May 21, 2015
When you don’t see the results God promised, you’ll probably find the problem usually lies in one of four areas:
- Run a harmony check. The word agreement that Jesus uses in Matthew 18:19 can also be translated “to harmonise” or “to make a symphony.” A symphony is composed of many instruments, which, when played together, seem to be a single voice. The same thing is true in prayer. Believers agreeing together in the Holy Spirit are a powerful, unstoppable force. That’s why Satan fights Christian families. That’s why he doesn’t want men and women unified in marriage. He wants us fighting and fussing all the time because he knows it will hinder our prayers (see 1 Peter 3:7). Any time you fail to get results from the prayer of agreement, run a harmony check. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if you’re in strife with your wife (or anyone else). Then follow the instructions in Mark 11:25 where Jesus tells us, “…when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you….” It is not sufficient for you and and another person simply to agree on the particular issue you are praying about. You must also be in harmony in other areas as well. So make a harmony check!
- Establish your heart on God’s Word. The prayer of agreement will only work if it is based on the Word of God. You and your wife might jump up one day and agree that you’ll own a hundred oil wells by midnight, but you’ll never see that prayer of agreement come to pass because it’s not founded on the Word of God. So go to the Word first. Find the promise that covers the particular situation you’re praying about. Then write it down and meditate on it until, as Psalm 112:7 says, your “…heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.”
- Fix your mind on the Word. Second Corinthians 10:5 tells us to bring “…into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” You must do that if you’re to see results from your prayers of agreement. Do what the Bible says and “…think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). What things? Things from the Word of God! Say to yourselves, “I’ll not think on anything contrary to this agreement.” Then, when Satan tries to slip in negative thoughts and break down your faith, you’ll have to tell him, “No, no, no, devil! I don’t believe what you say. I believe what the Word says.” Then get out your Bible, obey and “keep it before your eyes.”
- Act as if it’s done. This is where so many believers miss it. They pray the prayer of agreement, taking a faith stand together. Then as soon as they walk out of the prayer closet, they start wringing their hands and saying, “Oh my, I just don’t know what we’re going to do if this problem doesn’t get solved!” Don’t make that mistake. Once you’ve settled the issue through the prayer of agreement, refuse to act like that issue is a problem anymore. Instead, just start praising God. In every way you can, act as though all is well.
Don’t be discouraged by your past experience. Just make the necessary adjustments and keep staying in agreement. Run a harmony check. Establish your heart on the Word. Fix your mind on the Word. Act as if it’s done. And anything you ask shall be done for you by your Father in heaven.
