The Potency of Prayer

stagnant prayer life? I believe one of the issues with prayer is that most of us for one reason are
another, don’t have the productivity we desire from prayer.
In fact, the ineffectiveness of the Christian prayer life has become an ever increasing concern of
mine. In analyzing the multitudinous conversations I’ve shared with some of you, I have noticed
a lack of fervor, a lack of desire, and a lack of anticipation when it comes to prayer. James 5:16
tells us that the effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man avails much. What this means is
that the heartfelt, expectant prayers have potency.
Unfortunately, too many of us have ascribed a sense of mundanity to their prayers. I might even
dare to say that some view prayer as a necessary task or duty instead of an expectant privilege.
Prayer has become ritualistic; we have confused religion with relationship. Christianity is not
religion; it is a relationship that culminates in becoming one with Christ. It is a lived lifestyle, not
a sacramental obligation! Religion has crippled us and made us mechanical and unresponsive
the voice and promptings of God. We can’t hear God when he speaks because our movements
are not properly motivated. We move out of ritualistic habit instead of through the motive of love,
adoration, and gratitude. We are driven by tradition rather than passion and devotion to our
purpose and destiny.
There is no wonder that there is so much concern when it comes to the effectiveness of our
prayers. We have not grasped with certainty the true nature of prayer. Prayer has become
something we have to do instead of something we yearn to do. True prayer has power. True
prayer is never mandated by religious rite or sacrament. True prayer is extended through the
free volition of the believer with earnest expectation, because prayer rests on the foundation of
the believer’s faith. Prayer is to be enjoyed and passionately pursued instead of conscience
driven.
C.H. Spurgeon, the prominent nineteenth century theologian and pastor, once said that when
studying the Word of God, we must do three things: look at the text, look at ourselves, and then
look above ourselves. With this in mind, let us first look at the text.
Therefore, I say unto you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive
them and you will have them.” (Mark 11:24 NKJV)
As we began to anatomize this text, it is to our benefit to consider the admonishment of Paul to
Timothy:
“15Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial),
a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing
[rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, AMP)
With this scriptural admonishment in mind, let us now examine the text that is before us.
The first thing that we must take note of here is that our prayers require specificity. Christ says,
“Whatever things you ask.” There must be something definite and specific for which you are