The Foundation of Prayer

To understand the principle of prayer, it is necessary to understand the mind and purpose of the Creator Himself. Prayer is a result of God’s established authority structure between heaven and earth, as well as a product of His faithfulness of His Word. Prayer is as simple as respecting God’s authority. This is because prayer was born out of God’s arrangement for man’s assignment on earth: it happened

when the Creator spoke two words during the creation process: “let them”. These words are recorded in the first chapter of the first book of the Bible:

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness and

let them rule over the fish of the sea, and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground” (Genesis 1:26-27)

These words are critical in

understanding the principle of prayer,

since they define the relationship the

Creator intended and desired with

man and the planet earth.

The Creator’s mandate for man to

dominate the earth was established in

the declaration, but the parameters of

the dominion were established with

the words. “Let them.”

By these words, the Creator defined

the boundaries of His right to legally

influence and interfere in the earth

realm. This is based on the principle of

God’s integrity and His commitment

to His Word. Why is this so important?

Because of these four principle:

• God’s purpose is more important than our plans

• God has placed His Word above even Himself.

• God will never violate or break His Word.

• God holiness is the foundation of His integrity and faithfulness.

These principles are essential to an understanding of the nature and

purpose of prayer. It is there precepts the make prayer necessary.

The first principle establishes the truth that the Creator’s commitment to His

original intent for creation is a priority for Him and motivates and regulates

all His actions. In essence everything He does is driven by His purposed

desire, which never changes. In fact, His declaration is clear when He

states, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that

prevails.” (Prov.19:21-21)

Finally, His commitment to His purpose is expressed in these words: I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen,

will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. (Matthew 5:18-19)

It is this commitments to His Word that is the basis of the prayer principle. The Word of God is not just the law for man, for it is also called “the Law of God.” This implies that

every word God speaks is also a law to Himself. He will subject Himself to His promises and decrees because of His integrity.

The fact that He places His Word above all things, including His name, is an important principle because on the Hebrew concepts for name is “the being” itself. Therefore, in application, God places His Word above Himself, submitting Himself to the dictates of

His own Word.

To be continued next week.