Praying by Precept & ExampleSample

The "Why," What," and "How" of Prayer

2 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing"

The ministry of prayer connects us to God’s redemptive work on earth. As we study and practice prayer, may our hearts align with His will, and may His purposes be fulfilled through us.

As we delve deeper into the ministry of prayer, we will explore three essential questions:

1. Why do we pray? Prayer aligns us with God’s purposes. It is an act of communion with Him, allowing us to participate in His will for salvation and spiritual growth.
2. What should our prayers contain? Our prayers should reflect God’s heart—for the salvation of souls, the growth of believers, and the advancement of His kingdom on earth.
3. How should we pray? The Scriptures provide guidance on the posture and content of prayer. We pray in the Spirit, with thanksgiving, and with perseverance.

Today, we will look at the Why of Prayer
The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]." (James 5:16 AMP)

We have established that the ministry of prayer begins with understanding God’s plans and purposes on earth. 1 Timothy 2:4 reminds us that God desires "all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." This is the heartbeat of God’s mission on earth. With this foundation, we now ask: Why do we pray?

Prayer is not a passive act; it is a means by which God’s power is made available on earth to accomplish His will. James 5:16 underscores the transformative power of prayer, stating that the heartfelt prayer of a righteous person has dynamic, life-changing effects. This power is directed toward God’s purposes, including the salvation of souls and the advancement of His kingdom.

Jesus emphasized the necessity of prayer in fulfilling God’s mission. In Matthew 9:37-38, He said: "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

The salvation of souls and the proclamation of the Gospel hinge on prayer. When we pray, we trust in God’s power to accomplish His desires on earth. Prayer is our declaration of dependence on Him and the means by which His Spirit is supplied.

Prayer in Action: Examples from Scripture

The book of Acts provides a compelling example of prayer unleashing God’s power. In Acts 4:29-31, the early church prayed: "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."

Their prayer resulted in a tangible outpouring of God’s Spirit: "The place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."

Prayer not only provides boldness for Gospel proclamation but also brings deliverance for those who preach. Philippians 1:19 highlights this: "For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance."

Similarly, in Colossians 4:2-3, Paul requests prayer for open doors to preach the Gospel: "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ."

Paul’s appeal in 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 further demonstrates the importance of prayer:

"Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith."

Much of the New Testament’s instruction on prayer centers on the preacher. Why? Romans 10:14 explains:

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"

The preacher plays a critical role in fulfilling God’s plans on earth. Through prayer, we make power available for preachers to speak boldly, for their protection, and for the Word of God to advance without hindrance. Ephesians 6:18-19 reinforces this:

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel."

Prayer is not merely a religious activity; it is the vehicle through which God’s power flows to accomplish His will. When we pray, we align ourselves with His mission for salvation and equip those called to proclaim His truth. The earnest prayers of believers produce boldness, protection, and open doors for the Gospel.

Prayer unlocks the power of God for His purposes on earth. Let us commit to this ministry with fervency and faith.

Tomorrow, we will explore the what and how of the ministry of prayer as we conclude this study.

Reflection: Consider how your prayers align with God’s overarching purpose for salvation and spiritual growth. Are your prayers primarily focused on personal desires, or do they reflect His heart for humanity?

Confession: I commit to aligning my prayers with God’s will. I pray for the salvation of souls, the growth of believers, and the advancement of His kingdom. My prayers reflect His heart and purpose on the earth.