May 14
DebDay 61: The Power of Prayer
I was reminded yesterday of a conversation several years ago. The Legislature was back in Juneau, and the city always does a "Welcome Back" event. I attended. That one time.
The Legislators all played nice with the public, of course. I suppose those who couldn't stayed in their hotel rooms. For whatever reason, I told one of the elected officials that I would be praying for her.
She responded with, "Thank you; I believe in the power of prayer."
Even today, this response raises a question in my head: Is there power in prayer?
My own prayer life is more struggle than success. I will admit. I have to work at it. Really concentrate. Block out distractions. Clear my head.
I easily get caught in prayer for doctrine sake - where I want to be theologically correct with every word.
I can limit myself to praying through lists. I have recently adopted a "FRANC" list, praying for friends, relatives, acquaintances, neighbors, and co-workers (?) who don't know Jesus as Savior and Lord. It's a good thing for me to do, for sure.
But I wonder if I'm treating God like a cosmic vending machine (?)
Occasionally, I even pray hoping it'll result in some heightened sense of emotion, experience. Not being overly emotional anyway, this is usually a fail.
But in all these, I sense I miss the mark.
I wonder if prayer is powerful, only to the extent that it moves us closer to the One we're actually praying to.
Ephesians 6:17-18 tells me, "...and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
This seems to say, pray in His presence, pray with His direction, pray in His power. And, if the Spirit is leading, my prayers will never, ever disagree with Scripture.
Maybe said another way - I want to want what Jesus wants.
The power of prayer is evidenced in the conversation with my Creator. The power of prayer is really seen in the transformation of my own heart, the refinement of my own Christ-centered worldview.
But the power of prayer is not resident in the act of praying. Access does not equate to power.
The power rests with the One Who is present, wise, and powerful.
And if I'm trying to get to know our powerful God in prayer, maybe I shouldn't do all the talking.
-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau
