Rise Above: Breaking Free From the Chains of Spiritual Isolation a 5-Day Devotional With Katherine ShorterSample

Day 3: Breaking the Chains Through Prayer

Growing up, I was not properly instructed on the power of prayer and what that access to God really means for me. My understanding was firmly rooted in the idea that prayer was a barter system, reserved for any time I was in a jam. In all honesty, there are some days I still struggle in the reassurance that I can freely approach the throne of God because I don’t always feel worthy. But we thank God for His grace that says we don’t have to earn His love and affection!

The book Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer was an absolute game-changer for my prayer life. When done intentionally, there is so much power in talking with our Heavenly Father and petitioning His throne. Prayer is so powerful that even Jesus and the Holy Spirit do it on our behalf!

Most of my life, I’ve been disobedient to God because I didn’t feel like I was worthy of what He’d already given me through Christ: freedom in Him. In looking back, He has shown me what my disobedience has cost the Kingdom. It was all because my fear of inadequacy kept me in my bondage. It kept me isolated from those who were willing and able to bear my burdens with me.

The chains that we carry are designed to keep us from the fullness of God’s promises for our lives; they can lead us into disobedience and away from Him and His will for us.

As I’m choosing obedience and walking in my purpose, I delight in the promise that I can go to God with anything that troubles me, silly or serious, big or small! My dear sister, I can tell you this one thing for sure: no matter how down you feel, you can always look up!

Father, thank you for the promise that I have been reclaimed by You. You have forgiven me of my sins and loved me so much that You sacrificed your precious Son to make me your treasured daughter. Help me to remember that I belong to you and that my sin and shame has no power over who You say I am. Lord, I petition Your throne to remove any and everything that would bind me to the enemy. Free me from any chains on my heart, and heal me from my wounds, so that I may run freely in pursuit of You and Your will. Father, I ask that You send the connections and community that You would have for me, and that You grant me an abundant spirit of discernment to guide me in Your wisdom. Amen.

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What hidden chains are keeping you from being in community? Offer those things to the Father in prayer and ask Him to release you from them.