Dear Friends,
Last week we looked at Prayer as “The Pause That Refreshes” — an anytime-you-need-it conversation with our loving heavenly Father, a Father who is caring, consistent, close, and competent. This week we will examine ways we can put more power in our prayers.
For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.
Ephesians 4:20 (NLT)
Addressing the Church in Ephesus, the apostle Paul wrote about the need to put on the full armor of God. Notice the special emphasis to prayer in the closing sentences.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:10, 13-18 (NIV)
Do you pray on all occasions or just when you are faced with a crisis?
God loves to hear from you — think of him as your BFF (Best Friend Forever)
Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.
Psalm 55:17
Do you employ all kinds of prayers and requests?
When we read through the Psalms, we find that there is no limit to the things we can pray for. There are prayers of thanksgiving, prayers for protection, prayers for forgiveness, prayers for justice, prayers for punishment of evildoers, prayers for wisdom, prayers for compassion, prayers for peace, prayers for strength, prayers for healing, prayers for victory, prayers for rest, prayers for courage, prayers for humility, prayers for a change of heart, prayers for God to come closer … What do you need to pray for?
I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as
I pray. Psalm 17:6 (NIV)
Do you pray for all the Lord’s people?
Do you pray for your family, friends, your church? Do you pray for our nation and its leaders, our police, fire, and military? What about your associates at work or school?
Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:10 (NLT)
Do you use prayer reminders?
Pastor Buddy Owens from Saddleback Church speaks about ways to make your life a walking prayer. Instead of tuning into news radio or that country music channel, make drive time prayer time. He also recommends praying for “drop-in visitors. Anytime someone pops into your head, pray for them. If you want to add even more power to your prayer, text the person, or even they don’t receive texts, slip a note under their door , “I prayed for you today.”
Pastor Jack Hayford has what he calls “Prayer Memorials.” As he walks through his garden, a fountain reminds him to pray for his wife; a particular tree reminds him to pray for a friend. Bonnie has a small hand-held cross that reminds her to pray for herself and for friends who are facing difficult times. Maybe your “Prayer Memorial” can be photos of loved ones. The Stars and Stripes and the sound of the National Anthem can be memorials that remind us to pray for our country.
Another great prayer reminder is to pray the alphabet. Write the letters of the alphabet on a sheet of paper and list in alphabetical order the many things you are thankful for.
Do you ever doubt the effectiveness of your prayers?
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16b
The Greek word Dikaios (righteous) used in this Scripture sets a very high standard: Upright, observing divine laws, living according to the Word — a person whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God.
1 John 1:8 tells us, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” So, if we wait until we believe we are sinless or righteous to pray, we may never pray! But the apostle John continues, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
We find our righteousness in Christ. And the more we honor God’s Word, the more God empowers our prayers. Pray boldly. Pray confidently. Pray often.
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 