Continued…

 

I found that the twenty two chapters in the book are interconnected when examined together as a whole. Chapter 1: Prayer: The weapon of our warfare provides the foundation for the rest of the book and explains in details the intricacies of weapon and warfare. It provides scriptures to explain the different forms of weapon in relation to our warfare. The chapter helps us to identify our enemy as Satan and gives us an understanding of the need to be equipped for battle as contained in Ephesians 6:12 where we are commanded to put on the full armor of God that we will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil “ the armor with which we need to be equipped are the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of peace, the shield of faith so that we will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one, the helmet of salvation since the battle begin in our minds. We therefore need protection against the temptations with which Satan is sure to attack us. The last armor is the sword of the spirit which is the word of God and the price we need to pray. The sword is both a defensive and offensive weapon against the tactics of the Satan. It is more powerful than any weapon of mass destruction because the word of God pierces the human heart to bring about conviction, repentance and a transformed life.

These different armors against Satan are required for praying away the curse of men, praying away blunders and failures, and praying away parasites. In chapter 6 the type of prayers God will not hear while praying away parasites are listed .Those that God will hear are also listed. If we do not understand these differences concerning prayers one will always wonder why they pray and do not see results. Unless we understand the scriptures that serve as guide to answered prayers we shall labour in vain. The author makes this clear in all the chapters emphasizing what we need to know in the word of God to achieve results. On Page 72 of the book he illustrates with a personal experience in his church on the issue of prayers which God will hear or not hear. Most people would not want to teach or pray what God will not hear but he said and I quote “I prefer to teach on that prayer that God will not hear simply to help the children of God understand the meaning of prayer with respect to what Jesus taught us. Prayer in this sense is not to overcome the reluctance of God but to entreat His willingness to fulfill whatsoever he has promised and that is achieved by praying the words of God” .These weapons are strengthened when you are praying in the spirit, praying with understanding and when you adopt the practice of praying always as well as a lifestyle of prayer. The author lucidly presents the scriptural basis of these prayers and the meaning of the price attached to them to get results.

Going into battle in God’s strength produces the victory promised by Him. You are saved to profit when you pray the prayer of David. God’s promises and open heavens are achieved when you pray the price indicated by the word of God. Chapters 9, 10, 13, 17 and 18 bring together the arrow head of praying the price. Since it brings together the ministry of the Son of God who is the author and finisher of our faith and salvation –Jesus Christ. The power in the price He prayed on the cross and the blood which he shed at Calvary strengthens our faith and makes it possible to pray in truth The author brings out with understanding these aspects of praying the price. Chapter 14 brings out the need to pray together to achieve results. The injunction of Jesus Christ that where two or three are gathered together in my name becomes relevant here. The author provides the arguments for partnership in praying the price based solidly on the word of God which is our sword of the spirit a weapon for fighting the warfare. There are some patterns of prayer which are required and needed to be prayed. There are special prayers for certain situations which need to be prayed and appointed prayers. All these are based on the scriptures which the author explains very well bringing out the anointing which directed the treatise espoused in the book praying the price.

One fascinating thing about this book is the fact that throughout the book prayer points are listed either at the end of the chapter or at appropriate places that the user of this book will understand and know the type of praying the price which needs to be done. A special 1000 prayers are listed in chapter 22 thus the book is a must have for every Christian and must also be distributed to non believers so they will know the truth and the truth will set them free

Let me conclude this review by recognising the brilliance which the book represents which could only have been brought forth by God Himself through anointing and revelation to Rev Dr Ademola Ojo. The clarity of expressions makes the book readable for all comers and the words can be recognised and applied by all to their personal lives. This factor will ensure that the benefits of prayers can be enjoyed by all who belief BUT WILL WE PRAY THE PRICE? 

Rev Dr Stuart Robinson in his article again said and I quote”Today there is great pressure from many directions in our society to work harder, to become smarter, to produce results, or to be moved aside. The church in many countries is in danger of absorbing this mentality into its own attitudes and practices, forgetting that in the divine human endeavour, success comes not by might nor by power but by a gracious release of God’s Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).

Years ago, Rev Torrey said, ‘We live in a day characterised by the multiplication of man’s machinery and the diminution of God’s power. The great cry of our day is work, work, work! Organise, organise, organise! Give us some new society! Tell us some new methods! Devise some new machinery! But the great need of our day is prayer, more prayer and better prayer.’
Rev Dr Robinson further said that in the church in the west we now have the most up to date, state of the art technology available to communicate the Gospel. Yet comparatively little seems to be happening in so many countries. In terms of the growth and mission of our churches, could it be that whilst the world has learned to communicate with robots on Mars, in sections of the church we have forgotten to communicate with the Lord of the earth? If that is so, then our best course of action is to stand again with the company of the first disciples and, like them, return to the Head of the church Jesus Christ and say ‘Lord, teach us to pray. Rev Dr Ademola Ojo’s book PRAYING THE PRICE is the answer given by God to all mankind to pray the price so that as in the days of Pentecost a new revival will be created through the length and breadth of Nigeria bringing about unity and peace in our churches

Professor Isaac O. Akinyele FNSN, FIUNS
Ibadan, Nigeria