Today we continue our series entitled, “The Benefits of Prayer and Fasting,” with an emphasis on “The Power of Prayer.” I normally provide you a passage and then spend the rest of the morning devotion talked about it. Today I will do something a little different. I will give you several verses, with quick commentary about each, all focused on driving home the importance of prayer. Some believe prayer is useless because God is going to do whatever He wants to do anyway. The point of these verses is to highlight the fact that we need to pray.
(Luke 18:1 NIV) Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
If God was going to do whatever He wants to do in our lives, without our cooperation or involvement, then why would He require us to pray? And not only that. But why would Jesus teach a parable about praying in faith, and then remaining in faith until you see the completion of what you prayed for, no matter how long it takes? This is basically the point of the parable and it drives home the importance of prayer, from God’s perspective.
(Eph 6:18 ERV) Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people.
Why would God direct believers to pray at all times if prayer was useless and/or ineffective? Why would He direct us to literally ask for everything, if He is going to do whatever He wants? Why would God teach us to not only pray for us, but to also pray for other people? The answer is simple: because prayer works and it is required. Prayer is the way the earth agrees with heaven. Prayer provides the cooperation necessary for God’s full operation in our lives.
(1st Thes 5:16-18 NIV) Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Why is it so important for us to pray continually? Why does God want us to be prayerful and thankful circumstances, at all times? Would God require us to live this way if He was going to do what He already predetermined to do without us? The more you study what the Bible has to say about prayer, there more clear it becomes that God is looking for us to make an earthly alignment with our divine assignment, and prayer helps us do just that.
(Phil 4:6 GWT) Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.
Is it possible that when we worry, when don’t trust God, when and refuse to pray, we are actually hindering God from moving in our lives? Is this why God wants us to pray so much? Is it that God is seeking our cooperation, because He actually WANTS to perform what He planned, but He won’t force His will upon us? See, when we pray, we are coming in agreement with God’s Kingdom plans and purposes. We are aligning our will with God’s.
As we close, think about this…
- When God wanted to start a nation, He sought the cooperation of a human in the earth and Abraham cooperated with God for His will to be done in the earth.
- When God wanted to rescue the people of Israel from Egypt, He sought the cooperation of a human in the earth and it was Moses who cooperated with Him to bring it to pass.
- When God wanted to build His house, His temple, He sought the cooperation of a human in the earth and Solomon worked with God to get it done.
- When God wanted to start His New Testament church and reach the Jews (first), He sought the cooperation of a human in the earth and Peter cooperated with God to complete the assignment.
- When God wanted to reach the Gentiles, He sought the cooperation of a human in the earth and Paul was the man for the task.
Let it be written that when God wanted to make a difference in [fill in your city] He sought the cooperation of a human in the earth and [fill in your name] cooperated with Him to bring it to pass. The power God released through [fill in your name] was life-changing!
Without God we cannot, but without man He will not. Our God has chosen to operate in the earth with the cooperation of man. This is what prayer is all about!
Closing Confession:
Father, this is a season of expectation for me. I expect Your manistation in my life on a greater level, because I have a greater understanding of prayer. Just like I need You, You need me. I am counting on You, and You are counting on me. I give You my natural and You give me Your super, enabling me to operate in the supernatural daily. I am humbled that You choose to operate through me, and I willingly give myself over to You for Your use. You use me as a conduit of Your glory daily! Through prayer, I agree with Your divine purposes. Through prayer, I declare that Your Kingdom has come and Your will shall be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
