The Power of Prayer is your connection with God. God can change any situation, in your personal life, your family, or your nation. Ask God in prayer to help you with the situations you face in life. There is a wonderful power in prayer; it has no boundaries. However, many of us aren’t sure how to get started or what to say. Prayer is simply having a conversation with God. This may sound scary; after all, who are we to talk to the God of the universe? But God wants us to talk to him often, and if we make it a habit, it won’t seem as scary. Having the right foundation in prayer is much more important than whether you sound ‘fancy’ or not. Actually, you can talk to God just like you would talk to a friend. So instead of worrying about how you will pray, focus on what you need to say. The power of prayer clears your mind and heart of fear and expands your trust in God for the right outcomes.
The Bible talks about “petitioning” God in prayer – this means to plead or sincerely ask Him for something. To “present your requests” to God is simply to tell Him what you need. Praying about each worry or need in your life will make you feel less burdened because it invites God to be involved in every area of your life. When He is in charge of each aspect of your life, there is nothing to fear.
Here are seven steps that can help you pray more effectively and strengthen your relationship with the Lord:
1. Acknowledge your personal relationship with God as His child. Recognize that God is holy and powerful, and give Him the reverence that He deserves. Don’t ever think that He is too reverent to know personally. He cares deeply for each of us, and having a loving relationship with Him is like that between a parent and child.
2. Acknowledge your respect for who God is.
Commit your life to God each day, promising to live according to His will. God is the creator of all things and the author of everything good. In your thoughts and in your words, don’t forget to give Him the respect he deserves. Praise God during prayer and throughout your day, becoming absorbed in Him.
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
(John 15:7)
3.Confess Your Sins.
It’s important to ask God for forgiveness of your sins and for His blessing. God loves us all unconditionally, but He wants us to acknowledge that we are sinners and need His care to stay on the right path. Repentance is a sign of understanding that we have all broken God’s commands, and that we are truly sorry. By recognizing that we have allowed sin to come between us and God, we can destroy the barrier of sin and once again grow closer to Him.
4. Ask God For Anything.
Many of us feel guilty if we ask God for anything, fearing that we aren’t worthy and that by demanding anything, we might anger God. It’s just the opposite – by asking God for something, we are admitting that we can’t do it alone; we are showing that we need His divine intervention and that we trust that He will help us. Nothing could make God happier!
5. Be Specific.
Prayers can be general, such as a prayer for God’s blessing, but He encourages us to be specific, as well. When we ask the Lord to help us find a better job, resolve a problem with our spouse, or help with anything else that is personal to us, we are opening our innermost hearts to Him. This personal, specific kind of prayer tells God that we have faith in Him, that He will watch over us in every way. He wants to be the Lord of our lives in all things large and small; so don’t hesitate to pray to find a way to get a new dryer if yours breaks down!
6. Have an attitude of Expectancy and Faith.
Trust that God can answer any prayer. Have faith that God will hear you when you pray according to His will. After all, how can you expect your prayer to be answered when you doubt it will to begin with? Don’t pray out of fear or desperation or because “nothing else has worked.” Pray confidently, with faith that God will fulfill your expectations in the best way possible for you, born out of His divine wisdom.
“Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it.”
( Mark 11:24)
7. Pray in Jesus’ name.
When we pray in Jesus’ name, we are showing our reverence for God’s only son. We are able to acknowledge that Jesus’ death on the cross is payment for our sins by honoring His ultimate sacrifice in our prayers. It unites us with the new life of Christ’s resurrection. The foundation of life as a Christian is also the foundation of prayer – doing everything in Jesus’ name.
“Whatever you ask in my name, that I will do.”
(John 14:13)
Every prayer is important, and every prayer counts. Our prayers exalt Him for who He is, and God’s awesome power can work through them. In His presence is where we will find our greatest blessings. And so when we pray, we should enter into His presence, submitting to His righteousness.
Robert Moment is a life coach, personal growth strategist, speaker and author. Author of several life-changing and transforming books including, Christian Youth: Its Cool to Believe in God for Love, Acceptance, Friendship, Protection and Direction, Christian Women: Blessed Wherever You Go, Faith: Living Your Life Fully and Freely Without Fear and others. Robert specializes in maximizing human potential for happiness, purpose and success. Visit http://www.AChristianYouth.com and sign-up for the Free 5 Day E-Course titled, Christian Youth: Be Inspired to Live for God.
This is indeed, a wonderful write about our Lord and Savior , Jesus Christ! I pray that this prayer to counts big and multiplies.
I pray in Jesus name that you are blessed beyond your wildest expectations and others see Jesus in your life. I pray that others are awakened through the love of these blessings and in-turn want to give their hearts to the Lord. Amen!
Peace, Love and Heavenly Blessings,
John Michael