Expanding Vision through Prayer

   These are very strategic times. This is why it is imperative that we live our lives awake and with intentionality and awareness. In the ancient history of Israel, there was an entire family that was known for having understanding of the days in which they lived: (1 Chronicles12:32 NKJV, NLT)
   The concept of “understanding” in this Scripture carries the meaning that these men had “discernment, were able to distinguish, and practice mental separation.” Not only did they understand the times but they possessed the wisdom to share direction with those around them. It’s super interesting that the name Issachar means “he will bring a reward” or “benefit.” I want to surmise that there is great reward and benefit from discerning and being able to distinguish the right way in our times. We desperately need this functioning in us and through us today. 
    One way to develop this understanding is through a closer listening relationship with God. I could have used the word “prayer” there, but I want to begin to shift our understanding that prayer is more than just bringing our needs list. It’s relational…it’s listening. As we learn to communicate with God through prayer, that’s both talking and listening, we will begin to receive expansion. (Jeremiah 33:3)
   God longs to reveal things to us. Sadly, most of us just want some kind of outward sign. God’s way of revealing comes through our relationship with Him and through prayer. What a privilege that this is actually available to us!! God wants to give us information that will help us navigate the days in which we live! This is also one of the things that Jesus taught us about the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives. (John 16:15 AMP)
    The Father wants to get information to us! He has made provision to do this through His Holy Spirit, especially through times of prayer! The enemy is too often successful in diminishing the power and privilege of prayer in our lives and we underutilize this dynamic means of not only relating with and to God, but to accessing information for the success our daily lives and that of our families! It is a weighty reality that the one thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them was, “Lord, teach us to pray!” (Luke 11:1). Jesus’ life was an expression of how He prayed. This should profoundly impact our understanding of and desire to pray!
     There is a great need for us to be functioning out of God’s vision and provision for our days. The best part of this is that He longs to partner with us in this and has already opened the way to work with us to bring it to pass! (Romans 8:26-27 NLT)
   Paul, the human author of Romans, expresses that he doesn’t always know how to pray!! This tells us that we all need help! Prayer is an undertaking that the Holy Spirit is happy and commissioned to help us in! We can have inward, heavenly assistance that will assure that we are praying in line with God’s will and His purposes. This will expand our vision and understanding beyond the immediate into walking out our full destiny in God! These verses in the Passion Translation bring out the wonder of this privileged exercise of prayer. (Romans 8:26-28 TPT)
   Volumes have been written on the subject of prayer. The encouragement for today is do it…pray…talk to God…listen to God…receive from Him! As we exercise this privilege we will watch not only our spiritual lives blossom; but God’s vision within us will expand. Truly the Holy Spirit will show us things to come and expand our hearts to receive all that God has for us! Progress happens when we pray in the Spirit! (Jude 1:20 TPT, AMP)
   God desires to build something in us and through us. Let’s partner with Him in prayer and watch this process Expand our Vision! (Ephesians 6:18 Weymouth)