Pray Big ThingsSample

The Extraordinary Power of Praying God’s Word

I was hesitant to write on prayer. Other writings seem to be about theological theories on the spiritual discipline of prayer and stories of nineteenth-century preachers exercising old world prayer disciplines that maybe we should consider implementing in the twenty-first century. I just don’t have a lot to say about any of that. But what I do know is that in my time of praying big things, I unlocked a power I never knew before and it changed my life, my family, and my world forever.

Looking back, the main change I made was taking God at His Word. I claimed the promise of James 4:2–3, which says, “You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” And I reminded God of His promise in Ephesians 3:20–21, which tells us that God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. 

God answers the prayers that align with His will. The best way to know God’s will is to read Scripture. Praying Scripture aligns our words with God’s perfect will, creating a new power behind our requests. We have an imperishable inheritance and an invincible power that Satan is hoping we never tap into but is waiting, wanting, and ready to be unleashed. This power is more fantastic than Pandora’s box and more adventure-filled than the wardrobe to Narnia. This power is your destiny waiting to be claimed.

We build intimacy with Jesus by facing our problems, our doubts, and the struggles that seem to threaten our very existence. We get it by choosing to never give up. We wake up daily, our eyes fixed on Jesus, with the resolve, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him” (Job 13:15). There is an ultimate war to be won, but until that day comes, God gives us the power to win every battle leading up to it. Difficult times remind us that this world is not a playground but a battleground that demands we pray big things. We are not alone. Because of Christ, we have the power even in the midst of defeat to persevere and to keep praying big things.

Father, teach me to pray your Word, to align my will with Yours, and to never give up in worshiping the One True God with all of my heart, soul, and mind. In Jesus Name, Amen.