The Potency of Prayer

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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
praying. All too often we send up prayers that are nebulous and ambiguous, even to ourselves. These vague prayers lack concentration of specificity; meaning that there is no clear indicator of what we are seeking. We know we are in need of something, but are unclear as to what it is or we are unable to adequately express it. Without the focus of something specific and real for which we are praying, our prayers become empty and fruitless; perfunctory in nature! When praying we speak specifically and clearly what we are seeking. There has to be something clear on which our faith and hope rests. Next, your prayers must be encapsulated by faith. Christ says, “Believe that you will receive”. A prayer insulated by faith is a prayer of expectation and hope. True faith demands that we see beyond the visible circumstance before us. True faith requisites spiritual insight; this insight comes through the Word of God; and is confirmed by the Holy Spirit. Faith does not consider the facts, because faith, by its very definition transcends fact. Stop looking at the outward circumstances and start believing that the God you serve is bigger than any circumstance you will encounter. Why are we not walking in power? Why are you pinned in by the enemy? Why are you lacking in so many areas? James 4:2-3 sheds light on this question: “…You do not have, because you do not ask. 3[Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures.” (AMP) We have failed either to ask our father for what we need or want or we are asking amiss. Asking amiss is simply asking for something with the wrong motive and intentions. So many of us make our wish list out for God with no reverence or consideration given to his will. Knowing and understanding the will of God is of utmost importance. “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Eph. 5:17 NASB) “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” (Romans 12:2, AMP) Our prayers have to be in line with the perfect will of God for our lives. No matter how passionate our prayer; not matter how intensely we profess; if we are opposite God’s will, we
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Page 4 and 5: Through His Divine attribute of omn
Page 8 and 9: are praying in vain. Prayer is not
Page 10: Claim your blessing! Walk in triump

The Potency of Prayer

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