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What Does Prayer Do?
- Prayer discovers the secret of Christ's evangelistic success.
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God .... Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:14,35)
- Prayer follows the example of the early Church.
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:31)
- Prayer acknowledges dependence upon God.
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry .... Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. (Psalm 40:1,4)
- Prayer conforms our will to God's.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (I John 5:14)
- Prayer expands vision.
I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. (Acts 11:5)
- Prayer opens closed doors.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. (Colossians 4:2,3)
- Prayer grants victory over Satan.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms .... And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:12, 18)
- Prayer unleashes divine power.
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, (Ephesians 3:14-16)
- Prayer begets boldness in witnessing.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:18,19)
- Prayer brings wisdom about what to say.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
- Prayer replaces anxiety with peace.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7)
- Prayer brings fullness of joy.
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (John 16:24)
- Prayer produces fruitfulness.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing .... If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. (John 15:5,7)
- Prayer causes growth in new believers.
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ... being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:4,6)
- Prayer raises up new workers.
Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. (Matthew 9:37,38)
- Prayer generates revival.
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
- Prayer impacts the world.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. (Psalm 2:8)
- Prayer accomplishes amazing results.
'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' (Jeremiah 33:3)
- Prayer delights the Lord.
... but the prayer of the upright pleases him. (Proverbs 15:8b)
- Prayer glorifies God.
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. (John 14:13)
Remember:
God is a Person to be loved,
praised, adored, worshiped, and obeyed,
not a commodity to be used.
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