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Evangelism. All scriptural references are from The K ! "ible unless annotated otherwise. #ublished by$ M%&&'( CE&)**% W%&*+ E!A,-E*'(M #. %. "o. /0122 3 (an +iego4 CA 516/7 8/0/9 122:11;; E:mail$ morriscerullo<mcwe.com Website$ www.mcwe.com =or prayer4 call$ 8/0/9>E*#*',E E:mail$ >E*#*',E<mcwe.com #. %. "o. ?7;; 3 Concord4 %ntario *@K:6"7 85;09 775:62// M%&&'( CE&)**% W%&*+ E!A,-E*'(M %= -&EAT "&'TA', #. %. "o. 122 3 >emel >empstead4 >E&T( >#1:2+> 8;96 @@1 1?1@?1 Copyright A 1;;@ Morris Cerullo World Evangelism #ublished by Morris Cerullo World Evangelism4 'nc. (an +iego4 CA. All &ights &eserved. #rinted in the )nited (tates of America.
M%&&'( CE&)**% W%&*+ E!A,-E*'(M %= CA,A+A

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'ntroduction...............................................................................2 Chapter %ne AC%"B( =ACE:T%:=ACE E,C%),TE& W'T> -%+ ............................5 (ection '. =ather4 Cou (aidD...............................................66 (ection ''. #ray the WordD.................................................6? (ection '''. acob #revailed in #rayerD..............................67 (ection '!. Cou Can #revail With -odD...........................62 Chapter Two %(>)AB( #&ACE& T>AT C%MMA,+E+ ,AT)&E .............................65 (ection '. (in "locks %ur #rayersD.....................................16 (ection ''. The (un and Moon (tood (till at oshuas CommandD..........................................................................1? Chapter Three +A!'+B( #&ACE& ', T>E CA!E......................................................12 (ection '. Are Cou in a CaveE............................................15 (ection ''. Make -od Cour &efuge...................................?6 (ection '''. Cast Cour "urdens )pon the *ordD................?1 Chapter =our +A!'+B( #&ACE& =%& -%+B( E!E&*A(T',- "*E((',- .....................?0 (ection '. F+o as Cou #romisedDG......................................?/

(ection ''. ,o More +oubt or HuestioningD.....................?5 (ection '''. (et Cour (piritual =ocus in #rayer.................@6

',T&%+)CT'%,
#artner4 you are now beginning the fourth study of the most e.citing teaching series on prayer by +r. Cerullo. This series is among the best teaching +r. Cerullo has ever written in the history of this ministry. This lesson will show you how other men of -od prevailed in prayer. =rom their e.ample4 you will come to know how to have victory in your own prayer lifeIa prereJuisite in todayBs end:time. Cou will learn how to persevere in prayer like acob4 how to turn around circumstances by commanding the natural elements to line up with the promises of the =ather like oshua4 how to pray when you feel Ksurrounded on all sidesKL as if you are in a KcaveK as +avid was or how to pray according to -odBs everlasting promises. We pray you will learn these most essential truths of how to prevail with -od in prayer4 how to become a Kholy wrestler4K through these most inspiring4 powerful e.amples found in -odBs Word. Editor

acobBs =ace:To:=ace Encounter With -od

C>A#TE& %,E

Then acob prayed4 % -od of my father Abraham4 -od of my father 'saac4 % *%&+4 who said to me4 -o back to your country and your relatives4 and ' will make you prosper4 ' am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. ' had only my staff when ' crossed this ordan4 but now ' have become two groups. (ave me4 ' pray4 from the hand of my brother Esau4 for ' am afraid he will come and attack me4 and also the mothers with their children. "ut you have said4 ' will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea4 which cannot be counted.

-enesis ?1$5:61 ,'!

(o acob was left alone4 and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him4 he touched the socket of acobBs hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said4 *et me go4 for it is daybreak. "ut acob replied4 ' will not let you go unless you bless me. The man asked him4 What is your nameE acob4 he answered. Then the man said4 Cour name will no longer be acob4 but 'srael4 because you have struggled with -od and with men and have overcome. acob said4 #lease tell me your name.

-enesis ?1$1@:15 ,'!

acob was one of -odBs holy wrestlers. >is divine encounter with -od is one of the greatest e.amples of persevering prayer recorded in the "ible. >e wrestled with
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-od in prayer and prevailedD Wrestling prayer is the ability to hold on4 press on4 and wait in faith until the answer is manifested. 't is a taking hold of -od >imself. Through intense4 fervent prayer acob took hold of -odD >e had a personal4 divine encounter with -od Almighty that transformed his life. F>e struggled with the angel and overcame himL he wept and begged for his favor. >e found him at "ethel and talked with him thereIthe *%&+ -od Almighty4 the *%&+ is his name of renownG 8>osea 61$@:0 ,'!9. 'n this divine encounter4 acob met -od face:to:faceD >e later named the place where he met with -od F#enielG and said4 F... it is because ' saw -od face to face4 and yet my life was sparedG 8-enesis ?1$?; ,'!9. acob was known as a supplanter and deceiver and had cheated Esau out of his birthright. "ut4 in this face:to:face encounter with -od4 he was transformed into a mighty prince who prevailed with -odD 'n his hour of great desperation4 acob cried unto -od for deliverance. When he heard that his brother4 Esau4 was coming to meet him with four hundred men4 he was greatly afraid and troubled. >e was convinced that Esau was going to attack him. >e divided the people who were with him4 the flocks4 and herds of camels into two groupsL reasoning that if Esau came against one group4 the other group would escape. -od is ready in our time of trouble to deliver us. >e has promised4
K...Call upon me in the day of trouble$ ' will deliver thee4 and thou shalt glorify meG 8#salm 0;$609. F>e shall call upon me4 and ' will answer him$ ' will be with him in troubleL ' will deliver him4 6;

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and honour himG 8#salm 56$609.

+avid knew from e.perience to call upon -od in his time of trouble. *isten to his confidence in -odBs power to deliver$ F-od is our refuge and strength4 a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear4 though the earth be removed4 and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the seaG 8#salm @7$6:19. -od is a very present help in our time of troubleD >e is ever ready at all times to deliver us. The only condition >e has placed upon this promise is that we must call upon >imD +avid knew that regardless of the grave circumstances and dangers he faced that -od would strengthen and deliver him. >e said$
=or in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion$ in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide meL he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me$ therefore will ' offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of MoyL ' will sing4 yea4 ' will sing praises unto the *%&+. #salm 12$0:7

'n your day of trouble4 you do not ever need to be overcome by fear or worry. Knowing the =ather has promised to deliver you4 cry out to >im in faithL believing >e will divinely intervene in your circumstances.

'. =AT>E&4 C%) (A'+D

'n his day of trouble4 acobBs eyes were focused upon -od. >e cried out to the covenant:making -od of his father$ F... % -od of my father Abraham4 -od of my father 'saacK 8-enesis ?1$5 ,'!9. When we pray4 we need to remember that we are

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in covenant with -od who has said4 FMy covenant will ' not break4 nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lipsG 8#salm /5$?@9. We have a covenant with -od that is sealed with the all:powerful blood of esusD When we go to >im4 we can know beyond any doubt that >e will do all that >e has promisedD 'n his prayer4 acob reminded -od that he had left *aban and returned to Canaan in obedience to >is command. >e said4 F... % *%&+4 who said to me4 N-o back to your country and your relatives4 and ' will make you prosperOG 8-enesis ?1$5 ,'!9. >e had returned at -odBs direction4 but was now faced with trouble and great distress. acob humbled himself before -od and acknowledged his own unworthiness of -odBs goodness toward him. F' am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. ' had only my staff when ' crossed this ordan4 but now ' have become two groupsG 8-enesis ?1$6; ,'!9. When acob had left Canaan and crossed the ordan &iver4 he had nothing but his staff. ,ow4 he was returning with his wives4 children4 and servants4 as well as4 great herds of camels and flocks of sheep. >e knew that -od had released >is blessings upon him and was grateful. After acknowledging -od and >is faithfulness4 acob asked -od to deliver him out of the hands of his brother Esau. acob was desperate before -od. >e knew that his only deliverance would be through -odBs intervention in his circumstances. >is reJuest was specific and direct. >e said4 F(ave me4 ' pray4 from the hand of my brother Esau4 for ' am
afraid he will come and attack me4 and also the mothers with their childrenG 8-enesis ?1$66 ,'!9.

After asking for deliverance4 acob pleaded his case before

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-od4 not based upon any merits of his own4 but by reminding -od of the promises >e had given him. With great fervency he said4 F"ut you have said4 N' will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea4 which cannot be countedBG 8-enesis ?1$61 ,'!9. When you face adverse circumstances and problems4 come before -od and remind >im of >is promises. C%) (A'+4 F'f ' ask anything according to Cour will that Cou hear me. And since ' know that Cou hear me4 ' believe and receive the answer in faith and thank you for it now in the ,ame of esusDG
C%) (A'+4 FCall upon Me in the day of trouble and that Cou will deliver meDK 8see #salm 0;$609.

When you face sickness or disease4 come before >im and say4 F=ather4 C%) (A'+4 N' am the *ord that healeth theeBL C%) (A'+4 N esus was wounded for my transgressions4 >e was bruised for my iniJuities4 the chastisement of my peace was upon >im4 and with >is stripes ' am healedDBG 8see 'saiah 0?$09. When you face financial problems4 come boldly before the =ather and present >is promises$ C%) (A'+4 Fthat Cou will supply all my need4 according to Cour riches in glory by Christ esusG 8see #hilippians @$659. C%) (A'+4 F-ive and it will be given to me4 good measure4 pressed down4 shaken together4 and running over will men give unto my bosomG 8see *uke 7$?/9. F"y faith4 ' receive the financial miracle ' need now and praise Cou for it in esusB ,ameD G

''. #&AC T>E W%&+D

acob did not wrestle with the promise of -od. >e wrestled with the #romiser. >e continued to persevere by
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faith until he took hold of -od. When we really have a divine encounter with -od whereby we take hold of >im in prayer4 we can know that the promise will be fulfilled. -odBs Word and >is promises must be the basis and the inspiration for our prayers.
-odBs Word is aliveD esus said4 F... The words that ' speak unto you4 they are spirit4 and they are lifeG 8 ohn 7$7?9. -odBs Word will never return unto >im voidD F(o shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth$ it shall not return unto me void4 but it shall accomplish that which ' please4 and it shall prosper in the thing whereto ' sent itG 8'saiah 00$669. esus said4 F'f ye abide in me4 and my words abide in you4 ye shall ask what ye will4 and it shall be done unto youG 8 ohn 60$29.

The Word4 -odBs promises4 and prayer must be vitally linked together to produce resultsD #ower in prayer depends upon the use of the Word of -od. The more you feed on the WordL the deeper your prayer life becomes. Earnest prayer4 if not nourished on -odBs Word4 will be weak and ineffective. -odBs Word and >is promises are the fuel for our prayers. They are a strong source and foundation upon which we are able to hold onto as we persevere in faithL until we receive the answer we need from -od. When -odBs Word remains in us and we are living according to the Word4 then we will be able to ask whatever we will and it shall be doneD Andrew Murray taught concerning prayer and the Word of -od4 F*ittle of the Word with little prayer is death to the spiritual life. Much of the Word with little prayer gives a sickly life. Much prayer with little of the Word gives more life4 but with steadfastness. A full measure of the Word and prayer each day gives a healthy and powerful life.G
+avid in his time of trouble reminded -od of >is promise to 6@

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him and acknowledged it was the foundation upon which >e built his hope. F&emember PferventlyQ the word and promise to Cour servant4 in which Cou have caused me to hope. This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction4 that Cour word has revived me and given me lifeG 8#salm 665$@5:0; AM#9.

-od has bound >imself to >is Word. ,ot one promise has ever failedD F=or no matter how many promises -od has made4 they are FCesG in Christ. And so through him the FAmenG is spoken by us to the glory of -odG 81 Corinthians 6$1; ,'!9. -od will never violate >is promises to you. 't is not irreverent to bring -odBs Word before >im and put a claim on >is promises. Moses reminded -od of >is promises in his prayer for forgiveness of the children of 'srael when they rebelled against >im at Kadesh "arnea.
And now4 ' pray Cou4 let the power of my *ord be great4 as Cou have promised4 saying4 The *ord is longsuffering and slow to anger4 and abundant in mercy and lovingkindness4 forgiving iniJuity and transgressionL but >e will by no means clear the guilty4 visiting the iniJuity of the fathers upon the children4 upon the third and fourth generation. #ardon4 ' pray Cou4 the iniJuity of this people according to the greatness of Cour mercy and lovingkindness4 Must as Cou have forgiven PthemQ from Egypt until now. ,umbers 6@$62:654 AM#

-od did not reprove Moses for pleading >is promise. >e answered Moses4 F... ' have pardoned according to your wordG 8,umbers 6@$1; AM#9. When you pray4 come boldly before the =ather reminding >im of >is promises and take hold of them by faith. &emember the prophecy$
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-od is going to bring us into a new dimension of authority in our prayers where our words4 spoken with authority and invested in the promises of -od4 will enable us to confront every stronghold of the enemyD

,ot only does -odBs Word and >is promises fuel our prayers4 they also become powerful weapons in waging spiritual warfare. )se the Word to rebuke and bind (atan. +are to claim >is promises for setting free those who are in bondage to (atan and in tearing down his strongholds.

'''.

AC%"

#&E!A'*E+ ', #&ACE&D

After acob prayed4 he sent gifts to Esau thinking they would pacify him. Then4 he took his wives4 maidservants4 and sons across the ford of the abbock where they would be safe. After they were settled4 he returned to camp alone. 't was a night of destiny for acob. The future of his family and all that belonged to him was at stake. To him it was a matter of life and death. 'n the dark stillness of the night4 he began to wrestle with the Angel of the *ord. 't was hand:to:hand combat. We do not know how long he wrestled4 but we know he wrestled all night until daybreak. We are told by the prophet >osea how acob wrestled$
... he had power over the Angel Pof the *ordQ and prevailedL he wept and sought >is favor. >e met >im in "ethel4 and there P-odQ spoke with >im Pand through himQ with usIEven the *ord the -od of hosts4 the name of >im PWho spake with acobQ is the *ord. >osea 61$@:0 AM#

acob wept. >e wrestled. >e made supplication. >e cried

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out to -od. >e refused to give up or become discouraged. At daybreak4 when the angel saw that >e did not prevail against acob4 he touched the hollow of his thigh4 so that it was out of Moint as he wrestled. Then the Angel told acob4 F... *et me go4 for it is daybreak....G 8-enesis ?1$17 ,'!9. acob had an encounter where >e took hold of -odD >e wrestled with such determination and power that the angel asked acob to let him goD acob prevailedD >e refused to let go saying4 F... ' will not let you go unless you bless meG 8-enesis ?1$17 ,'!9.
"ecause he prevailed with -od4 the Angel of the *ord declared a blessing on acob and changed his name4 meaning supplanter4 to F'srael.G >e said4 F... Cour name shall be called no more acob PsupplanterQ4 but 'srael Pcontender with -odQL for you have contended and have power with -od and with men and have prevailedG 8-enesis ?1$1/ AM#9.

'!. C%) CA, #&E!A'* W'T> -%+D

As we wrestle with -od through prevailing prayer4 we have power with -od and with menD We do not wrestle in our own strength4 but through the power of the >oly (pirit. F*ikewise the (pirit also helpeth our infirmities$ for we know not what we should pray for as we ought$ but the (pirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be utteredG 8&omans /$179.

acobBs encounter with -od is an e.ample of the type of prevailing prayer we must have today. 't is prayer that overcomes all opposition4 delays4 and seemingly impossible circumstances.

Abraham wrestled and prevailed on behalf of *ot 8see -enesis 6/$11:??9. Moses wrestled and prevailed for 'sraelBs victory over
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Amalek 8see E.odus 62$/:609.

'saiah and >eRekiah prevailed for 'sraelBs deliverance from (ennacherib 8see 1 Chronicles ?1$1;9.
Colosse. #aul said4 FEpaphras4 who is one of you and a servant of Christ esus4 sends greetings. >e is always wrestling in prayer for you4 that you may stand firm in all the will of -od4 mature and fully assuredG 8Colossians @$61 ,'!9.

Epaphras wrestled and prevailed in prayer for the Church at

#revailing prayer is -odBs chosen way to bring down heavenBs power and resources to earth. Charles (purgeon said4 F>e who knows how to overcome with -od in prayer has heaven and earth at his disposal.G -od is calling forth intercessors in every nation to wrestle and prevail in prayer on behalf of souls who are blinded by sin and bound by (atan. >e is calling intercessors that will prevail in prayer for a great end:time outpouring of -odBs (pirit and for open doors in countries now closed to the -ospelD 'n your own life4 there may be physical4 financial4 or other maMor needs that can only be changed through mighty4 wrestling4 and prevailing prayer. ust as acob had a divine encounter where he took hold of -od4 you can prevail with -od in prayer and take hold of the answers you need. *ike acob4 refuse to let goD &efuse to stop praying and believingD Continue to wrestle in prayer until you touch -od and >e touches you and releases >is power to meet the need.

6/

oshuaBs #rayer That Commanded ,ature

Then oshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the *%&+4 remaining there till evening. The elders of 'srael did the same4 and sprinkled dust on their heads. And oshua said4 Ah4 (overeign *%&+4 why did you ever bring this people across the ordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy usE 'f only we had been content to stay on the other side of ordanD % *ord4 what can ' say4 now that 'srael has been routed by its enemiesE The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. What then will you do for your own great nameE oshua 2$7:5 ,'!

C>A#TE& TW%

oshua was a mighty spiritual warrior who learned at MosesB side how to prevail with -od in prayer. >e witnessed the power of MosesB intercession that saved the children of 'srael from destruction and it no doubt4 left an indelible impression on his life. When Moses went up to Mt. (inai to meet with -od4 oshua was at his side. FThen Moses set out with oshua his aide4

and Moses went up on the mountain of -od. >e said to the elders4 FWait here for us until we come back to you....BB 8E.odus 1@$6?:

6@ ,'!9. ,otice he said4 FWait here for us.G

oshua saw firsthand the intimacy Moses had with -od4 the depth of his intercession4 the glory of -od radiating from
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his countenance4 and it created a hunger for -odBs #resence. When Moses went into the tent of meeting4 the (hekinah glory of -od would come down and stay at the entrance while the *ord spoke to Moses. When the people saw the glory of the *ord at the entrance to the tent4 they all stood and worshipped at the entrance of their tents. FThe *%&+ would speak to Moses face to face4 as a man speaks with his friend...G 8E.odus ??$66 ,'!9. When -od finished speaking to Moses4 Moses would return to the camp. "ut oshua stayed in tent where -odBs (hekinah glory had rested. F... Then Moses would return to the camp4 but his young aid oshua son of ,un did not leave the tentG 8E.odus ??$66 ,'!9. A fire was kindled in oshuaBs heart for -odBs #resence that could not be Juenched. After Moses died4 -od spoke to oshua and appointed him as MosesB successor to lead 'srael into the #romised *and. >e rolled back the ordan &iver and the children of 'srael walked across on dry land. 'n their first battle at ericho4 -od supernaturally intervened4 destroyed the walls of ericho4 and delivered the entire city into their hands. >owever4 following 'sraelBs great victory at ericho4 we see them defeated and fearful following the battle at Ai. When oshua saw they had been defeated4 he fell face down to the ground before the Ark of the *ord and stayed there until that evening. The elders of 'srael did the same and sprinkled dust on their heads. As they did this4 they were e.pressing their sorrow and their sincerity. =alling to the earth was an e.pression of deep reverence in their approach to -od.

1;

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#&ACE& T>AT C%MMA,+E+ ,AT)&E

'. (', "*%CK( %)& #&ACE&(D

oshua was deeply troubled. >e tore his clothes and began to cry out to -od. "ut notice that he began his prayer by accusing -od of failing them and of delivering them into the hands of their enemies. >e said4
K... why did you ever bring this people across the ordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy usE K 8 oshua 2$2 ,'!9.

oshuaBs eyes were upon their circumstances : their defeat instead of remembering -odBs promises. As they prepared to cross the ordan4 -od had promised oshua$
Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon4 that have ' given unto you4 as ' said unto Moses... There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life$ as ' was with Moses4 so ' will be with thee$ ' will not fail thee4 nor forsake thee.

oshua 6$?4 0

'n great despair4 oshua poured out his anguish and pled his case based upon the honor of -odBs ,ame.
% *ord4 what can ' say4 now that 'srael has been routed by its enemiesE The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. What then will you do for your own great nameE

oshua 2$/:5 ,'!

-odBs honor was at stakeD 'n essence4 oshua was saying that when the surrounding nations heard about their defeat that they would come and wipe them out. And it would be a reproach upon >is ,ame. -od told oshua4 F... -et upD Why do you lie thus upon
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your faceEG 8 oshua 2$6; AM#9. -od made it clear that the reason they had been defeated was because there was sin in the camp. Achan had taken some of the spoils of war from ericho and had kept it for himself. -od said that as long as this sin remained4 they would not be able to stand before their enemies.
%ne of the maMor hindrances to prayer is unconfessed sin. As long as we allow sin to remain in our lives4 -od will not hear our prayers. 8'n another lesson4 ' will share more about this and seven maMor hindrances to prayer. 9 't wasnBt until the children of 'srael dealt with the sin in their midst that -od heard their prayers and delivered the city of Ai into their hands. We must realiRe that as long as we allow sin to remain in our lives4 our relationship4 our prayers4 and communion with the =ather is hindered. +avid said4 F'f ' regard iniJuity in my heart4 the *ord will not hear meK 8#salm 77$6/9. Could it be that one of the reasons the Church is so powerless is because we have allowed sin to remain in the campE There are many people today living with unanswered prayer because they have failed to confess and get rid of the sin in their lives. We serve a -od who hears and answers prayerD >e is our =ather who loves to release >is blessings upon >is children. >e does not desire to withhold >imself from us4 but is looking for opportunities to answer our prayers and meet our needs. F=or the eyes of the *%&+ run to and fro throughout the whole earth4 to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.G 81 Chronicles 67$59.

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When we pray4 we need to ask the =ather to reveal anything that is wrong in our lives or that is displeasing to >im. And once >e reveals it4 we must confess it and get rid of it. oshua was Juick to deal with Achan and his sin and -od once again fought for them against their enemies. As oshua and his armies faced the Amorites4 -od told him4 F... +o not be afraid of themL ' have given them into your hand. ,ot one of them will be able to withstand youK 8 oshua 6;$/ ,'!9. oshua and his armies marched all night and took the Amorites by surprise. The *ord brought confusion upon their enemies and gave them a great victory at -ibeon. As the enemy fled from oshua and the armies of 'srael4 the *ord cast down great hailstones from the sky. More Amorites died from the hailstones than from the swords of the 'sraelites.

''. T>E (), A,+ M%%, (T%%+ (T'** AT %(>)A( C%MMA,+D

+uring this battle4 oshua prayed one of the greatest prayers ever prayed. >e prayed a prayer that demonstrates the unlimited power of -od. >is prayer broke through all natural limitationsD As the multitude of soldiers stood by4 oshua prayed$ F% sun4 stand still over -ibeon4 % moon4 over the !alley of AiMalonG 8 oshua 6;$61 ,'!9. oshuaBs prayer was not a petitionL it was not a plea for helpL it was not a weak4 timid prayerL it was a prayer command of faith. oshua knew the power of Almighty -od. >e had been at
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MosesB side and witnessed >is awesome power demonstrated on behalf of 'srael. Knowing -od had delivered their enemies into their hands4 he removed every limitation off -od and commanded the sun and moon to stand stillD The prayer oshua prayed was not a long4 drawn out prayer. oshua lived in fellowship with -od and it wasnBt necessary for him to pray a long prayer. >is reJuest was in accordance with -odBs plan to give them victory over their enemies. oshua and the armies of 'srael needed more time to pursue and defeat the Amorites. Knowing that -od was fighting for them and that -odBs power is unlimited4 oshua spoke the prayer command of faith. -od heard oshuaBs prayer and the sun and moon stood stillD -od caused the sun to stop in the middle of the sky and delay going down for about a full day until 'srael avenged itself on its enemiesD What an awesome witness of the all:powerful4 unlimited -od of 'sraelD
That day stands as a living memorial to the one true and living -od who answers prayer. FThere has never been a day like it before or since4 a day when the *%&+ listened to a man. (urely the *%&+ was fighting for 'sraelDG 8 oshua 6;$6@ ,'!9.

-od has not changedD >e will still change the course of natureL command the heavens to open and the rain to fallL stop raging stormsL release provision in time of famineL restore life to the deadL create new limbsL open blind eyesL unstop deaf earsL heal all manner of sickness and diseaseL deliver those bound by alcohol or drugsL in answer to the prayer of faith. To enter this new dimension of strategic level of warfare prayer4 you must remove every natural limitation you have
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%(>)AB(

#&ACE& T>AT C%MMA,+E+ ,AT)&E

placed upon -odBs ability to answer your prayers. (tart believing and asking big things from -od. We serve a -od who Fis able to do e.ceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think4 according to the power that worketh in usG 8Ephesians ?$1;9. Whatever your need4 donBt limit -odD "y faith4 take hold of the impossible as oshua didD

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+avidBs #rayer in the Cave

C>A#TE& T>&EE

' cry aloud to the *%&+L ' lift up my voice to the *%&+ for mercy. ' pour out my complaint before himL before him ' tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me4 it is you who know my way. 'n the path where ' walk men have hidden a snare for me. *ook to my right and seeL no one is concerned for me. ' have no refugeL no one cares for my life. ' cry to you4 % *%&+L ' say4 Cou are my refuge4 my portion in the land of the living. *isten to my cry4 for ' am in desperate needL rescue me from those who pursue me4 for they are too strong for me. (et me free from my prison4 that ' may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. #salm 6@1$6:2 ,'!

+avid was known as a man after -odBs heart. >e was a mighty warrior and King4 but above all else he was a man whose heart beat passionately after -od. *isten to his heartBs cry4 FAs the hart panteth after the water brooks4 so panteth my soul after thee4 % -od. My soul thirsteth for -od4 for the living -odG 8#salm @1$6:19. What a spiritual treasure we have in the #salms and prayers that +avid wrote that are recorded in the Word. They have been a source of strength and encouragement for untold millions throughout the ages. %n the lonely hillsides of "ethlehem4 +avid sang and worshipped -od. As he watched over the sheep4 he would take out his kinnor and begin to sing songs directed to the heart of -od. As his heart overflowed with love and Moy4 songs
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WA&&'%&( W>% T%)C>E+ T>E >EA&T %= -%+ T>&%)-> ',TE&CE(('%,

of praise and Moy would erupt from his lips and resound throughout the "ethlehem hillsides. +avid was a man of prayer. >is life was a life of prayer and praise. >e had a bold confidence that -od would hear and answer his prayers. >e said4 F' love the *%&+4 because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. "ecause he hath inclined his ear unto me4 therefore will ' call upon him as long as ' liveG 8#salm 667$6:19. >e knew that whenever he called upon -od4 >e would deliver him. +avid said4 FAs for me4 ' will call upon -odL and the *%&+ shall save meG 8#salm 00$679. 's this your confession of faith and trust in -od and >is faithfulness to hear and answer your prayersE &egardless of the turmoil and perple.ity in the world4 the desperate circumstances you face or the trials you go through can you say4 FAs for me4 ' will call upon the *ordD ' donBt know about anyone else4 but as for me4 ' will cry out to -od and ' know >e will hear and answer meD G
+avid said4 FEvening4 and morning4 and at noon4 will ' pray4 and cry aloud$ and he shall hear my voiceG 8#salm 00$629.

-od hears every prayer we pray. When we pray4 our words are not Must floating into the air and disappearing. %ur =ather hears our voiceD >is ears are attentive to our criesD +avid cried out to -od concerning his enemies who had lied and spoken deceitfully against him and then he said4 F... but ' give myself unto prayerG 8#salm 6;5$@9. Throughout his lifetime he devoted himself to prayer$ before going to battle against his enemiesL in times of troubleL in times of great turmoilL in times of great victory.

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+A!'+B( #&ACE& ', T>E CA!E

'. A&E C%) ', A CA!EE

When +avid was running from (aul and the armies of 'srael4 his faith and trust in -od was not shaken. >is faith was focused upon -odBs power and faithfulness to hear and answer his prayers. Although there were times when he was fearful4 weary4 and discouraged by his outward circumstances4 +avid did not waver or doubt. >is heart was firmly fi.ed and confident in -od. Although he fled to a cave for refuge4 his real refuge was in -od. +avid was aloneL forsaken by friends. (aul was in hot pursuit and wanted to kill him. There is no cave so dark or deep4 but that you can lift your voice in prayer and know that -od will hear and answer your prayersD There in the cave4 +avid began to pray.
>e cried out to -od. >e poured out his soul and told -od about the trouble he faced. +avid said4 F' pour out my complaint before himL before him ' tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me4 it is you who know my way...G 8#salm 6@1$1:? ,'!9.

>ave you ever reached a place where you felt like you were in a cave like +avidE Cou may be at that point right now. -od wants you to know that >e is with you in the FcaveG Must as >e was in the cave with +avid. >e knows what has happened to bring you to a place of desperation and >e knows what >e has planned to deliver you. There in that dark4 cold cave4 +avid told the =ather all about his troubles and said4 F*ook to my right and seeL no one is concerned for me. ' have no refugeL no one cares for my lifeG
8#salm 6@1$@ ,'!9.

-od knows everything about you. The very hairs of your

15

WA&&'%&( W>% T%)C>E+ T>E >EA&T %= -%+ T>&%)-> ',TE&CE(('%,

head are numbered. Cou are precious in >is sight. >e is your =ather who knows your need even before you come to >im in prayer. +onBt be afraid to pour out your heart to -od. >e knows the depths of what you are going through. +avidBs spirit was overwhelmed. The reason we reach a point where we feel overwhelmed by our problems and circumstances is because we are looking to the natural realm for our help. %ur >eavenly =ather wants us to run to >im in times of great desperation and find refuge and strength in >is arms to meet our every need. +avid saw there was no natural answer to the circumstances he faced and said4 F' cry to you4 % *%&+L ' say4 OCou are my refuge4 my portion in the land of the livingOG 8#salm 6@1$0 ,'!9. +avid had reached one of the lowest points in his life. (aul and the armies of 'srael seeking to take his life were too strong for him. >is friends abandoned him. >e had looked around for someone to come to his aid4 but found no one. >e had been cast offL reMected by men. "ut4 +avid was not depending upon men to save him out of his troubles. >e had already made -od his refuge. >e told -od4 FCou are my refuge and my portionDG Whatever needs you may haveL no matter how desperate your circumstancesL as you come before -od in prayer4 make >im your refuge. &un to >imD #our out your trouble and hide yourself in >im knowing and trusting >e knows what you are going through and that >e will sustain4 strengthen4 and deliver youD

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+A!'+B( #&ACE& ', T>E CA!E

''. MAKE -%+ C%)& &E=)-E

There in that cave4 +avid had run to the *ord4 his refuge4 in prayer. >e told the =ather$
*isten to my cry4 for ' am in desperate needL rescue me from those who pursue me4 for they are too strong for me. (et me free from my prison4 that ' may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. #salm 6@1$7:2 ,'!

+avidBs focus was not set on the strength of his enemies. >e knew he was outnumbered and that they were too strong for him. As he prayed4 his spiritual focus was set on -odBs deliverance and goodness to him. +avid had faith and confidence in -od that >e would hear and answer his prayer. >e said4 FAs for me4 ' will call upon -odL and the *%&+ shall save meK 8#salm 00$679. There are many times we face problems and desperate circumstances and instead of crying out to -od in prayer4 we try to work things out in the natural. We get our eyes focused upon our desperate circumstancesL our physical problemsL the negative report of the doctorL the overdue billsL problems with rebellious childrenL the marriage that is falling apart. 'f you are to live in the powerful dimension of prayer Christ taught4 you must learn to set your spiritual focus on -od and >is faithfulness to hear and answer prayerL not on your circumstances or problems. +avid said4 F(et me free from my prison4 that ' may praise your name. 8#salm 6@1$2 ,'!9. %ne of the maMor purposes of our prayers for -odBs deliverance from our circumstances is that we will be able to praise -od and that >e will be
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WA&&'%&( W>% T%)C>E+ T>E >EA&T %= -%+ T>&%)-> ',TE&CE(('%,

glorified. Even as we cry out to >im we need to offer up sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving in faith4 believing >e has heard us.

'''. CA(T C%)& ")&+E,( )#%, T>E *%&+D

+avid knew that regardless of the circumstances he faced4 whether he was on the battlefield fighting4 in a cave running for his life4 or surrounded by the enemy4 -od was with him. +avid learned how to release his faith and trust and know that -od would not fail him. >e said4 FCast thy burden upon the *%&+4 and he shall sustain thee$ he shall never suffer the righteous to be movedG 8#salm 00$119. 'n the darkest hour of your life4 your faith and confidence must be firmly fi.ed that -od will sustain you. >e will not allow you to be moved by your circumstancesD >e will be to you everything that you needD Cou will be able to draw your strength and courage from >im. *ike +avid4 through -odBs strength flowing through you4 you will be able to look (atan4 every trial4 adversity4 sickness4 pain4 heartache4 and even death in the face and not be moved. +avid said that -od will never allow the righteous to be shaken or moved from >is hand. -od intends those who trust in >im to be immovableD "ut4 >e reJuires us to first castL to throw our burden upon >im in faith believing he will make us victorious. Cou have a choice$ To carry your burdens around and try to deal with them in the natural realm or to activate your faith by taking them to -od in prayer and throwing them upon >im.
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+A!'+B( #&ACE& ', T>E CA!E

>e is Must waiting for you to stop trying to carry them yourself and to allow >im to carry them for you. The moment you pray4 casting your problems and burdens upon -od in complete faith and trust in >im to meet your needs4 >is power is activated in your life to make you victorious and to deliver you. 't is time to come out of your caveD

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+avidBs #rayer for -odBs Everlasting "lessing

C>A#TE& =%)&

Then King +avid went in and sat before the *%&+4 and he said$
Who am '4 % (overeign *%&+4 and what is my family4 that you have brought me this farE And as if this were not enough in your sight4 % (overeign *%&+4 you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. 's this your usual way of dealing with man4 % (overeign *%&+E What more can +avid say to youE =or you know your servant4 % (overeign *%&+. =or the sake of your word and according to your will4 you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant. >ow great you are4 % (overeign *%&+D There is no one like you4 and there is no -od but you4 as we have heard with our own ears. And who is like your people 'sraelIthe one nation on earth that -od went out to redeem as a people for himself4 and to make a name for himself4 and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before your people4 whom you redeemed from EgyptE Cou have established your people 'srael as your very own forever4 and you4 % *%&+4 have become their -od. And now4 *%&+ -od4 keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. +o as you promised4 so that your name will be great forever. Then men will say4 The *%&+ Almighty is -od over 'sraelD And the house of your servant +avid will be established before you. % *%&+ Almighty4 -od of 'srael4 you have revealed this to your servant4 saying4 ' will build a house for you. (o your servant
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WA&&'%&( W>% T%)C>E+ T>E >EA&T %= -%+ T>&%)-> ',TE&CE(('%,

has found courage to offer you this prayer. % (overeign *%&+4 you are -odD Cour words are trustworthy4 and you have promised these good things to your servant. ,ow be pleased to bless the house of your servant4 that it may continue forever in your sightL for you4 % (overeign *%&+4 have spoken4 and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever. 6 (amuel 2$6/:15 ,'!

-od blessed and prospered +avid. >e fought for the children of 'srael and gave them rest from all their enemies. When +avid had built his palace and was at rest from his enemies4 the greatest desire of his heart was to build -od a Temple. -od saw +avidBs desire and sent the prophet ,athan to +avid with a message. -od told +avid that instead of building a house for >im4 >e was going to establish a house for +avid.
' will raise up your offspring to succeed you4 who will come from your own body4 and ' will establish his kingdom. >e is the one who will build a house for my ,ame4 and ' will establish the throne of his kingdom forever... Cour house and your kingdom will endure forever before meL your throne will be established forever.

6 (amuel 2$61:6? 67 ,'!

When +avid heard this prophecy4 he went into the Tabernacle and sat down before the Ark of the Covenant where -odBs #resence dwelt. ,o doubt he was overwhelmed by the prophetic promise -od had given him through ,athan. "ut notice that not only did he receive the prophetic promise with great MoyL it gave him courage to pray this prayer. +avid said4 F% *%&+ Almighty4 -od of 'srael4 you have revealed this to your servant4 saying4 N' will build a house for you.B (o your servant has found courage to offer you this prayerG 81 (amuel 2$12 ,'!9.
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+A!'+B( #&ACE& =%& -%+B( E!E&*A(T',- "*E((',-

%verwhelmed with the goodness and blessing that he had already received at -odBs hand4 +avid cried out4 F... Who am '4 % (overeign *%&+4 and what is my family4 that you have brought me this farEG 81 (amuel 2$6/ ,'!9. +avid realiRed it was not by his own strength or merit that he had been e.alted above his enemies and established King over 'srael. >e knew it was because of -odBs loving:kindness and favor. As +avid sat there in the #resence of the *ord and thought upon the greatness of -odBs promise to him4 words failed him. >e said4 FWhat more can +avid say to youE =or you know your servant4 % (overeign *%&+G 81 (amuel 2$1; ,'!9. >e acknowledged that it was for the sake of -odBs Word and according to >is will that -od had poured out >is blessing upon him and given him this prophetic promise.
+avidBs heart overflowed at the thought of -odBs greatness and maMesty. >e said4 F>ow great you are4 % (overeign *%&+D There is no one like you4 and there is no -od but you4 as we have heard with our own earsG 81 (amuel 2$11 ,'!9.

When we come into the #resence of -od4 one of our greatest priorities should be to acknowledge >im for Who >e is and e.alt >is ,ame. There is no -od but ehovahD >e is the Almighty -od who has revealed >imself throughout the ages to >is people through >is supernatural signs and wonders. When we call upon >im4 we know there is no greater powerD The more we have a revelation of >is power and glory4 the more we will be able to take hold of >is supernatural provision for our lives. +avid acknowledged -odBs greatness in redeeming 'srael out of Egypt and establishing them as >is chosen people. >e said4 FCou have established your people 'srael as your very own forever4 and you4 % *%&+4 have become their -odG 81
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WA&&'%&( W>% T%)C>E+ T>E >EA&T %= -%+ T>&%)-> ',TE&CE(('%,

(amuel 2$1@ ,'!9. Today4 -od has called out another people. >e has redeemed us out of (atanBs bondage and made us >is own children. >e has raised us up and brought us into relationship with >im whereby we are a royal priesthood and a holy nation4 FWhich in time past were not a people4 but are now the people of -od$ which had not obtained mercy4 but now have obtained mercyK 86 #eter 1$6;9. We are >is people and >e is our -odD

'. F+% A( C%) #&%M'(E+DG

+avid brought -odBs promise before >im. >e said4 FAnd now4 *%&+ -od4 keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. +o as you promised4 so that your name will be great forever....G 81 (amuel 2$10:17 ,'!9.

+avid took possession of -odBs promise. >e said4 F+o as you promisedDG >e knew the faithfulness of -od to fulfill >is promises and through prayer took hold of the promise in faith. >e said4 F% (overeign *%&+4 you are -odD Cour words are trustworthy.G 81 (amuel 2$1/ ,'!9. As we pray4 we must remember that every word -od has spoken is true and will come to pass Must as >e promised. F"ut the word of the *ord endureth for ever....BB 86 #eter 6$109. esus said4 F>eaven and earth shall pass away4 but my words shall not pass awayBB 8Matthew 1@$?09. -odBs Word cannot failD Knowing that -od is faithful to fulfill >is Word4 we must do as +avid did to take hold of >is promises to us. To receive the answers to our prayers we must4 in faith4 bring the promises of -od before >im and say4 F+o as you promisedDG
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+A!'+B( #&ACE& =%& -%+B( E!E&*A(T',- "*E((',-

We turn -odBs promises into prayers and then they are turned into a demonstration of -odBs supernatural power on our behalfD +avid concluded his prayer by asking -od to release >is blessing upon his houseL upon his seed and that they would walk forever before -od according to the word >e had spoken. >e said4 F,ow be pleased to bless the house of your servant4 that it may continue forever in your sightL for you4 %
(overeign *%&+4 have spoken4 and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed foreverG 81 (amuel 2$15 ,'!9.

+avid knew that once -od had spoken and pronounced >is blessing that nothing could hinder or prevent the blessing from coming.

''. ,% M%&E +%)"T %& H)E(T'%,',-D

+avidBs prayer is an e.ample for us to follow in standing in faith upon -odBs Word and >is promises. -od has bound >imself to us by >is Word by two undeniable proofs$ >is oath and >is immutable counsel.
When -od made a promise to Abraham4 >e sealed it with >is oath. F=or when -od made promise to Abraham4 because he could swear by no greater4 he sware by himself4 (aying4 (urely blessing ' will bless thee4 and multiplying ' will multiply theeG 8>ebrews 7$6?: 6@9.

"ecause >e could swear by no greater4 -od swore by himself. >e staked down >is own beingD ,o greater security could ever be given or desired. 'n swearing by >imself4 it was as if -od was saying4 F' will cease to be -od4 if ' do not fulfill thisDG
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WA&&'%&( W>% T%)C>E+ T>E >EA&T %= -%+ T>&%)-> ',TE&CE(('%,

(ince -od cannot lie4 prove false4 or deceive us4 >is Word is infallible. Whatever >e speaks will come to pass. -od did not Must give you >is promises and then leave you on your own to try to produce enough faith to lay hold of them. >e hasnBt planned for your faith to waver or fluctuate according to the circumstances you face or according to your emotions. The Apostle #aul said4 FAccordingly -od also4 in >is desire to show more convincingly and beyond doubt to those who were to inherit the promise the unchangeableness of >is purpose and plan4 intervened 8mediated9 with an oathG 8>ebrews 7$62 AM#9. As heirs of promise4 -od has given us >is divine oath as an undeniable proof that forever settles it in our minds. 't wasnBt necessary for -od to give us >is oath. "ut4 >e didD There is no reason you should ever become an.ious or worried concerning promises -od has given you. Cou have >is oath as your guaranteeD ,ot only has -od given you >is oath4 >e has given you a second undeniable proof$ >is immutable counsel. *ook at >ebrews 7$62:6/ in the King ames !ersion$ FWherein -od4 willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel4 confirmed it by an oath$ That by two immutable things4 in which it was impossible for -od to lie....G The word FimmutableG means unchangeable. When -od makes a promise4 >e does not change >is mind. Man may forfeit >is promise through his unbelief or through disobedience and failing to fulfill the conditions -od has set forth4 but -od never changes. >e is F... the same yesterday4 and to day4 and for everG 8>ebrews 6?$/9. -od said4
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+A!'+B( #&ACE& =%& -%+B( E!E&*A(T',- "*E((',-

F=or ' am the *%&+4 ' change not....G 8Malachi ?$79.

The Fimmutability of >is counselG refers to -odBs eternal purpose and plan. These eternal purposes have been agreed upon in counsel and are settled between the =ather4 (on4 and >oly (pirit. Within the FcounselsG of -od are >is desire4 will4 and purposes for our lives. Eternal life4 the indwelling of the >oly (pirit4 healing4 deliverance4 the assurance of >is #resence4 unlimited blessings4 power and authority4 prosperity4 help in time of need4 peace4 heaven4 and all >is promises are founded upon the$ 'mmutableD )nchangeableD Eternal counsels of -odD They are a declared revelation of >is eternal counsels that come forth from >is heart. ust as -od never changes4 neither does >is purpose or >is desire toward >is people ever change. >is Word and >is promises never change. They are forever settled in the heavensD
+avid declared4 F=or ever4 % *%&+4 thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations.... G 8#salm 665$/5: 5;9. 'saiah said4 F... The word of our -od shall stand for everG 8'saiah @;$/9.

'''. (ET C%)& (#'&'T)A* =%C)( ', #&ACE&

These two divine proofs4 -odBs oath and >is immutable4 unchangeable counsel4 give you divine assurance that will
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WA&&'%&( W>% T%)C>E+ T>E >EA&T %= -%+ T>&%)-> ',TE&CE(('%,

enable you to stake your claim and take possession of -odBs promises4 regardless of what trials or circumstances you may face. What are the promises -od has given you that you have been holding onto4 waiting for -od to fulfillE What are the promises you are claiming from the Word of -odE What are the prophecies that have been spoken over your life4 family4 or ministryE The key to taking possession of these promises and prophecies is knowing where to focus your faith in prayer. -od has given you >is oath and >is infallible Word that never changesD >is promises are unchangeable counselD founded upon >is immutable4

-od has an unfailing record upon which you can stake your own lifeD As you pray4 focus your faith upon -odBs divine faithfulness and >is awesome power. +onBt look at your circumstances. *ook beyond the promise to the faithful -od who has given you e.ceedingly great and precious promisesD 't doesnBt matter how impossible it may seem or how long you may have waited to receive the fulfillment of -odBs promise to you. As you pray4 focus your faith knowing >e is able and will change the very course of nature4 if necessary4 to fulfill >is promises to you. -od is faithful to all that >e has promisedD "ecause >e is faithful when you pray4 you can know beyond all doubt you will receive what >e has promised youD
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