What About the Power of Prayer?

The moment you wake up each morning, all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists in shoving it all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.  -C.S. Lewis

The early church was a praying church. In Acts 4:24 we can read about their power of prayer. Now here's a question, "How can we pray with the same fervency and effectiveness today?" To understand how to pray, we must first understand the character of prayer. Simply put, "What is prayer?"

Perhaps to help answer this question we can look at 1 Timothy 2:1-3 and examine some components of this passage. (1 Timothy 2:1-3) “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;”

In the case of supplications; the Greek word indicates reverence before sovereignty. It was used in situations where petitions were made before kings. Regarding  prayers; the Greek word indicates an attitude of worship–literally bending the knee.The word expresses the idea of wish–requesting the way we would want things to be.

Intercessions are usually used when trying to obtain something for another. Prayers made for the sick usually involve this type of prayer. The giving of thanks or thanksgiving are used for all blessings that come our way.

Another item of importance to understand about prayer is the circumstance of prayer or where to pray. How about in the assembly? Think: prayers around the Lord’s table. Or, around the dinner table. Think: the example of Jesus in the feeding of the five and four thousand (Matthew 14:19; Matt. 15:36). How about in private devotion? Think: The example of our Lord after the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:46). And let's not forget the example of Paul (Ephesians 1:16;  Philippians 1:4; Colossians 1:9).

Secondly, is the content of prayer or what to pray for. First, you open with the address - to the Father. (Colossians 3:17; Matthew 6:9). Then, there is the body of the prayer. This is where we give thanks for:

a. The Christ

b. The Word

c. Our Jobs

d. Our Food

e. Our Families

It is in the body of the prayer that we request guidance for:

a. Self–to have attributes that God wants us to have (humility, wisdom, patience, forgiveness).

b. The church (local and universal)

c. Family (each role–Father, Mother, Children)

d. Government (Ours and the Worlds for peace)

e. In any other thing you want God to help you and others.

f. Specify people and situations to God.

In the body, we can also pray for specifics, such as:

a. Enemies (Matthew 5:44)

b. The sick (James 5:13-14)

c. More workers in the kingdom (Matthew 9:38)

d. That the gospel will go forth (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

e. That our love may abound (Philippians 1:9)

f. That God will open doors for the gospel (Colossians 4:3)

And, in the body there is the close. (Colossians 3:17; Hebrews 7:25; John 2:1)

Lastly, we must understand the consequences of prayer. This may include some physical consequences (James 5:15-18).  Maybe, some spiritual consequences (Philippians 4:6-7). In the very least, your prayers will be heard (1 Peter 3:12).  

In conclusion, look at Matthew 7:7-11. This passage tells us that God’s ear is open to the righteous, but his face is against those who do evil. Do you want God to continue to hear your prayers? Always remember that God will not hear your prayer with out the mediation of Jesus Christ!

Prayer: Almighty God, give us such a vision of your purpose and such an assurance of  your love and power, that we may ever hold fast the hope which is in Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen

Have a blessed day,

Trish