There’s power in prayer.

By: Pastor George Lehman

Power comes as you spend time in the presence of the source of all power.

(The truth is if you don’t come and spend time in His presence, you’ll have no power to live your spiritual life effectively)

 

“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.”    

                                                                      -Brother Lawrance

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (Amp) - Be unceasing in prayer

The reason why we need to be unceasing in prayer is:

Prayer has infinite power.  And for this reason, Satan tries everything to prevent us from praying.  He knows that we are not a real danger when we work and accomplish a great deal – even if it is for the Kingdom of God.  But when we pray much, we invade Satan’s dominion and rob him of his captives.  There is nothing Satan dreads so much as our prayers. We give God legal right to destroy the works of Satan.

“Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and an affliction for Satan.” (Bunyan)

“Need we wonder at the lack of power in our prayer when there is such reluctance to make the needful sacrifice in waiting upon God.”   - Andrew Murray

The Christ we trust in, the Christ that lives in us offered Himself a sacrifice to God.

It is when this same attitude persists in us, that we shall receive power from Him as INTERCESSORS to pray the prayer that is powerful and effective.

James 5:16b (Amp) - The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

Prayer is a matchless opportunity, for through prayer we can change everything - ourselves, problems, circumstance and people.

Prayer can go where we can’t!

What an unspeakable grace to be allowed to deal with God in prayer for the blessing and supply of the needs of others.

It is indeed worth living for to know that God will use me as an Intercessor.

Out of compassion in action flow these 3 functions of intercession:

Intercession: Praying on behalf of others; standing in the gap.

 

Hebrews 7:25 (Amp) – Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them.

#1  Intercession is serving.

It’s making oneself available.

Jesus our chief intercessor said:

Mark 10:44-45 (Amp) - And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many.

You cannot pray effectively for others if you don’t have the servant heart of Jesus Christ.

Serve [Greek] in Mark 10:45 is ‘doulos’ meaning “in bondage by choice”.  Prayer is striking the winning blow.  Service is gathering up the results.

When last did you choose to place yourself in bondage to stand in the gap for others?

#2 Intercession is fighting.

It’s being involved in battle.

Ephesians 6:18 (Amp) - Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit with all (manner of) prayer and entreaty.  To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).

Dr. Luke the disciple describes the intensity of Jesus’ battle in prayer:

Luke 22:44 (Amp) - And being in agony*, He prayed all the more earnestly and intently, and His sweat became like great clots of blood dropping down upon the ground.

*Agony [Greek]:  A place of contest; a battlefield.

When we intercede for others, we are engaging in battle on their behalf.  interestingly, their victory brings blessing to us. What a greater joy is it not to see God change the circumstances of someone whom you have been praying for!!

#3 Intercession is weeping.

It’s brokenness before God.  When we sow in tears for others,

Psalm 126:5 says, Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.”

Tears are water to spiritual seeds we plant in prayer.

The result will be a bountiful harvest from our brokenness.

When last did you pray for someone that you shed tears for them?

Child of God,

He counts on you to take your place before His throne as an INTERCESSOR.  Let us ARISE and be conscious of our Holy calling.  Take our place and commit to be a prayer warrior for God’s Kingdom.

In closing:

It is not just saying prayers that gets the results, BUT it is spending time with father God:

- Learning His wisdom;

- Drawing on His strength;

- Being filled with His anointing;

- And living in His love that brings results to our prayers.