TRANSFORMATION: THE SOIL 2 - The Prayer Element Continued

John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. [KING JAMES]

Transformation: To change in condition, nature, or character

John 12:24 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains [just one grain; it never becomes more but lives] by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest. [AMPLIFIED]

There is a good life that God prearranged and made ready for you to live. You have access to that life when you become recreated in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. [KING JAMES]

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. [AMPLIFIED]

To recreate is to renew or remake the Spirit of man. Once that empowerment takes place then the process of transformation can begin if you yield. You don’t willingly yield to transformation because you aren’t ready to yield your will, thoughts, or feelings to His Truth and allow His character to be developed in you.

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due (expected or planned for at a certain time; of proper quality) time: [AMPLIFIED]

When you are planted in Him, the dying process begins. The dying process must take place in order for your life to yield fruit. God is orchestrating this dying process to facilitate your transformation. He knows what it will take to cause you to yield so His will can manifest in your life. Hebrews 5:8 says Though He were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;. [KING JAMES] God is still using that same teaching tool.

Remember, while you are in your transformation, there are some elements that go to work on you. One such element is the Word. The Word comes to heal, deliver, quicken, strengthen, develop, and prosper you. The Word goes to work on you and it produces in your life if you receive it. You have to do more than come to church. You have to receive the Word, and yield to the Word. Say Lord be it unto me according to Your Word. The Word, when received, will bring life to what is within you. Mary received the Word she said “be it unto me according to Your word.” [Luke 1:38, KING JAMES]

After you receive that Word then you must pray that Word because prayer is another element that goes to work on you in your dying process. Prayer is probably the most misused element because you were taught to pray only when you are in trouble or need.

Philippians 4:6-7 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Prayer develops your relationship with God and demonstrates your trust and utter dependence upon Him. He wants you to talk with Him about everything.

Proverbs 3:5-6 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Remember, there are four keys to answered prayer.

· Prayer must be in accordance with His will

· Prayer must be offered in faith

· Prayer must be in the Name of Jesus

· Prayer is best when it is guided by the Holy Spirit

Not only are there keys, but there are benefits in developing a life of prayer as well. Prayer is not magic. It is not a ritual. You don’t have to be on your knees. You don’t have to bow your head. You don’t have to close your eyes to experience the benefits of having a prayer life.

The Benefits of Prayer

Fellowship is developed in prayer

Fellowship with God is the heart of prayer. In the transformation process you are getting reacquainted with God. How do you get reacquainted with Him? This is done in prayer. Just have a conversation with your Father.

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. [KING JAMES]

You pray to enjoy His presence and tell Him what is going on in your life. In this time of fellowship, you are able to make known the deepest feelings of your heart sharing your thoughts, emotions, needs, and desires.

Focus is maintained in prayer

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. [KING JAMES]

Challenges will get you off focus. It causes you to take detours trying to run away from the pain. Praying will keep you focused and you won’t yield to the desires of the flesh. It will keep you in hope and expectation

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Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; [KING JAMES]

Faith is released in prayer.

1 John 5:13-14 And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.

14 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him. [KING JAMES]

When you pray the Word, you are praying God’s will. You are letting Him know that you trust what His Word says about your situation and that you value His Word over your own desire and will.

Matthews 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [KING JAMES]

Favor is obtained in prayer.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. [KING JAMES]

Favor is God simply leaning in kindness towards you. You don't deserve it. You haven't earned it. The Father grants your request because He loves you and you were bold enough to approach Him with humility and ask for it. That's the favor of God. He wants you to have, so He will rearrange some things just to give it to you. GLORY TO GOD!

Developing a life of prayer during your transformation process will yield a lifetime of benefits for you.