Prayer Lesson Two <<<

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FIVE LEVELS OF PRAYER
Level 1 -- Seeking the Hands of God

For the purpose of this study, we have divided prayer into five different levels.

Level Five: Intercessory Prayer (Prayer before the throne for others)
Level Four: Spiritual Warfare (Prayer from the throne of authority)
Level Three: Seeking the Face of God (Revival Prayer)
Level Two: Sweet Hour of Prayer (Survival Prayer)
Level One: Seeking the Hands of God (Prayer only because of needs)

The lowest form of communication with God is praying only because of a personal need. This can be considered "seeking the hands of God." Consider these verses of Scripture: "And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he he did on them that were diseased" (John 6:3).

"Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves and were and were filled" (verse 26).

During the earthly ministry of Jesus, multitudes of people sought and followed Him, but very few of them were interesting in committing their lives to Him in real discipleship (verses 60, 66-68). To them Jesus was not much more than a Santa Claus with a bag full of good things. He could heal their sick bodies when they needed healing. He could give them food to eat when they were hungry. Only a very few ever thought of Jesus as Someone they could enjoy fellowship with, and Who desires fellowship in return.

Today it is almost the same. Most Christians unfortunately are living on this level of a relationship with Jesus. Their prayer life is almost nil--unless a serious problem arises. Then they know right where to go:

"Hey Jesus. This is Alfred. You are the one I come running to every time I have problems. I bought this new car, and now I'm having problems paying the payments. Would you help me with this?"

What if Jesus response was: "Sorry Al. I'm supposed to be your best friend. In fact, I died for you. You didn't mention what you are busy doing. You always seem to have plenty of time to do whatever you want to do. You always have lots of time for your earthly friends. I seem to be fresh out out of cash, so better you go see them!"

Many Christians try to live on the blessings they receive at spiritual church services. It never occurs to them that the reason the services are spiritual is because somebody prayed! Other Christians feel that the pastor and leaders are supposed to do all of the praying, and because of this kind of reasoning they never enjoy the close fellowship that Jesus Christ desires to have with them.

Before the world was ever created, Jesus had us in His mind. He paid the price for salvation so that we could enjoy beautiful fellowship with Him (Ephesians 1:4). This is to be a daily affair with Jesus, not a once or twice a week relationship.

Consider this truth. He is a jealous God. If the only time we pray is when we have problems -- He will make sure that we have plenty of them!

Salvation is far more than free hell-fire insurance. When we are born again, we are born into the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Suddenly His interests become our interests--the winning of souls, the building and strengthening of our local churches, and the expanding and establishment of Christ' church all over the earth. We are not just living for ourselves, but we have begun to live for Jesus, and for other people.

But what can we do for the expansion of Christ's kingdom on earth? How can our life be more worthwhile? Play an instrument, sing in the choir, teach a Sunday School class? All of these are good, but the major need of this final hour is for people to give themselves to much fasting and prayer! ds