The Amazing Power of Prayer

Prayer is an eternal work. Prayer is an on-going process – not just a one-time thing to do. In the Old Testament, the priest went into the presence of God on the behalf of the people. But as a believer, we have access into His presence where great things happen. Prayer is a privilege we should never take for granted. The scripture says in Ephesians 2:18, “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” We have permission, ability, and liberty to approach unto God and to enter His presence. Paul wrote to believers in 1 Thessalonians, “Pray without ceasing.” Then, in Colossians 4:2, he urged Christians to “continue in prayer.” Many people’s lives depend on effectual, fervent prayers. So how can we know that our prayers will be effective? Prayer is designed to work but there are certain rules that we must follow.

1) We must pray according to the Word. Jeremiah 1:12 says, “For I will hasten my word to perform it.”

2) We must be specific in our praying. Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Charles Finney said, “People go to prayer but instead of having any definite object before their mind, they pray for just what comes to their minds.”

3) We must have an intense desire for the answer. Mark 11:24 says, “Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

4) We must pray in the name of Jesus. John 16:23 says, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.”

5) We must pray in faith. James 1:6 says, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” Faith is necessary for prayer to work.

Prayer is like the air we breathe. We need it! Prayer not only performs mighty works for the Kingdom of God, but draws us closer to God as we learn to know Him and commune with Him.