Unlocking the Power of Prayer
- Sara Hanna
- Mar 29
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 30
Prayer is possibly the greatest single need for growth in the lives of most Christians. Prayer is the one thing that everyone turns to (even those who aren't Christian's) as soon as plans don't go as planned, there is sickness, an emergency or a pleather of other things. We know that God commanded us to pray and we know that prayer makes a difference to God, yet it seems that it is such a hard thing for so many. In the past 2 months, I've had 4 people inquire as to how they can be better at praying, if I would pray for a certain problem because they didn't know how to pray, how do all of your prayers sound alike and is praying prayers from a book ok. I didn't want to write a blog on prayer because there is so much to dig into about prayer and my support gals for my blog keep reminding me that I, "can't post long blogs." Praise Jesus for them because they keep me in check (love you girls).
One of my favorite activities to engage in, study, and discuss is prayer. The communication between my heavenly Father and me is incredibly sweet although at times it is work and draining. While I enjoy talking and having conversations with others, spending time with God is unlike any other interaction! There are moments when I speak continuously, and other times when my heart feels so heavy that I can't find the words, only murmuring occasionally and simply sitting in God's love, reflecting and listening to what He places on my heart. Oh how I cherish those moments! That's what prayer is—an active dialogue between God and the person praying. Sometimes I talk more, and other times I focus on listening. Occasionally, I might even sing a song of praise or a children's song like "Jesus Loves Me."
That is exactly what prayer is - a conversation between two people: the person praying and God. I think this may be the hard part for many. It's easy to talk when the receiver audibly responds. Things get a little tougher when there is no audible answer. My husband and I have had many struggles because he is NOT a talker and I am. I get irritated and just choose not to have conversation when he doesn't answer. We must realize that God answers our prayers in many ways and that's where our faith comes in.
Why should we pray? There are many reasons that we could give and here are a few verses on the issue: "Devote yourselves to prayer" in Colossians 4:2, "Pray continually" in 1 Thess. 5:17, and "in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God" Philippians 4:6. These scriptures assure us that God wants us to pray.
Now we know what prayer is, that God wants us to pray, but how exactly do we pray? We all know that Jesus gave an example of prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 and I encourage you all to read over that prayer. This shows us themes/idea that should be included in prayer. This prayer gives us a great example of speaking in very basic language and doing more than just asking for things. Many of you have heard of the acronym "ACTS" for praying and I'm going to go over that.
Adoration is where our prayers should begin. Adoration is really just a big word for praise and praise should always be a part of our prayers. Prayer is a chance to talk to the Creator of the universe, our creator and that alone is reason to give praise. Psalm 145:3-5 is a great passage to reflect on to praise God.
Confession may be the part of prayer that many of us are familiar with but hard for some of us. When confessing, we need to be a specific as we can. Not just, "Please forgive me for doing wrong" but name the weakness/sin/thought/neglected thing. God already knows and this will allow you to truly repent of the sin as you speak it to your Abba Father.
Thanksgiving is remembering to give thanks in all things (1 Thess. 5:18). When we speak audibly of the blessings that we receive from Christ, we are better able to comprehend just how vast God's love is for us. So often when I realize a blessing has bestowed upon me I literally stop and audibly thank God. It give me joy and often focuses my mind on just how blessed I am.
Supplication is simply asking God for specific request. This may be for yourself or for others. God wants to hear our concerns and as we intercede for others, we are blessed, they are blessed, and it pleases God. The thing that we need to be careful of here is that we pray according to God's will. This is why anyone that has ever asked me about prayer will hear me stress the importance of praying scripture. It's great to have scripture memorized to pray but it is also just fine to look up scripture that speaks to your request and read it, then pray the concept. Some of my favorite books that helped me as I was beginning to pray scripture are listed at the end of this blog entry. Keep in mind that God may answer with a "Yes", "Wait", or even a "No." Prayer doesn't change God but it does change us. God may answer your requests in a wide variety of ways and one of those ways may include changing you and/or changing your heart.
Allow me to step onto my soapbox... every conversation we engage in is lively, filled with energy and emotion, and holds significance. Your prayers should be no different. If your prayers have become repetitive in words and posture, it might be time to introduce some variety. Each prayer before meals shouldn't be identical (except when teaching children to pray). You wouldn't enjoy a "conversation" with a friend who repeats the same thing every time you meet. While God does know our hearts, our words reflect what's within - from our hearts. Pray with your eyes open, gazing towards heaven, lie prostrate on the floor, pray with a friend, change your usual prayer location, focus solely on one aspect of the ACTS system (imagine an entire prayer dedicated to adoration for God), or perhaps try sitting quietly to listen to God during your prayer. Another rewarding practice is writing down your requests, blessings, praises, or whatever God places on your heart. Beside the request, write the date. When God answers prayers, record them. It is such a blessing to look back on.
I keep a prayer journal as well as have a prayer wall in my craft room. These two things have been such a blessing in my life. Come back next week for that. As for now, just spend time with God. It's ok to cry, pause, ask God questions, share all your emotions, and it is an awesome idea to ask our wonderful Holy Spirit to help you during your prayers. Trust God knowing that He loves you and cares for you more than you can ever imagine. Unlocking the power of prayer is confessing sin and pouring your heart out to your heart out to God. David poured his heart out in prayer as recorded in many Psalms. Read Psalm 13, 23, 18:2-3, 51, 59 as these are just a few of David's prayers that show various emotions and his heart.
Verses to mediate on: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17-18; Philippians 4:6; Matthew 6:5-15; Psalm 13, 23, 18:2-3, 51, 145:3-5; 1 John 1:9, 5:14
Prayer Prompt: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you SO much for the opportunity to come to you in prayer. You are my strength, my sustainer, Savior, refuge, creator of our Universe and so much more. Oh what a privilege to come to you in conversation. I just want to bask in your goodness; sit here for a few minutes and ponder all of the wonderful things You are. Thank you! Today I come seeking wisdom from You as my desire is to improve and increase my time of communing with you. Even before I raise my head in the mornings, remind me to acknowledge You. Throughout my day I pray that You would prompt me to "pray without ceasing." Lord I don't want my prayers to be a "run to" when I need help but I want to honestly have conversation with you. Help me to pour out my heart, to daily be honest with you as I am honest with myself, place on my heart needs of others that I may intercede for them. Thank you for Your Word that instructs us on prayer. May I continually seek growth and power in my prayers. Amen
My favorite song about prayer: https://youtu.be/FtDu6ykjE8c?si=v0Bzz0j6v4BFkqfU
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