Power in Prayer Required for an Effective Prayer Ministry
Scripture does teach that "the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (James 5:16). If, however, we want an effective prayer ministry, we must realize that the power in prayer goes beyond the act of praying and the one who prays. We must acknowledge and tap into the real Source of power.
Powerful and Effective Praying Depends on the Source of Power in Prayer
The psalmist acknowledged, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." (Ps. 66:18), so the person praying does matter. Yet, without an almighty, sovereign God as the One to whom we pray, our prayers would have minimal effect. He is the true source of power in prayer, not us. As the Almighty, omnipotent God, He has the ability to do what we ask. As the Sovereign Lord of all creation, He has authority to do what He knows is best in a given situation. So, praying itself isn't the power source. He is!
We have power when we pray in Jesus' name (Jn. 14:13; 15:16; 16:23-24). Truly praying in His name goes beyond tacking the phrase onto the end our prayer. It means we're claiming His identity, His righteousness, and His authority. Therein lies our power when praying. It's not based on our own righteousness, but His. This kind of praying can't help but have power and effectiveness.
Results of Powerful Prayer
We can count on something happening as we depend on Him, the One to whom we pray, and not merely the fact that we prayed. In looking for results, however, we must guard against expectations that God conform to what we think should happen. Remember, He's the Almighty, Sovereign One, not us. For more about God answering our prayers, read:
When we depend on God's power in prayer, rather than the prayers themselves, we attribute the results to Him. He gets the glory, praise, and thanksgiving.
Implication for a Prayer Ministry
We need to constantly keep the focus on the Lord, in the fullness of who He is. An anemic God will do little to generate a dependency on Him through prayer. An almighty, sovereign God, on the other hand, suggests that prayer really can be powerful.
We can emphasize the true Power Source by beginning times of prayer with praise and thankgivings, acknowledging His Lordship and might. If we build a structure for people to follow-up how God has answered prayers, we give people opportunity to praise and thank Him, as we keep the focus on Him.
Order the Prayer Ministry Manual for additional thoughts about power in prayer including a brief exegesis of Ephesians 3:20 regarding God's power and a look at the example of Elijah's prayer for how "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16-18).
For More Help with a Prayer Ministry:
Click links below to learn how effectiveness in prayer requires ...
- Personal Relationship
- Having the Right Purposes for Praying
- A Passion for Prayer
- Making It a Priority
- Adherence to Biblical Principles
- Power in Prayer (this post)
- Making It a Permanent Practice
Also get help with ...
- Planning Strategies for Effective Corporate Prayer
- Preparing Others to Join Your Prayer Efforts
- Promoting Prayer Ministry Successfully
For More About Praying: Resources for Prayer Ministry