In recent years, I have become increasingly aware of the power of prayer. The power of prayer is not found in the length, formula, discipline or strategy but found in God’s willingness to be moved by an individual. The fruit of prayer (God responding and hearing prayer) is expressed best, through an individual who has yielded their heart to King Jesus and sought to know Him personally. As D.L. Moody said, “those who have left the deepest impression on this sin-cursed earth have been men and women of prayer.” God is moved by a person who prays and in response God moves the praying person.
The power of prayer is found in God’s willingness to be moved by an individual.
From Genesis to Revelation, God has revealed His relational intent. In the Old testament, Moses instructed the Levites to carry the Ark of God with poles that rested on people’s shoulders (1 Chronicles 15:15). The presence of God was to be carried by people, not Ox carts (2 Samuel 6). I believe this symbolizes that God wants to rest on people who share His image, not created, man-made systems.
In relation to prayer, the strategy of prayer is a person. God was moved by Abraham’s faith and became known as the God of Abraham (Acts 3:13). In prayer, Moses changed God’s mind (Exodus 32:14) and knew God face to face as a friend (Exodus 33:11). God answered Elijah’s prayer for fire (1 Kings 18:36-45) and helped restore a nation. Jesus restored us to God. Those who know God intimately, move God powerfully.
I am reminded of a time an old school friend reached out to my family. I had not seen nor heard from this friend for over a decade. Currently, this friend was in a hospital expecting their third child. On the doctors instruction, my friend was to stay in the hospital for the next 4-7 weeks as she had a rare condition that could result in the death of her unborn child and herself. My friend although not a Christian, reached out to us for prayer as she knew we were, “praying people.” My wife and I prayed. God answered. The next day my friend was released from the hospital with a clear bill of health. 7 weeks later her child was born perfectly healthy and without any labour complications. My friend was amazed that God had moved on her behalf!
God moved by prayer, revealed Himself to my friend. Simply stated, God loves humanity and cannot help but be moved with compassion and love towards His creation. Prayer is the place in which the love of God cascades over the heart’s and live’s of people. Prayer is powerful and effects much, for in it we find a loving, passionate, pursuant God reaching towards us, revealing Himself to us. Prayer is powerful for it provides space and time for God to love and speak to man. God cannot help but be moved by prayer. His love for us compels Him to act on our behalf.
Now, please understand, I have prayed for a great many things and not always seen a miraculous solution. I am not naive to think conflict, trial or disappointment do not exist. I do however, refuse to allow them to influence my faith and intimacy with God. My faith and intimacy are founded on the word of God and God’s ability to move in response to prayer. I believe bold prayers honour the nature and Word of God.
James 5:13-18 says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.”
How will your prayers move God this week?
Yours in prayer,
Adam Shepski
YFCI Global Prayer Catalyst