In GOD's Presence - Part Ten

Worship is not just about having a supernatural encounter with the Almighty... Worship is a lifestyle that's designed to conform our wills to GOD's, thereby aligning our hearts with His.

My illustrious pastor was teaching on prayer this past Sunday evening (7/19); and, once again, just when I thought this series was over, the Holy Spirit used him to drop another nugget of insight regarding a life in GOD's presence that I needed to write about.

When we pray (petition the throne of GOD), we ought to be specific regarding our requests. General, blanket-style prayers are ineffective because (1) we're unclear about what we're really asking of GOD and (2) we would have no idea of determining when our prayers are indeed answered. So the question raised then is why are we not making known our SPECIFIC requests unto GOD? I submit to you that believers pray so generally because they lack clarity concerning the will of GOD for their lives.

The Word says that GOD will give (or wills to give) us the desires of our hearts (our will). This scripture is trying to convey that there must exist between the grantor and the grantee the power of agreement. How so? Because no matter how badly we want something, GOD is not obligated to give us that which does not line up with His will and intentions for us. I know that's a hard pill to swallow; but trust me, it will save us all a lot of grief.

So you may be asking then, "How am I supposed to know the will and intentions of GOD and tap into this power of agreement?" I'm so glad you asked. The solution: dwelling in GOD's presence. Our quest as Kingdom citizens should be knowing the heart (the will) of our King. Doing so, however, requires spending quality time with GOD.

In our human relationships, we're able to determine the intentions of others through our interactions with them. These encounters create opportunities for us to discern each others' characters, beliefs, mindsets and wills through spoken words and behavioral actions. The clarity we gain from these experiences then empowers us to know exactly who and what we're dealing with as well as what we are able to receive from them. If this is of importance to our human relationships with each other, then how much more so with our heavenly Father.

Let me take this to another level for you. Holiness (or "wholly-ness", "oneness") is simply one's words being consistent with one's actions, which are both consistent with one's identity. For example: GOD identifies Himself to us as our provider, His Word promises us provision, and we experience Him providing for us. See the consistency? But it takes us interacting consistently with GOD to achieve this level of confidence in Him and His holiness.

When we are in GOD's presence, we breathe GOD's air. GOD's very character fills us, and we receive His inspiration. Worship is not just about having a supernatural encounter with the Almighty. I recently heard a quote from Judson Cornwell that says, "Worship is extravagant love and extreme obedience." Worship is a lifestyle that's designed to conform our wills to GOD's, thereby aligning our hearts with His. Worship inspires an unshakeable, unwavering confidence in GOD because our interactions with Him literally knit our hearts to His. Our longings and desires become consistent with His. This is what harnesses the power of agreement to produce powerful prayers that achieve results.

You see, when our hearts are aligned with GOD's, we're only petitioning Him to do what He's already purposed to do for us. It's just another degree of "homologeo", saying what has already been said. GOD only needs a conduit in the earth realm through which His will and intentions can be made manifest. Therefore, an objective of living in GOD's presence is for our desires to match GOD's purposes. Whatever GOD purposes to do in the earth, He's going to do through us. This how we impact the world.

I encourage you to resolve today (1) that general prayers are henceforth unacceptable, (2) that you will spend quality time with GOD to better know His heart, and (3) that you will allow your heart to become aligned with His. GOD wills to give you the desires of your heart when your will is in harmony with His purpose. Therefore, whatsoever you ask in Jesus' name, YOU CAN BELIEVE WITH CONFIDENCE that you already have it.

Until next time, be blessed beyond measure!