Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.
The Power of Prayer
“The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, His holy dwelling place.” (2 Chronicles 30:27 NIV)
It is important to understand that the power of prayer does not come from us. Prayer is not special words we say or the special way we say them or even how often we say them. The length of our prayer is also not important. Powerful prayer is not made by standing on the street corner with dirt on your face or any other means to show others your piety. The power of prayer is not based on a certain direction we face or clothes. Moreover, a powerful prayer does not require candles or beads.
The power of prayer comes from God alone who hears our prayers and answers them. Prayer is a “hotline” that places us in contact with Almighty God, and we should expect almighty results,
whether or not He chooses to grant our petitions or deny our requests. Our prayers never receive a “busy signal.” Whatever the answer to our prayers, the God to whom we pray is the source of the power of prayer, and He can and will answer us, according to His perfect will and timing. We pray with joy, thanksgiving, and anticipation because we know that our loving Father hears us and wants good for us. We wait with child-like wonder to see how and when God is going to move.
Prayer is the first step of the Christian in any situation. God wants His people to pray to Him for petitions and thanksgiving. Prayer to God should be made persistently (Luke 18:1), with joy (Philippians 4:6), in faith (James 1:5), within the will of God (Matthew 6:10), for the glory of God (John 14:13-14), and from a heart right with God (James 5:16). “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). There is absolutely nothing that cannot be accomplished through prayer if it is consistent with His will. And prayer is never futile. True prayer is always true power. You may not always get what you ask, but you shall always have your real needs supplied.
I think the ultimate power of prayer comes when we pray for those that have hurt us the most. Matthew 5:44 teaches us, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Once we truly understand this and do it with sincerity, a supernatural peace will come upon us and the hurt will be a distant memory compared to the ever-present love of God.
Prayer: Thank you for the power of prayer and the peace that comes from knowing you hear all of our prayers. Help up to pray with joy and confidence and then wait patiently for your mighty hand. Dear God, please help us to sincerely pray blessings for those who persecute us, and as we do so with the knowledge that you will be glorified.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We welcome your comments below.
Liked this post?
Read more below or search for more topics...
-
Faithfulness in the Small Things: How God Uses Ordinary Daily Obedience
Faithfulness in the Small Things: How God Uses Ordinary Daily Obedience “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10 NIV). Many people long to do something significant for God. We often imagine that true spiritual impact comes through dramatic moments, large platforms, or extraordinary accomplishments. Yet Scripture repeatedly shows that God values something much simpler and far more consistent: daily faithfulness.Jesus said in Luke 16:10, “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much.” God often works through ordinary acts of... -
The Warning Signs of Pride
The Warning Signs of Pride “So then, Your Majesty, follow my advice. Stop sinning, do what is right, and be merciful to the poor. Then you will continue to be prosperous” (Daniel 4:27 GNT). Pride is often the unintended and inevitable consequence of success. Far too often when life is going well, we become prideful. Many of us have heard it said, “pride goes before the fall, which is true. As Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” Pride blinds us and makes it so easy to miss the warning signs of an impending fall.We can make some... -
Evil Can Occur During Church
Evil Can Occur During Church “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me” (Romans 7:21 NIV).I am angry about the continued shootings at our churches. Our churches are God’s house on earth. Psalm 46:1 teaches us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). I think we can substitute “church” for “God” in the scripture. As Christians we seek out His refuge and strength, particularly on Sunday mornings as we gather with the Body of Christ. This is a special, holy, sacred time. It should...