I’m sure like many of you, as a child, I learned simple prayers. My family would bless the food before we ate. Dad would usually lead us in the blessing. Then at night before being tucked into bed, we would say a bedtime prayer. I’m so very thankful for the spiritual foundation that my parents laid down for me in my early years. As I became older, I began to be awakened to the spiritual battle going on in my life and all around me. What at one time were sweet, innocent prayers of childhood, became cries to the Lord from a battlefield. The verses in Ephesians 6 began to come alive to me:
Vs. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Vs. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (NIV)
Maturity in prayer is much like maturing in other areas of life. In the beginning we rely on those around us, like parents, Sunday school teachers, grandparents, pastors to help us begin to learn about the Kingdom of God and how to interact with God through prayer. As we continue to grow, we begin to take ownership over our relationship with God. It is very similar to our parents driving us everywhere when we were little, but usually around the age of 16 we are all excited about getting our license and driving the car ourselves. We may start with a tricycle and work our way up to that dream car, but the growth continues to flow into greater responsibility and power. Is it risky at times? Sure it is. There are a lot of other drivers on the road, many who aren’t driving very responsibly. That certainly doesn’t mean that I’m going to give up driving. It just requires maturity in managing this amazing responsibility. It amazes me that God in His infinite wisdom decided to hand us the keys of the Kingdom!
I will give you the keys of heaven’s kingdom realm to forbid on earth that which is forbidden in heaven, and to release on earth that which is released in heaven. (Matthew 16:19, TPT)
The “keys” are symbols of authority and ruling power. Jesus is not only King over the church but also over all the earth. Dutch Sheets, in his book Authority in Prayer, summarizes the differences between functioning as a king and priest:
- As king He represents the rule and will of God; as priest He represents the needs and desires of people.
- His kingly role is downward, from heaven to earth; His priestly role is upward, from earth to heaven.
- His kingly activity is God-centered, his priestly activity is human-centered.
- His kingly function requires authority and power; His priestly role requires love, mercy, and grace.
- Kings have a scepter that symbolizes authority; priests use a censer that symbolizes worship. One releases power, the other a fragrance.
While we must comprehend these functions of Christ, we must also realize that as His body on earth He fulfills them through us. We are His voice, His hands, His feet. We are Christ’s church, His legislature and, as such, partners in His mission and partakers of His anointing. What an incredible gift and responsibility to steward on earth as it is in heaven.
Continue the Pursuit,
Denise
