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Prayer power
by Mervyn Morelock, Lt. Colonel –
“How is your prayer life?” is a question often asked of new Christians. But for those who have been Christians for a while, the question is rarely asked. The assumption is made that anyone who is a Christian has a very active prayer life. Sadly, sometimes we are so busy “being Christians” that we neglect the source of power in our life. If someone were to ask you, “How is your prayer life?” most would reply, “Oh, just fine” and then quickly change the subject. We would be a little ashamed if people knew how little we pray, or worse, how barren our prayer life is.
Prayer is one of the areas in our life that is not discussed much. I wonder why that’s so? Is it because we are not sure we know how to pray, to really pray and get results? Is it that we feel we do not have enough faith, or we don’t use the right words? Perhaps we feel God isn’t listening anymore because of our sin?
The Bible is full of illustrations and guidance on prayer. Jesus not only tells us how to pray, but the Bible shows us how he prayed.
There are seven verses in James chapter 5 that give us guidance for our life of prayer. My Bible has a title for verses 13-20, “The Prayer of Faith.”
First: When we are in trouble, we should pray. Paul writes, “Don’t be anxious about anything, but pray and present your requests to God, with thanksgiving.”
Second: We should sing songs of praise. Praise songs and choruses are a form of prayer.
Third: If someone is sick, get a group together, anoint the sick one with oil, and pray. “And the prayer offered in faith will make the person well; the Lord will raise him up.”
Fourth: When we pray for another, not only will the Lord heal, but their sins can be forgiven!
Fifth: Pray for one another, for healing and for salvation.
Finally, when you live your life in harmony with God’s will, then, when you pray, your prayers will become “powerful and effective!”
When we pray specific and sincere prayer, focusing on the “mountain mover,” rather than on the “mountain,” things happen, great power is unleashed. The Territorial Call to Prayer ministry mobilizes Prayer Partners to pray for urgent Prayer Needs sent weekly to every corps and institution in the Western Territory by e-mail or in the toll free telephone message on the SA Prayerline 1-877-347-PRAY.
The responses that filter back are thrilling and prove again and again that God is hearing and answering our prayers!
Larry reports that his cancerous kidney was removed. Tests show there is no remaining cancer, and he does not need further treatment. He thanks our Prayer Partners for their prayers!
I like what Max Lucado writes about prayer: “You can talk to God because God listens. Your voice matters in heaven. He takes you very seriously. When you enter his presence, he turns to you to hear your voice. No need to fear that you will be ignored. Even if you stammer or stumble, even if what you have to say impresses no one, it impresses God, and he listens. He listens to the painful pleas of the elderly in the rest home. He listens to the gruff confession of the death-row inmate. When the alcoholic begs for mercy, when the spouse seeks guidance, when the businessman steps off the street into the chapel, God listens.
“Intently, carefully.”
There is power in your prayers!
