Every circumstance of life can be changed for the better, for our good and His glory, through prayer.
I did not have the opportunity for higher learning, but I made a conscious decision many years before my daughter was born to leave a legacy…and that legacy is prayer. As mothers, we owe it to our children to proclaim the Word of the Living God. When all else fails, prayer will prevail. No matter if you are standing tall or hanging from the weakest limb of your tree—as long as you are praying, you will not fall. Prayer is a weapon in God’s arsenal that will not fail. You must declare and decree your prayer into the atmosphere.
An important key to a successful prayer life is forgiveness. Living in that environment changes you completely. The Gospel of Mark teaches that, if you’re praying but you’re holding something against someone, you must first forgive that person—drop the issue, let it go. “Only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to wipe your slate clean of sins.”Amazingly enough, we are urged to “pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you get God’s everything” (Mark 11:25–26 MSG). Yes, everything! Once you possess the attitude of prayer, your heavenly Father will give ear when you declare and decree into the atmosphere.
Sixteen years ago, while visiting my daughter in Maryland, a very interesting thing happened after a day of prayer and worship. Her job required a significant amount of travel, and we always petition God to send His angels with her as she goes. We speak into the atmosphere a prayer of protection. That day, she and I both spoke to the Lord about her upcoming trip. Unbeknownst to us, God was about to do a mighty work on her behalf. I was not feeling well, and Darlene didn’t want to leave me alone. She wasn’t feeling well herself either; so she decided it would be wise not to travel. To make a long story short, she canceled a trip that had been scheduled for September 11, 2001, on American Airlines Flight 77. As we all now know, this is the aircraft that crashed into the Pentagon. The flu-type ailment that was affecting both of us left our bodies when she changed her plans. We had requested God’s protection, and He provided it.
Listen, dear readers. Prayer works. In the Bible, one man prayed, and the sun stood still and the moon stopped in its track (Joshua 10:13). Another prayed, and fire came down from heaven (2 Kings 1:14). Yet another prayedand witnessed the death of 185,000 of the enemies of Israel (2 Kings 19:35).
I have witnessed miracles myself. In 1968, prayers awokemy lifeless baby daughter who had died during childbirth. We declared and decreed it into the atmosphere. A few years later, prayers restored my daughter’s mind after doctors diagnosed her with a learning disability. We declared and decreed it into the atmosphere. In 2010, prayers revived my daughter’s aging womb, and she gave birth to a healthy baby girl we call Zoey. Life. We declared and decreed it into the atmosphere. Now the legacy of prayer is carried into another generation.
You and I must continuously speak the Word into the atmosphere. Areas of captivity can keep you from coming boldly into His presence and making your wishes known. Do not be blinded by the cares of life nor paralyzed by the fear of man. As you enter your prayer closet, ask God to help you dim the lights in certain areas of your life so you can commune with Him and see clearly what He has in store for you.
Imagine, the Creator of this vastuniverse is inviting you right now—“come now, and let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). Isn’t it awesome?!
He really wants to talk with you. Make plans right now, as Hisredeemed one, to enter in and declare and decree His everything for you.
Speak into the atmosphere—He really answers prayer.
Written by Yvane I. Carty
Photo by whoislimos
