Speed Prayers*

Speed prayers are prayers we pray when we need an immediate answer. They are heartfelt prayers to receive the Lord’s guidance or help.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16) This verse delineates what it takes to get an answered prayer.

The prayer needs to be:

Effectual: A prayer that is specific to generate the intended effect.

Fervent: A prayer prayed with intensity and passion.

Righteous: The position of the one praying is that of surrender to the Lord. This also involves a clean conscious and the confession of any sin.

Avaieth much: If these prior conditions are met our prayer will have force or authority.

There is another prayer called “the Lord’s prayer” that teaches us how to pray. Within that prayer is the very important verse about asking for forgiveness and forgiving those who have sinned against us. (Matt 6:12) These two examples could lead us to the conclusion that the Lord is essentially saying:

“If you want an answer, make sure you are surrendered to my will and stay in my perfect will. Obey my commandments repent of sin and forgive others for their transgressions- then ask!”.

God’s Word is clear, He supports those who have given their heart to Him.

“The Lord’s eyes move to and fro throughout the earth to help those whose hearts are completely His.”( 2 Chron 16:9)

Isn’t it amazing that we don’t have to wonder if our prayer is being sent up to “never never land,” not reaching the intended target of our Lord’s ear.

How To Hinder Speed Prayers

We can hinder our prayers from being answered by how we treat people and how we treat God’s Word.

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”(1 Peter 3:7)

“If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.”(Prov 28:9)

I think we can surmise that answer to prayers are in fact, conditional. Of course we know that God can step in and help anyone at anytime even if His conditions are not met. This is God’s grace however personally, I choose to be within His will so my prayers are heard and answered in God’s timing and in Gods way.

Speed Prayers Can Be A Wonderful Adjunct To Our Prayer Life

Speed prayers can be a wonderful adjunct to our prayer life, but they shouldn’t be how we handle receiving the Lord’s wisdom all the time. Those who spend time in the Word on a daily basis are the people who receive the greatest direction from the Lord. Sometimes however, Christ followers are faced with situations that require immediate direction, which is where speed prayers come in. I can’t overemphasize that these prayers should be the exception and not the rule as to how we receive guidance from the Lord.

Therefore, whenever I am faced with a situation that requires an immediate answer, I sit with my Bible in my lap and ask the Lord to call to mind my sins. After recognizing these actions or inactions are sin, I sincerely ask for forgiveness.

Next, I push back thoughts of unworthiness to receive an answer because I am “in Christ.” I then ask God for the direction I am seeking and open my Bible while pointing to a verse.

It is up to the Lord as to whether or not He answers my requests.

I feel confident, many Christians have attempted to get an answer in this way but due to their lack of surrender or their lifestyle of sin, they didn’t receive one. There are probably others out there there who would never attempt to gain an answer from the Lord in this simplistic way. Nevertheless, I have done this more than a handful of times in the last decade and have received miraculous answers.

An Example Of A Speed Prayer With An Answer

I will give you an example from my life of a speed prayer with an immediate answer.

There was a religious movie in the theaters that a group from my church was planning to attend. Someone offered to buy tickets in advance and needed a head count as to who would like to go.

I wasn’t sure if this movie would be God honoring despite it being a Christian film. My hesitancy was based on the fact that I heard someone mention the movie depicted some drug use and sexual immorality. This information set a check of caution in my Spirit, therefore I decided to ask God if I should attend. I am not one to think that just because a movie is religious in origin, that God condones it.

When I got home, I knelt down by my bed and asked God to call to mind any sin I had committed since the last time I had asked for forgiveness. I sincerely repented of these errors of ommission and comission. I then sent up my prayer request, closed my eyes, and when I opened my bible my finger had pointed to this verse:

“I will not set anything worthless before my eyes…” (Ps 101:3)

I received a specific answer to my quick prayer. Not only that, the answer was inline with how I thought the Spirit was leading me. This is the miracle working power of the Lord towards those who desire to walk in His ways. Needless to say, I did not attend the movie.

Many people think this method is an unbiblical way of receiving an answered prayer. However, Scripture points out that Gideon needed confirmation that the angel of the Lord was leading him so he asked for a sign. Read Judges chapters 6-8.

The Desires Of Our Heart

It is the Lord’s inclination to give us the desires of our heart because He is the one who put the desire in our heart. Therefore, if we are asking Him for direction as to how to proceed in life in order to stay within His will, He will undoubtedly lead us.

Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” (Ps 119:34)

Only the Lord knows the sincerity of the person praying. And only the Lord knows whether or not the answer will be obeyed. God also knows the attitude of our heart and if we come to the Bible with haughtiness or pride, thinking this form of prayer is silly or unfruitful- then we will get exactly what we expect. “Seek and you will find.”(Matt 7:7)

Scripture reveals God desires obedience from us, therefore He will certainly direct our path in life if we sincerely ask. (Prov 3:5-6)The attitude of our heart is the determining factor as to whether or not we receive a miraculous answer to prayer.

As parents, this type of praying has many applications. Quick decisions do come up regarding our children. Should we allow them to hang out with a new group of friends, attend a party or stay at a friends house overnight? Having quick access to the Lord’s guidance is a benefit for those Christ followers who are conscientious to stay within the Lord’s will through frequent confession and a strong prayer/bible study life.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jer 29:13)

“Don’t disappoint any of your worshipers, but disappoint all deceitful liars.”(Ps 25:3 CEV)

Application: Set aside time daily to read the Bible. Be consistent. When you receive a verse of Scripture that seems to jump off the page at you, it isn’t a coincidence. God is speaking to you.

Food For Thought,

Lisa

*Speed prayer isn’t a term used in the Bible. What we do find in many books of the bible, are heartfelt, desperate prayers that sometimes needed a quick answer from God. Today we do not have Prophets to go to in order to gain wisdom for our personal lives, we have something better- the Word of the Lord.