Podcast Summary: Dufresne Ministries Podcast

Episode: Wednesday AM | Noel Ramos | Prayer Conference 2020
Date: April 16, 2020
Speaker: Pastor Noel Ramos
Theme: Faith in Prayer – Praying Always and Acting on God’s Word

Episode Overview

Pastor Noel Ramos teaches on the critical relationship between faith and prayer, emphasizing that while faith does not come by prayer alone, prayer is an essential act of living faith. Drawing on multiple scriptural references, Pastor Ramos highlights the need for persistent, Spirit-led prayer, describing it both as a command and as the practical action required to keep faith alive and effective. The episode weaves together teaching, personal testimony, prophetic encouragement, and moments of spontaneous prayer.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Faith and Prayer: Clarifying the Connection

• Faith Comes by Hearing the Word, Not by Prayer (Romans 10:17)
  • Faith is birthed by hearing the Word; however, prayer is an act of faith—a way faith is expressed and kept alive.
  • “Faith doesn’t come by prayer… faith cometh by hearing and hearing the Word of God… but prayer is a work of faith.” (B, 00:21)
• Prayer as an Action of Faith (James 2:17–26)
  • Faith “without works is dead”; prayer is one key “work” or action of faith.
  • Many believers struggle or give up because of a lack of prayer—which means a lack of acting in faith.
  • “If you’re not praying, you’re not acting on the Word.” (B, 01:45)
  • “Prayer is an action of faith. Faith without action is dead.” (B, 08:21)

2. Persistence in Prayer and Faith

• Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1–8)
  • Jesus taught the need for persistent prayer—not quitting or “fainting.”
  • The “spirit of boldness” in the believer is stoked by continual prayer.
  • “If we’re not praying, this is what we are—a coward. We’re not supposed to, because God has given us the spirit of boldness!” (B, 04:25)
  • “Persistent faith is connected to the one that is persistent in prayer. Faith is strength—it never quits.” (B, 06:50)
  • Jesus asks, “When the Son of man comes, will he find persistent faith?” (B, 05:28)

3. Jesus as the Model for Prayer

• Praying for Specific Guidance (Luke 6:12–13)
  • Jesus spent “all night in prayer” before choosing the twelve apostles—a demonstration of reliance on the Father and seeking precise divine direction.
  • “He prayed all night until he got all the details of the plan of God for his life.” (B, 13:40)
  • This act had eternal consequences, as the apostles’ names are set in heaven.
• Application: Christians Need Detail from God in Prayer
  • Pastor Ramos uses the example of a medical student needing years of study—to illustrate the importance of “precision” in spiritual life, gained through prayer.

4. Prayer in Spiritual Discernment and Direction

• Receiving Details and Revelation Through Persistent Prayer
  • God doesn’t reveal all at once, but bit by bit as we persist in prayer.
  • Lack of continued prayer leads to error or spiritual “delay.”
  • “I made so many mistakes… because of my lack of continuously spending time with God to get the precise plan.” (B, 19:04)
  • Experience: It took Pastor Ramos a month of prayer to receive his ministry calling.

5. Scriptural Instructions for Prayer

• Ephesians 6:18: Instruction to ‘Pray Always’
  • Prayer is a daily habit and spiritual discipline, with specific kinds (supplication, intercession, etc.).
  • Praying “in the Spirit” means praying led by the Holy Spirit, which brings revelation.
  • “The more you act your faith through prayer, the more you will see things in your spirit.” (B, 25:59)
  • Dad Hagin’s and Pastor Nancy’s teachings on prayer are recommended.

6. Thanksgiving and Confession as Prayer

• Thanksgiving as Act of Faith
  • Speaking the promises of God and thanking Him is a key part of prayer.
  • “Thanksgiving is an act of prayer. Thanksgiving is an act of faith.” (B, 35:47)
  • Scriptural confession: Praying scriptures like “my family is kept by the power of God” (1 Peter 1:5), or “all my needs are supplied” (Philippians 4:19).

7. Praying for Others and Their Return to God

• Power of Persistent Intercessory Prayer
  • Personal testimony of praying for loved ones off track—using scriptural prayers (Ephesians 1:17, 3:16)—bringing genuine change.
  • “We didn’t even announce to them we’re praying… but I know that the Holy Ghost is working in their heart.” (B, 44:36)
• Encouragement Not to Give Up
  • Keep praying; God will move in His way, even when change isn’t immediately seen.
  • “Heaven will move in your behalf. Angels will… do whatever it takes to answer your prayer.” (B, 47:23)

8. Prophetic Encouragement and Specific Words

• Insight About the Times
  • Despite global crises (e.g., the pandemic), Christians can receive peace and confidence about the future through prayer.
  • “Good things are ahead. Great move of the Holy Ghost is coming.” (B, 36:57)
• Spontaneous Words of Knowledge & Prophecy [50:57–53:32]
  • Healings (blood disease, bleeding ulcers, depression lifted)
  • Wayward children returning to God
  • New job/supply for those who persist in prayer
  • “Your son is coming home… Those mothers praying for their children—they’re coming home.” (B, 51:43)
  • “Supply is coming. Supply is on the way. Supply is now!” (B, 53:27)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Nature of Faith & Prayer:
  • “If you’re not praying, you’re not acting on the Word. We can have faith, but our faith can be dead.” (B, 01:45)
• On Boldness and Prayer:
  • “If we’re not praying… we’re a coward… God has given us the spirit of boldness, but it comes in our prayer life.” (B, 04:25)
• On Jesus’ All-Night Prayer:
  • “He prayed out what was in eternity. He prayed out the plan of God which will be. It’s a big deal… one night of Him giving in prayer the details of the plan of God.” (B, 15:19)
• On Seeking Detail in Prayer:
  • “The more you pray, the more you get details of the plan of God for your life.” (B, 16:03)
• On Receiving Revelation:
  • “When you pray always, you will see things in your spirit. You will hear details.” (B, 25:59)
• On Thankfulness:
  • “Whatever you’re not thankful for, you will lose it.” (Pastor Nancy quotation, relayed by B, 43:19)
• On Not Quitting:
  • “Keep praying always… as long as we are praying always… and not faint, heaven will move on your behalf.” (B, 47:23)
• Prophetic Declaration:
  • “This year is a good year… this year is a year of miracles… a great move of the Spirit is coming!” (B, 31:08 & 36:57)
• Healing and Encouragement:
  • “Somebody is being healed… bleeding ulcers, a blood disease, depression is leaving… your son is coming home, church members are coming back.” (B, 51:19–52:11)

Key Timestamps

• 00:09 – 04:06: Introduction, prayer opening, faith and prayer foundations
• 04:07 – 08:21: Teaching from Luke 18: persistence in prayer, faith not fainting
• 08:22 – 13:40: Faith without works from James 2; Jesus as the prayer model
• 13:41 – 19:04: Jesus’ all-night prayer for the twelve apostles; lesson on divine precision
• 19:05 – 25:59: Testimony of praying for ministry direction; the need for daily prayer; Ephesians 6 instruction
• 26:00 – 30:00: Praying in the Spirit, led by the Spirit; importance of seeing and knowing in prayer
• 30:09 – 34:35: Thanksgiving as prayer, practical examples of daily confessions
• 34:36 – 37:24: Prophetic encouragement—miracles, supply, return of wayward loved ones
• 44:36 – 47:23: Testimony—praying for loved ones, receiving details from God, persistence pays off
• 50:57 – 53:32: Words of knowledge—healings, restoration, provision
• 53:35 – End: Final blessings and encouragement

Takeaways

• Persistent, Spirit-led prayer is vital to living faith.
• Pray always, not sporadically—daily, with Scripture as the foundation.
• Be expectant: as you pray, revelation, guidance, provision, and miracles will follow.
• Encouragement abounds: no matter current circumstances, “good things are ahead” for the body of Christ, and specific needs (healing, provision, restoration) are being met.
• Don’t quit on loved ones: Intercessory prayer changes futures.
• Maintain a spirit of thanksgiving—it unlocks God’s continued blessing.