Power of Prayer

One of the most difficult things for followers of Christ is prayer. I don’t know exactly why this is so difficult. I suppose new believers hear older Christians pray in the old King James and get intimidated. Maybe we don’t know what to say to God, or how to say it.

Jesus understood that was an issue for many people, so He told several parables, and even after His disciples asked how to pray, He gave them the template on how they should pray.

In Luke 18, the chapter begins with Jesus explaining to His disciples that they should pray at all times. He then talks to them about persistence in praying. Many times, believers get frustrated because they feel like God is not listening. Jesus tells the parable of the woman seeking justice. The judge had no respect for God or man. Because this judge was disrespectful, he ignored this poor woman, but the woman did not give up. She kept hounding this corrupt judge until finally the judge gave in, not because he had a change of heart, but because this widow was wearing him out. Verse 4-5: “For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.”

Jesus’ point was that if an unrighteous judge will give in after many requests, how much more will the Lord who is righteous and good be faithful in answering our prayers. Prayer boils down to just talking with God; just have a conversation. We do not have to have elaborate words or some incantation to speak to God. I will say that a proper attitude is vital. There is no room for pride as we go to the throne of grace. We see this further in Luke 18, as the pharisee prayed with much arrogance and the tax collector with great humility.

Lastly, in chapter 18 we see a powerful prayer from a blind man by the name of Bartimaeus. His prayer is one of extreme simplicity: “Jesus Son of David, have mercy on me!” You see that we do not have to have flowery words; we don’t have to speak multiple languages; Jesus answers the prayers of a broken and contrite heart.

So, when you pray, pray as if Jesus is standing or sitting right next to you, because His Spirit is. Never give up on those prayers, and always have the faith that the Lord hears and cares because He loves us.