THE CONCEPT OF PRAYER

Keys are laws, keys are principles and systems. Keys activate function, initiate action and they are the principles by which the kingdom of God operate. Keys cannot be substituted by feelings, emotions wishful thinking Or manipulation.
You have to learn the keys of the kingdom. Only then can you manifest dominion and unique realities here on earth.

Man's assignment here on earth is to establish the influence and culture of heaven on earth, by representing the nature, values and morality of God in the earth. One of the keys of bringing this to reality is through prayer.
Prayer simply put is communication with God. Prayer is God's authorized system of communion and fellowship with Him. It is not just a platform of petitions, its a place where people get strength.  Prayer creates a legal platform for God, angels and the spirit realm to gain access and intervene in the affairs of men.
Prayer is a principle instituted by God.
Isn't it amazing how the One who owns all can still ask us to pray for His kingdom to be made manifest here on earth.
Prayer is a principle which cannot be overlooked. Even Jesus prayed when He was on earth. If the son of God could pray then we cannot be left out in this.

After this manner, therefore pray ye. _Our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven._

The Bible is full of records of people who prevailed in the place of prayer. We will look into a few this morning and understand why some believers do not pray.
1. ISAAC: when Isaac realised that his wife Rebecca was not fruitful, he did not just go about lamenting or complaining. He prayed to the Lord and Rebecca became fruitful.Gen25:21
2. Nehemiah: he prayed for God's intervention concerning the state of Jerusalem and God answered.
3. Daniel: he stood in gap for his people when he realised that the time for their captivity was fulfilled. Someone had to stand in gap for Israel in prayers and Daniel did. Dan9
4. Jesus: Our lord prayed when his humanity began to feel the burden of His assignment and he received strength.
We have to trust God to build a spirit of prayer in us.
Eph6:18

*WHEN AND WHERE ARE WE SUPPOSED TO PRAY*
It is expected for believers to pray _without ceasing_ just as the scripture has instructed us to. Like I said earlier, no man should expect to reign on this earth without sound communication with the one who placed him in charge.
Eph 6 is the peak of apostle Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus.
After listing the necessary things we are to do in order to stand against the Wiles of the devil, he said in verse 18- AMP:Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).

The question of *where* believers ought to pray is one that has caused a little division in the body of Christ. Some claim we are not to pray outside while others claim we are to pray anywhere. Well, our beliefs and standards should always be from the bible as that is the most accurate record of Gods dealings with man. Matt6:5-6 AMP:Also when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward in full already.But when you pray, go into your [most] private room, and, closing the door, pray to your Father, Who is in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open.
Jesus made mention of this scripture because he was trying to rebuke the Pharisees n Sadducees who loved to pray in order to be recognised as been prayerful. He was trying to establish the fact that we are not to pray in the sight of people so we can be seen as very spiritual or strong prayer  warriors.
The book of acts is filled with instances where the believers prayed not only in the secret but also in the open. What really matters is *your motive*.
It is however necessary to have a secret place and also pray when the need arises whether in the secret or in the open.

*PRAYING WITH FAITH*
Acts 12:3-15
A quick study of the scripture above reveals that although the church prayed in unity concerning the release of Peter, they however did not pray with faith; which is why it was kinda hard for them to believe that Peter was the one knocking on the door.
Faith sees the invisible, dares the impossible and delivers the incredible (Bishop David Oyedepo).
It is amazing how believers pray and fast concerning situations without their faith in place.
Although God mercifully answered the prayers of the church concerning the release of Peter, its not advisable to pray and still doubt if God will answer you.
Heb11:6 states clear points that we must follow if we really want to please God: 1. We must believe that God exists.
2. *We must believe that He is able to faithfully reward those who seek Him*. You need a restful confidence while praying/interceeding.
Jms1:6-8 says 'Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind. For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord,[For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about.'
Shalom...