Praying In Submission but Walking in Authority
In today’s world, the need for prayer in the church is more pressing than ever. As we face numerous challenges and witness widespread turbulence, it’s vital to understand the powerful balance between praying in submission and walking in authority. This balance is not just essential for our spiritual growth but also crucial for the church’s survival in these trying times.
The Urgency of Prayer
When we turn on the television or glance at our phones, we see alarming headlines filled with violence and chaos. This constant barrage of negativity highlights the urgent need for the church to rise in prayer. It’s not only about the troubles the world faces; even within our churches, we see a falling away from the true gospel and the teachings of God.
It’s evident: The church needs to pray. Yet, it’s not just about the act of prayer alone; it’s about ensuring that our prayers are followed by actions. The Bible consistently urges us to pray. But it also teaches us to walk in the authority that God has endowed upon us.
A Lesson from Hannah
The story of Hannah in the Bible serves as a powerful illustration of praying in submission and walking in authority. Hannah, though barren and ridiculed, did not allow her pain and grief to turn into bitterness. Instead, she continued to pray humbly and submitted herself to God’s will.
Her unwavering faith and submission paid off. And her story teaches us a valuable lesson: When we truly submit to God, acknowledging our dependence on Him, He hears our prayers and responds. This submission does not come from a place of weakness but is a testament to our faith and trust in God’s plans.
What Does Submission Mean?
Being submitted to God means aligning our lives with His will, trusting His plan, and obeying His commands. It involves humility, recognizing our dependence on God, and yielding our desires to His greater purpose. While our free will allows us to make our choices, true peace and joy come when we choose to follow Christ diligently.
The Power of Submission in Prayer
Hannah’s prayer was marked by humility and submission. Despite her despair, she offered her deepest desires to God, showing her willingness to align her will with His. This act of submission invited divine intervention. When Eli, the priest, prayed for her, Hannah believed in the promises of God with profound faith. Her joyous demeanor following the prayer was a reflection of her trust in God’s timing.
Hannah’s story is a reminder that when we present our needs to God with a submissive heart, He listens and responds in His perfect timing. It’s about trusting that God’s timing is always for our good and His glory.
Walking in Authority
While praying in submission is foundational, walking in the authority granted by God is about living and acting in His power. Jesus Christ, after His resurrection, declared that all authority in heaven and on earth was given to Him. As believers, He grants us a measure of this authority to act in His name.
Take Luke 10:19 for instance, where Jesus says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” This scripture empowers us to understand that while the enemy may still have power, he holds no authority over the lives of God’s children.
Fulfilling Our Commitments
True authority stems from fulfilling our commitments to God. Just like Hannah, who after receiving her blessing in the form of her son Samuel, dedicated him to the Lord as she had vowed. This commitment showcases that walking in authority involves action—fulfilling the promises we make to God and living a life aligned with His will.
Practical Application
So, how can we practically apply these lessons in our lives today?
- Pray Earnestly from the Heart: Approach God with heartfelt, sincere prayers, not just from your lips, but from your heart.
- Submit to His Will: Trust that God hears your prayers and will respond in His perfect timing. This requires faith and patience, especially in the midst of life’s storms.
- Live Boldly in God’s Authority: Make decisions that honor God, ensuring that every action reflects His will. Live with the confidence that you are a child of God, empowered by His authority.
Conclusion
God rewards those who pray in submission and walk in His authority. Just as Hannah received more blessings than she initially asked for, God pours out abundant blessings when we align our lives with His will. When we pray, let’s do so with a heart of submission, and when we rise, let us walk with the authority that God has granted us. This balance will not only transform our lives but also strengthen the church to withstand the challenges of these times.
Let us continue to seek God in prayer and walk boldly in His authority, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us. Remember, no weapon formed against us shall prosper when we pray in submission and walk in authority. Give God some praise for His goodness and faithfulness in our lives.