The Journey of Prayer

By Dorcas Willis

At the age of nine years, Dorcas Willis' parents took the pastorate of a small storefront church of about twenty-five people. She learned at an early age that when prayer is the cornerstone of a ministry, it is amazing what God can do. From that foundation, she watched God raise up a strong church. Both the church and Dorcas Willis grew up together. She watched God perform miracle after miracle, including the explosive growth of the church and the purchase of a beautiful ornate church building on the main street in town. She had a privileged upbringing. As she looks back, it was a combination of things that created the environment in which she grew up, the era of time, the geographical location, and the lack of an abundance of this world's goods. Necessity was viewed as "an opportunity for God to provide." Ministry was the center of her childhood and youth. She was privileged to be nurtured by a mother and father who were totally dedicated to prayer and "ministry." As a child, it was her privilege to have as her mentors and role models, those who dwelled in that secret place referred to by David in Psalm 91. Dorcas Willis' upbringing was not privileged from the standpoint of this world's wealth nor worldly fame but because of those who surrounded her, those who truly dwelled in the Secret Place of God's presence. The lesson she learned in growing up in a climate of prayer was that any interference with God's will and plan became null and void when prayer was made. Recently Dorcas Willis was privileged to speak to ministry leaders and share her experiences in several locations including Ireland and a missions trip to Ukraine. Because of the foundation of prayer through several generations, God has given her two sons who pastor thriving churches. Pastor Andrew J. Willis, who pastors in Houston, TX, and Pastor Dan Willis who pastors in the suburbs of Chicago, IL.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9781643497822

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The Journey of Prayer

Dorcas Willis

ISBN 978-1-64349-781-5 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64349-782-2 (Digital)

Copyright © 2019 by Dorcas Willis

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 1

We Are Familiar with Access Methods

Access Codes and Access Keys

In Other Words, Methods of Entering!

How do we access the greatest resources known to man?

In this age of technology, there are so many areas of our life that are controlled by access codes. Keeping track of these access codes is a time consuming project in itself. When we need to access something that is important to us, we often spend time trying to find the access code.

The statement has been made so often, I don’t know how to reach God.

It is so simple, yet so easily overlooked!

We do not worship at a gravesite, but as his children, on the authority of his word:

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15–16)

There is an access code: it is prayer.

In no other dispensation of time has God’s creation been given the key to heaven’s resources.

What a privilege!

The primary purpose of prayer, by God’s design, is to bring the pray-er into a relationship with him.

He longs for that relationship between himself and man that causes man to be clay in the hand of God.

Since God provided our means of access to the resources of heaven, it is wisdom that we use the symbolism and plan that he had in place before you or I came into the picture.

Anything that is of God, does not just happen, but is according to God’s divine plan.

Entering Into His Presence

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (Psalms 100:3)

Verse 3 identifies who he is and who we are. He made us!

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (Psalms 100:4)

Verse 4 Teaches us how to behave in his presence.

The true measure of prayer is whether it transforms the old man into a new man and changes how we relate to our God and one another.

As we consider entering into the presence of God, let’s consider the protocol of a royal visit!

Greeting the Queen:

Before meeting her majesty, many people ask how they should behave. The simple answer is that there are no obligatory codes of behavior—just courtesy.

However, many people wish to observe the traditional forms of greeting.

For men this is a neck bow (from the head only), for women a small curtsy.

On presentation to The Queen, the correct formal address is ‘Your Majesty’ and subsequently ‘Ma’am’.

How much more should we concern ourselves with coming into God’s presence!

Let’s do a review of God’s plan:

Comparing the symbolism of the tabernacle in the wilderness to our entering into the presence of God.

The tabernacle itself had four coverings, the first was linen, the second was goat’s hair, the third was ram’s skin-dyed red, and the fourth was badger skins. The badger skin covering was the only covering, which was seen on the outside which was that dull and unattractive skin.

The beauty of the tabernacle could only be viewed from the inside. So it is—coming into his presence.

Acknowledging Who Jesus Is

He is the door (one door)

Contrary to the dull and unattractive covering of the tabernacle that was visible from the outside, the door of the outer court, the only way in, was inviting and attractive. The door speaks of both the compassion and the kingliness of Jesus, his dual nature as both God and man, Son of God and Son of Man, woven together as a beautiful tapestry of the appearing to man of the kindness and love of our Saviour God (Titus 3:1–5). Jesus said, "I am the door; if any man enters through me he shall be