This is probably one of the most taught messages in the body of Christ. People have many different takes on it. That is good because every time someone teaches about it, we get to learn something new. So, I’m going to add my take on this message. There are three things that are foundational to a believer. They are good relationship with God, deep understanding of scriptures, and a great prayer life.

            Our relationship with God is so critical because it is through Him that we understand and receive revelation of the scriptures and have a great prayer life. God’s desire is for us to be intimate with Him. John 17:3 says, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” 1 John 2:25 says, “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.” These verses tell us that God promised us eternal life which is knowing God. You see God’s desire to be intimate with us is far greater than our desire to be intimate with Him.

            Deep understanding of scripture is vital in our relationship with God and fulfilling His call on our lives. 1 John 2:27 states that the anointing within will teach us the word. This is referring to God Holy Spirit. It is through our relationship with Him that He reveals to us His word. Jesus said that Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth. Proverbs 4:20-22, “My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” Remember the parable of the two builders. One built his house on sand, the other one on the rock. The one who built his house on the rock survived the storms of the world. The rock is Jesus. We can only get that revelation of Jesus when we spend time studying the word and Holy Spirit revealing the word.

            Prayer is one of the most important yet not completely understood aspects of the Christian life. For us to understand prayer we must first know its purpose. The purpose of prayer is to communicate with the Father. Another purpose of prayer is to declare the things of God into the world. Let’s start with the first one, communicating with the Father. Prayer is used to build a relationship with the Father by spending time with Him and letting Him speak to us. In other words, communing with the Father. During this time, you are not asking God anything you are just enjoying His presences. The other purpose of prayer is where most of the church functions. During this time, we are asking, declaring and participating in spiritual warfare. We are essentially bringing the kingdom of God into the earth.