For the Win: Unleash the Power of Prayer!

For the Win 4

For the Win: Unleash the Power of Prayer!

By Andy Borero

We are in a spiritual battle. 

Every single day, we find ourselves facing our own enemies. The Devil never fails in taunting us in every waking moment and if our guards are down, he is free to strike and cause our defeats. 

The past blog articles have discussed what we needed in order to defend ourselves, which is the ARMOR OF GOD. But there's one final element that we shouldn't forget- 

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6:18

In order to win the battle, we should unleash the power of PRAYER.

The word prayer derives from the Greek word proseuche (Pros meaning to come near; Zuche meaning desire/passion). Prayer simply means drawing near to God as we present our thoughts, desires and requests. 

You might be wondering how prayer can serve as a tool in the battle. 

Perhaps, some of us have considered using it as a weapon against the Devil but find ourselves sadly disappointed with the results. We pray and pray everyday but for some reason, nothing is happening. There's none of the miracles we expected. None of the results we wanted. Nothing at all!

So what gives?

Why are some of us still living defeated lives despite the fact that we have used prayer?

Why is the weapon ineffective?

1. Prayer is often misused.

Sad but true. Because it's so common in a country such as the Philippines, prayer has been taken for granted. People keep on babbling words unto God, expecting Him to do something like a genie when it's not like that at all. 

Sometimes, when we pray, we pray with the wrong motives in our hearts. Instead of using prayer to help others, you utilize it for your own gains. Remember praying that God would drop a big rock on your enemy's head? God will surely not acknowledge prayers conceived from selfish and wrong desires. 

3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

James 4:3

There are others who pray but deep inside, doubt the capability of prayer. Uncertainty is one of our biggest road blocks when it comes to fully trusting in the power of God. We have heard that He hears us but some of us find it hard to believe. We encounter huge trials along the way and as we're calling out to God, all of a sudden, we think that the problem is too big for Him.

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Mark 9:23

Don't put your God in a box. God is God. He is bigger than anything in this world. If you ask Him through your prayer for guidance, He will surely provide it for you. Although, you will have to understand that His ways are not our ways, therefore, we can misunderstand God and think that He is not doing anything at all. Trust God! :>

2. Prayer not used as a weapon...at all.

PRAYER is a weapon. 

Unfortunately, most of us treat it as rubber ducky rather than a sword we can use to fight. We take it for granted, thinking that it's just saying stuff and no one's gonna hear. 

It's more than that. Prayer is a big deal, especially with God.

If I had cherished sin in my heart

the Lord would not have listened

Psalm 66:18

Remember guys: prayer will keep you from sinning but sinning will keep you from praying.

Whenever we commit a sin, there's this guilt feeling that keeps us from calling out to God. We are so ashamed of what we have done that we dare not face it, let alone, confess it all to God. So, instead of praying, we just hide it. We don't talk to God because of our sins. This goes on till we forget to pray completely.

Unresolved issues also play a part in misusing prayer.

25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Mark 11:25

So, how do we pray?

How can we make our prayers effective?

1. Pray in the Spirit!

Listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit! The Spirit is basically like our personal Jimmy Cricket, even more.  He guides you wherever you need the guidance, especially in prayer!

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Romans 8:26

When we pray, let's not forget that we are talking to our Heavenly Father. It's best to acknowledge the fact that we share a relationship with our God. In Matthew 6:9, Jesus shows us how to pray. He begins by 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name...' Exalt God first in all your prayers. Give Him the praise. Thank Him :>

Also, when we pray, pray with a SINCERE HEART. Pray without pretension. God appreciates it when He sees that we are calling out to Him with genuine sincerity. No one likes being faked at. Surely, God doesn't want that either.

22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings,having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:22

Be honest with God. Tell Him how you really feel. Don't fake it. God will appreciate your sincerity :)

2. Pray at ALL TIMES!

When you enter a relationship with someone you've liked for years, you feel like you're living in cloud nine.

You just can't stop thinking about your boyfriend/girlfriend! 

Because you're so attached to him/her, you just want to spend every waking moment with that special someone. Just the thought of him/her is enough to excite you for the whole day.

We should have the same attitude towards prayer.

Yes, it seems boring but it would only seem boring if you don't understand its worth.

We should be excited when we pray because guys, we're talking to the One who created the heavens and the earth! It's a great privilege to have the chance to communicate with the God who made everything, including you. As much as possible, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!

You don't have to be bending on your knees or bowing. As you walk to school, you can share a conversation with the Lord, thanking Him for what He has done and for another day. 

3. Pray with prayer and petitions!

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

Humbly present your requests to God. Don't worry, He'll look through it. Just ready your heart for whatever response He will give you. 

PRAYER is important. It may just seem like words, but it's not. There's more to prayer than what we see. We shouldn't take it for granted. Whenever we ask ourselves 'Why should we even pray?' be reminded of Ephesians 6:12.

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

We are constantly under attack and we need all the help we can get. On our own, we cannot defend ourselves from our enemy. We are most likely to fall under his trap. Prayer is our one-way link towards God, who can help us fend the devil off. 

Don't forget to include others in your prayers too because like us, they too need help.

PRAYER reveals to us the wonderful and magnificent things about God:

- His unlimited potential

- His unquestionable truthfulness

- His beautiful purposes

PRAYER UNLEASHES GOD'S POWER!

So, be amazed and see how awesome our God is! In our war, it's best to be reminded of the big I AM who will help us win the battle against the enemy :)

Don't wait anymore.

PRAY AND SUIT UP!

Written by: Ashley Petallano (c) 2013