FOOD FOR TEENS: SPIRITUAL PROTOCOLS

There are protocols that must be observed when we come before God so that we can fully access His grace, but a lot of us just “barge” into His presence anytime and just make requests without observing Spiritual protocols and expect to get results. For instance if you seek to see the president of Nigeria, at his residence in Aso Rock, there are protocols that must be observed before and after we see him, some of such protocols includes; booking an appointment and eventually when you are invited, there are certain security clearance that you must undergo and several other rigorous procedures before you can have audience with the president before you can present your request or petition. This is a mere president talk less of the creator of everything. The only true God. With God, we do not have to make any appointment, He has given us access through His Son Jesus, as a matter of fact He wants us to come to Him at anytime.

Though God’s protocols are not too much and stringent but there are protocols before, during and after you see him for you to get your desired result and they are as follows:

1. Believe: This is the first Spiritual Protocol required before you can see God, Hebrews 11:6b: “For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” If you come to God to try Him but not fully believing that those things you desire will happen, you will end up disappointed because the above scripture said MUST believe. It is one of few protocols that must be duly observed before, during and after prayer. It is only when you believe in His love and power towards us through His finished work on the cross, that you can come boldly. To believe you must labour to persuade yourself through regular meditation of the Word of God or better still allow the the word of God to persuade you as you expose yourself to it regularly. You must with your mouth write the Laws of God’s word in your heart through meditation and constant confession like the woman with the issue of blood; she kept her confession until she believed and was fully persuaded before she came to Jesus even at the cost of her life. No wonder when she got to Jesus, her healing was instantaneous. Hebrew 4:14b; "let us hold fast our profession." Then Hebrew 4:16a: “let us come boldly" once believing is achieved boldness to go God in prayer is stirred up.

2. Praise & Thanksgiving: This goes with believing, because once you begin to believe, you become grateful and this process must start before you come to His presence, as a matter of fact, this is a posture we must assume as we enter into His presence. No wonder Psalm 100:4 says “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” I read somewhere that we should establish God's throne over the situation before you pray. Let praises go up first, let his authority be established in your life and his grace will flow forth. No wonder Jesus told us that when we pray the first thing we must say is “Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be your name”

3. Make your request: Mark 11:24,“Therefore I say unto you, What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

4. When you stand praying FORGIVE: Mark 11:25-26, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” When we come before God, if we have offense in our heart against anyone, the Holy Spirit points us towards it, so that we can settle it in the place of prayer, how? We release mercy towards them, mercy means to withhold judgment. So in prayer you ask the Lord to withhold judgment and deliver them from the repercussions of the evil done against you but lead them to salvation (if they are unbelievers) or show them the errors of their ways that they may walk righteously (for believers). When you do this, you release your own mercy because whatever your petitions are, they are based on your actions or inaction(shortcomings) and for God to help you, the first thing He must give you is the mercy you obtain through the blood of Jesus, no wonder Hebrews 4:16 Says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” It’s after you have obtained mercy before you find grace to help.

5. Watch to do His Instructions as you Continue in Praise and Thanksgiving: Colossians 4:2 “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Observe these protocols and you will never struggle to find God when you seek Him.

God bless you and see you next month.