Preparation Tips for Morning or Evening Prayer!(From the rising of the sun
to the going down of the same,
the name of the Lord shall be praised. Psalm 113:3)
There is not one special ritual or formula for break through prayer and if none of these things are feasible, then certainly don’t allow anything to stop you from praying. But hopefully, these tips will help you have easier access on a daily basis.
We so often find ourselves bogged down from morning sleepiness or our busy day that we don’t have an ounce of energy (or desire because they seem to become sapped synonymously ) to pray until we are delivered from sluggishness and/or worldly oppression.
It’s a good idea to change clothes—though certain garments are not a necessity like they were for the priests of the Old Testament---they still drape us, thus pertinent to our immediate atmosphere (and very symbolic too).
For example, if it’s morning and you keep yawning in your sleep-filled pajamas or if it’s evening and you have 50 peoples cologne and 5 peoples cigarette smoke lingering as a oppressive stench in your shirt (even if you can’t smell it anymore doesn’t mean it’s not there); an easy fix in both cases is to rid the plagued garment and clothe yourselves in a crisp clean garment—what a relief!!
(More intensive cleaning and perhaps awakening for some can be accomplished through a shower or bath—but if you’re one who will get stuck soaking right through your prayer time then just splash some water on your face and/or just stick to a clean heart).
The next step in your transition from the Bed/Babylon to the heavenly Throne is drinking a picker upper; if need be. I’ll spare you the legend of God creating coffee by sending rain to the prophet’s coffee beans, and I’m not trying to get you to be an addict or stay up all night—but needless to say, coffee has been known to to assist in shaking some somnolent and carnal spirits off. If you’re too healthy for coffee, hot tea or another refreshing drink may suffice. Thirdly, lighting candles can add that special element of Fire to the room. No, you don’t have to be Catholic to light candles; after all He is the God of the Burning Bush. Furthermore, music has an amazing impact as it ushers your mind and soul into the Presence of God; fulfilling your created purpose to worship Him. This is of course, assuming it’s anointed worship music (make sure you have some on supply beforehand, so you don’t resort to commercial ridden radio or oppressive tunes) You are almost ready, to enter in….but first…….turn your cell phone off. Yes, there actually is an off button on it. A beautiful way that we can convey love to others is through…Undivided Attention. Jesus asked His disciples aghast, “Could you not tarry One hour? God Himself is worthy of our Undivided Attention!! We should worship, pray, and meditate on Him without interruption. That’s probably why Jesus called it a prayer closet (Matt 6:6). Enclosure allows us to escape the influx of distractions so that we can focus on the God of Glory!! Worship, Pray, and Enjoy His Presence---allow Him to be the Lover of Your Soul as You breakthrough to His heart!
Dr. Mathis, this post was hilarious! You have such a great sense of humor. I know that you are right when you write about getting those old garments off....(not that it is a necessity for prayer as you say) but it very well may be if you want to go deep in prayer and really wander through the holy of holies! I love to take a shower, put some "jammies" because they are comfortable! You can dance in worship, or easily crouch down on your knees to cry out to YAH (Yahweh). The candles really seem to emanate his presence.... I prefer soft worship music, even hebrew messianic style...yet sometimes I just prefer to cry out for the nations...starting with the ground I am standing on, working out through my city, my state, my country, and then the world... God bless! Joshua
ReplyDeleteYes!! How glorious!!
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