MONTHLY NEWSLETTER With Rev Dr. C. A. Onitiri (July 2024 Edition)

Happy New Month and welcome to the month of July 2024.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE MONTH: MATTHEW 7V7-8.

“⁶Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

⁷For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (KJV)

THEME: “UNLOCKING THE POWER OF PERSISTENT PRAYER”

THE INVITATION TO PERSISTENT PRAYER

In the midst of Jesus’ profound Sermon on the Mount, we encounter a transformative invitation to engage in persistent prayer.

Matthew 7:7-8 highlights the necessity of continual, heartfelt communication with God, emphasizing the acts of asking, seeking, and knocking.

This passage transcends mere petitioning; it calls us to a deeper, more enduring relationship with our Heavenly Father.

THE ACTS OF PRAYER: “ASK, SEEK & KNOCK.

1.ASK: Asking is an acknowledgment of our dependence on God. It is an act of humility, recognizing our need for His provision and guidance. Jesus encourages us to bring our requests before God, trusting in His generosity and willingness to provide.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.“James 1v5

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4v6 (KJV)

2. SEEK: Seeking goes beyond asking; it involves a deeper pursuit of God’s presence and will. It is about desiring a closer relationship with God and aligning our lives with His purpose.

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (KJV)

“The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” Psalm 34:10 (KJV)

3. KNOCK: Knocking represents perseverance in prayer. It signifies a persistent faith, continuing to engage with God even when answers are delayed. Knocking suggests that receiving God’s blessings often requires patient endurance.

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”Luke 18:1 (KJV)

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 (KJV)

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES:

1.Hannah’s Prayer (1 Samuel 1:10-20 KJV): Hannah’s fervent prayer for a child demonstrates the power of heartfelt, persistent prayer. Her unwavering faith and dedication led to the birth of Samuel, who became a great prophet of Israel.

“For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:27 (KJV)

2. Elijah’s Prayer (1 Kings 18:36-39 KJV): Elijah’s bold prayer on Mount Carmel showcases the power of confident, expectant prayer. His faith in God’s ability to respond miraculously brought fire from heaven, proving God’s supremacy.

“Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.” 1 Kings 18:37 (KJV)

3. Jesus’ Prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-44 KJV): Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals the depth of surrender and submission in prayer. Despite the immense agony, Jesus prayed for God’s will to be done, teaching us the importance of aligning our desires with God’s purposes.

“And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39 (KJV)

WHY CHRISTIAN MUST PRAY

1. COMMUNION WITH GOD: Prayer is the primary means of developing a personal relationship with God. Through prayer, we communicate with our Creator, share our hearts, and listen to His voice.

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7 (KJV)

2. SPIRITUAL GROWTH: Prayer fosters spiritual growth and maturity. It is a discipline that shapes our character and deepens our faith.

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2 (KJV)

3. ACCESS TO DIVINE POWER: Through prayer, we tap into God’s unlimited power and resources. It enables us to overcome challenges, receive guidance, and experience God’s miraculous intervention in our lives.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)

EMBRACING THE POWER OF PERSISTENT PRAYER

Matthew 7:7-8 invites us into a dynamic, persistent prayer life.
By asking, seeking, and knocking, we engage in a journey of faith that brings us closer to God and aligns us with His will.

As we learn from biblical examples and embrace the acts of prayer, we unlock the power of prayer in our lives, experiencing God’s presence, provision, and power in remarkable ways.

Let us commit to a life of persistent prayer, trusting that our Heavenly Father hears and answers every sincere plea.

CONCLUSION:

Prayer is not just a religious exercise but a vital, life-giving connection with God.

Embrace the invitation to ask, seek, and knock, and watch as the doors of heaven open to reveal God’s extraordinary plans and purposes for your life.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your promise that when we ask, seek, and knock, You hear us and respond.

Help us to come to You with our needs, to seek Your will earnestly, and to persist in faith.

May we experience the fullness of Your blessings as we trust in Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.