Understanding What Jesus Said About Prayer

Welcome to our latest blog post on the Kenneth Hagin Prayer Study series. Today, we're diving into Chapter 17, which is a continuation of exploring Jesus' teachings on prayer. This chapter illuminates various principles of prayer that Jesus imparted during his ministry on earth and how these principles can transform our prayer lives.

Pray for Your Enemies
One of the foundational teachings Jesus shared is found in Matthew 5:44-45. He instructs us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who spitefully use us. This guidance is profound yet challenging, as it calls us to act counterintuitively by engaging with kindness and prayer rather than retaliation. Jesus infers that by praying for our persecutors, we align ourselves as children of our Father in heaven.

Pray for Laborers
A crucial aspect of prayer that Jesus highlighted is for laborers to be sent forth into the harvest, as found in Matthew 9:36-38. Jesus observed that while the harvest is plentiful, the laborers are few. This call to prayer emphasizes the need for workers dedicated to spreading the gospel, as the salvation of the lost hinges on the availability of laborers equipped to share the message of Christ.

Understanding Dominion and Authority
A significant portion of this chapter delves into the concepts of dominion and authority. By examining the fall of Adam, we understand how sin transferred dominion to Satan, making him the "god of this world." However, through prayer and redemption, believers regain authority over Satan's influence. Thus, our prayers invite divine intervention within God's legal framework outlined in scripture.

Faith and the Prayer of Agreement
Jesus’ teachings also extend to the realm of faith in prayer, as captured in Matthew 18:18-19 and Mark 11. These scriptures underscore the significance of believing that we receive what we ask in prayer—a principle that underlies effective prayer. Crucially, forgiveness is highlighted as imperative to the success of our prayers.

The Prayer of Opportunity
Lastly, Luke's Gospel introduces the concept of the prayer of opportunity (persistence in prayer). Luke 11 encourages us to pursue our requests with faith and confidence, not through repetitive pleading, but by persistent faith that God is faithful to respond. This form of prayer teaches us about remaining hopeful and steadfast, trusting God's timing and wisdom.

Conclusion
Chapter 17 of the Kenneth Hagan Prayer Study enriches our understanding of prayer as taught by Jesus. By grasping these concepts—praying for our enemies, asking for laborers, understanding dominion, exercising faith, and persisting in prayer—we can deepen our relationship with God and witness His kingdom manifest on earth. As you reflect on these insights, may your prayer life become more vibrant and aligned with the divine principles Jesus laid out for us all. Thank you for joining us in this study, and continue to explore and grow in prayer!