The Power of Prayer
The Power
of Prayer
Prayer can be defined as a powerful weapon used by
numerous individuals in order to receive answers, make requests, change
circumstances, and adhere to God’s divine will. Prayer dates all the way back
to biblical times when many called upon the Lord for His mercy, healing, intervention,
protection, and victory over enemies. Prayer is a relationship that requires a humble
heart to be heard and answered. Prayer represents direct communication with God
whereas no hindrance can stand between (Velarde 3). There is great power behind
prayer, because “…with God all things are possible” (KJV, Matt. 19:26).
To really understand the identity of prayer, one must
have a clear understanding of who God really is. God is all powerful, all
loving, caring, forgiving, almighty, humorous, merciful, bold, and omniscient. He
is the creator of the universe and supreme in power (Velarde 1). According to
the King James Version Bible (KJV), in John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they
that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” It is really important
to grasp the significance of this scripture; because it refers to one’s ability
to fully interact with Him. Prayer makes spiritual interaction with God more
personal on a meaningful level.
“Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father
knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” (KJV, Matt.6:8). This
scripture basically means that God is omniscient, meaning all-knowing, so why
must an individual pray (Velarde 1)? One reason is because God wants to
actually hear the human beings that He created pray. God expects human beings
to depend upon Him. He desires that relationship, the bond between two beings.
In the Bible, the words pray, prayer, and prayed are used more than 510 times. Prayer
plays an important part of righteousness, holiness, as well as wisdom (Verlarde
1-3). It is important to pray; and it is clearly outlined throughout Biblical
text.
Jesus set a great example of one who would “pray without
ceasing” as instructed by Paul in Thessalonians 5:17. Jesus prayed continuously to His Heavenly Father. Many times
Jesus would withdraw himself to solitary places where He could be alone with
God in the midst. It shows how dependent upon His father He was and how
obedient he was to His Father’s will and purpose for His life. Example texts
include: “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness and prayed” (KJV, Luke 5:16).
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and
departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (KJV, Mark 1:35). “And when
he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray” (KJV, Mark 5:46).
Jesus was a true example of persistence and His relationship with God grew
through prayer and obedience.
Just as Jesus separated Himself to pray unto the Father,
people of this century can do the same. Prayer is personal, so no one else has
to even know. Prayer builds the
relationship with God; it is indeed a relationship and compared to the norm,
every relationship requires communication in order to stand (Velarde 4). Love
is spread throughout a relationship, so what could be greater than God’s love?
Better question, how much could God love? In John 3:16, “For God so loved the
world, that he gave his only begotten son (Jesus), that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” That is real love and Jesus
knew His destiny, yet He continued to pray, not only for himself but also for
those around Him.
To intercede for someone means to go between or
intervene. An intercessor, like Jesus is described above, acts as an advocate
or middleman. Intercessory prayer refers to a bold request made known to God on
another person’s behalf. It is a self-less act that focuses on another
individual’s necessities. This is one type of prayer.
Another type of prayer may be confession, which will
eventually lead to repentance if the individual is convicted, whereas an
individual will ask for forgiveness of sins against God and others. Prayer can
surround many areas as praise and worship are included as well (Velarde 2).
Praise is thanking God for all that He has done. Worship is deeper than praise
and more of a form of reverence. Supplication is simply asking in humility.
Prayer acknowledges God for who He is, what He has done,
and what He will do. It connects people to God. There is absolutely no place
where a prayer will go unheard. “Even inside the belly of a fish, Jonah prayed
unto the Lord his God” (KJV, Jonah 2:1). Prayer has been and will always be
available unto every person in the world. No prayer goes unheard, no matter how
big or small it may be. Regardless of the size, it too can be handled (Velarde
5). In Philippians 4:6, the Bible states, “Be careful for nothing: but in
everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known unto God.”
In times of crisis, prayer should be the first response
instead of the last resort. Worry, doubt, fear, anxiety, and depression do not
play a role in God’s kingdom nor His plans. These emotional responses are
insignificant and not of Him, nor part of His will for an individual’s life.
God hears and He answers according to His will. God loves every individual that
He created, because they are technically His and He wants to comfort,
strengthen, and hear from His people (Velarde 4). In Genesis 1:27, KJV reads
“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created he him; male
and female created he them.” “For we are his workmanship…” (KJV, Eph. 2:10). As
it is written, every individual was created by Him, for His purpose, so a
prayer can link that bond which is so vital.
The question that perplexes many people, Christians in
particular is, “Why hasn’t God answered my prayers?” Most of the time it is due
to doubt, unbelief, or selfish desires that play no part in His will (Velarde 6).
There are also factors such as: unwillingness to forgive, disobedience,
rebellion, and secret sins that can cause hindrances to prayer. Other times the
prayer may be answered, just not in the way that was expected. On the contrary,
not all prayers will come to past to be answered and even Jesus knew this; yet
He still prayed three times for God to make another way in Matthew 26:39-44
before the crucifixion. Jesus knew and still responded, “thy will be done”
(KJV, Matt. 26:42).
Some individuals may argue that prayer does not work, but
as stated before there may be hindrances in one’s prayer life. Bruce L. Flamm,
senior investigator of Skeptical Inquirer
and author of several medical books, wrote an article entitled “One Big STEP:
Another Major Study Confirms that Distant Prayers Do Not Heal the Sick.” Flamm’s
primary goal was to investigate what he considers a misconception and
non-beneficial act regarding the power of intercessory prayer (Flamm 1). Instilled
within him is a “I have to see it to believe it,” mentality. Apparently, he is
one of the few whose prayers go unanswered, and by his responses, he does not
pray very often if ever.
Flamm
firmly supports science that includes evidence. Throughout his article he
builds a foundation of scientific research using a random double-blind
controlled trial call STEP trial (Study of the Therapeutic Effects of
Intercessory Prayer) that supports as well as influences his and other
opinions. 1,802 patients from six different hospitals were randomly assigned to
three different groups. The first group consisted of the individuals who
received prayer after being unsure whether they would or not. The second group
did not receive prayer with the same surety as the first group. The third
group; however, was well aware that they would be receiving prayer (Flamm 1). The
case study cost roughly $2.5 million dollars (Flamm 2).
The
study was set up in order to find out whether or not intercessory prayer had
any effects on the individual that was being prayed for. Throughout the
article, Flamm focuses solely upon scientific research, whereas there are no
actual testimonies from those who may have experienced the supernatural and
have had success with prayer throughout life (Flamm 1-2). Regarding opposition,
Flamm was not at all too hasty in including much thought towards opposing viewpoints.
He used very little regards towards opposition. In one sentence he sums up, Bob
Barth’s comment, of Silent Unity, “People of faith don’t need a prayer study to
know that prayer works” (Flamm 1). Throughout the entire article, this single
comment is the only one that focuses on opposition.
Someone
who is heavily involved in prayer and knows the benefits and effectiveness of
it would consider Flamm’s article biased. If an author is to write about
anything, especially concerning a controversial topic with a motive of
persuasion, the topic should focus on the argument or situation as well as the
opposition. Not everyone’s viewpoint is the same and some people will take high
offense to certain accusations and/or conclusions based solely upon very little
evidence and opinions. Flamm argues that distant prayer has absolutely no
healing effect whatsoever; but his research did not go far enough. There are
numerous individuals who have had a supernatural experience pertaining to
intercessory prayer with great effects and results; yet he failed to get their
side of the story. His biased opinion caused his argument to be ineffective.
Many
people today have a tendency to be in the “now moment,” where the main focus is
on the problem. Certain individuals believe that a doctor will always have the
answer or the cure to a disease. Tony Hargreaves, an independent chemist and
science writer, wrote an article pertaining to chemistry. He is one individual
who believes that chemistry is a vital part of life that can cure both physical
and mental illnesses as well as ease pain (Hargreaves 1). His beliefs are not
wrong; because medicine is needed in many aspects of life.
He
also implies through history that mental illnesses were once believed to be the
work of evil spirits; yet the only way of letting those people live a normal
life was through trepanning with great anticipation and hope that they would
indeed survive after such a cruel procedure (Hargreaves 3). Trepanning refers
to the drilling of a hole into the human skull to relieve pressure beneath the
surface. Looking to biblical text, Jesus cast out many evil spirits “with the
finger of God” (KJV, Luke 11:20); but when his disciples were unable to, He
referred them back to prayer and fasting (KJV, Matt. 17:21). The scripture
reads “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
Prayer
has the power to change things, regardless of how one looks at it. It is part
of God’s will for certain things to be accomplished in the world (Velarde 4). However;
prayer should not be looked upon as magic. It is simply not. God is not a genie
in a bottle waiting to give an individual three mystical wishes to shift every
other life around according to one’s own time (Velarde 1).
Gordon
Lewis and Bruce Demarest, authors of Integrative Theology, may provide answers
pertaining to God’s will and prayer life within the statement below:
Although
prayer will not change those events that God predestined to be accomplished by
his own power unconditionally, many aspects of our lives are not
unconditionally determined…Although prayer that asks God to act contrary to His
nature or unconditional purposes is of no avail, our petitions in other matters
have great and eternal significance (Velarde 8).
In John 16:33 of the KJV,
Jesus spoke these words, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye
might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer;
I have overcome the world.” There will be suffering; and prayer is not
guaranteed to stop every problem nor dreadful circumstance. Many people suffer
to be tested, to build testimonies and/or anointing for someone else, and to
reap what had been sowed. More than likely, God will always get the glory in
the end. He will never forsake His own and the scripture reads, “And we know
that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are
called according to his purpose” (KJV, Romans 8:28).
In
order to further prove how powerful prayer can be, an interview was conducted
between the writer and a member of Living Word Ministries, located in Memphis,
Tennessee. The participant that was interviewed is Lucinda S., a senior at the
University of Memphis majoring in Social Work as well as a new and upcoming
minister of the Gospel. She is also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.
The interview was conducted by Victoria Briars on April 1, 2013.
Victoria:
The topic we will be discussing today surrounds the power of prayer. First
question, what exactly is prayer?
Lucinda:
It is direct communication with God.
Victoria:
Why do you pray? How do you pray?
Lucinda:
I pray to be spiritually uplifted and to get answers. I pray silently, openly, and
privately.
Victoria:
Who taught you how to pray?
Lucinda:
Jesus.
Victoria:
I hear people a lot of people say that prayer is power? What exactly does that
mean?
Lucinda:
It means that when you pray, you become empowered; and I guess it gives you
hope. It allows you to be able to do something whereas in other settings you
may not be able to.
Victoria:
Do you feel as though prayer has the power to break chains and change dreadful
circumstances?
Lucinda:
Most definitely.
Victoria:
Pastor has spoken on this numerous times; so what type of things can hinder a
prayer from being answered?
Lucinda:
Lack of faith, disobedience, unforgiveness…
Victoria:
Who do you pray for?
Lucinda:
Family, me, friends, and the world.
Victoria:
Name a time when you prayed; and God answered your prayer.
Lucinda:
When I got pregnant, I didn’t know how I was going to get necessities like proper
care, food, diapers, doctor visits, and gas in my car. I didn’t know how I was
going to make it.
Victoria:
Can you name a specific time when you prayed, but felt that your prayer was
unheard or not answered?
Lucinda:
Kind of like when you pray out of spite, when you pray against what you already
know is going to take place. You already know that it’s part of God’s will, but
you don’t want it to happen.
Victoria:
Does an individual have to be religious in order to pray? Can sinners pray?
Lucinda:
No, sinners can pray, too. I prayed when I was a sinner.
Victoria:
Name your favorite place to pray.
Lucinda:
I don’t have a favorite place to pray. I like to travel and be in motion when I
pray.
Victoria:
Do you feel as though you’ve grown spiritually through prayer?
Lucinda:
Yes.
Victoria:
What would you tell someone who does not believe in prayer nor the power of it?
Lucinda:
Check my Facebook page.
Victoria:
How does your prayer life exactly strengthen your relationship with God?
Lucinda:
Because when you pray for things, it builds your faith to see them manifest.
It’s almost like a sense of having something to hold on to or to go to.
Victoria:
Does prayer have the power to heal?
Lucinda:
Yes, of course.
Victoria:
Last question, if you were to die today, what and/or how would you pray? What
would be your last request to God?
Lucinda:
That He would use me in any way possible to bring souls to Christ and that His
will will be continually done on earth as it is in heaven.
Victoria:
Thank you so much for your voiced opinions, your honesty, and your time! Have a
great day and God bless!
Lucinda:
Thank you for choosing me to interview and God bless you, too.
Prayer is a powerful weapon between God and man that can
be used to break chains and adhere to God’s will. It does not focus solely on
one area of life, but many as if it identifies itself as the foundation of
faith (Velarde 6). In Charles Spurgeon’s
Morning and Evening, he wrote,
“Prayer is an open door which none can shut. Devils may surround you on all
sides, but the way upward is always open, and as long as that road is
unobstructed, you will not fall into the enemy’s hand” (Lewis 111). With God
all things are possible whereas every prayer will be heard, no matter how big
or small, and answered according to God’s will. Prayer is a valuable
opportunity for anyone of any status to communicate and build a personal
relationship with the sovereign God (Velarde 1). Before the crucifixion, Jesus
set a sublime example of how to pray for others to follow. The Lord’s Prayer
listed below:
After
this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us
this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen (KJV, Matt. 6:9-13).
Every prayer life will
not be the same. Some prayers may be more powerful than others depending upon
the individual. As written in Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing,”
because prayer can bring about significant change predestined by God’s will
that would cause a major shift in the atmosphere as lives are changed.
Works
Cited
Flamm, Bruce L. “One Big
Step: Another Major Study Confirms that Distant Prayers Do Not Heal the Sick.” Skeptical Inquirer July-Aug. 2006: 5+. General OneFile. Web. 26
Feb.2013.
Hargreaves, Tony.
“Medicines: Molecules for Healing.” Chemistry Review Sept. 2004: 17+. General OneFile. Web. 26 Feb. 2013
Lewis, Gordon and Bruce
Demarest. Integrative Theology, Vol. 2.
Zondervan, 1990. P.111. Print.
Lucinda S. Personal
Interview. 01 Apr. 2013.
The
King James Version Study Bible. Ed. Christopher D.
Hudson and Associates. Ohio: Barbour Publishing, 2011. KJV. Print.
Velarde, Robert.
"Faith." Prayer and the Difference It Makes. Focus on the Family,
2008.Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
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