The power of prayer

When we talk about the power of prayer, it is important to bear in mind that it’s not the prayer as an isolated act, but rather it is God who is the source of the power. Prayer is a means to an end, rather than the end in itself. Prayer is simply talking (and listening) to God – He is the one that is the source of our inspiration.
‘The prayer of a righteous man is powerful’ James 5: 6

The power of salvation
‘Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord’ Acts 8:22
When we become Christians it involves prayer. We may not know the ‘sinner’s prayer’ or even utter audible words, but what we are doing when we surrender our hearts to the Lord, is inwardly at the very least, praying that God would take control. The prayer of salvation is a powerful prayer.

The power of deliverance
‘Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray’ James 5:13
When people are in need they turn to different things in an attempt to divert attention from the problem. Some turn to alcohol, others to comfort eating and some may gamble. But the reality is that these things will never deal with the situation, in fact they will only accentuate it.
As Christians, when trouble comes, it should drive us closer to the Lord. He is the only one that can ultimately set us free.
The prayer of deliverance is a powerful prayer.

The power of witness
‘I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith’ Acts 8:22
When we are saved, it is for a purpose. Without evangelism the church will cease to exist within a generation. That’s why we need the power of prayer in our witnessing so that we don’t just speak words, but rather we speak anointed words, words that the Holy Spirit can take and apply into the heart of the listener. When we ask God to be with us and to help us, he will.
The prayer of witness is a powerful prayer.

Stewart Bloor

www.sicm.org