Josiah Road

Is There Actually Power In Prayer?

posted by Daniel Blackaby 26Feb

I have a confession to make. Ready? I pray for my favorite sports teams. There, I admit it! I’m a sports fanatic, and sometimes I feel my teams need an extra boost. The league can ban steroids; but they can’t ban my prayers! However, my almost undefeated New England Patriots’ massive choke in this year’s Super Bowl is proof that God doesn’t always answer those prayers!

You may be laughing at my pathetic attempts to help my team; but if I asked you if you believed God answers prayers, how would you respond? I think most of us would answer without hesitation; that of course, He does! However, I find it interesting that our lips and our actions often contradict each other. When life is hard, what’s the first thing I usually do? I’ll be honest and say that I usually try and fix the problem on my own. If (and when) that fails, I may go to my parents or to my close friends for help. I’m sure many of you can relate to me in that. It seems we go everywhere BUT to God in prayer. Why is that? Why is prayer typically our last resort? Is there really power in prayer?

If there is, then why do I take it for granted? As a Christian, I have free access to an all-knowing God who longs to help me. The same God who created the universe offers His guidance and wisdom; but sometimes I seem to think I can do a better job fixing my problems on my own. I usually end up just making a huge mess of things.

Lately, I have found myself asking, “Who is the first person that I go to for help or guidance? Dad? Mom? Best friend? Counselor? The Internet?” “Is there anything going on in my life right now that I feel uneasy or unsure about?” “If so, have I brought it to God?” I am learning that God will respond to me whenever I intently seek Him!

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6