The Power of Prayer-Part 2
Some questions for you and I to ponder. Are you praying for God to move in your life? Are you asking Him for big things and believing that He will answer? Are you saying the same words over and over and over again? Or are you praying the power of God’s Word? His Word is filled with prayers from people just like you and me who faced great challenges, even impossible ones! Have you ever faced a giant ready to wipe out your army? A sickness which brought you to death’s doorstep? A grim fate of torture and humiliation on a bloody cross? Me neither. David, Job and Jesus himself immediately rushed to the throne of grace when their hearts were worn, when they were overwhelmed with pain and when they needed strength in their weakness. And listen to the heart cry of the psalmist in Psalm 42: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (vv. 5, 11). Can you sense the desperation in his prayer? He turned immediately from pain to praise. Is this your response when trials come? Here are some other passages which speak to the power of prayer.
From Sickness to Singing
The book of James attests to prayer’s power. In the fifth chapter, the half-brother of Jesus lists five compelling reasons why God commands us to pray. First, when we suffer, we are to pray (v. 13). This lifts our burdens to God, the only One who gives us strength to endure pain. Second, when we are cheerful, we are to be in a state of prayerful praise. Singing is a natural overflow of a joyous and thankful heart. Most of the time, we are not thankful. Joyous prayer and praise is an intentional practice, not an automatic one. We must seek Christ first in our pain. Third, we are to pray when one suffers sickness. The passage states specifically that we are to enlist our church leaders to pray for ailing church members (v. 14). Faithful prayers are promised to “save the one who is sick,” healing and cleansing his or her sin (v. 15). Moreover, we are commanded to confess our sins to one another, holding each other accountable, and to pray in repentance. This brings healing to hurting hearts. Finally, the powerful truth resounds: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (v. 16). Then, Elijah’s faithful prayer is used as an example. The prophet prayed and the rain stopped for three and a half years in Israel! This was to punish the rebellious nation. He prayed again, and the flood gates opened up. Now that is prayer with power behind it!
Drawing Near to the Great High Priest
Are you praying in and through your pain? How about in times of joy or times of despair? Are you praying when you are sick or overwhelmed by your sin? Healing awaits a prayerful heart in the hands of God. If not your body, then your heart will be healed. Believer, trust and put your full confidence in the fact that God is faithful! Scripture states He will never change (Ps. 102:27, Heb. 13:8)! And He will heal the broken-hearted. Pray the Word of God. Pray big things. Pray for all your needs. Pray for others. Pray for the world. Expect God to move. And rejoice in His answers! Prayer is not a heavenly slot machine; it is communion with our God. We are commanded, “with confidence,” to “draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). This bold approach to Christ’s throne requires an active faith. It’s time to open our hearts, bend our knees and lay our burdens down at the feet of Jesus. He is our Great High Priest who knows our weakness and temptations. Because he endured our temptations and sin, he alone can rescue us. Let us draw near to our perfect Savior who supplies all our needs according to his grace and mercy. Herein lies the true power of prayer, at the feet of Jesus. Amen!
1/11/16
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