Pray with More Power

Do Some Christians Pray with More Power? by Jennifer Waddle

I don’t know about you, but there are certain people who I call on to pray when I need “right now” prayers. I trust that they will pray without delay and I know that their intercessions will make a difference.  Does this mean that their prayers have more power than others? The Source of every believer’s prayer is the Holy Spirit. It is by Him, for Him, and because of Him, that we even have the strength to pray at all! (John 15:5) Our prayers become powerful when they are filled with God’s might and strength. Without Him, they are merely words. Think of it this way... I can equip my house with top-of-the-line electronics that turn on the lights, adjust the temperature, lock the doors, and have a pot of coffee ready when I wake up. But, if there is no electricity--no power--those gadgets will not work. They will be empty vessels, waiting to be filled with the right amount of current so they can do what they were made to do. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:7-11 NKJV) Perhaps, the reason we assume that some Christians have more power in their prayers is because we see the Holy Spirit working in them as He sees fit. And the power of the Holy Spirit is limitless! Therefore, it all depends on Him and His manifestation in the life of each believer. The Greek meaning of the word manifestation is “bestowment.” The Holy Spirit is bestowed upon us for the profit of all. It may be a little difficult to wrap our minds around, but it’s also comforting. If my brother or sister in Christ has been given a gift that seems to exceed mine, it is for my benefit as well!  How awesome is that? The thing we need to remember, no matter what, is that God hears the prayers of the righteous. (1 Peter 3:12) That includes every believer. And the best part is, we don’t have to muster enough righteousness to get our requests heard. Our righteousness comes from Christ alone. His finished work on the cross afforded us a righteousness we could never attain on our own.  Wowza! Another thing to keep in mind, is that no matter how fervent our prayers, it is God’s will that prevails. And because His will is good, pleasing, and perfect, we can rest assured, knowing our prayers will always align with His plan and purpose. (1 John 5:14-15) Finally, every prayer must be offered in faith--without doubt. This is, perhaps, the most difficult of all. Often, the requests we make of God are surrounded by all kinds of doubt, which the Bible distinctly warns against. (James 1:6-8) Listen, when we know Who we have believed; that He is able to take that which we have committed unto Him and guard it for eternity, we don’t have to worry a single bit! (2 Timothy 1:12) In my Women’s Devotional, Prayer Worrier: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, I offer a few examples of what powerful prayer looks like... “Powerful prayer doesn’t necessarily mean fists raised and muscles exerted. Powerful prayer is often the humblest of prayers.” “Powerful prayer includes steadfastness... a trust that says, ‘No matter what, Lord, You are Sovereign.’” “One of the most powerful prayers we can pray are the very words of God. To read a Psalm as a prayer to the Lord is not only effective but beautiful!” (You can read more here.) Above all else, I believe Jesus said it best... “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” (>James 5: 13-18 NKJV) I feel so blessed to have a small group of ladies who are powerful “pray-ers” and I value them more than they know. But when it comes to their prayers being more powerful than mine or anyone else’s, I don’t have to be concerned. My only concern is to go before the Lord in His Name and in His Spirit; to offer prayers of faith in the righteousness of Jesus Christ and according the precious will of my Father. And that’s powerful enough for me.