Understanding the Power of Prayer
What is power and what does it represent?
In everyday life it has a wide range of meanings. Mainly we think of it giving us the ability to do something with success. Some believe it represents strength. The recent buzz is the TV show called “Power”. It follows the character nicknamed “Ghost,” who is the owner of a popular New York City nightclub “Truth.” What is interesting is that he’s a major player in one of the city’s biggest illegal drug networks; so he struggles to balance these two lives, and the balance topples when he realizes he wants to leave the drug ring in order to support his legitimate business. It sounds like a struggle we all have endured; to balance who we are.
Let’s factor in how prayer can change the outcome when it becomes a part of who we are. We must first stop looking at prayer as a magical answer that we can dial up like the hot line on a radio station. We sometimes miss the mark because we don’t see God’s power manifest quickly enough for us and our “I want it yesterday” mindset. Know that His ways are timed perfectly for our perfection, so do not be discouraged because there is hope in our wait for God’s answer. And even when He doesn’t provide you the answers immediately; or you feel as though your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remain humble and remember that we’ve been set apart by God and that He loves us.
He hears and answers, although the answers may not come as quickly as we expect nor be w
hat we expected. Look at your problems in the light of God’s power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems. Just hold on; don’t let go of His promise.
Make no mistake, this will be war so be prepared for the fight of your life. Just as “Ghost” struggled between his two worlds, we have a very real Enemy whose goal is to scheme, assault, and come after you through your emotion and mind. He wants your future, but when we pray, we open the door for God to come into our situations and it gives us a partnership with Him in the fulfilling of his will. Our prayer life is better than any energy drink.
Prayer is our kryptonite to the Enemy and to all his ploys; it will make him powerless.
I wrote a song a few years ago titled “When You Pray”. It came as a testimony after my mother was involved in a fire at her home. Every other apartment in the building had major fire and smoke damage, but her home remained intact with no damage.
It comes from James 5:16 (NIV) saying “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.”
Did you know during your journey of prayer; finding ways during the struggle to obtain power is as simple as stretching a rubber band? Think of how a rubber band can expand. It’s appears small; even fragile but it can extend pass it’s normal size without breaking; plus it holds things together. As you strengthen your prayer life know that God is aware of the power He’s placed you in; and through Him you’ll know how far you can go without breaking. It’s in the stretching we begin to see all were capable of so then we can walk away from the things not like Him; and band closer to the things that are. How amazing it will be seeing God stretch our faith, thinking, abilities and worship.
