BREAKTHROUGH PRAYER!

THE EFFECTIVE, FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILS MUCH.
James 5:16b

There are various types of prayer and various levels of prayer.

For example, sitting by a tree or in your favorite chair is one type of prayer.

THE ELIJAH PRAYERS

17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed FERVENTLY that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.
18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
James 5:17-18 (ESV)

We can observe that Elijah's prayer was far different from that of sitting and conversing with God - although both can be rightly said to be defined as types of prayer. Elijah's prayer was SPECIFIC and FERVANT!

THE JACOB PRAYER


The book of Genesis records the story of two twins, Esau and Jacob. When they were grown, Jacob stole Esau's birthright through deceit. Jacob fled from Esau to escape his wrath.

Many years later, they were about to meet again. Jacob sent gifts ahead to appease Esau. Jacob was left alone in his camp that night and encountered a visitation from God in the form of a man. 

Jacob wrestled with that God / Man until daybreak...
25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him.
26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” BUT JACOB SAID, “I WILL NOT LET YOU GO UNLESS YOU BLESS ME.”
27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.”
28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:25-28 (ESV)

One more time... JACOB SAID, “I WILL NOT LET YOU GO UNLESS YOU BLESS ME.”

We may pray "conversational" prayers - simply walking and talking with God.

We may pray "maintenance" prayers - prayers that keep us from going backwards, minting our position with God.

Or we may pray Elijah prayers - prayers that are specific and servant

Or a Jacob prayer - "I won't let you go until you bless me!"

Or Daniel prayers - fasting and seeking God even with the impending threat of being thrown into the lions' den for doing so!

Or Jesus' prayer in which the Master sweat great drops of blood!

Breakthrough prayer is undoubtedly the most difficult type of prayer. It is the kind of prayer that keeps on seeking, pressing, asking, knocking and preserving with great intensity and fervency!

The promise form God is that this type of prayer will avail much!