OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - SATURDAY - 12/07/2014 - PRAYERS MAKE THINGS HAPPEN BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

PRAYERS MAKE THINGS HAPPEN

MEMORISE

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

READ

Acts 9:1-11

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

MESSAGE

“And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,”

Acts 9:11

After a frontline persecutor of the church was arrested on his mission to further torment God’s people, he became blind and was led by those on his entourage into Damascus. He immediately went on an indefinite fast and began to pray. After three days, God had to respond to his prayer. From this story, let us examine some things made possible by prayer. The first thing to note here is that when you pray on earth, things begin to happen in Heaven and on earth. If you want heavenly activities to favour you, pray. If you want events and people on earth to work in your favour, pray.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28

There is no better time for this scripture to be fulfilled in your life or circumstance than when you engage in wholehearted, fervent and not-taking-No-for-an-answer prayer. If you are called of God and believe you love Him but fail to pray, never expect all things to work for your good. If you have such expectations, they will not be realised because you have not fulfilled the requirement of scriptures (Isaiah 28:10). No matter how bad the situation is, when you pray, things happen. Things were bad for Saul. He had lost his mission, vision and sight. The one who was leading others became the one who earnestly required to be helped. He had been thrown into confusion. Then he prayed and things began to happen. If things could happen for a chronic persecutor like Saul, things will happen for you as you pray. Beloved, no matter how bad things may be, if only you can make your ways right with God and pray, activities in Heaven and on earth will work in your favour.

PRAYER POINT

Father, let all situations, circumstances and events begin to work in my favour from now on.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Deuteronomy 4:32-6:25;

Job 2:7-3:2