…so They’re ALWAYS Getting Results

Have you ever felt your prayers for help were like shooting a flare in the sky over a deserted island?

It looked impressive going up—even hopeful—but gravity eventually kicked in, and it was back on the ground in no time…with no noticeable impact.

God once warned the Israelites that disobedience to His Word would result in the sky over their heads becoming like bronze (Deuteronomy 28:23)—keeping rain from falling down and prayers from going up.

Thankfully, the blood of Jesus not only redeems us from that curse (a closed heaven), but it also guarantees us an unobstructed flow of heaven’s BLESSINGS (Galatians 3:13-14). And part of those BLESSINGS include the promise that God will always hear us (1 John 5:14).

The Lord once told Brother Copeland, Kenneth, I’m not trying to keep anything from you. I’m doing everything I can to get things to you!

That’s God’s attitude and approach to all of us who are in hot pursuit of Him, especially when it comes to prayer and keeping the lines of communication open.

Brother Copeland describes the Bible as a Prayer Book, loaded with all kinds of prayers for us to use in all kinds of situations. That’s why the Apostle Paul tells us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18, NIV).

But maybe you’re not so convinced God’s all that interested in hearing from you.

Well, give these words—from the heart and lips of Jesus—a moment to sink in:

• Ask, seek, knock (Matthew 7:7-8)
• Always pray, never give up (Luke 18:1-8)
• Keep on asking and you will receive (John 16:24)
• God gives us what we ask for (1 John 5:15)
• God goes over and above what we ask for (Ephesians 3:20)
• You don’t have because you don’t ask (James 4:2).

Picking up on a theme?

Ask! God wants you to, and even expects you to.

Your heavenly Father is fully committed to receiving and responding to any S.O.S. you send His way. There’s NO hesitancy on His part. But maybe you could use a confidence boost before you start launching your next round of prayers and requests heavenward.

Again, there’s no one, set way to pray—except always in faith, always believing God. So, study and consider how to apply the following six different aspects of prayer that can connect you with God on new levels and bring the changes you so want in your world.

Prayer Boost No. 1: Heavenly Grants

“Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted to him. Therefore, I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you.” –(Mark 11:23-24, NASB)

To grant something is to allow it, permit it or give it (as with a gift). It’s where the lesser person in a situation is blessed by the greater one (Hebrews 7:7). But even if a grant is offered as a gift, it usually comes with conditions.

As we’ve already seen—when it comes to our prayers—there’s no doubt that God stands ready to grant whatever we ask. Yet, Jesus couldn’t seem to emphasize it enough…

“I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name” (John 16:23).

Here, what boosts our prayers to the Father is using the Name of Jesus—the Name above every name, the Greater One (Philippians 2:9-11; 1 John 4:4). The Greater One (God) grants our request when we use the authority we have in Jesus’ Name. His Name allows us access to the Father (John 14:6).

Just before He went to the cross, Jesus challenged His disciples: “You believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1, NIV).

That’s the same challenge we face today as praying believers. Jesus made some BIG promises while He was on this earth—but God will back every one of those promises by granting our requests when we use the Name of Jesus in faith.

Prayer Boost No. 2: Earthly Agreements

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” –(Matthew 18:19-20, NIV)

Notice, Jesus started off by saying, “Again, I tell you….”

In other words, “I’m going to tell you this over and over until you get it!”

The principle and power of agreement was a done deal in Jesus’ mind and the Father’s. We’re the ones who need to wrap our minds—and faith—around it.

For the past 55 years, Brother Copeland has told us that the most powerful force on the face of this earth is a covenant agreement between two or more of God’s people, particularly a husband and wife. It’s on the same level of impact as God’s covenant with Abraham, or even His covenant with Jesus (mind-boggling, but true.)

A verse earlier (Matthew 18:18), Jesus told His disciples, “I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

This is heaven and earth coming into agreement. So, we’re not talking about global impact. Jesus was thinking way beyond that. We’re talking all creation—that’s the level of influence your prayers can have!

Still, the challenge is the “agreement” part (right?).

Later, we will see another prayer boost that’s a big help in finding—and staying in—that place of agreement. For now, just allow Jesus’ (and the Father’s) level of commitment to sink in as you are willing to link hands, faith and prayers with another believer in the power of agreement. God will see those prayers through to fulfillment!

Prayer Boost No. 3: Faith

“Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” –(Ephesians 3:12)

Faith is a booster simply in the fact that it gives us the boldness and confidence to enter into God’s presence.

And when we get there, well, what do we do then?

Certainly, we behold our God and Father. We praise and worship and honor Him.

But while we’re there, the apostles remind us…

• “Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16)
•  “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, RSV)
• “Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well” (James 5:14-15).

Those are some friendly reminders that prayer changes things—and FAITH is what makes it happen. Faith is that boost our prayers need.

Prayer Boost No. 4: Forgiveness

“Prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.” –(James 5:15)

There’s a critical link between faith and forgiveness.

Forgiveness can boost your prayers toward heaven, accomplishing what you’re believing God for; whereas unforgiveness—leaving an issue of sin unresolved (either by not confessing yours or not forgiving someone else’s)—will send your requests tumbling back to the earth, with no hope of ever really getting off the ground.

One day, the room got really awkward when Jesus pushed back on some religious scholars over this very issue. He put them to the test by asking…

“Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or, ‘Stand up and walk!’?” (Matthew 9:5, TPT).

They were speechless, especially when He went ahead and healed the man He was referring to. His point: It takes as much faith (and authority) to forgive someone as it does for them to be healed.

The Apostle James took that revelation to the next level by telling us to…

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16).

So, we have to be in right relationship with God—and each other—to keep sin from obstructing our prayers and get the answers we’re looking for.

Prayer Boost No. 5: Praise and Worship

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!… Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” –(Philippians 4:4, 6)

Praising and worshipping God is prayer. It’s the highest form of prayer.

King David wrote more songs about God than any other person who ever lived. He was a God-worshipper who became a young warrior and wrote songs about his victories. His songs were his prayers. The book of Psalms—the largest book in the Bible—is full of David’s songs.

Psalms also contains two songs written by Moses, Psalms 90 and 91.

In Psalm 90, Moses intercedes on behalf of the Israelites who were dying prematurely before reaching their Promised Land. Their sin against God while crossing the desert was cutting their lives short.

In Psalm 91, however, Moses turns his prayer of intercession into a prayer of praise and worship…

“This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him” (Psalm 91:16).

As Moses finishes his song, God joins in and says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer…” (verses 14-15).

So, essentially, Moses sang the problem, then he sang the answer.

Brother Copeland quotes Kenneth E. Hagin as saying, “If you praise God long enough, the Spirit of glory will come. And when the Spirit of glory comes, the miracles, signs and wonders will follow.”

Brother Hagin called this the “praise cure” because, more than once in his life, he was healed while praising God. Brother Copeland has experienced those same kinds of healings—and you can too, when you add praise and worship to your prayer life.

Prayer Boost No. 6: Weapons

“We do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” –(2 Corinthians 10:3-5, NIV)

We have weapons—loaded with divine power—that guarantee results specifically in prayer. These weapons include:

• The Name of Jesus (John 14:13-14)
• The Word of God (John 15:7)
• Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1)
• Jesus, our Advocate (1 John 2:1)
• The Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26)
• The armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17)
• Praying in tongues (Ephesians 6:18).

We are in a war, and your prayers can be divinely empowered to demolish enemy strongholds, arguments, deceptions and any attempt to get into your head.

But first, when it comes to spiritual warfare—you need to know, really know…

“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” (Numbers 23:19).

Again, Jesus made some serious prayer promises, yet God has been faithful to back each one and make them good.

You also need to understand that once God has released His blessing, there’s nothing the enemy can do to reverse it, except to try and convince you otherwise (Numbers 23:20).

God has given you an arsenal, a cache of spiritual weapons at your disposal to reinforce the victory Jesus has already secured for you. Consider them a boost, a leg up, even an unfair advantage over your enemy, the devil.

So, when you go to your heavenly Father in prayer—go confidently. Then, do what Brother Copeland recommends: Take time to get still and listen.

What’s the next step the Holy Spirit is nudging you to take?

Should you write your request out as a grant, making it a declaration of faith and including some scriptures?

Do you need someone to agree with you? Or is there someone you need to forgive?

Maybe you sense you should spend time with God…and worship Him.

The point is: Listen. Then you’ll know what to do. As you take that next step, you’ll find that extra prayer boost you need—and the answers you seek.

 

Related Articles:

A Confession for Getting Your Prayers Answered

© 1997 – 2022 Eagle Mountain International Church Inc. Aka Kenneth Copeland Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

In our social media world of friending, following, emojis and gifs, how do we guard against relationships becoming too virtual, with not enough real to them?

For example, God sent the ultimate “friend request” in the form of His Son, Jesus:

“I am the Way,” Jesus said. “I am the True Reality, and I am the Life. No one comes next to the Father except through union with me” (John 14:6, TPT).

An offer to get “next” to God? Awesome opportunity, but how is that even possible?

Jesus went on to explain, “To know me is to know my Father too. And from now on you will realize that you have seen him and experienced him” (John 14:6-7, TPT).

So, the “friend” offer is real, but how does God expect us to “experience” Him?

Proverbs 18:24 tells us that “there are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”

This “real friend” is what the Bible would classify as a covenant relationship, like the friendship David and Jonathan had (1 Samuel 18). It’s also the kind of relationship God had with Noah (Genesis 6), Moses (Exodus 19), David (2 Samuel 7) and Solomon (1 Kings 9).

But probably the most amazing covenant relationship we see in Scripture is the one God and Abraham had:

• “The Lord said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham [My friend and servant] what I am going to do…. For I have known (chosen, acknowledged) him [as My own]’” (Genesis 18:17, 19, AMPC).
• “O our God…did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham?” (2 Chronicles 20:7).
• “But you, Israel…whom I [God] have chosen, the offspring of Abraham My friend” (Isaiah 41:8, AMPC).
• “The scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God’…and he was called God’s friend” (James 2:23, NIV).

“Friend of God” was not an honorable mention given to Abraham by family and friends after he died. It was an endearment God used for him personally.

When it comes to taking Jesus up on His offer to get next to God, maybe you’re thinking that level of relationship is WAY out of your range. It’s not that you wouldn’t want something like that—it’s just you can’t imagine getting THAT close to Him (you know, full transparency and all that).

Oftentimes, we’re encouraged not to look back to the past for danger of getting stuck there and not being able to move forward in our faith and life to what lies ahead for us as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

But this is one of those times you need to at least look over your shoulder and catch a glimpse—or, better yet, a full-on gaze—of what God was up to back in the day. Once you do, you’ll probably want to course-correct (do whatever it takes), so you land yourself in the middle of a friendship with God like you never thought possible.

If you dare to look back, here are 3 Things To Expect When You Become Friends With God:

1. You Belong Next to God

“God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ…and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” –(Ephesians 2:4-6, NKJV)

Notice how the Apostle Paul speaks to us from the past—“When we were dead….” God “made us alive….” God “raised us up….” God “made us sit….”

This is all past tense. It’s all in our rearview. It all happened long before we said Yes! to Jesus’ offer to come “next to the Father.” God sealed the deal long before you showed up, which is all part of a covenant relationship. It’s when one party (the Greater One), does for the other party (the lesser one) what they couldn’t possibly do for himself.

Paul drives the point home in Philippians 2:5-7, NASB:

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men.”

Why did Jesus forfeit His “equality with God”?

He did it so He could restore us to our original level of equality with God, to the level of relationship Adam and Eve had with Him before their “fall” (from equality with God) in the Garden of Eden. Jesus lowered Himself so He elevate us back to our children-of-God status (Romans 8:29).

So, just to be clear—God “made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

That doesn’t sound optional, does it?

There’s no debate. No discussion. No confusion as to the seating arrangements. (If there is, see Matthew 22:44; Acts 2:33; Ephesians 1:18-23; Revelation 3:21.)

Long, long ago, God made and reserved a place for you next to Himself. That’s where He saw you then. That’s where you need to see yourself now—in a place of power, authority, honor and glory.

That’s what only a covenant relationship—friendship—can do for you.

2. You’re in Good Company

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” –(Colossians 3:1-3)

As followers of Jesus, there’s an assignment we will ALL be working on for the rest of our lives on this earth—“setting our sights on” and “thinking about” the realities and things of heaven; and that’s to be expected. It’s something that even Jesus had to do while He was living down here (John 15:19, 17:14-16).

We’ve made the commitment to follow Jesus, and He has led us all the way into the throne room of heaven by having raised us to a “new life” with Him. Now it’s time to settle into our new home and new way life—our new way of relating to God, our new way of relating to people.

All that to say, each one of us is in transition. Our spirits were transformed, or reborn, the moment when we took Jesus’ offer. Our souls (mind, will, emotions) and bodies, however, are another matter. Those will take more time to transition, and that’s where we have to maintain our commitment by staying in process (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-24).

Again, Paul explains it like this:

“You were…[alienated] from the people of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God…. But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away [were made] near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12-13, NASB).

One moment we were far from God: the next, we’re up-close and personal. Now, it’s just a matter of taking some time for the rest of our being—our consciousness, awareness and thinking—to reprogram and catch up. It’s about focusing on and getting accustomed to the idea of being close to our heavenly Father.

Sadly, too many believers (though born again) still live as “aliens” and “strangers” to their covenant promises. They’re simply unaware of the potential their covenant relationship with God affords them, which is what prompted the Apostle Peter to write this:

“[God] has called us by name and invited us to come to him through a glorious manifestation of his goodness. As a result of this, he has given you magnificent [covenant] promises that are beyond all price, so that through the power of these tremendous [covenant] promises we can experience partnership with [His] divine nature” (2 Peter 1:3-4, TPT).

That’s why you’ll hear Kenneth Copeland say that we need to be covenant-minded ALL the time—that is, if we’re going to experience the same closer-than-a-brother kind of friendship Abraham enjoyed with God.

3. It’s All on God

“The Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am [El Shaddai]; walk before Me, [having integrity]. I will make My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly…. And you will be the father of a multitude of nations. For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.” –(Genesis 17:1-2, 4-5 NASB)

Abraham was 99 years old when God appeared to him and established this covenant. A year later, Sarah gave birth to their son, Isaac—and the covenant unfolded from there.

When God introduced Himself to Abraham as El Shaddai (“Almighty God”), it’s no coincidence that the phrase refers to a nursing mother. A nursing mother is everything to her child. She’s that baby’s origin of life, source of nourishment and guide to all the world that baby is about to experience.

God was telling His friend Abram, “I’m your Everything—I’m All you’ll ever need!”

“Not only that, Abram [which means’exalted father’], but I’m changing your name to Abraham [father of a multitude] because I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.”

See how God was speaking to Abraham (like Paul spoke to us) from the past?

God had already determined Abraham’s destiny. He had established it—and now—He was declaring it already fulfilled!

Again, this was the result of their covenant relationship. It was the Greater One acting on behalf of the lesser one.

Brother Copeland tells the story of how Napoleon Bonaparte was reported to have been reviewing his troops on horseback one time, when the massive stallion he was riding suddenly bolted. Immediately, a young private stepped out from formation and gained control of the horse, calming it and potentially saving his commander from harm.

“What’s your name, Captain?” Napoleon asked the young soldier.

“Sir, I’m a private,” the soldier replied.

“What’s your name, Captain?” Napoleon asked, but this time with emphasis.

Napoleon knew he was speaking to a private. But with one word, he promoted him on the spot. As commander, Napoleon had the power and authority to make this soldier—someone he obviously could count on—what he wanted and needed him to be.

In the same way, God—with one word, Abra-ham—made an old, heirless sojourner what He wanted and needed him to be. And He will do the same for you if you will let Him.

In 2 Chronicles 20:21, AMPC, we find a common phrase used throughout the Old Testament to describe God’s covenant love for His friends…

“Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!”

The Hebrew word used in that phrase, chesed, describes God’s love as an obligatory love, something He has to do. Because you are in covenant with Him, God is obliged to love you, no matter what. What’s more, He goes around looking for reasons to love you.

So, you have God’s “friend request” and maybe you’ve already clicked “accept.” But if the relationship seems at all distant, or maybe a little too virtual, take Paul’s advice:

“Set your sights” and “think about” where you really belong, whose company you’re in, and what all God has done—and continues to do—to keep the friendship up close, personal…and real.

© 1997 – 2022 Eagle Mountain International Church Inc. Aka Kenneth Copeland Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

Over the years I have learned some truths about prayer. I don’t know all there is to know about it, but I have learned key principles from the Word that have helped me walk in victory. These principles will work the same for you.

Before I go further, understand that I’m not saying you will never have any problems or challenges. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Challenges will come. But the problem is never with God. Nor is it with people. The problem is in the area of receiving. We also must wrestle with the forces of darkness—the devil.

By the grace and mercy of God and the power of your faith, you can overcome those obstacles and receive prayers answered. Thank God you have the Name of Jesus, God’s Word and the power of His Spirit—“the weapons of our warfare”—that guarantee results when you pray (2 Corinthians 10:4).

In the many situations my family and I have had to pray our way through, we have learned that believers can live victoriously in Christ Jesus, overcoming the problems. If Jesus is your Savior and Lord, you have victory in Him.

#1 – God’s Will Is Heaven on Earth

But first, you must establish your thinking in the truth that when you were saved, you were set free from the curse and all its effects listed in Deuteronomy 28. Galatians 3:13-14 says, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ.”

You may wonder why the effects of the curse are still on you if that’s true. They are on you because you haven’t cast them off. You haven’t believed and received what is yours.

The effects of the curse are here on the earth, but they don’t have any right to dominate you or have any power over you unless you yield to them and don’t take advantage of what is yours in Christ Jesus. James 4:2 says, “Ye have not, because ye ask not.” Verse 3 goes on to say, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss.” Just like a bank has set procedures for withdrawing money, God has given us a proper way to pray so that we will see results.

When you begin to see that, you will realize the world’s idea of prayer is not prayer at all. Prayer is not trying to get God’s attention. Prayer is not trying to get God to do something. He has already done it. He sent Jesus to the cross.

Prayer is communication with God, believing and receiving what He has already given you in Christ Jesus. Everything you will ever need is in Jesus, and when you made Him Lord of your life, it was given to you. All that remains is for it to be received. It has to be brought from the spiritual realm to this natural, physical realm. Philippians 4:19 declares, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

God’s plan for answered prayer is what Jesus was telling us when He prayed, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). God created the earth for man as a copy of heaven, a place to live like God lives. But because of the curse that came on the earth, not everything here is in line with God’s plan. God didn’t create man to be burdened with the effects of the curse like sin, sickness, fear, unbelief or evil spirits. His will is that heaven and earth run parallel to one another.

#2 – Live a Life of Prayer

So prayer—real Bible prayer—must be a lifestyle, not just a backup plan. In Luke 18:1, Jesus taught in a parable that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” He wasn’t talking about using prayer and faith as an escape hatch after everything has come apart. He was saying that your entire life should be built around prayer.

The Apostle Paul agreed. He said, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Don’t leave it up to your pastor to do your praying for you. Don’t wait until things become bad to pray. Build a communication with God every day. Listen to Him. Learn how He talks, what He does, how His prayer system works.

Prayer is always available to everyone. There is no situation that disqualifies anyone from prayer, because God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). Acts 2:21 declares that “whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

According to Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” God is an equal opportunity blesser. He doesn’t just hear “good” people. The deepest of sinners in the deepest sin can pray the prayer of repentance and receive Jesus as Lord. From that point on, he is qualified to continue in the other fields of prayer.

The only situation from which there is no deliverance is the rebellious refusal to pray at all. “Ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2).

Don’t let that be you. Instead live a life of prayer, receiving what God has for you.

#3 – Come Boldly…Through Jesus

When you pray, you don’t have to get God’s attention. You already have it. According to Hebrews 7:25, Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

God knows all about you and your situation. That is vitally important to your prayer life. Verses 14-16 go on to say:

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

When you make Jesus the Lord of your life, then your prayer life, your approach to God, is through Him. You pray to the Father, in Jesus’ Name. It’s in His righteousness, in His Name.

You pray in His “new and living way” as Hebrews 10:19-20 says: “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.”

Why can you come so boldly to the throne of grace? Because Jesus is your High Priest. You don’t come based on how good you are. Jesus’ blood has put you in right-standing with God. You’ve been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). First Peter 3:12 says, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.”

You have a right to pray and expect results. Jesus made this promise: “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you” (John 16:23).

#4 – You Have a Right to Believe and Receive

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have done, you have a right to believe.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus died for the whole world. If you are a human being, you have a right to believe that Jesus is Lord.

Once you step over into the realm of declaring Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have every right before God that Jesus has when it comes to praying, believing and walking with God. You share with Him in every privilege of having God lead, teach and develop you, keep you well and keep your family.

Galatians 3:29 says, “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” If you have made Jesus Lord, you are the seed of Abraham, and you have a right to believe and receive the promises of God.

Romans 4:16 says, “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all.” If you are the seed of Abraham, God’s promises are sure in your life. A sure promise is one that comes to pass when you stand on it.

The Word of God is a concrete foundation you can stand on. It undergirds all effective prayer. So make it final authority in your life. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

#5 – Always Start at the End

Base your prayer life on what God has already said and done. God’s Word—the sword of the Spirit—is His part of your prayer life, and it’s available to “whosoever will.” The Word is a copy of your covenant with God, signed in Jesus’ blood between God the Father and Jesus His Son. There is no failure in either of them.

It’s easy to believe God if you know what He said. Faith comes when you know what is His will for you to have. And His will is His Word. Find promises in the Word that cover your area of need, and pray based on those promises. When you do that, you are starting with the answer. You are starting with the truth.

Always go to God based on the answers you find in the Word. When you have faith in God and what He has said, faith will begin to grow up on the inside of you. Once you know what God said about something, believe you receive it. Believing is an action word, so praise and thank God for the answer.

Praying in the Name of Jesus, based on what God has said, puts you in position to receive from Him. It licenses Him to function in your life. It isn’t based on feeling. It’s based on believing what God said—believing is the key.

Remember, you have a right to pray and you have a right to believe. Jesus died for the whole world so whosoever believes can receive the victory He has paid for. God is no respecter of persons, but He does respect faith.

Learn to pray and stand on His promises for your every need. When you take God at His Word, He will answer.

Related Articles:

A Confession for Getting Your Prayers Answered

How to Pray the Prayer of Faith

© 1997 – 2022 Eagle Mountain International Church Inc. Aka Kenneth Copeland Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

by Kenneth Copeland

As new creations we have been put in a position of power and authority– a position delegated to us by God through Jesus Christ. Along with that authority come certain responsibilities. I want us to examine God’s Word concerning that position and the authority we have in Him.

When you made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life, Colossians 1:13 says you were delivered from the power of darkness. The word power is literally translated authority. You have been delivered from the power, or authority, of darkness and placed into God’s kingdom. Jesus said, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore…(Matt. 28:18,19). That power was given to you as part of your inheritance in Christ Jesus. You have entered into this position of authority because you are in Him.

The Word says that righteousness has come upon all men (Rom. 5:18). You may ask, “Then why don’t all become righteous?” Because in order to receive it, you have to act on righteousness from the point of authority.

On November 2, 1962, I used my authority as a human being and made a choice. I made the decision to receive Jesus as Lord of my life. At that moment, the righteousness that had been upon me came inside me. I was made the righteousness of God in Christ. Second Corinthians 5:21 says, He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

#1 – JESUS SECURED OUR POWER AND AUTHORITY

Jesus succeeded in securing all power by going to the cross, dying a horrible death, suffering the penalty for sin, and defeating Satan in the pit of hell. He came to earth as a man for one reason: to re-capture the authority that Satan had stolen through Adam’s disobedience in the garden. Jesus was called the last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45). After securing that power and authority, He freely gave it over into the hands of those who would believe on Him–you and me.

It is not enough for us to simply accept Jesus’ work at Calvary. We are held responsible for much more. Jesus’ words in the 16th chapter of Mark were not intended for the early church alone. His words are just as vital and real today as when they were first spoken.

Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection from the dead. His words to them form the basic foundation for the work of the New Testament church. It was at that time that He delegated the authority to carry out that work. Beginning in verse 15, Jesus said:

Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

#2 – WE HAVE AUTHORITY TO PREACH THE GOSPEL

Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Every born-again believer has the authority and responsibility to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this earth. If you can’t go, then you can send someone in your place.

And these signs shall follow them that believe….I want you to notice who is to do all these things: them that believe. The signs will follow the believers who act in faith and boldly speak in Jesus’ name. THEY shall cast out devils; THEY shall speak with new tongues; THEY shall lay hands on the sick, etc. The believer is the one with the power and authority to do these things.

Verse 20 says, They went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. God will confirm His Word, but first it has to be put forth. That is where you and I come in. God does not preach; He has given us the authority to do the preaching. God will not lay hands on the sick. He will bring the healing, but you and I as believers must lay hands on the sick by faith, believing that God will perform His Word.

#3 – WE HAVE AUTHORITY TO STAND AGAINST SATAN

One of the most vital areas of the believer’s authority is his power to successfully stand against Satan. Ephesians 4:27 says, Neither give place to the devil. In the sixth chapter of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul describes the armor that we as believers are to wear in combat against Satan. He explains each piece of that armor. It is the armor of God. But not once does he say that God will put the armor on you or that God will fight the devil for you. YOU is the understood subject of these verses. He says, “YOU be strong in the Lord. YOU put on the whole armor of God that YOU will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. YOU take the whole armor of God that YOU may be able to withstand in the evil day; and having done all, YOU stand.” God has given you the power and the authority to stand against Satan and his destructive works. He has provided the armor, but it is your responsibility as a believer to put on that armor and stand against the devil. James 4:7 says, YOU resist the devil, and he will flee from YOU. The armor and the weapons are at your disposal. God is there with you to back His Word; but all is worthless unless you take your position of authority and assume the responsibility to use what He has provided. You have the power and the authority to take the Word of God, the name of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit and run Satan out of your affairs. Don’t pray and ask God to fight Satan for you. You are the one in authority. Take your responsibility and speak directly to Satan yourself and stand your ground firmly. He will flee!

#4 – WE ARE SEATED WITH HIM IN HIGH AUTHORITY

In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul prayed a prayer for the body of believers in Ephesus. One part of that prayer was that they know the exceeding greatness of his power to those who believe (Eph. 1:19). That exceeding great power is the same power that God used to raise Jesus from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenlies. Ephesians 1:21 tells us that Jesus is seated far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named.

The work God did in Jesus was supreme. He raised Jesus from the dead and set Him far above all other authority–not only in this world, but also in the heavenly world. Then verse 22 says that God has put ALL things under His feet and made Him head over the church which is His body. Where are the feet? They are in the body. As believers, we are part of His body and we are seated with Him in that highly exalted place of authority. Praise God! Look at Ephesians, chapter two:

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins…Even when we were dead in sins, (God) hath quickened us together with Christ…And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:1,5,6).

We are seated together with Him. Where? Far above all principality and power and might and dominion. As a believer, you have accepted the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary. Therefore, you are a part of His body and are seated with Him in that heavenly place, equipped with the same power, the same authority that He has.

The great power that God worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead is the same creative power of God that worked in you to make you alive when you were dead in your trespasses and sins. The moment you made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life, that same power was exercised on your dead, unregenerate spirit, causing it to be reborn in the likeness of God Himself. Any man who is in Christ Jesus is a new creation: old things have passed away, all things are new, and all things are of God (2 Cor. 5:17).

“As believers, we are part of His body and we are seated with Him in that highly exalted place of authority.”

#5 – WE HAVE THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD TO EXERCISE OUR AUTHORITY

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awoke him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

And he said unto them, Why are you so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (Mark 4:35-40).

Jesus spoke the words, Let us pass over unto the other side, and there was enough power and authority in those words to accomplish the job. One thing I want you to notice is that Jesus did not take command of the ship to see that His words were carried out. He walked to the back of the boat and went to sleep. Jesus delegated the authority to His disciples and they accepted it. But when the storm came, they were filled with fear that the boat would sink. Jesus had to carry out the responsibility of authority that he had delegated to them by rebuking the wind and the sea.

“You have the power and the authority to take the Word of God, the name of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit and run Satan out of your affairs.”

I want you to see the parallel here. You are the captain of your ship. You have control over your own life–your spirit, your soul, and your body. Jesus has delegated power, or authority over Satan to you as a believer. You are to give him no place in your life. You are born of the Spirit of God. You are filled with the Spirit of God. You have been given the Word of God. Those three elements are enough for you to carry out your spiritual authority here in the earth. You don’t need any more power. You have all the power necessary. You simply have to exercise your authority. Jesus has already done everything necessary to secure the authority and power over sin, sickness, demons, and fear. You have to employ the faith action to receive that authority and join forces with Him in this earth. You are the one to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

#6 – WE HAVE AUTHORITY TO ACT AS NEW CREATIONS

Hebrews 2:14 says, Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same. Jesus partook of flesh and blood, so that you could partake of spirit and life. For you to partake of that spirit and life, you must take the responsibility of standing in the place of authority as the new creation in Christ Jesus that you are. You are born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God (1 Pet. 1:23). It was the Word of Almighty God that was injected into your spirit man to bring about the new birth in your life. When the church was first beginning, Acts 12:24 described it as the Word growing and multiplying. The Word is in you, but you are the one who must be willing to allow it to work in you.

Ephesians 4:21-24 says, If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

You are the one in authority. It is your responsibility to put off the old man–the unregenerate man that you were before you accepted Jesus. The Holy Spirit does the actual work in you, but you must make the decision to allow Him to do it. God has never forced His will on any person. YOU put off the old man. YOU use the Word of God to renew your mind. YOU put on the new man, which is created in righteousness and true holiness.

#7 – WE CAN MINISTER AND WALK FROM A POINT OF AUTHORITY

God’s power is in His Word. He is upholding all things by the word of His power (Heb. 1:3). You need to learn to minister and walk from a point of authority. In His earthly ministry, Jesus said such things as “Be thou made whole.” “Take up your bed and walk.” Then to a lame man Peter said in Acts 3:6, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” He too ministered and spoke from a point of authority.

“He came to earth as a man for one reason: to re-capture the authority that Satan had stolen through Adam’s disobedience in the garden.”

It’s time for you as a believer to begin to act that way. You have obtained an inheritance, and in that inheritance you have been given all authority. The God of the universe lives inside you! He lives and walks in you. Become God-inside-minded and you will begin to walk in this point of authority.

Keep right on building yourself up in your inheritance. You live in a world that is full of evil influences. Satan wants to see to it that you forget the reality of being born again. He wants to see to it that you never realize your place of authority in Christ Jesus, because if you do, that power you walk in makes you absolutely dangerous to him. He has no defense against you when you walk in the power of God’s Word.

When you see in the Word that you are in Christ Jesus, that you are in Him, then confess it with all of your heart. Then you will be strong, standing in a point of authority and operating in your inheritance in Him. As you do this, the power of God will always be available to work in your behalf. Praise God!

Related Articles:

Authority of the Believer BA Course

How to Use Your Spiritual Authority in Any Situation

© 1997 – 2022 Eagle Mountain International Church Inc. Aka Kenneth Copeland Ministries. All Rights Reserved.