The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; Isaiah 61:1 (NASB) 

Insight

There is a big difference between a petition and a proclamation. A petition entreats someone in power to grant a favor. A proclamation is an announcement that something has already been done. Both are important types of prayer, and it is important to know the difference and when to use each.

Most people who pray use petitions. They often have a list of things to ask God to do for them or others. The Bible tells us that when we ask for things in accordance to God’s will, he will hear us and answer our prayer.

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15  And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. 1 John 5:14-15 (NASB) 

A proclamation is more like a prophecy. It is an announcement or a faith declaration of what God has done or certainly will do.

Rather than ask him to do something, we declare that he has already done it and/or that it will certainly come to pass.

The gospel is such a proclamation. We do not tell people that they should petition God to forgive their sins, as if Christ had not already perfectly and completely accomplished this. Rather, we announce that if people put their faith and allegiance in Christ, their sins will be forgiven. Christians do not need to petition God to raise them from the dead one day. Instead, we boldly declare that he will do that for each person who trusts in him.

I remember once I was on a trip to West Africa with a friend to visit missionaries and participate in a church conference. I had a large sum of money to give our friends there that many believers had contributed. We unwittingly got caught in an Air France strike and were told that we would not be able to get through for over a week. My friend began to petition God and engage in what he called spiritual warfare, rebuking the devil’s attempts to thwart our trip. I had just read an inspirational book about how God works all things for good (Romans 8:28). God had elevated my faith so that I believed nothing would be able to stop us from getting through. I began to praise God for working our situation out for good and declared his victory over our circumstances. Within a few hours we were on board a plane for our destination, a true miracle.

When God shows us that something has already been done, it is time to make faith proclamations as our preferred form of prayer. Such prayers act as prophetic declarations that release God’s power and authority to accomplish his declared will.

When our faith and God’s promises link together, amazing things take place.

Prayer

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NASB) 

Rejoice always, 17  pray without ceasing, 18  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) 

Abba Father, I praise you and believe that you are working all things out for good in my life because I love you and am called according to your purpose. I surrender myself once more to your will and plan for my life. May I bring you glory and pleasure by trusting and praising you at all times. Praise you, Father, because you chose me before you created the world, and you appointed me to be transformed into the image of your Son, which you are accomplishing each day. Thank you, Father, that you made me a part of your family. You reconciled me to yourself and gave me a right standing before you through your Son. Thank you that have appointed me to share in Jesus’ glory.

And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15 (ESV) 

As King Jehoshaphat of old, I declare that you have already won the victory. (Fill in the blank for your particular situation.) It is done. I rest in you and your promises. I let go of all striving and worry. (Psalm 46:10) Now I will watch and wait for what you will do. Amen.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4 (ESV)