The Power of Prayer-Part 1

The Power of Prayer-Part 1

Prayer.  A mysterious thing.  A peculiar thing.  A powerful thing!  This discipline has been practiced by millions of Christians for thousands of years.  From the pages of the Old Testament, the New Testament and into today, prayer has been a source of comfort, conviction and clarity for God’s people.  In my own life, God has answered my prayers in incredible ways which has strengthened my faith and emboldened my requests.  He is a big God who answers big prayers! Many times His perfect will involves our imperfect prayers. I can think of many examples of the power of prayer in both Scripture and in my personal experience. I will start with the most important source-God’s Word.

The Prayer of Faith

In the Old Testament, Elijah was a man of faith and one of God’s chosen prophets. He was a special messenger to the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. In James 5:17-18, it is recorded that Elijah fervently prayed that it would stop raining.  It did not rain in the land for three years and six months! Talk about an effective prayer! He prayed again. This time, verse 18 tells us that “heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” One man’s prayer clogged the clouds and restrained the rain for three whole years. And then the flood gates opened up! The rain returned and the people rejoiced. God responded to Elijah’s faithful and stubborn prayers. Have you ever prayed bold prayers like Elijah? May I challenge you to start asking God and believing that He will answer your prayers. His heart is to care for His children. Also James tells us that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change”  (1:17). Our heavenly Father delights to shower gifts on His beloved children!  This does not mean that He will always answer Yes to our prayers.  Many times His answer is No, or Be patient in order to bring about His perfect plan in our lives.

The Prayer of False Promises

There are many preachers on television today that will say, “You can pray to God and He will bless you with more than you can imagine.  Believe that he will heal you, give you that promotion, provide that new car, and increase your cash flow.”  This is simply not true.  This health and wealth promise is empty and a false gospel which has poisoned the Church today.  Joel Osteen and Creflo Dollar are among those who preach this message.  Ultimately this leads to materialism, which God hates! Jesus himself said that “you cannot serve both God and money [and any material possession]” in Matthew 6:24. The prosperity gospel serves the idol of self. Prayer becomes a selfish practice to manipulate God into providing any material need and desire. Prayer is never a means to manipulate God!  It is a command to lovingly follow. It is communion with our Creator and Savior.  Connecting to God in prayer opens up His hand to bless you beyond measure.  However, this is not solely to provide for material needs.  It is to provide spiritual power. Power to overcome any obstacle, temptation and trying circumstance in your life. God’s power flows through a prayer-filled life. And when we pray God’s Word, He gives us the sword of the Spirit to fight every temptation that comes our way.  How’s your prayer life? Mine could certainly be stronger. Let’s dig deeper together into the power of prayer.

Prayer Request

• Let’s lift up a young man named Levi, who was involved in a car accident a few weeks ago and is now in a coma. He needs our prayers and a miracle. The Lord woke up my friend Cameron from a coma a year ago, He can wake up Levi as well! Lord, bring healing to Levi, strength to his family and friends and bring yourself glory in this situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.