Prayer. Such a captivating word. What comes to mind when you hear the word prayer? Have you ever experienced the power of prayer in your life? Seven years ago, God inspired me to write a book to offer hope and encouragement to my sisters and brothers in Christ.
Initially, I was dumbfounded. I couldn’t believe God was asking me to write a book. However, God continued to bring alongside people who would help me greatly on my writing journey. Unleash the Power of Prayer in Your Life was born, to my surprise. Even more, surprising was that the book earned multiple awards for Inspirational Christian non-fiction.
I must admit, the first award was like affirmation from heaven for agreeing to do God’s will despite my fears and reservations that I could even write a book. My initial intention when I began writing was not to win awards. I had no idea that they even existed. Just like with Gideon and the Midianites in the Bible, God gave me just what I needed to press forward and accomplish His will.
In this post, I will share several of my favorite quotes and scripture verses from this study guide. A study guide was not on my radar. However, there is so much when it comes to experiencing the power of prayer that I want to help my readers and followers experience God at work in their lives through answered prayer.
The Privilege of Talking with God
In Old Testament times, the high priest had access to God. They would enter the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and make intercession for the children of Israel. However, once Jesus paid the ultimate price and gave His life for us on the cross, the veil was ripped from top to bottom.
Now those who accept the gift of salvation and ask Jesus to forgive them of their sins and to come live in their heart have 24-hour access to our heavenly Father! There is no appointment necessary! We can talk with God at any time about anything.
It is so essential for us to recognize and remember the price that was paid to give us the privilege of talking with God.
The Power of Prayer Develops Our Faith
Faith is the cornerstone of Christianity. We believe in a Jesus whom we’ve never met. Trusting that He keeps His promises and his death and resurrection can save our souls if we only believe. But oh, it doesn’t end there, my friend. To continue growing and thriving as Christians, our faith must continue to develop, which involves faith and sometimes lots of hardship. Click To Tweet
And though you do not see Him, you love Him, and though you do not see him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. 1 Peter 1:8.
Jesus promises that if we have faith the size of a tiny mustard seed, we can ask for a mountain to be moved, and it will be cast into the sea! I’m not sure what the size of your faith is, but I’m sure everyone reading this is facing some mountain right now.
Here are a few of the “mountains” I mention in my upcoming book.
•Mountain of Anxiety
• Mountain of Doubt
• Mountain of Discouragement
• Mountain of Fear
• Mountain of Loneliness
• Mountain of Financial Obstacles
• Mountain of Hopelessness
• Mountain of Worry
• Mountain of Grief
Do any of these “mountains” look familiar? Have you or are you struggling with any of them now? If so, God is waiting for you to leave them at His feet before His throne of grace.
Give ALL your worries and cares to God, for Hecares about you. 1 Peter 5:7. NLT.
So, I ask you this. Do you believe God cares for you? Do you believe in His power? Then why cast your cares to the One who loves you so?
The Power of Prayer Draws Us Closer to God.
For years as a young Christian, my mother would warn me that I could not continue to “straddle the fence” between living as a Christian and my worldly desires. I rolled my eyes many times before she could even finish the sentence. But Mom was right. (Don’t tell her I said so!) I could live effectively for God and accomplish His will until I was willing to put “my desires behind me and seek to do God’s will.
It was a constant struggle for decades as I enjoyed the lifestyle of living for myself and what I wanted. Looking back, God gave me plenty of warning signs before a stroke on July 1, 2010, putting me flat on my back with nowhere to look but up!
However, it took me being helpless, lying in a hospital bed unable to sit up on my own, to take the “me” out of the equation and pray submissively in faith to God.
Looking back, I will never forget those lonely nights in the hospital in 2010—the annoying beeps of the monitors. The dingy tiles on the ceiling, and being awakened throughout the night for medicine or getting checked on by nurses. Despite all that, GOD WAS THERE. He had softened my heart and knew I was ready and willing to LISTEN TO HIM.
Consequently, the dollars in my bank account didn’t matter. The location or type of home and the make a model of my beautiful black car were irrelevant. God had a purpose that was BIGGER THAN ME. I was READY to do HIS WILL.
In Closing.
However, this post covers portions of the first few chapters of my upcoming book, Unleash the Power of Prayer in Your Life: A Power that Transforms Lives—Study Guide with Prayer Prompts.
However, I hope you will return to read more about why I so enjoy writing about the power of prayer. Available in paperback on Amazon!
In Christ,
Horace Williams Jr.
Horace Williams Jr is the oldest son of a pastor who went to be with Jesus in 2020. He is an award-winning author and amateur chef who loves Jesus Christ. His passion for Christ inspires readers to draw nearer to the God who loves them.