Finding the power in prayer

by Toyosi Adegunle

You remember the song that goes "Prayer is the key, prayer is the key...prayer is the master key", complete the lyrics...The truth is that asides from prayer being a master key to Christian living, it is also a natural confidence-builder and energy-giving activity. 

It is one of my favourite things about being a Christian. There’s a certain way you feel after praying regardless of how short, long or articulate you were, you feel like you’ve got what it takes to conquer the world, which is true. Throughout scripture, we find many examples of the power of prayer and the transformative impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities. A good thing to know is that the power of prayer is not in prayer, many people pray even unbelievers. The power of prayer stems from understanding the love of God for us in Christ and how He has been joint to us by His Spirit.

Prayer is a powerful lifestyle practice that can help the believer come into all they have been made in Christ and express the fruit of the Spirit such as joy, peace, and patience amongst others. In the scriptures, we see how individuals and cities prioritize prayer for communication, to seek guidance, comfort, and strength. In this blog post, we will explore the power of prayer for the believer through the scriptures and learn how this practice can bring hope, healing, and empowerment to our lives and most importantly strengthen our relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Here are a few of what the scriptures say about prayer:

1. In James 5:16, we are encouraged to pray for one another, saying, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." This verse reminds us of the power of collective prayer and how it can bring healing and restoration to those in need. When we pray for one another, we are participating in a sacred act that can bring comfort, hope, and peace to those who are suffering and lacking something.

2. Prayer helps us seek guidance and wisdom from God. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our understanding. Instead, we are to acknowledge Him in all our ways and He will make our paths straight. When we seek God's guidance through prayer, we can trust that He will lead us in the direction we need to go and provide us with the wisdom and understanding we need to navigate life's challenges.

3. In the book of Matthew, we see the power of persistent prayer. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." This verse reminds us that prayer is not a one-time event but a continual practice of communing, asking, seeking, and knocking. When we persist in prayer, we can receive the answers and guidance we need from God.

4. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are instructed to "pray without ceasing." This verse reminds us that prayer should be a regular part of our lives, not just something we do in times of need. When we pray continually, we develop a deeper relationship with God and experience His presence in our lives daily.

5. In Matthew 6:9-13, we find the famous "Lord's Prayer," which teaches us how to pray and what to pray for. This prayer is a beautiful example of how we can approach God in prayer, acknowledging His power and asking for His guidance and provision.

6. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." - Philippians 4:6. In this verse, we see that prayer is a fundamental part of a believer’s relationship with God. This verse encourages us to bring our worries, fears, and concerns to God in prayer, trusting that he will provide comfort and peace. 

7. In Matthew 21:22, Jesus teaches that when we pray with faith and confidence, we can receive anything we ask for in His name. This verse reminds us that prayer is not just about asking for things but is also about having faith in a loving and powerful God. A lot of people pray from a place of fear and lack which is not a good mindset or disposition toward prayer. It’s important to learn how to pray from a place of faith in God.

The power of prayer is evident in the stories of great men and women in the bible who sought guidance and strength through prayer. In the book of Daniel, we see how Daniel, even when faced with persecution and danger, continued to pray three times a day, showing his unwavering faith in God. Throughout his life, David also turned to God in prayer, seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength. In the Psalms, we see many examples of David's prayers, including his plea for God's mercy and grace in Psalm 51.

One of the most well-known examples of the power of prayer is found in the New Testament in the story of the disciples praying in the upper room before the coming of the Holy Spirit. The disciples, who were gathered together in fear and uncertainty, found strength and encouragement through prayer, and the Holy Spirit descended upon them, empowering them to spread the message of the gospel to the world.

Prayer is a central part of our relationship with God, and through its practice, we can find peace, comfort, and growth in our lives. As we turn to God in prayer, we can trust that He is always with us, listening to our prayers, and guiding us on this journey. Pray with faith and confidence, knowing that through prayer, you can experience the power of God and much more in your life.