One of the most mysterious and marvelous things God gave us was prayer. Now I will be honest I do not know how prayer operates. I do not know how prayer works, but I really like that. I really like not knowing how God does things for us, they are mysteries. I really like serving a God I cannot figure out. I think if I could figure out God I am not so sure I would be so willing to follow Him. God took me to India to show me it is not by my might or by my power when He performs a miracle. After 10 days of diarrhea, eating chicken, curry, and rice, and enduring daily temperatures of 110 degrees or more I was dead, a great place in God to be used by Him. It was 10 pm (after preaching three times for 1 ½ hours each time and praying for the sick in between) and I was looking down the barrel of another plate of chicken, curry, and rice when Pastor S. J. Peter from Hyderabad asked me to pray for a little girl who had not walked in months. Well, by this time I had no strength God drained me, what a wonderful place in God to be drained of our strength and emptied of our ability. If you walk with the Lord long enough and go for Him and not yourself or another, He too will drain and empty you. This is the place God desires to take us all to for when we are weak He is strong. At first I did not want to pray for this little girl, but within my spirit I felt God wanted me to pray for her so I did. When God is leading it is always correct to do what He wants us to do and prayer is no different. Why do we think prayer is automatic or routine? Something we do over our food, when we go to bed, or when we need something even from God? If prayer is not born of the Spirit of God we are wasting our time fulfilling some religious ritual or custom. We must be able to hear Him speak to us because in the hearing is contained the faith needed to follow His leading. Never forget, “faith cometh by hearing” (Romans 10:17) To make a long wonderful and amazing story short I reached up and took the little girl’s feet in my hands and said (I did not pray) something like, “Lord please heal this little girl.” I turned towards my dinner plate and out of the corner of my eye I saw the father put the little girl down. Well when her feet hit the ground she was not walking she was off and running. I have never seen a little girl run so fast. To this day she is probably still running for the glory of God. I never got to my dinner that night, suddenly a line appeared and I prayed for 100s. Jesus told Martha, “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40) The first part of this verse is the key to receiving from God, “Said I not unto thee.” My friend if God did not say it then it will not happen. I do not care how long you hold on or what promise you are standing on, God must speak it, it must be God’s idea born of His Spirit or it will not happen. In verse 40 is contained the rule of threes how our faith operates. Rule one: “Said I not unto thee.” God must speak it. Rule two: “that, if thou wouldest believe.” We must believe what God is saying is true. And rule three, "thou shouldest see the glory of God?” If we hear Him speak (so that we can receive faith, not by claiming or taking it) and we believe we shall “see the glory of God” or behold the glory of what we are believing for. It is comforting to know the responsibility of our healing is not on God’s shoulders alone, but we too shoulder some of the responsibility. Why must God do all of the work? We like to blame God and others when things do not go according to our expectation, well our healing is based not on God’s ability (that should be without question), but on our ability to hear Him and according to His will and plan for our lives. Why do some people get a miracle or healed (there is a big difference between the two) and other are not? I do not know, but God knows, but I do know when healing or a miracle comes it is critical we have the ability to hear Him speak. Now the folks that got in line for prayer after the little girl was healed I am not sure what happened with them. If my memory serves we well, only one man who walked with a cane (I was told) was healed the others I do not know what happened with them.
Over many years God has changed my heart and thoughts when it comes to prayer. Now this change has come by way of much heart reflection and searching of the Scriptures. I cannot find in the Scriptures were Jesus prayed for people like we do today. Jesus never lined the people up and took one by one and prayed for them. Jesus never said, “okay disciples let us lay hands on these folks and pray for them.” Oh no, the Scriptures says, Jesus healed them. The last thing I need when I am sick and can not get to the Lord is for someone to pray for me, “Oh Lord please touch brother Dave and heal him.” Oh no what I need is for someone to have such a walk with God who can touch His heart on my behalf. I do not need someone to pray for me I need someone who can be a vessel where healing can flow through to me. Jesus was such a vessel, “And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.” (Matthew 4:24) and “When Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. 16When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:” (Matthew 8:14-16), and so many more wonderful verses. No where does it say Jesus prayed for them, it says He healed them. There is a huge difference. The lady with the issue of blood (Luke 8:45-48) touched Jesus He did not touch her. Her healing happened without a single word being spoken. It is not about praying, but about having such a walk with the Lord so that He can manifest His power in all the earth. Did you know the word “prayer” does not appear in the King James Version of the Gospel of John, his three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation? There was no need. Of all of the Gospels, John’s writings reflect such a communion and closeness with God, prayer was written in the heart and spirit of the words. Even brother Peter was such a vessel where one was healed without praying, “And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:4-8) No where does it say Peter prayed for the lame man the verses talk about him being healed. This is what God is looking for in us, to be such a vessel where we can just touch someone sick (as Jesus did) and they be healed or our shadow as with Peter falling on someone and they would be healed. “Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.” (Act 5:15-16) I wonder why this is not the rule of thumb today in the church? Maybe we are praying too much because we (and I include myself here) are not willing to pay the price for such power.
When we started our church in Germany our service would be typically around (according to my daughter Connie) three to three and half hours. Then after service I would pray for the people. Each Sunday many of the same people came forward for prayer for the same reasons, this would stretch the service long and longer and before we knew it we had been in church for six or more hours. And as our church got bigger the longer and longer we would stay. Now if God says pray for you I will, but if not I will not. Prayer must be born of the Spirit of God and it must flow out from our communion with God or we are wasting our time and engaging in idolatry. Often the approach to God is come to me and I will pray for you instead of God said for me to pray for you. The difference is who the focus or attention is in the coming, God or me. When people come for prayer (not God ordained) we are indirectly teaching them not to go to God. Jesus taught, “Our (Abba) Father which art in heaven” not to our Father through man. The disciples were shocked with Jesus told them, “After this manner therefore pray (direct address to the Father) ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9) In the past the disciples was taught to pray “Avie Father” or around through someone to the Father like the high priest, but Jesus taught them to pray, “Abba Father” direct to the Father. This was hard for the disciples to understand and for us to understand too. Also as our church grew so did the amount of time I spent on my handy (name for a cell phone in Europe). Every time some one needed prayer they would call, at all hours of the night they would call and I would do the religious thing and pray for them. But there came a time I had to say enough is enough. The time was for spiritual growth and development in the people. The more I prayed for them the less of a need they saw for their direct address to the Father. I was teaching them to come to me and I would go to the Father for them which is wrong teaching. Now many denominations and churches like their pastors and leaders praying for people there is great control and manipulation in this. If someone can hold getting you to God over your head you will do anything to keep that person happy. I have seen this time and time again in so many churches. Jesus taught the disciples different, please do not be deceived. The Scriptures teaches we are to go on to spiritual growth and maturity, to perfection, “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection (Strong’s #5046, brought to its end, finished or wanting nothing necessary to completeness): not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” (Hebrews 6:1-2) God’s goal in our lives is to conform us into the image and character of His dear Son Jesus Christ. For this to happen we must grow spiritually and come to maturity. And for God to be able to bring us to: our end, finished, or wanting nothing necessary to completeness having someone getting us to God will not do. We must be able to touch the heart of God on our own. I remember my big brother John telling of his need for close companionship with Jake Luffy (his pastor and mentor) to get to God, but there came a time when he no longer needed Jake to get to God he went direct to the Father for him self.
Over many years God has changed my heart and thoughts when it comes to prayer. Now this change has come by way of much heart reflection and searching of the Scriptures. I cannot find in the Scriptures were Jesus prayed for people like we do today. Jesus never lined the people up and took one by one and prayed for them. Jesus never said, “okay disciples let us lay hands on these folks and pray for them.” Oh no, the Scriptures says, Jesus healed them. The last thing I need when I am sick and can not get to the Lord is for someone to pray for me, “Oh Lord please touch brother Dave and heal him.” Oh no what I need is for someone to have such a walk with God who can touch His heart on my behalf. I do not need someone to pray for me I need someone who can be a vessel where healing can flow through to me. Jesus was such a vessel, “And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.” (Matthew 4:24) and “When Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. 16When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:” (Matthew 8:14-16), and so many more wonderful verses. No where does it say Jesus prayed for them, it says He healed them. There is a huge difference. The lady with the issue of blood (Luke 8:45-48) touched Jesus He did not touch her. Her healing happened without a single word being spoken. It is not about praying, but about having such a walk with the Lord so that He can manifest His power in all the earth. Did you know the word “prayer” does not appear in the King James Version of the Gospel of John, his three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation? There was no need. Of all of the Gospels, John’s writings reflect such a communion and closeness with God, prayer was written in the heart and spirit of the words. Even brother Peter was such a vessel where one was healed without praying, “And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:4-8) No where does it say Peter prayed for the lame man the verses talk about him being healed. This is what God is looking for in us, to be such a vessel where we can just touch someone sick (as Jesus did) and they be healed or our shadow as with Peter falling on someone and they would be healed. “Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.” (Act 5:15-16) I wonder why this is not the rule of thumb today in the church? Maybe we are praying too much because we (and I include myself here) are not willing to pay the price for such power.
When we started our church in Germany our service would be typically around (according to my daughter Connie) three to three and half hours. Then after service I would pray for the people. Each Sunday many of the same people came forward for prayer for the same reasons, this would stretch the service long and longer and before we knew it we had been in church for six or more hours. And as our church got bigger the longer and longer we would stay. Now if God says pray for you I will, but if not I will not. Prayer must be born of the Spirit of God and it must flow out from our communion with God or we are wasting our time and engaging in idolatry. Often the approach to God is come to me and I will pray for you instead of God said for me to pray for you. The difference is who the focus or attention is in the coming, God or me. When people come for prayer (not God ordained) we are indirectly teaching them not to go to God. Jesus taught, “Our (Abba) Father which art in heaven” not to our Father through man. The disciples were shocked with Jesus told them, “After this manner therefore pray (direct address to the Father) ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9) In the past the disciples was taught to pray “Avie Father” or around through someone to the Father like the high priest, but Jesus taught them to pray, “Abba Father” direct to the Father. This was hard for the disciples to understand and for us to understand too. Also as our church grew so did the amount of time I spent on my handy (name for a cell phone in Europe). Every time some one needed prayer they would call, at all hours of the night they would call and I would do the religious thing and pray for them. But there came a time I had to say enough is enough. The time was for spiritual growth and development in the people. The more I prayed for them the less of a need they saw for their direct address to the Father. I was teaching them to come to me and I would go to the Father for them which is wrong teaching. Now many denominations and churches like their pastors and leaders praying for people there is great control and manipulation in this. If someone can hold getting you to God over your head you will do anything to keep that person happy. I have seen this time and time again in so many churches. Jesus taught the disciples different, please do not be deceived. The Scriptures teaches we are to go on to spiritual growth and maturity, to perfection, “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection (Strong’s #5046, brought to its end, finished or wanting nothing necessary to completeness): not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” (Hebrews 6:1-2) God’s goal in our lives is to conform us into the image and character of His dear Son Jesus Christ. For this to happen we must grow spiritually and come to maturity. And for God to be able to bring us to: our end, finished, or wanting nothing necessary to completeness having someone getting us to God will not do. We must be able to touch the heart of God on our own. I remember my big brother John telling of his need for close companionship with Jake Luffy (his pastor and mentor) to get to God, but there came a time when he no longer needed Jake to get to God he went direct to the Father for him self.
Sadly we think a big church with many members, many programs, a big choirs, a clean well painted parking lots, and big well-built buildings are the glory of God, well my friend they are not. For those who think they are the glory of God, God would say, Ichabod (the glory has departed) to you. The glory of God is seen when we allow God to make us and break us so that He can give us strength to touch His heart. What else can we use to see God’s glory? What else can we use to make our approach to Him? In James 5 we read, “Is any among you afflicted? let him (not the elders) pray. Is any merry? let him (not the elders) sing psalms. 14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:13-15) The “pray over him” is translated praying in God’s presence. If not in His presence how else can we be healed? James 5:15 is not saying to have the elders of the church come and lay hands on you to pray for healing, but is saying for the elders to come into the presence of God and anoint the sick with oil and then “the prayer of faith (of the sick person not the elders) shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” Only in the presence of the Lord can this happen. My prayer for you can not save you, this is something you must do on your own. My prayer for you (as born of the Spirit of God and in obedience to God) can touch the heart of God. But God desires we take time and touch the heart of the Father for our selves. Pray for you? Well . . . maybe? But do you not think it would be better if you talked to the Father for your self? Written by David Stahl
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