The Power of Prayer II

As we continue our discussion on prayer, we cannot proceed without first reading the very words of Christ on prayer. He tells us in Matthew 6:6-13:

"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will repay you. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition, as the Gentiles do, for they suppose they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them; for our Father knows what you need, before you ask Him. Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.]”

As E.M. Bounds tells us, the most important lesson we can learn is how to pray. Indeed, we must pray so that our prayers take hold of God. The man who has done the most and the best praying is the most immortal, because prayers do not die. Perhaps the lips that uttered them are closed in death, or the heart that felt them may have ceased to beat, but the prayers live before God, and God’s heart is set on them.

Prayers outlive the lives of those who uttered them – outlive a generation, outlive an age, outlive a world.

Remember what the Word says about prayers before the Father…they are a sweet aroma to His nostrils (Revelation 5:8/ 8:3-4).

How are we praying?

Are you throwing a short prayer His way before you eat and maybe while in traffic…praying for the best parking spot? Or, are you actively pursuing a relationship with the Father through prayer? If you are a parent, perhaps even a dad and you are reading this right now. What would you rather hear from your child, whom you love:

“Thanks for the food, your neat, let’s eat…”

Or

“Dad, I miss you. I really look forward to our time together. I long to be with you. I know you have everything worked out already, but I am worried about some things today. I need your help. I really blew it today. You told me what to do, but I still messed up. I will do better tomorrow. But I really need you to be with me as I am weak. All I really want to do is make you happy. I love you so much. I want to know you more each and every day. Help me and please forgive me.”

Now you don’t have to pray those exact words, but you get the idea. What was different? The heart was different. The purpose, the intent and the respect is transparent.

Prayer is no fitful, short-lived thing. It is no voice crying unheard and unheeded in the silence. It is a voice that goes into God’s ear, and it lives as long as God’s ear is open to holy pleas, as long as God’s heart is alive to holy things – which we know it is.

The life of the church is the highest life, and its office is to pray. When God’s house on the earth is a house of prayer, then God’s house in heaven is busy and powerful in its plans and movements. “For mine shall be called a house of prayer for all people.” Isaiah 56:7. Then, His earthly armies are clothed with the triumphs and spoils of victory, and His enemies are defeated on every hand.

We are just getting started…