Summer 1993

The Power of Prayer
Wade E Taylor

Prayer is the marvelous means that God has given by which we are enabled to contact Him for the meeting of all our needs in Christ.

The Word of God tells us in 2 Cor 4:16 that the inward man must be renewed day-by-day. Prayer is the means whereby this is accomplished. It is meant to be a natural function of our everyday life and experience. Our need is not to be more informed about the methods of prayer, but rather to be stirred to pray.

True prayer is a two-way fellowship with God. We were created to be dependent upon Him. Prayer is the means whereby that dependence finds its expression, and through which God is moved to meet our every need.

When Jesus called His disciples, He said, "Follow me, and I will make you(cause you) to become fishers of men" Matt 4:19. He used a word they were familiar with (fishing) to make known a higher purpose. In like manner, He will use terms we understand to speak the same truth to us.

As these disciples were, we also are prone to rush out and begin to "fish, "forgetting that the Lord said, "I will make you to become fishers." Notice that the emphasis is on our "becoming qualified" rather than on "fishing."

There must be a time of preparation (prayer), if our "fishing" is to be effective. The enemy knows this and will protest that we are selfish to "waste time" alone with the Lord. He would send us out ill-equipped and powerless, for he knows there is power and authority in a God-prepared channel, who has spent quality time with Him.

When he sees a man upon his knees, the devil's zeal for activity in God's work is amazing. It is then that he transforms himself into an angel of light, and woe be to the man who is deceived thereby. If possible, he would have us to do "anything" rather than spend time with the Lord in prayer.

Comparing Isaiah 50:4 with Mark 1:35 reveals to us that Jesus began each day in prayer, alone with His Father. Seeing this, His disciples were stirred with a desire to pray also.

"And it came to pass, that as He was praying in a certain
place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him,
Lord, teach us to pray" Luke 11:1.

They had noticed the effectiveness of His time of prayer, and wanted to pray in the same way. The answer to their desire to learn how to pray was very practical; "When you pray, say," In other words, Jesus said to them, "You will learn to pray by praying." That is, your need is not to be taught methods of prayer, but rather to spend time in the presence of your Heavenly Father. In Luke 6:12 we read that Jesus spent whole nights in prayer, for He knew the necessity of prayer.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much" James 5:16.

We are told in this passage of Scripture that the prayer of a righteous man is effective, that is, it produces results. But, who is this righteous man? It can be none other than our Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is righteous! Thus, Heal one could say to us, "If ye shall ask anything in My Name, I will do it" John14:14.

Praying "In His Name" is not repeating some formula, nor is it merely saying the word "Jesus." Rather, praying "In His Name" means that we are asking in the authority of the complete victory that He gained on Calvary. Through this victory, the enemy has been completely defeated, and we can ask in confidence, knowing that our request is heard. Also, to pray in His authority (Power of Attorney) means we are praying in His behalf, as He would pray.

As we pray in this understanding of "His Name," the door of prayer is opened, and the mighty power of prayer is revealed. The arm of God is stayed or moved as we pray.

As we begin to pray in His Name, we can bring our requests before our Heavenly Father in confidence, knowing that He both hears and understands. The Scripture gives us this assurance concerning our coming before the Lord with our needs.

"What man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread,
will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will
he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know
how to give good gifts unto your children, how much
more shall your Father which is in heaven give good
things to them that ask Him?" Matt 7:9-11.

We know not how we ought to pray. Prayer is not telling God what we think He should do. Real prayer begins when we enter into such communion with Him that the Holy Spirit within us prays the will of the Father. This is taking hold of the willingness of God, not overcoming His reluctance.

It is easier to talk about prayer than to pray. There is active opposition against our praying in the authority that has been made available to us for prayer. In the past, this opposition has been successful in limiting the growth of the Body of Christ, and in hindering the visitation that the Lord desires to give to His people.

The Lord is looking for those who will stand in the gap and pray "In His Name, "that He might intervene and bring about the fulfillment of all He has promised to His people in our day and time.

There are no push-button methods or shortcuts into the presence of God. Prayer means spending time with God. When this point is settled, one is well on the way to a life of fruitfulness in God.