Blog 9 - Praying Boldly with Confidence and Authority

The most powerful prayers often come from the most unexpected people – and you, with the right guidance, could be the next one to unleash your prayer power.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn to pray bold prayers that release God’s power in your personal life, business, and ministry through declarative prayer. We’ll explore the biblical foundations of our authority in prayer, tackle common barriers to confident intercession, and provide practical steps to praying bold, faith-filled prayers that move Heaven and Earth.

This episode lays the foundation for what we explored in episode 2, "Embracing Our Identity in God Transforms Our Prayers." We'll fully unpack the shift from petition to decree that we touched on there. If you haven't heard that episode yet, don't worry - after this, you'll have the perfect backdrop to revisit it with fresh insight.

Speaking of insights, I'm often reminded of the wisdom I've gleaned from fellow ministers along my journey. One such source of inspiration is my precious friend, Jamie Morgan, who mentors women through her Trailblazers Network. As Jamie says, in ministry, we often have to fly the plane while building it. She knows how important it is to follow God’s leading even when we don’t have all the answers or haven’t mapped everything out yet. Just do it! I assure you, had I waited until I knew everything, I would have never started this Strategic Intercession blog. So let’s learn together, shall we?

Recognizing Our Provision

According to 2 Peter 1:2-3, you already have all things pertaining to life and godliness. Does it feel like that for you?

Let’s read that passage: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”

Wow! That’s some heavy-duty provision. But notice the word “knowledge” here. This isn’t about being the best seminary student. It’s through knowing God we receive the incredible provision of literally everything we need for life. Knowing God isn’t knowing about Him or studying Him. It’s about intimately experiencing God as a Person.

Knowing God Personally

When you think about knowing God, don’t cite your spiritual disciplines here; they’re important but another topic. Stop for a moment and think about ways you move in close. Are there ways you intentionally seek to experience God as an actual Person and not just as a topic of study?

We may be busy with our spiritual checklists, but to experience the fullness of God’s provision, our pursuit of knowing God must supersede any effort we expend to minister in His name, serve Him, or even provide for our family.

Proverbs 9:10 reads, “To be wise, you must first have reverence for the Lord. If you know the Holy One, you have understanding.”

Psalms 9:10 says, “Those who know You, Lord, will trust You.”

This is where all authentic prayer starts, out of the deep internal well of union with God, an experiential knowing that supplies understanding and trust-- or “belief.”

1 Corinthians 1:7 NLT says, “Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I think that statement is pretty clear that the provision didn’t peter out between the writing of 1 Corinthians and today.

And yet, are we still asking in prayer for those very things God says already belong to us? If we are, then we may have a problem with our appropriation of His provision. To appropriate what He has already provided for us is an exercise of belief. Appropriation here means to take possession of or make use of something. In the context of prayer, it means to believe and receive what God has already promised in His word.

Overcoming Unbelief

Unbelief is a much bigger problem than we realize, especially when it comes to actually encountering God, living victoriously, or receiving answers to our prayers. Unbelief is the opposite of faith, and it hinders our ability to receive from God. Faith comes from hearing the word of God. Like manna, you can’t save God’s word in your pocket to eat days later. Every day, you need fresh sustenance; over time, you’ll find yourself much stronger. The word of God is one of many ways He talks with us in real time.

Academic mastery of the Bible is a lofty goal, but it cannot be our driving motivation to consume the word of God on a day-by-day basis. While it's important to study and understand the Bible, our primary motivation should be hunger for more of Him, communion with Him, yearning to hear, and love for God. These motivations bring us out of our rooms and to His banqueting table each day to feast on His words.

For those who have walked with God for a long time, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing your mastery of the word throughout the years offers you safe coasting. It doesn’t. What did God tell Joshua, a man who partnered hand in hand with Moses and saw first-hand God’s mighty arm deliver his people again and again?

Joshua 1:7-8 reads: “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”

This week, I’ve been reading Deuteronomy and noted this verse in reference to the children of Israel Moses was leading through the wilderness:

“But to this day the LORD has not given you minds that understand, nor eyes that see, nor ears that hear!” (Deut 29:4)

Wait, God hadn’t given those things to them? Then why were the Israelites responsible for their lack? If it is God who grants minds that understand, eyes that see, or ears that hear, why is mankind culpable when we lack them?

Deut 32:3-4 reads: “I will proclaim the name of the LORD; how glorious is our God! He is the Rock; His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is!”

Because God is just and we are indeed responsible, the key issue seems to be how we respond to our shortcomings.

God is our Provider. The classic rendering for Psalm 23:1 is this: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” The NLT reads this way: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need.”

God has made provision. Are we petitioning for what God says He has already provided? That is unbelief.

But it is true that we may not possess what He has provided. How can we appropriate everything He has given us that is found in Him without operating out of unbelief?

Don’t miss what I am about to say. This is a key point about how to pray effectively to own what God has already provided.

Declarative Prayer Explained

Praying declaratively is just what it sounds like. We declare over our lives or circumstances what God says is true! We pick up what we need from God’s presence, affirming His provision through declaration.

The word of God strengthens our experience of God as we draw near to Him and learn what to expect from Him. We use declarative prayer to align our lives with what God says is true because we believe Him.

It’s crucial to understand that declarative prayer is not the same as positive thinking or mere affirmations. While positive thinking focuses on changing our mindset through repetition of uplifting phrases, declarative prayer is rooted in the truth of God’s Word and our identity in Christ. When we pray declaratively, we’re not trying to convince ourselves of something; we’re agreeing that what God has already said is true. It’s an act of faith that aligns our words with God’s reality, even when our circumstances don’t yet reflect it.

When meditating on a passage, I get steeped in what the Word says is true about God. I use that revelation to worship God as a way to enter into His presence. I cannot know Him without spending time in His presence beyond his general ubiquitous omnipresence. In other words, the fact that God is everywhere all the time simply isn’t the same thing as mindfully being in the presence of God, loving Him.

Let’s look at a passage and see how we can use it to hold God in awe.

If you downloaded the Prayer Fuel Chart from episode 3, this is the perfect time to use it. If you don’t have it available, simply list your observations without using the chart.

Do you have access to a Bible, even your Bible app on your phone? Stop the podcast for a minute, and read Ephesians 1:1-8 and see what it reveals about God. If you're driving or working out at the gym, then I suppose you will need to just take my word for what can be found in those rich verses.

Here is a list of what the passage says is true about God:

What a rich time of worship, adoring reverence, and regard can come from these simple eight verses! Meditating on these truths while allowing your heart to feel the goodness of God through them prepares you to look at the passage a second time.

Example of Petitioning Prayer vs. Declarative Prayer

This time, let’s look at what this same passage conveys is true about us as believers:

Oh my, that is a lot of affirming content in a mere eight verses!

As I reflect on these powerful truths, I'm reminded of how transformative they can be in our daily lives. Each of us faces unique challenges and circumstances that can sometimes make it difficult to fully embrace these affirmations. Our past experiences, our current struggles, and even our family backgrounds can all influence how we see ourselves and how we approach God in prayer.

Many of us come from broken families, and suffer the aftermath of insecurity, triggers, and discouragement as natural byproducts of subconscious, implicit memories.

But here's the beautiful thing: God's truth about us remains constant, regardless of our circumstances. And that's where the power of declarative prayer comes in. It allows us to align our hearts and minds with God's perspective, even when our feelings or experiences tell us otherwise.

Using an everyday incident that someone in that context might feel led to pray about, I want to demonstrate the difference between petitioning prayer and a prayer prayed with authority

Petitioning Prayer Example

I’ll start by scripting a petitioning prayer that may sound typical, and then I’ll script an authoritative declarative prayer based on Scripture. Feel in your spirit which one is more powerful, and brings greater resolution and comfort.

Here is a petitioning prayer:

Father, I’m floundering. I was raised in an environment where my input was neither wanted nor needed. When I got shut down at work today, I caved. I ask for more grace. Cover my inadequacies, and help me feel more legitimate among my peers, in Jesus’ name I pray.

Now that’s a perfectly normal sounding prayer. And of course, God does not turn away those who come to Him in need. Psalm 9:10 GNT says: “You do not abandon anyone who comes to You.”

What a comfort!

Declarative Prayer Example

And you know what? God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has given us an even more powerful way to pray. Imagine approaching our challenges from a position of strength and confidence in God's promises.

This is where declarative prayer comes in. Building on our trust in God's care, we can align our words with His truth and speak His promises over our situations.

Now, consider this next prayer, based on the truth of God’s word and His provision, and see if you can feel faith arising using these new declarative prayer skills, where we use the word of God to exercise our belief in what He says.

Here is a declarative prayer:

Father, I thank You for afterglow rather than aftermath internally after what happened at work today. Because of my union with Jesus, You bless me with every spiritual blessing of the heavenly realm, including the grace and peace I need today. No historic rejection gets a voice when You loved me before You even made the world. It was Your idea for me to be made holy. In Christ, I’m without fault in Your eyes. Whose opinion could possibly matter more than Yours? You want me!

I’m adopted into Your family, and that not only brings my heart peace, it also brings You great pleasure. I declare right now as I wait on You, I am receiving wave after wave of glorious grace in accordance with my need, in Jesus’ name. In any way I didn’t get my responses right today, you have forgiven me already and see me as without fault. As You shower me with kindness, wisdom, and understanding, I declare that when I return to work tomorrow, I’ll know just what needs to be said and how to respond to my coworkers, to the glory of God!

Amen

This entire prayer is declarative, even though I only used the word “declare” twice. To declare is to make a statement. I made statements that were consistent with what God says is true, acknowledging the precipitating issue, but without focusing on the problem itself. Instead, I’m focusing on the provision of God, and consequently, I will receive the fullness of His provision, with holy expectancy. I have listened for God’s heart and aligned my prayer with His will.

Overcoming Barriers to Confident Prayer

We've explored declarative prayer in depth. Now, let's address a couple other common barriers to confident prayer.

In this one passage in Ephesians alone, you can overcome a common obstacle to confident prayer: feelings of unworthiness. Reorient yourself to the truth of God’s word and declare what He says interwoven into your prayer.

If you struggle with feelings of unworthiness undermining your confidence when you pray, pray the following prayer with me, even rewinding to pray it several times in succession as needed:

Father, it was You Who chose me to be in Christ without fault in Your eyes! So all feelings of unworthiness are false, no matter what my shortcomings. So I renounce unworthiness, and command every spiritual influence promoting these feelings in me to leave now, in Jesus’ name. I declare over my life, me being in Your family brings You great pleasure! I have all things pertaining to life and godliness, and am therefore able to pray with power! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Wow!

Let’s tackle another obstacle to confident prayer: past history of unanswered requests. I think you can begin to see how we unintentionally have brought unbelief into our prayer closets, focusing on our problems and petitioning for things God says is already ours. Our negative experience, then, having a typical history of unanswered prayer, is actually consistent with God’s word. The Message version puts it this way in James chapter 1, verses 6 through 8:

"Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open."

James 1: 6-8 (The Message)

Now you know how to pray God’s provision and promises rather than highlighting the problems. Now you will enter into your time of prayer celebrating the truth of God’s word as you pray declaratively, and enter your prayer closet single-mindedly. When you pray God’s will, you will receive what you ask for, to the glory of God! And your track record for answered prayer will change!

Addressing Objections and Doubts About Declarative Prayer

You might be thinking, “This sounds great, but what if it doesn’t work? What if I declare something and it doesn’t happen?” These are valid concerns, but remember, declarative prayer isn’t about manipulating God or forcing outcomes. It’s about aligning ourselves with His will and truth.

Here are some common objections and how to address them:

Over time, you will find that increasingly more of the prayers you pray will be answered.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Guiding Declarative Prayer

As we engage in declarative prayer, it’s crucial to remember the vital role of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised in John 16:13, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” This guidance is essential in our prayer life.

The Holy Spirit helps us in several ways:

Before you begin praying declaratively, take a moment to invite the Holy Spirit to lead you. Ask Him to bring specific Scriptures to mind and to guide your words. Remember, our goal is not just to speak positive words but to align our declarations with God’s will and timing.

As you grow in this practice, you’ll find yourself becoming more sensitive to the Spirit’s leading, and your prayers will become more powerful and effective.

Your Invitation to Bold, Kingdom-Advancing Prayer

Remember, your prayers aren’t just words – they’re powerful declarations backed by your identity in Christ. It’s time to trade in those timid prayers for bold, mountain-moving intercession.

Here are the key points to remember:

Declarative prayer isn’t just for personal needs; it’s a powerful tool in intercession for others. When we pray for others, we can declare God’s truth and promises over their lives, standing in faith on their behalf. For example:

1. For a local mayor:
   Lord, You have anointed Mayor Yemi with wisdom and strength, and Your hand guides him as he leads Colorado Springs in righteousness and peace. Your Spirit empowers him to bring justice and mercy to this city, and You establish the work of his hands for the good of all.
2. For a business you value:
   Father, You promise to bless the work of our hands. I declare Your wisdom, favor, and prosperity over Life Perks Coffee Shop. Thank You for opening doors of opportunity and bringing the right connections to its founder, in Jesus’ name.
3. For a nation:
   God, Your Word says that righteousness exalts a nation. I declare Your righteousness and justice to reign in the United States. Thank You for raising up godly leaders and turning hearts back to You.

Download our Declaration Guide and start praying with newfound confidence today. This guide will help you jumpstart your journey in authoritative prayer.

I want to encourage you to step out in faith and begin praying bold prayers. Remember your position and authority in Christ. You are loved, chosen, and empowered by God Himself.

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