The Power of Prayer

Prayer beyond a mere ritualistic word recitation is a dynamic and intimate conversation with God. Prayer as a multifaceted spiritual discipline can take different forms and involve several elements (Matt 7:7-8). The Bible clearly tells us why we should pray, especially as Christians. God commands us to pray. God delivers this command through the psalm writers (1Chr 16:11; Ps 105:4; prophets (Is. 55:6. Amos 5: 4,6); apostles and early church leaders (Eph 6:17-18, Col 4:2, 1Thess 5:17), and Jesus Himself (Matt 26:41, Lk 18: 1, Jn 16:24). Jesus repeatedly taught His disciples to pray in His name (John 14:13–14; 15:16; 16:23–24). To pray in Jesus’ name is to acknowledge that our access to God in prayer comes only through Jesus. We sinners are separated from God and have lost fellowship with Him. Brothers and sisters, our fellowship with God is restored only through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

John Wesley, as a person of prayer, described payer as “the grand means of drawing near to God” (Letter to Miss March 3–29–1760); it is “the breath of our spiritual life” (NT Notes, I Thes. 5:16). In prayer, we pour out our hearts, express our deepest longings, and find comfort and renewal in the presence of God. Given their biblical foundations, some of Charles Wesley’s hymns are examples of intercessory prayers set to music. They are a good way to remember words and help people have prayer and scripture in their hearts and tongues throughout the day.

Prayer was foundational to Jesus’ life and ministry, it was foundational to the birth of the Church, and it is foundational for the life of the Christian. The primary power of prayer is what it does to us, not just around us. Prayer transforms us from the inside out. In prayer, we engage in sacred dialogue and thereby open ourselves to receive divine wisdom, guidance, and revelation. In the stillness of prayer, we can discern the voice of God, discern His will, and align our lives with His purposes.

Everything a Christian face requires prayer, good and bad. Prayer is a spiritual activity backed by an act of faith. As Christians, prayer is our direct line and access to God (Jer 29:12). God fulfils His Word and promises to accomplish His purpose in partnership with His people’s earnest prayers (Amos 5:4-6).

The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) teaches the necessity of patient, persistent, and persevering prayer, much like the Parable of the Persistent Friend (Luke 11:5-13). Prayer shapes our perspective, reminds us of our dependence on God, and shifts our focus from the temporal to the eternal. Prayer serves as our anchor during life’s challenges and uncertainties. Prayer grounds us in the unchanging truth of the gospel.

Let us prayerfully sing one of the hymns by Joseph Medlicott Scriven, who found the needed solace in Jesus Christ as described in this famous hymn when his life was filled with grief and trials:

1 What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!

2 Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!

3 Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge–
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.

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