Pray with power

 In the New Testament, the words power and ability are the same word! Power is nothing more than being able to do something. To have ability is to have power.

In Greek, the word is “dynamis,” which you might recognize as the root of some common words in English: dynamo (an electric energy source capable of powering motors), dynamism, dynamic, and, you guessed it, dynamite.

To be able is to be like dynamite….We can move mountains, either for good or for ill.   As you pray, let your prayers center around ability, capability, and dynamism. In what scenarios are you powerful, dynamic, a bundle of dynamite?  

Some Things you can DO:

1)     Read and use the prayer principles below.

2)     List your abilities and capabilities. Which ones have you forgotten about or shelved? How is God calling you to use those powers? What are the things you tell yourself you cannot do? Is that really true? Use this as an opportunity to uncover a truth behind what you tell yourself about your abilities.

3)     Pray for the leaders of our world. This is a time to refocus. Pray that our leaders use their ability (this includes their position and office) to bring unity and peace to others.

4)     Prayer is not just words, but words in action. Choose someone to serve for the next month. Pray for them everyday and do little things over time that make a difference for that person’s experience of life. Reflect upon your use of power in another person’s world.

5)     Pray for yourself, that God will reveal how you have been using, misusing, abusing, and ignoring your power. As we move into the season of resurrection, ask God to direct your power for Kingdom work.  

6 Powerful Prayer Principles  

No one is greater than her or his prayer life, because life without prayer is like a power plant with no fuel. The equipment is all there, but there’s nothing to drive it. Use these 6 simple principles to “plug yourself into” the power of the universe.  

1. RECEIVE. Have you been making requests of God, or demands? Instead of ordering God around like a personal genie, try asking. “Will you….?”

“You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:2b-3  

2. REVEAL. Have you been asking to be united with God’s plan, or asking God to adopt yours? Assume a position of seeking revelation. “Will you show me….?” or “Will you heal me so that I may see…?”

“If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” James 1:5  

3. BELIEVE. Do you actually believe God will respond, or are you throwing up outlandish requests, hoping to win the spiritual lottery?

“Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” Mt 21:22  

4. INTERCEDE. Do you pray mainly for others, or for yourself? A powerful prayer life develops when the needs of others take precedence with you.

“…Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.” Mk 10: 43-44  

5. AGREE. Jesus sent his disciples out in twos for a reason. Can you find another person who will pray as you pray….Be careful you’re still heeding principles 1-4!

“Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Mt 18:19-20  

6. PERSEVERE. Everything worth having is worth working for and waiting for. Every exercise strengthens some muscle. Perseverance is the exercise that strengthens your faith.

“Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart….”   Luke 18:1