My spiritual father gave a teaching years ago that has remained stuck with me. He said, “What you do daily in your private personal life on earth is what determines what heaven does daily in your life and affairs.” The angels of God ascend to descend, not vice versa. That revelation taught me something I would never forget about daily prayers, among others.
Friend, one thing you must learn to do daily is praying (Mark 1:35). Prayer is not a religious exercise. It is a kingdom activity that brings the power of God to bear on your life and affairs. You will only enjoy the reality of the kingdom to the extent that you engage in daily prayers (Matthew 6:10). God’s will exists in heaven, but it needs to be experienced on the earth. Prayer is the bridge between these two realities.
While some are experiencing heaven on earth, others are experiencing hell on earth. It is not enough to know that you are on your way to heaven. You also need to have a taste of heaven on earth (Psalms 34:8, Hebrews 6:5). You can be going through hell on your way to heaven. You can also be going through heaven on your way to hell.
God wants you to go through heaven on your way to heaven (Genesis 13:2). Heaven is not only supposed to be a destination. It is also supposed to be an experience. This is why you need to pray daily. Daily prayers give permission to God and divine forces to step into your life and affairs (Luke 5:16-17). Prayerlessness empowers the devil and his demons over your life and affairs.
The purpose of corporate prayers is to strengthen your private prayer life (Psalms 84:7). Never substitute your daily private prayers for corporate prayers. Never mistake somebody praying for you or declaring over you for your personal private prayers. Some things can only happen in your life when you use your own mouth to declare or allow it (Psalms 91:2).
Don’t joke with daily prayers (Acts 6:4). Don’t only pray once in a while. Don’t only pray when you feel like praying. Most times, you won’t even feel like praying, but you should pray all the same (2 Corinthians 5:7). It begins with a desire, then it becomes a duty before it becomes a discipline and a delight (Daniel 6:10). Nobody starts out by enjoying prayer. People decide to pray, and God steps in to help them (Romans 8:26). Rise up and pray! Amen!
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria