SPEAK LOUD IN PRAYER – AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER

Topic: SPEAK LOUD IN PRAYER

Text: Psalms 121:1-2 

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

Prayer is a powerful tool in the life of a believer, an intimate conversation with God that transcends the physical and reaches the spiritual. Speaking out loud in prayer signifies a deep desire, an expression of fervent faith, and a bold declaration of dependence on God. This article examines the importance of vocal prayer, drawing lessons from the biblical stories of Jabez, Hannah, and Bartimaeus.

  1. A Cry for Change

Jabez, mentioned briefly in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, is a poignant example of someone who prayed aloud for his circumstances to be changed. Born in sorrow (his name literally means “sorrow”), Jabez refused to let his identity be defined by his past or circumstances. Instead, he cried out to God: “Oh, that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” (1 Chronicles 4:10, NKJV).

Jabez’s prayer was powerful, not just in volume but in boldness. He spoke with a deep desire for transformation, for a life that reflected God’s blessings rather than the curses of his name. His prayer teaches us that praying aloud means having the courage to ask God for more—more blessings, more influence, more protection—while trusting in His divine ability to change our circumstances.

  1. A Heartfelt Prayer

The story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 is another powerful example of vocal prayer. Deeply distressed by her infertility and the ridicule of those around her, Hannah prayed earnestly to God at the altar in the temple. Although her lips moved, no one could hear her voice—but her fervent prayer was so powerful that the priest Eli thought she was drunk.

Hannah’s prayer was full of emotional intensity. She did not hesitate to lay bare her deepest desires before God, expressing her anguish and her hope in the same breath. She made a vow: “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1:11, NKJV).

The story of Hannah reminds us that praying aloud involves more than just the words we say; it’s about the depth of emotion behind them. It is about being honest with God, expressing our pain, and trusting Him with our deepest desires.

  1. A Cry for Mercy

Bartimaeus, the blind beggar of Jericho, illustrates the power of persistence in prayer. Hearing that Jesus was passing by, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47, NIV). Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus shouted even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:48, NIV).

Bartimaeus’s prayer was powerful and persistent. He refused to be silenced because he knew that this was his opportunity to meet the One who could change his life forever. His cry for mercy stopped Jesus, resulting in his healing and the restoration of his sight. Bartimaeus teaches us that praying out loud sometimes means refusing to give up, even when others try to silence us. It is about continually seeking God’s attention, knowing that He hears us and will respond to our cries for mercy.

Conclusion

In Psalm 121:1-2, the psalmist declares that he relies on God as his source of help. Likewise, the examples of Jabez, Hannah, and Bartimaeus show us that praying aloud is a powerful expression of our faith and dependence on God. Whether we are asking for transformation, pouring out our hearts, or relentlessly seeking mercy, our praying aloud reflects a deep trust in God’s ability to intervene in our lives.

As believers, we are encouraged to pray aloud, calling out to God boldly, intensely, and persistently. When we pray aloud, we affirm that our help comes from God, the Creator of heaven and earth, who is always ready to hear and respond to the cries of His children. Remember that Jesus is the answer to your prayers, and it would be good if you had an intimate relationship with Him as your Lord and Savior, which would give you access to His presence and promises.

Let us Pray

Take a moment to pour out your heart to God with all seriousness.

John Aderogba for ROPMI.

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DON’T BE AFRAID OF CRITICISM – July 2024 Newsletter

Text: Nehemiah 4:1-3

INTRODUCTION

Criticism can be a powerful and debilitating force that can affect even the most committed individuals. However, the Bible provides valuable insights on dealing with criticism, as exemplified in Nehemiah 4. Nehemiah faced tremendous opposition while helping to rebuild Jerusalem. From his story, we can learn three valuable principles on how to handle criticism: staying focused on the mission that God has uniquely called us to fulfil, relying on God’s strength, and responding with wisdom and grace.

  1. Stay Focused on Your Mission

Nehemiah was mocked and ridiculed by his opponents, Sanballat and Tobiah (Nehemiah 4:1-3), for seeking to repair the wall. Despite the contempt and ridicule, Nehemiah continued with his work. He did not let negativity overpower his motive; instead, he inspired the workers and delivered results.

It is critical to remain focused on your purpose when under fire. Criticism is naturally a way to direct your focus elsewhere and attack your self-esteem. Look at the end game and block off negative voices. Do not let anything render you motionless or cause you to take a single step backwards; keep on the path of growth.

  1. Rely on God’s Strength

Nehemiah understood the importance of relying on God’s strength in the face of criticism. In response to threats and discouragement from his enemies, Nehemiah prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads” (Nehemiah 4:4). He trusted that God would handle the critics and protect their work. When criticism comes your way, lean on God’s strength and seek His guidance. Prayer is a powerful tool that can provide comfort and direction. Trust that God sees your efforts and will support you through the challenges.

  1. Respond with Wisdom and Grace

Nehemiah’s response to criticism was marked by wisdom and grace. When Sanballat and Tobiah attempted to lure Nehemiah into a trap by inviting him to a meeting, Nehemiah wisely declined, saying, “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3). He recognized the ploy for what it was and refused to be distracted. Responding to criticism with wisdom and grace is essential. Evaluate the criticism carefully and consider its source. Sometimes, the best response is to ignore baseless criticism and continue with your work. Other times, a thoughtful and gracious reply is necessary. Either way, responding with wisdom ensures that you maintain your integrity and focus.

Conclusion

Criticism is an inevitable part of life, but it should not deter us from pursuing our goals and fulfilling our God-given purposes. The story of Nehemiah reminds us that we can overcome criticism by staying focused on our mission, relying on God’s strength, and responding with wisdom and grace. As Proverbs 19:11 states, “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offence.” Embrace criticism as an opportunity to grow and demonstrate resilience, knowing that with God’s help, you can rise above it and achieve great things. With Jesus in the boat, you will laugh at the storm, so let Jesus Christ have His way in your life.

Let’s Pray

  1. Lord, I thank You for Your grace and substance that enable me to stand in times of criticism.
  2. Father, arise and defend me in the face of my adversaries.
  3. Lord, grant me strength and enablement to overcome challenges on my way to success.

John Aderogba for ROPMI

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DON’T LOSE HOPE – JUNE 2024

Topic: DON’T LOSE HOPE

Text: ROMANS 12:12

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Introduction

As you look forward to the light of this year, you start with the hope that everything will be alright. You then launch your plans and goals for the year, ready to execute them one after the other. But as you journey through the first half of the year, you begin to encounter various challenges and triumphs that shape your faith and resilience. All the obstacles you experience are orchestrated by the Devil to shift your attention from focusing on what God is about to do in your life. Reflecting on Romans 12:12, you will find guidance and encouragement to navigate these experiences. This verse encapsulates a powerful message of hope, patience, and faithfulness, which can profoundly impact your life. In this article, we shall explore three key points through the lens of our experiences from January to June.

  1. Joyful in Hope

The beginning of the year often brings renewed optimism and fresh resolutions. However, as months progress, unforeseen difficulties can dampen our spirits. Yet, Romans 12:12 calls us to remain joyful in hope. This joy is not superficial happiness but a deep-seated confidence in God’s promises. From January to June, we may have faced personal struggles, health concerns, or global crises. Despite these trials, maintaining joy in hope reminds us that God’s plans are greater than our immediate circumstances.

In the midst of economic uncertainties or personal losses, finding joy can seem daunting. But through faith, you can hold onto the hope that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). By focusing on His promises and the eternal perspective, you can cultivate a joy that sustains us even in the darkest times.

  1. Patient in Affliction

Patience is a virtue that is often tested during times of affliction. The first half of the year might have brought various forms of suffering, be it illness, relational strife, or financial hardship. Romans 12:12 encourages us to be patient in these afflictions. Patience involves trusting God’s timing and His purposes, even when we cannot see the immediate outcome.

During these months, you might have found yourself questioning why certain trials occur. It is in these moments that patience becomes a testament to our faith. Biblical examples, such as Job and Paul, illustrate the power of enduring suffering with a steadfast heart. Their stories remind us that patience in affliction is not passive resignation but an active trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness.

  1. Faithful in Prayer

Prayer is our lifeline to God, especially during trying times. Romans 12:12 calls us to be faithful in prayer, underscoring its importance in sustaining our hope and patience. From January to June, consistent and earnest prayer can transform our perspective and bring peace amid turmoil.

Prayer is not merely a ritual but a dynamic conversation with our Creator. It allows us to pour out our hearts, seek guidance, and find solace. The first half of the year may have challenged your prayer life, but faithfulness in prayer ensures that you remain connected to the source of your strength and hope. By committing to regular prayer, you will align your hearts with God’s will and receive the grace to persevere.

Conclusion

Reflecting on Romans 12:12 in light of your experiences from January to June, you see a powerful blueprint for navigating life’s challenges. Being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer are not just idealistic concepts but practical actions that sustain us. As we move forward, let us hold onto these principles, trusting that God is with us through every trial and triumph. By embracing this verse, we can face the rest of the year with renewed strength and unwavering hope.

Let us pray

1) Thank God for His grace and mercy over you.

2) Ask for God’s divine guidance for the second half of the year.

3) Commit your plans and visit to God and ask for divine strength to execute them.

4) The Lord will open heaven and rain down His favor upon you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

John Aderogba for ROPMI.

 

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