful
manifestations of the work of Christ in our lives as "THE LIVING
WORD."

PART II

THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER

Have you ever noticed the different responses you get from
people who dial the wrong telephone number? When they are told,
"No, I'm sorry. You've dialed the wrong number," some slam down
the phone, some cuss, some experience brain-lock and maintain
connection breathing heavily into the mouth piece, others insist
they dialed correctly, "So quit playing around and put Shirley on
the phone." Funnier yet is what happens next. Usually they
immediate redial your number again. When they have been
informed, for the second time, they have misdialed, they then get
good and mad! Most of us pray like that.

For years I prayed religiously for at least forty-five
minutes each day. I had my little list and prayed over each item
faithfully. If I was in a hurry, I could breeze through my list
in twenty minutes; but admittedly I did not feel quite as
spiritual on those days. I, like the dedicated phone dialer, was
doing everything I knew to do. I was praying...they were
dialing. I was trying to reach God...they were trying to reach
someone. I was praying everything I knew to pray...they were
dialing all the required digits. I knew with whom I wished to
speak...they knew with whom they wished to speak. I continued to
get the wrong answers...they, the misdialer, likewise got the
wrong answers. I would get mad...they would get mad.. No matter
how long, how often, how faithful, or how sincere we may be, if
we dial/pray incorrectly; even if we get the correct number of
digits, we will still be unable to receive an answer.

About this time, many Christians stomp their foot and
confess: "I'm doing the best I can." That may certainly be true
but Father God is not obligated to answer prayers based on "your
best." He promises, however, to answer any and all our prayers
based upon His best - His Word..."If you abide in me, and my
Words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be
done unto you." If we proclaim that such is unfair, we are just
as wrong as the person who dials the incorrect phone number and
then blames the person on the other end. Stop complaining about
always getting the wrong number and learn how to "REACH OUT AND
TOUCH" your Heavenly Father.

PETITIONING DEFINED

Although I have written on the subject of "petitioning" in
my booklet "God's Three Steps To Answered Prayer," I feel it
necessary to do so again in light of those things already
mentioned.

I JOHN 5:14-15

And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that,
if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us:
And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we
know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

The incorrect interpretation of this passage has caused more
frustration in the life of the praying Christian than perhaps any
other on the subject of prayer. Most interpret this to mean,
"Well, maybe He will and maybe He won't." Or, "I'll pray about
it for awhile and if I don't get my answer, well then, it just
isn't God's will." That is blaming God when it is we who have
dialed incorrectly. I John 5:14-15 cannot mean "Maybe He will
and Maybe He won't" Nor can it mean if an answer is not
received, "Well, it wasn't His will." The passage concludes
with, "and we know that we have the petitions that we DESIRED." _______
Remember Jesus said, "You shall ASK what you will, and it shall ___
be done unto you." These two words, "desired," and "ask" are the
same Greek word. Both passages, I John 5:14-15 and John 15:7-8,
say that WE are to "ASK" and if we do so, not only are we assured __
an answer - "and it shall be done unto you" - but we can likewise
pray with "confidence" - boldness.

The problem most of us face when praying is what does it
mean if we don't receive an answer right away. "Well, it must
not have been God's will or I would have gotten my answer?" Is
that how you dial a friend on the phone? Do you dial and then,
if there is no answer, assume they did not wish to talk to you?
Do you give up and say, "Well, I'm never going to call that
person again. They just don't want to talk to me." Then why
pray that way? If God does not answer a particular prayer right
away, why would we assume He is not interested in doing so;
especially when He said He wanted to answer? What happened to
faith? Stop being paranoid. Just keep praying and claiming His
promises. He said He would answer. If you do not have faith
when you pray, don't dial His number...it will look like He, God,
is not home or that He is not interested in hearing from you.

ILLUSTRATION

The first time I applied for a business loan, I discovered:
[1] I was asking for more than they were willing to lend, and
[2] my request was made according to my terms. When the loan
officer explained the bank's terms, I reapplied and secured a
loan. Knowing the bank's terms and asking according to those
terms made the difference. So it is with God. We either ask
according to His terms or experience rejection and frustration.
If we, on the other hand, are willing to conform to His terms for
asking, we can petition Him with great confidence - boldness.
Thus, interpret I John 5:14: "And this is the confidence that we
have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His terms, He
hears us."

The word "petitions" in I John 5:15, "and we know that we
have the petitions that we desired of Him," is also found in one
of Paul's epistles.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known unto God.

The word "requests" is the same Greek word translated
"petitions" in I John 5:15. Thus we discover God's terms for
asking: "Prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving."

PRAYER

It is amazing how often we pray without ever really praying.
We tell Him all about the problem and how difficult it is for us.
We inform Him on just how worried we are that things are not
going to turn out well. We remind the Lord that He did not do
too well the last time we asked Him for help - probably because
we're such a poor Christian - and we even doubt that He will do
much this time; but, bless God, we ask nevertheless. So much
for praying.

If we are going to petition God, we must ask. The word for
"praye" in Philippians 4:6 means exactly that - to ask. The
Greek word proseuche for "prayer" simply means to pray. Its
prefix pro means (forward) or )in front).

DIAL #1

Calling long distance has been made convenient with "dial 1"
service. The days of requiring the assistance of an operator are
nearly gone. Now we simply press #1, followed by an area code,
followed by the seven digit number. When you pray, REMEMBER to
"dial #1." Do not forget the pro of prayer - in front - where
God is. Place the God of answered prayer "in front" where He
belongs. Turn from the natural realm where the problem resides,
and step into the supernatural where God, who is Spirit, lives.
It is there, in the spiritual realm, where our petitions are
presented before our Heavenly Father. Remember, however, to be
sure to put on the whole armor of God as you do so. [See Eph.
6:10-18 for instructions]. As we do so, we will be spiritually
conceiving and God will thus give life, answer, to our
prayer.

SUPPLICATION

Following conception, there is a period of gestation -
development - which precedes birth. If prayer, petitioning, is
spiritual conception, supplication is that period of gestation
and should be maintained until the answer is given - bORN. This
period of time, the time of supplication, is Scriptural
confirmation.

When a mother conceives, she has nine months in which to
CARRY her child. Her body changes physically because she now has
different needs chemically. Her emotions shift because of
hormonal changes. She eats differently and watches her diet.
Wise moms abstain from certain foods and activities to provide
the fullest protection possible for the growing child. Adequate
rest and proper sleep ADDITIONALLY play an important roll as the
baby develops. This period of gestation is, spiritually
speaking, supplication. and it is only the beginning.

After conceiving in the spiritual realm, it will take diligent
watchfulness if that petition, prayer, is ever to be born. Again
examining Ephesians 6:10-18, we see that we are doing spiritual
battle when we pray. We are additionally commanded: "Praying
always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints." The "watching", protecting, is supplication. It is
during that period of gestation, development, in which we take
God's Holy Word and confirm His promises.

Such agreement with God is what Jesus was teaching His
disciples in John 15:7-8: "If you abide in me, and my Words
abide in you." I mentioned earlier that this word, "abide," was
translated elsewhere in the King James Version as (abode, dwell,
remain, tarry, continue, endure, present), and (stand). Such is
the nature, character, of "supplication." Protect your petitions
by confirming the promises of God's Word perpetually. How long
should you practice such prayer? Until you receive an answer; of
course.

THANKSGIVING

If you get the idea that personal responsibility is ended
when you receive an answer to your prayers, think again. Paul
said that when such petitions were made, it was to be done by
"prayer, supplication, and with thanksgiving." This giving of
thanks is available to every Believer for the expressed purpose
of protecting that petition until maturity - fruition. This
"thanksgiving" is an attitude of spiritual contentment. How can
we be spiritually content when the answer has not yet come? By
faith!

Many Christians express concern over giving thanks in
advance of any answer not yet experienced. This attitude of
contentment is not thanking God for an answer not yet received.
It is thanking God for being the God of every circumstance. It
is appreciating God for having the power to answer our requests.
It is the utilization of God's promises in the spirit of
agreement. It is seeing, knowing, that God hears and answers the
prayers of His people. the expression of such spiritual
contentment demonstrates our faith. The greek word for
"thanksgiving" means (the usage of grateful language). Hence;
worship. Worship god during the period of gestation. It is
perhaps our most powerful weapon as believers.

It is amazing how often a baby, then a child, and finally a
teenager, tries to kill themselves during the various stages of
growth development. Falling during the weeks of learning to
walk, cracking their head on the corner of the coffee table,
rolling down the stairs, getting bitten by the dog, scratched by
the cat, and stung by a bee all contribute to their early
education. Later they discover touching hot stoves, crashing
bicycles, falling from trees, stepping on rusty nails, breaking
bones, stapling fingers together, hammering thumbs, scraping
knees, and rolling off top bunks as useful tools for increasing
their knowledge of life as growing children. Then it gets worse.
Parents spend most of this time simply trying to protect their
children from doing great bodily harm to themselves.

How far are you willing to go to protect your prayers. How
much time are you willing to spend in worshiping god as you wait
for your petition to be answered? When it is answered, how much
time is generally spent in praise and adoration of the God who
heard and answered your request? If this aspect of petitioning
is overlook or neglected, the Devil, who comes to steal, kill,
and destroy, will rob us of many blessings. Show spiritual
contentment when you petition God. Exercise thanksgiving.

PART III

THE POWER OF PRAYER

ROMANS 8:26-27

Likewise the Holy Spirit also helps our infirmities:
for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:
but the Holy Spirit Himself makes intercession for us
with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He - God -
who searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the
Holy Spirit, because He - the Holy Spirit - makes
intercession for the saints according to the will of
God.

Frankly, most of us forfeit answers to prayer by simply not
knowing the Holy Spirit. This section could be just as easily
called "THE PARTNER OF PRAYER" because thus is the nature and
ministry of the Holy Spirit.

PERSON

I know, for most, it is silly to point out that the
Holy Spirit is a person, but you would be amazed at the number of
so-called Christian groups which deny his personage. He, the
Holy Spirit, is indeed a person and this "Person" is no less than
God Himself. We are commanded in Scripture to "walk in the
Spirit" (Gal. 5:16). Likewise we are commanded to "pray in the
Spirit" (Eph. 6:18 & Jude 20). One would find these commands
impossible to honor if the Holy Spirit is not a real person. So,
get to know the Holy Spirit. How? Pray!
PARTNERSHIP

It is comforting to realize the Holy Spirit becomes
personally involved with us as we pray: "Likewise the
Holy Spirit helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should
pray for as we ought: but the Holy Spirit Himself.." Just
praying alone once is enough experience to realize we need help!
He, the Spirit of God, personally becomes involved so acknowledge
His presence when you pray.

The word "helps," or "helpeth" in the King James, means "to
take hold, together, against." The Holy Spirit takes hold with
us on the other end of our prayers and helps carry the load as it
is presented before the Father. He even "makes intercession."
This is literally translated (makes prayers), or you could say
the Holy Spirit (generates) or (creates) prayers in our behalf.
I should point out, however, He does not do so unless we pray.
He is our Partner and He does not work alone.

POWER

Power is released when the Holy Spirit "makes intercession"
for us. This little phrase, "makes intercession" is used twice
by Paul in context. The first is when we are told the
Holy Spirit "Makes intercession" with groanings which cannot be
uttered." As just mentioned, this means He "makes prayers" for
us.

The second usage is in verse 27: "because the Holy Spirit
makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
The translation of this second use of the term "makes
intercession" is slightly different than the first. This time it
means (to confer with God). In an earthly sense, the
Holy Spirit, our partner in prayer; sits down with the Heavenly
Father and confers, counsels, with Him concerning God's perfect
will for our lives. As one might hire an attorney to represent
Him in a court of law, so the Holy Spirit represents us before
the God who hears and answers prayer. He, the Holy Spirit,
speaks the language of the Holy Court - "groanings which cannot
be uttered." This does not mean the Holy Spirit offers
unspeakable prayers; simply prayers which are unnatural; humanly
speaking. Other New Testament translations render this phrase,
"prayers too deep for human words." Such is the ministry of the
Holy Spirit as a partner in petitioning God. We must conclude,
therefore, such intercessory prayer is supernatural - powerful.

APPLICATION

ACTS 1;8

But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost
is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto
me..."

The Holy Spirit's manifestation of power is realized in
being filled. The reason we do not receive answers to our
prayers, see the lost won to Christ, regular and consistent
growth in the Christian life, miracles, and the like; is because
we are not filled with the Spirit.

"But don't I have the Holy Spirit if I'm born again?"

Certainly! - (Eph. 1:13). But do we have power? If we do, then
we are filled...if not, we are not filled. Being unable to
experience perpetual answers to our prayers is a flashing neon
sign testifying we are not Spirit filled.

"Does it really make that much difference?"

After being filled with the Holy Spirit, I immediately began
to experience answers to my prayers. I had gotten some prayers
answered before; but with no regularity nor understanding.
Within six months of being filled with the Spirit, I received
more answers to my prayers than since I had been born again. I
am not exaggerating! What made the difference? I began to pray
in the Spirit and He, the Holy Spirit, became my faithful Partner
as I prayed.

I encourage you to be filled with the Spirit if you desire
His partnership when you pray.

"How will i know when I am filled?"

"You will receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon
you!"

"What is the evidence of that power?"

Acts 2:4 says, "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and
began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them
utterance."

"But I don't believe in speaking in tongues...that died out
with the last apostle."

That, and other related questions, you will have to answer for
yourself from Scripture. If we deny the evidence of the
Holy Spirit in today's New Testament Church, He will not manifest
His power, prayers will remain unanswered, miracles will not
occur, few will be saved, and the Devil will maintain control of
this world. I choose to believe the Holy Spirit was sent to
minister power and that such power will be evidenced when we are
filled by Him.

CONCLUSION

What must we do then? We must bear fruitful prayers by
praying. We must likewise believe that God honors His Word. We
must, by faith, pray and expect God to hear and answer our
prayers as He promised in Scripture. We must pray with
confidence - boldness. We must rely upon the ministry of
intercessory prayer by means of the person of the Holy Spirit.
We must likewise be filled with the Spirit if we plan to pray in
the Spirit. We must pray faithfully, consistently, and
deliberately. We must be found faithful before our God. We must
"Pray without ceasing" (I Thess. 5:17). Then we must allow our
praises to be heard by God and all upon the earth. "We serve the
God who hears and answers prayer!"

End Of Document

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