The renowned theologian Charles Spurgeon used to say, “Prayer is the nerve that moves the muscle of God.” I’ve also heard it said, “Prayer can accomplish anything God can accomplish.” It is always a thrill to hear the miracle stories of answered prayer!
Prayer achieves more than the mere granting of requests—it fosters our relationship with Christ. As we pray, as we open up to God with our deepest feelings and needs, our firsthand experiences of His power and provision accumulate. If we prioritize prayer, our relationship with God will only deepen.
Specific Prayers Get Specific Answers
As we learn to daily lean upon God’s faithfulness our lives are continually being transformed. Consistently, incrementally, we mature in the Lord, realizing how much more we need Him in all aspects of our life. It is impossible to overstate how important it is for a Christian to be communicating with Jesus in prayer, throughout each day!
In the New Testament book of James, chapter 4 and verse 2, God’s Word says (regarding answered prayer), “You have not because you ask not.” What is your need from God this day? For many years, Angie and I have encouraged people, “Pray with specificity. Pray to the Lord humbly, but in very specific terms.”
That is why we always say, “Specific prayers get specific answers.” We have experienced this repeatedly in our own lives, and we have seen it in the lives of others.
Four great verbs from Matthew 7: Ask, seek, knock, receive
The Bible is full of promises God makes to us as we pray:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
Matthew 21:22 promises, “And what ever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
Martin Luther–one of the greatest reformers the church has ever seen—said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”
Be encouraged by Mark 11:24! “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
Prayer Works; Prayers Matter
Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much”
(James 5:16). This is basically saying, “Your prayers count, and they will bear fruit.” I think this is
why Jesus said in Luke 18:1 that believers should always pray and not give up!
Mid-January, I flew to California to visit my long-time friend, Josh McDowell. Josh and I talked about many things, and he prayed for our growing ministries.
How blessed I am for this valued colleague and mentor! Josh shared some wonderful
insights as I left for the airport, and I relate them to you: He said, “The key is not trying to have big faith. The key is putting your faith in a Big God!”
Prayer really is, “the most powerful resource in our spiritual tool kit.” Any task is made easier when you’ve got the right tools to get the job done. Your life improves exponentially as you leave
prayerlessness behind; experience the blessings, power, and joy that come when prayer is the priority!
