The Gift Of Prayer

 _Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. (James 5:13)_ 

Prayer is a wonderful gift from God. It’s the key that unlocks all doors and the answer to all your problems.

The Bible tells us to pray whenever we or someone we love are in trouble.

But have you ever wondered whether prayer really helps?

 

Does it even make a difference in the outcome of events? Or does it just make us ‘feel better’?

Well, James 5:16 answers that by saying, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Haven’t we already been made righteous by Jesus’ work? Doesn’t that mean that our prayers are powerful and effective?

So why is it that we don’t always see the results of our prayers?

To answer this, let’s look at a prayer warrior in the Old Testament – Daniel.

You’ll notice that Daniel prayed regularly facing an open window, looking toward Jerusalem.

 

Does this mean that we should always physically face in the direction of Jerusalem before praying?

No, of course not. But we should understand that Jerusalem here represents the promised land. It’s what God has given to His chosen people. It’s a symbol of God’s promises coming true.

That’s also why the Israelites were healed from snake bites by looking at the bronze serpent. For it represented what Jesus would do for us on the Cross (by His stripes we are healed).

Therefore, when you pray, turn your eyes from your problems and look to the promises of God.

And soon enough, you’ll be singing songs of praise for your answered prayers.

Be Greatly Blessed!

 Action Steps:

What troubles do you have today? Find a corresponding promise of God and meditate on it.

Pray to God with the finished work of Jesus in mind. Imagine what it would be like if your prayer was already answered.

How would you feel if your troubles went away?

Would you feel relieved? Secure? Joyus? Thankful?

Keep hearing and reading the Word of God, keep meditating on His promises, keep praying with ‘Jerusalem’ in view until faith genuinely wells up within you and joy replaces sorrow.

Let’s pray…

Father, thank you for always hearing me.

Your Word says that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

It’s only through Jesus’ work that I can stand before you righteous today.

Show your strength mightily through me Lord.

For I know that the answers to all your promises are “Yes!” and “Amen!”

I turn my eyes away from my problems today and look to your fulfilled promises.

I receive the answers to my prayers right here, right now.

Praise you O Lord, for you truly are a God who hears me. My ever-present help in times of trouble.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

AMEN!