Prayer's Power In Life
The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil everywhere
In his book, “Purpose in Prayer,” pastor, author and intercessor E. M. Bounds emphasizes the transformative power of prayer in shaping a better world and combating evil forces. Bounds sees prayer as a continuous, influential force that purifies the air and acts as a disinfectant against the contagion of evil. He asserts that prayers are timeless, outliving the individuals who utter them, and describes those who engage in fervent prayer as God's heroes, saints, servants, and vicegerents.
God shapes the world by prayer, he says, contending that the mightiest successes in advancing God's cause are achieved through prayer. The conquering days of our Lord coincide with periods of intense prayers of the saints, and the effectiveness of His Church is directly tied to the prevalence of prayer. According to this man who arose daily at 4 a.m. and prayed until 7 a.m., the prayers of God's intercessors serve as capital stock in heaven, influencing Christ's work on earth and contributing to the success of God's cause.
Our prayers today put Almighty God in full force in the world, and a prayerful person or church experiences the presence and power of God. Bounds refers to the Second Psalm as a divine description of the establishment of God's cause through Jesus Christ and highlights the universal and simple promise that continuous prayer is essential for the advancement of God's kingdom.
Ask of Me is the condition a praying people willing and obedient. “And men shall pray for Him continually.” Under this universal and simple promise men and women of old laid themselves out for God. They prayed and our Lord and King answered their prayers, and the cause of God was kept alive in the world by the flame of their praying.
Here, then, are we encouraged to ask, seek, and knock—acting upon the knowing and believing that the ability to pray is the secret to success in Christ's Kingdom. Prayer, wrote Bounds, is the keynote of the most sanctified life, of the holiest ministry. He does the most for God who is the highest skilled in prayer. Jesus Christ exercised His ministry after this order.
Prayer is transformative, timeless, essential, conditioned, and continuous. Success and advance of God’s kingdom among men is dependent upon a praying Church. If we do not pray, we are ineffectual in our efforts to preach, teach, spread the good news, overcome evil, withstand in the evil day, maintain our first love, be obedient, see sinners become saints, bring in the harvest, and so much more that is the will of our Lord.
The most important lesson we can learn is how to pray.
What is the purpose in praying? To ask our Father to be at work in us and through us to impact individuals, communities, and the world for His glory. What events, or circumstances are you involved with or aware of that are needful of your praying? Who around you can you intercede for today? Fill your mouth with prayers and ask the Lord of hosts for His intervention, involvement and His purpose be accomplished.
Until Monday, grace and peace…