Introduction
Greetings, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ! Today, I want us to reflect on a crucial aspect of our faith journey—the role of prayer and deliverance in preparing us to inherit eternal life. We live in a world filled with distractions, temptations, and struggles, but as believers, we are called to fix our eyes on the promise of eternal life through Christ Jesus.
Eternal life is not just a far-off dream; it is the ultimate goal, the reward that awaits us as children of God. But how do we prepare for it? How do we make it easier to inherit this precious gift of eternal life? One of the most powerful ways is through prayer and deliverance. These are not just spiritual practices; they are divine tools that God has given us to help us stay on the path of righteousness and holiness, to break free from the bondages of sin, and to cultivate a life pleasing to God.
Let us explore how prayer and deliverance play a significant role in preparing us for eternal life.
1. Prayer: A Lifeline to God’s Presence
Prayer is the foundation of a believer’s relationship with God. It is through prayer that we communicate with the Father, seek His guidance, and align our hearts with His will. When we pray, we enter into the very presence of God. Prayer is not just about asking for things—it is about building intimacy with the Creator, about drawing near to Him and allowing His Spirit to shape us.
In John 17:3, Jesus says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ, and prayer is the avenue through which we come to know God more deeply. Through prayer, we invite God to reveal His nature, His plans, and His desires for our lives.
Jesus Himself set the example of consistent prayer. He spent time in the presence of His Father, seeking His will. In Matthew 26:41, He urges His disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Through prayer, we strengthen our spirit and make it easier to walk in the path that leads to eternal life.
2. Deliverance: Breaking Free from Bondage
Deliverance is another essential element in preparing for eternal life. As we journey through life, we are often confronted by strongholds, sins, and spiritual forces that seek to derail us from our calling. These bondages can hinder our spiritual growth and keep us from fully embracing the eternal life that God offers.
In Luke 4:18, Jesus declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free…” Deliverance is the freedom that Jesus brings to those who are held captive by sin, addiction, fear, and other spiritual strongholds.
Deliverance is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process. As believers, we must regularly examine our hearts and lives to ensure we are not entangled in the snares of the enemy. In James 4:7, we are instructed to “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Prayer plays a pivotal role in this process of deliverance. When we pray, we are positioning ourselves to resist the enemy and break free from any demonic influence or sinful behaviour.
Deliverance also brings clarity and spiritual vision. As we are set free from the chains that bind us, we can walk in the freedom of God’s calling and pursue the life of holiness that He desires for us. This freedom makes it easier for us to focus on the things of God, to grow in righteousness, and to stay on the path that leads to eternal life.
3. The Importance of Persevering in Prayer and Deliverance
Preparing for eternal life requires perseverance. The road to eternal life is not always easy; it is filled with challenges, temptations, and obstacles. But the good news is that God has equipped us with the tools we need to endure. Prayer and deliverance are not quick fixes; they are ongoing processes that require diligence and consistency.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul encourages us to “pray without ceasing.” This is not a suggestion, but a command. We must continually seek God’s presence through prayer, staying connected to Him at all times. Prayer strengthens us in our faith and helps us remain grounded in the truth of God’s Word. Likewise, deliverance is a continual process. As we grow in faith, we may encounter new spiritual battles, and we must be ready to confront them. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Deliverance helps us to fight these spiritual battles with the authority that Jesus has given us.
Remember, the journey to eternal life is not a race—it is a walk with God.
4. Prayer and Deliverance as a Means to Holiness
Holiness is the key to inheriting eternal life. God’s Word tells us in Hebrews 12:14, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Through prayer, we are sanctified—made holy—by the Spirit. The more we pray and seek God’s face, the more His holiness rubs off on us.
Deliverance also plays a role in holiness. As we are freed from the chains of sin, we can live more fully in the righteousness of Christ. Our hearts and minds are renewed, and we begin to live according to the Spirit, not the flesh. In Romans 8:13, Paul writes, “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
Through prayer and deliverance, we are empowered to live holy lives—lives that reflect the nature of Christ. And it is this holiness that prepares us to inherit eternal life.
Conclusion:
Beloved, prayer and deliverance are not just practices we engage in occasionally—they are the very means by which we prepare ourselves to inherit eternal life. Through prayer, we deepen our relationship with God, strengthen our spirits, and align ourselves with His will. Through deliverance, we break free from the bondage of sin and the power of the enemy, allowing us to walk in the freedom that Christ offers.
Let us commit ourselves today to a life of persistent prayer, asking God to guide us, transform us, and empower us for the journey ahead. Let us also seek deliverance from any strongholds that may be holding us back, so that we may walk in holiness and righteousness.
Remember, the journey to eternal life is not a race—it is a walk with God. Prayer and deliverance are the tools that make this walk possible. To walk with God, one must have salvation from sin. Salvation, in this context, is deliverance from sin. As it says in Matthew 1:21, “And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” It is only Jesus who can save and deliver us from sin. Do you want to be free from sin today and receive eternal life? If so, pray this prayer:
Lord Jesus,
I come to You today, recognizing that I am a sinner in need of Your grace and forgiveness. I believe that You are the Son of God, that You died for my sins, and that You rose again to give me eternal life. I surrender my life to You, Lord, and I ask You to take control of my heart, my mind, and my actions.
I confess my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. Please cleanse me, transform me, and help me to live for You. I accept You as my Savior and Lord. Guide me with Your wisdom, strengthen me with Your love, and use me for Your purposes.
Thank You, Jesus, for Your sacrifice and for the gift of salvation. I trust You with my life and surrender to Your will.
Thank you for being part of us.
Pastor John Okolo
Senior Pastor
