Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 259 September 13, 2001
Powerless Prayer

I received several emails yesterday berating me for advocating prayer in light of yesterday’s Gleanings that dealt with the terrorist bombings.

These emails were from professing Christians, who seem to feel that prayer is doing nothing, or that prayer is either not answered, or answered by an impotent, powerless God.

Make no mistake, there are many “practical” things that can be done in any situation, but all efforts not veiled in prayer are in vain.

Jesus modeled prayer constantly. The Old Testament is full of answered prayer.

God answers prayer. He calls us to prayer. It is simply the most powerful tool we have in our spiritual arsenal.

I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:12-14 NIV

Prayer is important enough that He provided the Spirit to pray on our behalf

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. Romans 8:26-27 NIV

Answered by an impotent, powerless God? I think not, this same God spoke the heavens and the earth into place.

Prayer is more than a polite Christian thing to do. It is an appeal to God Almighty to mobilize all the forces of heaven into action.

Pray. Pray. Pray.

Until next time, may you know the power of prayer.

God bless.

Kevin