I’m preparing for a new breakthrough in Spirit led prayer. Since the natural comes before the spiritual, (1 Cor. 15:46), some natural warm up might be appropriate. We might greet, then stretch, move about, brief minor calisthenics of the body, work out any stiffness, get flexible, prepare for action. Then, for stretching of the mind we might start recalling scriptures, whatever we can remember, speaking it out, as best we can recall, e.g., “Rid yourself of all malice…be sober minded… remember that we are His workmanship created In Christ… it is He who made us…we are His sheep and the people of His pasture….”. Do not worry about getting it perfect, this is exercise.

Critical in preparation is to wait upon the Lord, be silent before Him. Wait until the uncomfortableness of waiting comes and is dispersed. When we are silent purposefully, there may be a flood within the mind. Time may be necessary to clear out and acquire the mind of Messiah, not an empty mind. When this begins to happen, a central focus on Him and His greatness, goodness, love, etc. will lead to entering his gates with thanksgiving and then, His courts with praise. If worship breaks out do not restrain it. There is time for everything. There is no better place to be.

In the silence of waiting, prepare your mind for action. (1 Pet. 1:13 ESV) The enemy may suggest things like past offenses, things that have been left undone, all sorts of distractions. Do not fall for this; if you recall an offense, forgive it; if you remember work that needs to be done, write a note and drop it; if you are reminded of sin, confess it, let love be your aim and Yeshua the bulls eye. There is no place for fear, where His love abounds. Fear can arise in doubting whether the words we think or say are right or wrong. Fear can cause us to not say what the Spirit gives. Fear can also cause use to pray from our mind, rather than wait on the Spirit.

Speak the welcome invitation to Holy Spirit, confess His indwelling presence. Ask for His leading. Acknowledge the Supremacy of Almighty God. Wait on Holy Spirit. Begin to pray, silently and out loud, as He leads. Be flexible and alert to move with the Spirit in any direction, joy, the word, intercession, supplication, spiritual warfare, repentance deliverance. It is for freedom that Messiah set us free. Desire spiritual gifts, especially to prophesy, do not quench the Spirit. Get humble enough to be thought a fool and willing to do it anyway, just as willing to silently wait – pride resists the Spirit. None of the above means anything unless the Holy Spirit shows up. In His presence, be willing to assume a physical posture appropriate for His Presence. I can’t tell you what that is, but you are in control of your body, submit it to Him. Once I took my shoes off because that is what Moses was instructed to do on Holy ground. Do you have faith enough to receive the Kingdom, as a humble child? Could natural movement, posture, sounds, expression, proceed Spiritual breakthrough or enlightenment?

None of this is necessary or required for prayer. Nor is it a guarantee to effective prayer. Effective prayer is founded in faith and relationship, your relationship with God and those for whom you are praying. All I’ve said has a basis in scripture or experience, “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22) We spend a lot of time, energy, and resources on our personal pursuits, what of Spiritual endeavor? How much enthusiasm, thoughtful consideration, preparation and training are applied for spiritual pursuit?