Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24
There is a popular saying in many circles today, “Get plugged in.” It refers to our need or possible desire to connect with a group that will enable us to grow in a particular area. It’s common if you are a church goer, for someone to suggest that you “get plugged into,” a Sunday school class, small group, or other area of fellowship to enhance your ability to grow in the Lord.
Although I am a big fan of Sunday School classes and small groups, my biggest concern for my congregants is that we’re not plugged into the Power of Prayer. We pray and we pray often, yet there seems to be a disconnect between our prayers and the truly divine and supernatural power that exists in sincere and thoughtful prayer. The Bible outlines the role of prayer in our lives and plainly tells us why we don’t have the things we claim to need. As you are longing to grow in fellowship and love with the Lord, might I encourage you to a deeper understanding of what Plugging into the Power of Prayer can do for you?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
- First and foremost, let me remind all of us of the validity of the Word of God and it’s ability to be taken very literally. Upon trusting in God’s infallible Word and believing it means exactly what it says, you and I are welcome to rest and not worry, to simply take our burdens to the Lord, offer our requests with a token of thanksgiving and expect an inexplicable peace to blanket us from head to toe. Praise God, I want to be plugged into that!
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16
2. Secondly, really connecting with the power of prayer urges me to confess my sins sincerely to God and pray for the healing and deliverance of loved ones. Friend, let me remind you of one very important fact, your prayers are just as effective and powerful as mine. Do not underestimate your requests to God. Take your burdens to him, they will have great power! If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7
3. And finally, plug into and truly ask God to help you understand that it is in your close walk with Him that you can ask for whatever you wish and it will be done for you. Please do not misunderstand, our God is not a God who wants to spoil us with material things for no reason. He is a wise and wonderful God who knows that as we draw ever so close to Him, our thoughts become more like His and our desires more closely related to His plans for us. It is then that He can freely respond to our requests, giving us the desires of our hearts, because they are in line with His. Praise God!
As you go about your week this week, ask God to search your heart and mind, and help you to see the power of prayer and the effects it will have on your life and the lives of your loved ones!
We will also be starting our 21 Days of Devotion at the beginning of 2017.
We’ve provided a personal prayer guide for everyone. Click here to download. Visit CFC’s FB page for more information starting Dec. 18 to learn more!
As always, we’re saving you a seat at Community Family Church
We love y’all
Pastor Tom
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