The Power of Prayer
Natural Power vs. Power of Heaven
We all live in this physical world where we see the power of natural things such as fuel, medicine, human strength, and so on. However, they all have limitations. Physical power can do a lot of things but still cannot do everything. Here, in the story of Jehoshaphat, the natural power of the army of kings was in conflict with the divine power of God, which was released for the protection of the praying people.
Prayer Releases the Power of God
Prayer: The Greatest Force
Prayer is one of the greatest powers in the world. Prayer power is spiritual, while other powers are natural. Prayer opens the door for God to work. Prayer releases the power of God Almighty into our lives. The power of prayer is that it connects us to the power of God. That’s why it is a great force. Jehoshaphat never depended upon his force; rather, he depended upon God through prayer. For him, prayer released a great force of God into the situation.When We Pray, God Acts
Only the power of prayer can move the hands of God. Prayer releases God’s power to us. Only the power of God can do certain things in the world, such as changing a person’s heart, breaking bondages, bringing peace, and so on. Because we can pray, we are ordinary people with extraordinary power; we are natural people who can live supernatural lives. When Jehoshaphat and his people fasted and prayed, God acted on their behalf.Prayer Makes a Difference in Our Lives
The power of prayer can make a difference in our lives, especially in the midst of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Prayer brings the power of God to bear on the situations of our lives. When God’s power touches a situation, it cannot remain the same; it has to change. When Jehoshaphat fasted and prayed, God made a great difference in their critical, life-threatening situation.Power in the Right Perspective
Power Doesn’t Always Mean Quick Results
We often understand prayer and the release of the power of God through prayer with immature perspectives. When we think about “power,” we often imagine something that happens quickly, with almost miraculous speed and force. But the power of prayer is not determined by whether or not results come instantly or dramatically. Prayer requires diligence and faithfulness over time, which are equally powerful.- Luke 18:1: Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
- Luke 11:8: I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence, he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
Remember When Not Seeing Results
We often feel discouraged and disappointed because we do not see God’s answers. We want to give up on our prayers. We want to act with our strength rather than wait for God’s intervention. Even if your answers are late, remember that:(a) God is working on your behalf, even if you do not see results right away;
(b) Even when the answers seem slow in coming, prayer can open the door for God to change the situation; and
(c) Prayer is powerful.
- Habakkuk 2:3: For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
God is able to do anything. All things are possible with Him, but we must not quit praying. Some prayers are answered very quickly, while others require more time.
When God’s People Pray
Examples:
- Hannah (1 Samuel 1:3-20): She wept with bitterness of soul and prayed to God with her heart for a child. God answered her with Samuel.
- Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-36): Elisha prayed and made alive the boy who died.
- Hezekiah (2 Kings 20): Hezekiah received a prophecy that he was going to die. However, he prayed, and God heard his prayer, extending his life.
- Zacharias (Luke 1:13): God heard Zacharias’ prayer and answered with a child.
- Peter (Acts 12:5): The church prayed for Peter, who was imprisoned, and God heard their prayer and delivered him from prison supernaturally.
The Power of Jesus’ Prayers
We often feel that our prayers are not perfect, or we do not pray properly, lack faith, and so on. However, we are not perfect, and therefore, our prayers will not be perfect. That’s why we have Jesus as our intercessor. An intercessor stands in the gap between two parties. Similarly, Jesus intercepts our prayers and makes them perfect before God. We all have a gap between God and ourselves. We are not as holy or as perfect as He is. However, Jesus fills that gap. Jesus filters all our prayers, and His intercession makes them acceptable to God.
*Taken from Joyce Meyer’s book, Simple Prayer