There is Power in Prayer

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts God has given us, yet sometimes we make it more complicated than it needs to be. Prayer is open communication with God. It is also worship. When we pray, we humble ourselves before Almighty God and acknowledge that He is the One who is in control. Prayer has a way of putting God back where He belongs—at the center of our lives.

One of the characteristics of God that we should remember when we pray is that He is omnipotent. That simply means He is all-powerful. There is nothing beyond the power of God. When we bring our prayers before Him, we are not talking to someone who is limited by the things that limit us. God has the power and ability to answer prayer. We should pray believing, continue in prayer, and remain watchful for what God is doing.

First Timothy 2:1-2 gives us a helpful structure for prayer through entreaties, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings. Entreaties are prayers that come from a need. Someone may be hurting, struggling, lost, or facing something they cannot handle alone. We bring that need before God on their behalf. Prayer itself is our communication and worship with God. Petitions are specific requests. We should not be afraid to tell God clearly what the need is. Thanksgiving reminds us to have an attitude of gratitude and recognize what God has done.

Our prayers should not be focused only on ourselves. Ephesians 6:18 tells us to pray for all the saints. There is nothing wrong with bringing our own needs to God, but believers are also called to pray for one another. Sometimes a person simply comes to mind during the day. We may not know what they are facing, but that can be a reminder to stop and pray for them. God wants us to become people who notice the needs of others and faithfully bring those needs before Him.

James 5:13-16 gives us another strong reminder. If we are suffering, we are told to pray. If someone is sick, the church is called to pray. We are told to pray for one another, and James reminds us that effective prayer can accomplish much. Prayer should not be our last resort. We are called to become a people of prayer.

Acts 12 gives us a powerful picture of what that can look like. Peter was in prison, but the church was praying fervently for him. They prayed without ceasing, and God moved. Peter’s chains fell off, and he was freed. God could have chosen any way to display His power, but in this story we see His people praying and God answering.

So let me ask you: Who is God laying on your heart to pray for?

Bring their need before Him. Be specific. Pray believing. Thank God for what He does. And keep praying, my friends.

There is power in prayer.