The Power of Prayer

Philippians 4: 6 - 7 “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ.” Amen.

Over the years I have prayed and believed whole heartedly that I am a Child of God. I have seen time and again, when Jesus’ words have taught me what it is to love, to have faith and to believe in God Almighty and His wonder working Power. I have been admonished, encouraged, humbled and strengthened in my inward being . I have also, witnessed on numerous occassions the movement and protection of the Holy Spirit as He has guided me on this journey of life.

But lately, I am quietly challenged by the petitions in my prayer life. When I am praying, what exactly am I praying for? Who is the intended beneficiary? In other words, whose Will am I seeking to have fulfilled? In my recent studies, I made a beautiful discovery. It’s like I knew, but I really didn’t know.

I am mindful, respectful and grateful for the grantor of my prayer requests. But… God recently revealed to me a salient message. This revelation taught me that I must be in alignment with God’s Will. I can faithfully go to Jesus in prayer day in and day out. But… I was truly enlightended to fully acknowledge that I must know God so well and have such a relationship with Him that my will is lost in His will for my life. Yes, I am mindful that God does supply all of my needs according to His riches in Heaven. However, there are times that I have asked and wanted (key word wanted) certain requests to be granted without really acknowledging God’s purpose for me as a believer in Him. Various scripture supports that once we come to believe in God Almighty we fully need to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow obediently after Jesus. This I knew. However, to further make this point, let’s consider what the Bible says in the book of Matthew 6: 9 - 10, This, then is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Bottom line, my prayers really are not about me. My prayers should reflect the same message that Jesus himself expressed to God in Luke 22: 42 (NKJV), “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done.” God knows what is best. We must make the concerted effort to Know God and what His Will is for His People. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV), “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance fo us to do.” Amen.