One of the greatest problems that affect some believers is praying under closed heavens. When we do this, our prayers are unanswered because they don’t get to ascend to God. Praying under close heavens is an ineffective way of praying because it doesn’t yield result, neither is it productive.
One of the places in the Bible that records the case of open heavens in the New testament was during the Baptism of Jesus where it was written: “And heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus Christ inform of a dove?. It was in this incidence that the voice from Heaven said “this is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased.”
You’ll notice here that the open heavens symbolize the presence of God. It is the presence of God that produces result. The branches cannot bear fruits without the roots.
There’s always an evidence of God’s presence; a manifestation of his glory when he’s present. In the case of Jesus’ baptism was the voice while for Pentecost (the decent of the Holy spirit) was tongues, wind and peace etc.
GAINING ACCESS INTO HIS PRESENCE
Paul and Silas called down the presence of God through praise. Jabez caused the heavens to open on his behalf through prayer. David the psalmist won the heart of God through his hymns of praise and thanksgiving. Access into God's presence is made much more available by God's grace and mercy.
The scripture says that we should therefore come boldly into the throne of Grace whereby we shall obtain mercy.
Access to his presence is not by service but by fellowship. Fellowship is affected by prayer, and prayer is a function of faith. We can cause the floodgates of heaven to rain by our fervent prayer of faith.
REASONS WHY PEOPLE DON’T ACKNOWLEDGE THE PRESENCE OF GOD
The devil goes around like a roaring lion looking for whom to devour. He comes to steal kill and destroy, and as well, sows seeds of deception and negativity in the heart of man which aim at diminishing the relevance of God’s presence in us. He therefore tries to draw us out of God's presence because he being darkness cannot comprehend the light, the radiance that proceeds from the glory of the open heavens by which we are empowered.
Sin is another factor that threatens the manifestation of God’s presence. God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Pride draws us out from God’s presence, (and it goes before a fall). Sin diminishes the love of God in our hearts and makes us feel condemned.
1 Corinthians 3:16 says that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
This temple which is our body must not be defiled by sin, when it’s defiled, its function is misplaced and therefore, threatened too. We must live constantly in fellowship with the spirit.
IN HIS PRESENCE
It is the agenda of God that we his children may constantly enjoy his presence and enjoy the dividends of opened heavens.
The presence of God In our lives breeds peace and empowers us against the wiles of the devil.
In the presence of God mountains melt like wax. In the presence of God there is liberty. In the presence of God there is fullness of joy (it overflows).
The Psalmist says
“I am joyful when I heard them say we should go into the presence of God”
The unconditionality of God’s love for us was shown when he had to die for us even when we were yet sinners. He loves us despite our flaws and weaknesses.
In conclusion, let us stay clear from sin, guilt and condemnation but rather, in faith, harvest the supernatural testimonies that come as a dividend of open heavens.
with love
