THE POWER OF PRAYER
What is Prayer?
Prayer has been defined as communion with God, however, I choose to believe that prayer is actually the act of having a conversation with God. When most people think about having a conversation with God (i.e. praying) they envision themselves talking to him when, in fact, they should do a little more listening than talking. People who pray regularly understand that it helps them to draw closer to God and to know his will and to obey him.
Many people seem to think that prayer is something that you do in a few moments at certain times of the day, such as before meals or at bedtime, and then you are finished. However, the bible states that one should pray without ceasing on all occasion and with all kinds of prayers and requests (Ephesians 6:18). Maintaining constant contact with God in this manner is thought to ward off temptation and evil (Matthew 26:41)
Many people seem to think that prayer is something that you do in a few moments at certain times of the day, such as before meals or at bedtime, and then you are finished. However, the bible states that one should pray without ceasing on all occasion and with all kinds of prayers and requests (Ephesians 6:18). Maintaining constant contact with God in this manner is thought to ward off temptation and evil (Matthew 26:41)
Types of Prayer
People pray for a number of reasons, however most prayers can be categorized into three types.
- Prayers in which the individual is giving thanks for his blessings.
- Prayers in which the individual is petitioning God for something (protection, guidance, money, a new car, love, health, etc...)either for themselves or for others.
- Prayers in which a person is seeking forgiveness for sin.
How to Pray
Many people don't pray, simply because they haven't been taught how to pray. They may struggle for the right words, or they may not know exactly what to pray for. The bible tells us that when we do not know how to pray that the Holy Spirit will pray for us in a manner in which we cannot understand because the Lord knows what is in our hearts and in our minds before we even ask. (Romans 8:26:27)
Our prayers can be either spontaneous from the heart, or they can be a prescribed one such as The Lord's Prayer, the Apostle's Creed, or Hail Mary. Most prayers have four parts. They usually begin with an adoration of the Lord (...hallowed be thy name), followed by the confession of sin (...forgive us of our trespasses...), then our specific petition is made (...give us this day our daily bread), and ending with a statement of gratitude (for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory....)
Remember, it is not so much the words but our attitude and our beliefs about prayer. Successful prayer depends on several factors, they include
The bible makes it clear that those who pray in faith will have their prayers answered, one might not always get what they prayed for, but they will get an answer. The bible also tells us that there are hindrances that prevent God from hearing our prayers or answering them. Some of these hindrances include, but are not limited to Sin, Disobedience, and Lack of Faith.
Ultimately, however, one's prayers must be in accordance with the will of God.
Our prayers can be either spontaneous from the heart, or they can be a prescribed one such as The Lord's Prayer, the Apostle's Creed, or Hail Mary. Most prayers have four parts. They usually begin with an adoration of the Lord (...hallowed be thy name), followed by the confession of sin (...forgive us of our trespasses...), then our specific petition is made (...give us this day our daily bread), and ending with a statement of gratitude (for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory....)
Remember, it is not so much the words but our attitude and our beliefs about prayer. Successful prayer depends on several factors, they include
- Humility (2 Chronicles 7:14)
- Whole-Heartedness (Jeremiah 29:13)
- Faith ( Mark 11:24)
- Righteousness (James 5:16)
- Obedience ( 1 John 3:22 )
The bible makes it clear that those who pray in faith will have their prayers answered, one might not always get what they prayed for, but they will get an answer. The bible also tells us that there are hindrances that prevent God from hearing our prayers or answering them. Some of these hindrances include, but are not limited to Sin, Disobedience, and Lack of Faith.
Ultimately, however, one's prayers must be in accordance with the will of God.
Praying the Psalms
Psalm 23
Of all the books which make up the Bible, the Psalms are arguably among the most popular verses used in the practice of magic. These verses are often prayed, in whole or in part, during the course of performing a spell. Typically, verses are chosen according to tradition or according to a personal interpretation of the text.
In the 6th and 7th Books of Moses, a grimoire of magickal instructions attributed to the biblical figure of Moses who himself is regarded as a great conjure man, a list of uses for each of the Psalms are given. Many of these uses not only prescribe the praying of the Psalms, either at certain times or a certain number of times, but also a physical action, such as anointing oneself with oil, to be performed while doing so. Some of the Psalms and their uses include:
That the Psalms are among the most often utilized verses in the Bible for spells is not to say that other verses cannot be used as well. The Song of Solomon is said to be used with great success by those who wish to attract a lover. In addition, those who wish to tear through blockages and open the way often read the story of the fall of the walls of Jericho, found in the first chapter of the book of Joshua, over a period of seven days. Other accounts say that the story should be read seven times on the first day, six times on the second day, and so forth until it is read but once on the seventh and final day.
How to Discover Bible Verses for Yourself
The best way to get Bible verses for your own work is simply to read your Bible. When you read a verse or passage that speaks to your spirit, inspires a working, or provides a remedy for a current (or even past) situation then write it down.
How Psalms & Bible Verses are Used in Hoodoo
Psalms and Bible verses are typically prayed with focused intent and/or conviction. They may be prayed at the altar, over candles, baths, or other objects. In addition, verses may be written on paper and placed under a candle, in a doll, a mojo-bag, or simply carried in one's pocket.
In the 6th and 7th Books of Moses, a grimoire of magickal instructions attributed to the biblical figure of Moses who himself is regarded as a great conjure man, a list of uses for each of the Psalms are given. Many of these uses not only prescribe the praying of the Psalms, either at certain times or a certain number of times, but also a physical action, such as anointing oneself with oil, to be performed while doing so. Some of the Psalms and their uses include:
- Psalm 3: To relieve a headache or backache.
- Psalm 5: To obtain the favor of a magistrate or judge.
- Psalm 10: To be free of an evil spirit.
- Psalm 15: For preservation against depression
- Psalm 23: To receive instructions in a dream.
- Psalm 28: To reconcile with an enemy.
- Psalm 35: To win a lawsuit.
- Psalm 65: For success in all things.
That the Psalms are among the most often utilized verses in the Bible for spells is not to say that other verses cannot be used as well. The Song of Solomon is said to be used with great success by those who wish to attract a lover. In addition, those who wish to tear through blockages and open the way often read the story of the fall of the walls of Jericho, found in the first chapter of the book of Joshua, over a period of seven days. Other accounts say that the story should be read seven times on the first day, six times on the second day, and so forth until it is read but once on the seventh and final day.
How to Discover Bible Verses for Yourself
The best way to get Bible verses for your own work is simply to read your Bible. When you read a verse or passage that speaks to your spirit, inspires a working, or provides a remedy for a current (or even past) situation then write it down.
How Psalms & Bible Verses are Used in Hoodoo
Psalms and Bible verses are typically prayed with focused intent and/or conviction. They may be prayed at the altar, over candles, baths, or other objects. In addition, verses may be written on paper and placed under a candle, in a doll, a mojo-bag, or simply carried in one's pocket.