The Power of Prayer

Did you know that you have a direct conduit to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? It’s called “prayer”. And it is a powerful tool.  It’s an awesome power that we have to talk to our God!

Jesus talked about prayer when He did His “Sermon on the Mount”. Matthew 6, Jesus speaks specifically about how to pray.

6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

He then gave us the Lord’s Prayer that is prayed during every church service. In chapter 7 of Matthew, Jesus gives us more guidance for prayer.

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Praying Through Jesus

So why do we say we must funnel our prayers through Jesus? Well, he told us that is how we should pray. In John 14:6, it says,

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Later in John (16:23), Jesus tells us,

23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

Prayer is powerful.

And how do we know our prayers are listened to and answered? James (5:16) says in his writings,

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Paul, in his letter to the Phillipians (4:6-7), tells us,

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

When things go well for us, pray for thanksgiving and joy. When things are not going well, pray for support and guidance. God listens to our prayers and answers every one of them. But it may not be the answer we are looking for.

Lift up everything to God in prayer. Talk to Him. He listens to us. He wants to hear from us. And more importantly, he answers us. What a wonderful God we have.  Use this power that God gave us often!