Collegiate Day of Prayer Global: 40-Day Prayer Guideনমুনা

Day 25: Prayer Can Bring Change

By Jurie Kriel (Jurie leads the Nxt Move global community from Austin, Texas. He is on the Executive Leadership team at Shoreline Church and serves as Global Director of Collaboration with the Lausanne Movement.)

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

—James 5:16b (NKJV)

Prayer has the power to change our lives, but only when we truly understand its essence. It is not merely about believing in God; it's about believing in the power of prayer itself. Many Christians pray without the conviction that God will not only hear but also answer their prayers. When we believe in the transformative power of prayer, our approach to it shifts, and this shift can lead to profound changes in our lives.

Prayer is not a magic wand to grant wishes nor a tool to manipulate God's will. True prayer is a surrender of our desires, an invitation for God to align our lives with His perfect plan. Prayer is not a vending machine where we insert our requests and receive instant gratification. Rather, it's a pathway to a deeper relationship with God, a journey of seeking His will and aligning our hearts with His.

Prayer is a sacred conversation with our Creator—a channel to express our deepest thoughts and emotions, and a quiet space to listen to His still, small voice. Prayer is a posture of surrender—a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and an earnest plea for His guidance, forgiveness, and help.

Prayer is a bridge to a more profound connection with the Divine—an opportunity to experience His boundless love and peace and to nurture the growth of our faith.

Prayer is also a catalyst for change. It has the power to transform our circumstances, but only when fueled by faith, belief, trust, and unwavering expectation. Without these elements, prayer becomes a hollow ritual. Fervent, passionate prayer, offered with a sincere heart and expectant faith, can move mountains.

And prayer changes us from the inside out. It aligns our hearts with God's, reshaping our perspectives, attitudes, and even our very identity. It elevates our vision, enabling us to see the world through His eyes. And as we are transformed, so too is the world around us.

Prayer is a transformative force that can reshape our lives. Let us approach prayer with unwavering faith, believing that God hears us and has the ability to change us—and the things we pray for.

PRAYER POINTS:

• Pray for a spiritual awakening, that we may recognize the urgent need to be present with God in prayer.
• Pray for an increase in faith, that we may see the world as God sees it.
• Pray that personal transformation will be a catalyst for transformation in the world.