Letting God’s glory shine ‘…all things serve you.’ Psalm 119.91 This simple phrase makes an ideal place from which to start our prayers, whether it be praying for ourselves or for others. At times we have in mind a picture of a world at odds with God and our prayers can tend to be an entreaty to him to sort things out because we haven’t got a clue what to do. This verse puts a new perspective on whatever situation you face - all things serve him. Absolutely everything - every person and every situation - is under the authority of God and ultimately exists to bring glory to him. This is the perspective we are invited to have as we pray. We are not caught up in a cosmic battle between God and the devil, wondering who will win, but instead we are watching the story of God unfold before our very eyes and in our own lives. At times circumstances may indeed be confusing – and sometimes it may seem as if God is losing - but the truth is that every situation will serve him and is a part of the revelation of his glory. So what is the point of prayer? There is still a battle waging and at times you may feel the fight going on in your own life but, amongst other things, prayer is your surrender to the glory of God being revealed in your life; a means of you standing firm, showing his character and seeing his victory displayed through you. www.healingmission.org | www.encounterprayer.net #healingmission #encounterprayer #perspective #prayers #battle #surrender #stand_firm #victory #glory © John Ryeland (fb)

The resources within ‘I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being...’ Ephesians 3.16 When we need God’s help in our lives it is tempting to focus on our need; to look at what we do not have and wonder how we are going to cope. This lovely verse encourages us not to look so much at our need but instead to look at the presence of God’s Spirit within us, and to seek the help that this presence can bring. Living within each of us is the same Spirit whose power raised Christ to life at the resurrection (Romans 8.11) and it is the same Spirit through whom Jesus cast out evil spirits (Matthew 12.28). Worship is a key means of accessing the wonder of this Spirit within us; not just singing worship songs or speaking words of praise but acknowledging the truth of what God reveals - despite what we might or might not feel. Worship is about letting our hearts overflow with something like this: “Holy Spirit, you are here. I may not be able to feel you or sense you in any way, but you are here. You live deep within me and you have limitless power.” Let these words echo around your mind and you will find the knowledge of God’s presence growing within you. www.healingmission.org | www.encounterprayer.net #healingmission #encounterprayer #strength #power #worship #limitless #knowledge #presence_of_god #resources © John Ryeland (fb)