The Power Behind Prayers

[img:Praying]For the sake of definition and communication, I use the word prayer to refer to behaviour that is used to engage in a personal 2-way communication with God.  In this way, prayers involve a conversation, with us talking to Him and at the same time listening to Him.

This article is all about knowing the power behind prayers; on why prayers are important and integral to our Christian life.  I want to begin by stressing the fact that prayers are so important that among all the testimonies and teachings on its benefits, none will outweigh the fact that even The Lord Jesus Christ Himself prayed during His ministry here on earth.

[img:Jesus Praying]During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Hebrews 5:7 (NIV)

The Lord Jesus Christ prayed whenever He had a chance to pray (Mark 1:35, Matthew 14:23, Luke 6:12), He prayed when He simply wanted to praise His Father (Matthew 11:25), He prayed before healing and strengthening people (Luke 22:32), before resurrecting people (John 11:41), He prayed during times of trials (Luke 22:41, John 12:27) and even in the face of death (Luke 23:46).  The Lord Jesus even directly taught The Apostles how to pray (Matthew 6:9). I’ve attempted to look at the prayers of Jesus Christ and I figured that the most important aspect of prayer would probably be shown in the word that Jesus Christ used most often.  That word is: “FATHER”.    And this is the very same name which The Lord Jesus Christ came to reveal to us and this is the very name which He taught us to pray to: “Our FATHER in Heaven.” The Lord Jesus Christ is showing us that prayers, beside its avenue for man to ask things from God, is actually an act to reaffirm our positions as sons of God.  Let me say it again for emphasis:  Prayers, as shown by The Lord Jesus Christ is for man to remind ourselves of the truth: that we, through Jesus Christ, have been made sons and daughters of the Most High God.  It is not to remind God of our sonship but it is to reinstall the truth in our own consciousness by calling God OUR FATHER.  Jesus Christ Himself gave us this authority in Matthew 6:9; and it is in our vested interest to exploit this truth and make the most out of it in our lives. It is no surprise why Christians remind each other to keep praying.  Jesus Christ Himself prayed and Jesus Christ instructed us to pray.  It is a no brainer. Pray and reconnect with God, our Father.  As Christians, it is our privilege to be reminded every moment of our lives of what Jesus Christ has done for us: the gift of righteousness that gives us the boldness to call God OUR FATHER!

[img:God's Children]If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:11

Know your true position as sons and daughters in Jesus Christ and pray to God!