Reinlard Bonnke said: February 21, 2012 12:27 pm PST
Dear John Kulaga @ poemsofthebible.com Reinhard Bonnke, Evangelist
Seven Rules to Prayer
Ask in faith in God. We cannot ask too much, and blow a fuse by overloading the demand on divine help. Ask! That is Christ’s command, so you cannot be outside the will of God by asking, but you can ‘tie His hands’ if you do not ask.
Do not come apologetically. Ask anyway, and let God decide how to act. We have made it such a mark of high piety to ask only for what God wants that it contradicts what Jesus said: “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do.” God allows mature believers free choice over large areas of their lives – and blesses what they decide.
Forgive as God forgives you: “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”
Do not pray “to be heard of men,” but with sincerity. Remember, God is full of grace.
Pray in the Name of Jesus. Since we are in Christ, one with Him, when we pray in the Name of Jesus, we are speaking with Christ’s merits imputed to us. Use common sense.
Cherish the Word of God. Notice the balance of this sentence: “If ... My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” The Psalmist wrote: “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Treasure the Word of Christ; do not cherish iniquity.
Deal with obstacles to answered prayer. James warns why many times we may not be heard: “He who doubts ... should not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord ... You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” Wisdom in prayer is essential.
Apply these guides to your prayer life and see for yourself how prayer really does change things!