Tag Archives: Prayer

Beyond the Veil: In the Prayer Closet | Embracing an Intimate Relationship with God

Posted on by yolandaberry
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 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Phil 4:6

During any time of the day, we have access to communicate with God through prayer. Oftentimes, life gets busy. Life gets hectic. We deal with distractions, and we lose our focus on Biblical practices such as reading the Bible, worshipping and prayer.

We make commitments to watching or participating in the latest sports activities, attending the biggest events and concerts, following the latest trends but do not feel the urgency to dedicate time to the Lord.

The Lord is always available to us. We have a direct connection to Him. We don’t have to worry about drop calls, static or a battery that needs to be charged. We don’t have to go through special protocols to gain His attention. He neither slumbers nor sleeps. Psalm 121:3-4 When we draw closer to the Lord, He reveals Himself to us in many ways.

Call unto me and I will answer thee and show you great and mighty things that you do not know of.

Jer 33:3

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The Roadmap to Tapping into the Realms of the Spirit

The Outer Court

In the Old Testament, the tabernacle in Jerusalem had three specific areas dedicated for prayer.

The outer court was the gathering area where everyone came to offer thanksgiving to God. It was the location where cleansing of sin and confessions took place, however the Israelites were not permitted to go into the inner court. It was off limits to those who were not established as a higher priest.

the tabernacle

Photo Credit: Pixabay

In comparison, the outer court, in our Christian lifestyle, resembles the religious practices, traditions and rituals where the average person sends prayer requests of petition to God, but they do not experience the presence of the Lord. They may believe God but have never experienced the presence and miracles of God. They may have repented for their sins, but they lack connection and relationship with the Lord. They may attend church but it’s only a religious practice. Their prayer life consists of asking God for help or for material things, but their prayer life doesn’t go much further than petition.

The Inner Court

The inner court was accessible to the worshippers who offered sacrifice and burned incense to the Lord. It is where the table, showbread and incense were located. This area was reserved for praising God which drew the Lord closer. It was a sacrificial praise of worship. There was a curtain or veil that hung as a partition which divided the room from the most sacred area of the tabernacle. This area was reserved only for the high priests of Jerusalem.

In relation to the inner court, in our walk with the Lord, we offer praise and thanksgiving. We have a need to seek and develop a deeper relationship with the Lord. You may have a desire to get baptized or develop a desire for fasting to draw closer to the Lord.

The Holy of Holies

The Holy of Holies was the most sacred area of the tabernacle. This was the area where the ark of the covenant was located. On Yom Kippur, which is also known as the Day of Atonement, the high priest would burn incense and offer animal blood sacrifices upon the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant to atone for sins. This area was in the deepest section of the tabernacle. The veil was torn after the resurrection of Jesus which means Jesus has lifted the veil of separation that allows every born-again believer to have access to the presence of God and receive revelation of the realms of His Spirit.

As you continue to seek the Lord in prayer, continue to grow spiritually through studying and reading the Word, living Holy, and applying Biblical principles to every area of your life, you will experience the presence of the Lord and gain access to a higher spiritual realm.

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defiles the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

1 Corth 3:16-17

Prayer

Lord, Jesus we thank you for your guidance and protection. May our heart and mind be open to your plan, purpose and will for our lives. We diligently seek you with our whole heart and purge us from all temptations of sin. Draw us closer to you. May we hear your voice and walk in your ways in everything we do and every place we go. Let us dance before you in praise for in your presence is fullness of joy. May we lay down in precious rest wrapped in your peace and safety as we sleep. May we walk with wisdom and discernment with the Holy Spirit leading the way. Keep us from all harm and heal us from all sickness and disease. We receive the Blood of Redemption that washes us clean of all infirmities. We rejoice in your healing and wholeness of our mind, body and spirit. We thank you for another day and for the blessings that rest upon our lives.

In Jesus Mighty Name.

Amen and Amen.

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Additional Bible References | Digging Deeper into the Word

Just click the links below for direct access to the scriptures on Bible Gateway.

Matt 6:33

Psalm 100:4

Psalm 100:2

John 4:22-24

Psalm 42:1-2

Matt 6:9-13

Heb 4:16

Matt 6:6-7

2 Chron 3:16-17

Exodus 26:33

Matt 27:50-51

Exodus 27:16

John 14:6

Psalm 91

Psalm 84:10

Psalm 84:2

Exodus 27

Matt 7:7-9

Phil 4:6

Psalm 119:2

1 John 5:14

Jer 29:13-14

Seek the Lord with All Your Heart

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Isaiah 55:6

When I was a child, one game I loved to play was hide and seek. I believe every child enjoyed playing that game at one time or another.

There was such enthusiasm and excitement while your friends or classmates scattered to find a place to hide while you counted and waited in anticipation to search for each friend which brought so much joy and laughter when you found them.

The Lord is often hidden in our lives until we come to a place where we decide to seek him with our own heart. Although, the Lord is always working behind the scenes, we often do not know what He is doing or planning in our lives. The Lord makes it very clear to “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-12

Many of us, wonder through life, randomly, without acknowledging or asking the Lord for direction. As believers, we may allow Him into some areas of our lives but not fully allow Him to control every aspect of our lives.

The Lord wants to be a part of every area of your life. The deeper relationship you nurture with Him; the more He reveals himself to you. You begin to see life in new ways. Your choices begin to change and how you deal with challenges and obstacles shift.

Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.

1 Chron 16:11

Life has its difficulties, but you will not allow life circumstances to grab a hold of you in fear, doubt and despair. Even when you feel discouraged, you can speak the word of God or listen to worship music and the weight of burdens and frustration will lift off of you.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 11:6

You will become sensitive to the spirit as you continue your walk with Christ. He will nudge you in certain directions. He will cover you with a blanket of protection. He will open your eyes to his truth and reveal to you the mysteries of the Kingdom. You will begin to experience things that you know only the Lord could do. You will have a deep desire to please the Lord fully and not jeopardize your relationship by displeasing Him. You will be obedient to His laws and commandments and do His will without resistance. It’s not by the flesh but by His spirit.

Zech 4:6

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.”

Having a zeal for Christ is within reach for every believer.

For the Bible forewarns us….

Revelation 3:15-17

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

You cannot have one foot in the world and one foot in the church. A double-minded man is unstable in all His ways. James 1:8

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matt 6:24

We are moving into a shifting world where believers must have a solid foundation in Christ to be able to withstand the wiles of deception coming upon the earth. [Click link here]: 2 Chron 20:1-34

1 Peter 5:7-9

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

He can only devour those who do not know the Lord and live a righteous, holy lifestyle. Once you’ve accepted the Lord as your Savior by faith, you are a daughter and son of the Most High. His hand of protection is upon your life to guide you into all truth, wisdom and knowledge.

The Lord is a consuming fire. Let us run under the shelter of the Almighty King. Let us seek Jesus with all passion and dedication. Seek the Lord while He can be found. The Lord is available and waiting. He does not wish anyone should perish. [Click the link here for reference]: 2 Chron 20:1-34

2 Peter 3:8-10

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Isaiah 55:6-7

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

The Lord is a just God and will meet you right where you are. So come with your wounds and brokenness. Come with your anxieties, doubts and fears. Come with your mistakes and confusion. Come with your pain and despair. Come with your anger and frustration. Just come!

Prayer

Lord, Father,

I pray for those who are entering into your presence at this very moment. May you comfort their heart and mind.  Please take away all their confusion, doubt, pain and toil in this life. Reveal to them your glory for the sacrifice you gave to each person as a gift of love. Help them to draw near to you and keep a hedge of protection over their families, loves ones, households, communities, finances, health and relationships. May a fresh wind of vitality, strength and peace be upon them as they seek you and rest in your presence for the revelation of Jesus Christ. Amen

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corth 13:14

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RELATED SCRIPTURES

Psalm 119:32-33

I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. 33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

Psalm 119:133

Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.

Psalm 63:1

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Matt 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Deut 4:29

But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Col 3:1

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Theo 3:5

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Lam 3:25

The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

Psalm 105:4

Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

Psalm 27:8

When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.

John 16:13-14

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Jer 33:3

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, I will show you great and mighty things that you do not know of.

Jer 29:13

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Psalm 121:1

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

1 Chron 16:10

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.

Three Beneficial Things to Do When Facing Difficult Times

Posted on by yolandaberry
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girl praying

1.    Elevate Your Thoughts

God wants us to align our thinking with His thoughts. The natural mind does not understand spiritual things. It is a constant battle to think on a higher plane because our world is so negative and evil. It’s so much easier to think negatively which immediately drains our energy. That’s why we should always be aware of our thoughts, actions, and environments.

words of anger

As soon as our thoughts begin to focus on fear, disbelief, doubt, or any other toxic emotion, we need to consciously change our thought patterns. It is very challenging to switch your thoughts when so many problems are staring you in the face. The advantage is knowing the Gospel and being able to draw from God’s promises and meditate on His word which is life and substance to your soul. Once we elevate our minds, we raise our energy level and begin to feel much better. It is a spiritual war that manifests in a physical realm. Often times, we use physical components to fight our spiritual or mental battles such as sleeping pills, medication, drugs, alcohol, or sex. We may even contemplate suicide as a means of escape.

2.    Take Care of Your Body

black girl jogging

We must take care of our bodies including eating healthier and exercising daily. Many people overlook the importance of a well-balanced diet.  However, diet plays a vital role in how we deal with stress and challenges in our lives. When we eat healthily, we have a clear mind. Our bodies are able to fight off disease and illness and even stress better. You can also take vitamins to supplement your diet such as B- complex vitamins which alleviate stress.  It’s best to consult your doctor for specific vitamin supplements based on your physical needs.

Another important factor is to get enough rest. When all else fails, go to sleep! Just make sure you have a balance. When we sleep, our stress levels go down. We are able to fight off illness, deal with problems, and make better decisions. We are less irritable and able to manage frustrations with ease. We are also able to control our emotions and we are much more productive in our daily lives.

“He who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us labor, therefore, to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Hebrews 4:10–11

Unfortunately, Satan understands our weaknesses and attacks us when we are most vulnerable which often means we are lacking rest. When we are tired or weary, it disrupts our peace of mind. When we have inner peace, we are able to interact with others much better as well as have the ability for the Lord to direct us in our daily decisions. “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” I Corth 4:33

girl laying down

God is actively at work at all times even while we are resting. The Lord never slumbers. “He will not suffer thy foot to be moved. He that keeps thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121

3.    Seek Solitude in Prayer, Worship and Reading the Bible

glasses on book

Most of all, this is the most obvious but required. We should have a set schedule to spend time with God. We should continue to seek God in prayer. We must not give up hope.    We should pray without ceasing knowing that God will answer our prayers in perfect timing.

We must also continue to worship Him regardless of our situation.  It’s in the hardest struggles that our praise is strengthened. No matter what the situation looks like we must continue to be faithful in worship. There is always something to appreciate and be grateful for.

We should read the Bible on a regular schedule to keep our spirits strong and to encourage ourselves daily. Faith is by hearing and hearing is by the Word of God. We should surround ourselves with a body of believers who will encourage and support us. This will raise our spirits, as well as our thoughts and actions.

When we take care of our mind, body, and soul, it strengthens our spiritual well-being to hear from God. By developing and building trust in Him, it draws us closer to Him. When we begin to see how He delivers us out of our situations and circumstances, our trust and faith will be strengthened to overcome any obstacle that we face.

“Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope; And hope maketh not ashamed: because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:3-5