Is There Power in Your Prayer?
In our journey through the pillars of prayer, we have explored the importance of peace and people. Now, we turn our attention to the third pillar: Power. This pillar emphasizes the strength and authority we have through prayer, enabling us to do the impossible, overcome challenges, and fulfill God’s purposes in our lives.
Understanding the Power of Prayer
Prayer is not just a ritual; it is not just a good thing to do during a service transition; it is THE powerful tool that connects us with the divine God that is our Father. Through prayer, we actually tap into God’s limitless power, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. As Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” This verse highlights the incredible potential of prayer to bring about change and transformation. Once we understand that God freely gives away His power to us, we can literally do anything for the Kingdom of God! Think about the freedom that this will bring to you in Christ Jesus.
Asking the Holy Spirit to Baptize Us
To fully experience the power of prayer, we must invite the Holy Spirit to fill and baptize us with His manifest presence. The baptism of the Holy Spirit empowers us to pray with greater fervor and effectiveness. This can sometimes be a difficult concept of the faith to grasp; in fact, it is one of the mysteries of God that we can experience without full understanding. Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” By asking for the Holy Spirit’s baptism, we align ourselves with God’s will and receive the strength to carry out His purposes. Jesus himself said in Luke, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” If we ASK for the Holy Spirit, God will give Him to you! The Holy Spirit does more than just secure you in the Lord at the moment of salvation, but His power will be fully activated when He baptizes us in Himself. This only comes by asking Him to do so as His Word says. In this way, we can cast out demons, speak in new tongues (Mark 16:16), bring healing to the sick or injured (Mark 16:18b), and have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:15-16). All of this occurs as a result of being baptized in the Holy Spirit moment-by-moment.
Praying with Authority
When we pray with authority, we acknowledge our identity as children of God and co-heirs with Christ. This authority is not based on our own strength but on the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Matthew 18:18 exclaims, “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” This assurance empowers us to pray boldly and confidently, knowing that God hears and responds to our prayers. Jesus is the ultimate authority in the world; so, if we are His “co-heirs” then we have the same authority as our Savior.
Faith is spelled R.I.S.K.
Faith is a crucial component of powerful and authoritative prayer. Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” When we pray with faith, we take a big RISK. We must trust in God’s promises and His ability to act on our behalf (which is a direct attack against our flesh). This unwavering faith unlocks the full potential of our prayers, allowing us to experience God’s power in our lives. Faith is not believing what you say will come true by God’s power; but, just to simply open your mouth and pray for the impossible.
A Personal Testimony of God’s Healing Power
A few weeks ago, I witnessed a miraculous healing that showcased the incredible power of prayer. My grandmother had torn the left side of her groin. She did not know how it occured, but all she knew for sure was that one day, she woke up and was unable to walk by her own strength. The pain began to get worse and worse, until it left her practically bed-ridden and crippled in pain. She laid on the couch for 3 1/2 weeks, unable to move, as her mental health continuously declined. Her voice became weak and feeble, she became depressed, anxious, and had very little hope in getting better. The Lord led me to pray healing over her body on June 16, 2024. I drove to her house, walked into the room to find her still laying on the couch. She had been there all day long. I asked my grandfather to help her come sit down on a chair. I laid hands on her, asking my little cousin and grandfather to join me. We prayed for Jesus to replace her groin completely and to make her whole. She smiled big, popped out of that chair, and began walking strongly around the entire house. She walked up and down the stairs and said she had “ZERO” pain. She’s been rejoicing and praising God ever since! He touched her and made her well again. This is not because I said “the special words” or said a “formulated prayer” over her. This was a result of taking the RISK and believing that God’s power is a result of prayer.
The third pillar of prayer, Power, reminds us of the incredible strength and authority we have through our connection with God. By understanding the power of prayer, seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit, praying with authority, exercising faith, and sharing testimonies of God’s miraculous works, we can experience the transformative impact of prayer in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Reflection
1. Have you ever asked the Holy Spirit to baptize you?
2. When was the last time you took a leap of R.I.S.K. ?
Pray this…
Holy Spirit, Your power is incredible. You know all things of the Father and of the Son, so I trust you. Lord, may Your power come over my life. God, I ask you in Jesus name, to baptize me right now with Your Spirit. May You, Holy Spirit, fill me with all power, authority, and faith needed to follow you and to show others that Jesus is still alive and active in His people today. God, open up doors for me to walk in Your power, pray for others, and see with my own eyes, Your miraculous works. Give me faith, and let me see that taking risks are beneficial to our relationship, Father. You are holy, righteous, and worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!
May each of you be filled with the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit and from this day forward, walk in Jesus’ power and authority!