Father in Heaven …

Discovering the Power of God through Prayer

Pray Earnestly
I don’t know the best way to open something so serious to the life of a follower of God.  The power of prayer is greatly believed in, yet I believe that we live in a world today where prayer is one of the most underestimated parts of life.  Elijah, however, didn’t think lowly of something so great.  Jesus’ brother James writes, “Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years!” (James 5:17).  I don't know about you, but I want to pray with such faith.  As a first step, I looked up—more like typed—the word “earnest” into the dictionary.  This is what I found: “serious in intention, purpose, or effort, sincerely zealous” (dictionary.com).  James also tells us that, “Then, when he [Elijah] prayed again, the sky sent down rain…” (V. 18).

Praying is Loving
Jim George, a Christian author, says, “One of the greatest acts of love you can give them is to pray for them.”  Another power of prayer is the love that it shows.  Why does prayer, out of all things, show outstanding love?  Because you are taking the time to call a meeting with God, the all-powerful creator, for another persons’ goodwill and benefit.  If you are looking for ways to love family and friends in Godly ways, pray for them! 

Prayers of a Follower
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (V.16).  Never think that your prayers are going nowhere.  They aren't just leaving your mind and heart and escaping into the atmosphere.  Praying is powerful, and God’s Word specifically states that righteous people, the followers of Jesus, have that close and necessary relationship.  Believe that what you say will happen.  Max Lucado says, “Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.”