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DAY 3 – The Power of Prayer

Scripture:

Matthew 6:6 NIV - ‘But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.’

Devotional:

Billy Graham travelled the world preaching the gospel. It’s said that his preaching played "a major influence in seeing over 200 million people come to know Jesus." When Billy was older, he was interviewed and asked, “If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?” He responded, “I would travel less, read the Word, and pray more.” His response seemed counterproductive. Wouldn’t you want to travel more to see more people won to Jesus? But Billy understood that time in God’s presence is what empowered him to be more effective in his ministry. If he had spent less time travelling and more time praying, who knows how many more he could have seen come to faith!

Matthew 6:6 is clear on two things. Firstly, prayer in Jesus’ eyes isn’t optional, it is essential. He doesn’t say “IF you pray,” He says, “WHEN you pray.” Secondly, Jesus is clear that prayer has a reward. But what is the reward?

Firstly, when we pray, we are rewarded with inward transformation. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Notice that this verse doesn’t say God will necessarily change the circumstance when we bring our worries and “every situation” to God. Rather, it says He will give us peace and guard our hearts. When we come to God in prayer, He aligns our thoughts with His thoughts and helps us to see things from His perspective. Prayer slowly changes the way we think and how we view God in every situation.

Secondly, when we pray, we are rewarded with answers. Mark 11:24 says, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Jesus still answers prayers today just like He did for those in the Bible. He cares about you, and when we ask Him for things according to His will, He answers.

As we read about prayer today, let’s take time to go somewhere private and talk with God.

REFLECT:

In Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus teaches his disciples the kinds of things He prays about. If you've never prayed, here is a good place to start:

1."Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name…"

Firstly, spend some time praising God and thanking him for what He has done and who He is.

2.“…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Next, pray about what God wants. The Bible is clear that God wants all people to know His love. So, pray for your church that God would keep growing it, pray for your friends and family that they might come to know Jesus. Pray that you can get opportunities to share your faith with others or help others with their issues.

3.“Give us today our daily bread.”

Then, ask God for the things you need. These may be things you’re worried about or anything you need God’s help with.

4."And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."

Next, ask God if there is anyone you haven't forgiven. Let God speak to you and help you forgive others.

5."And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one."

Finally, Jesus says we ought to pray against any work of the enemy. Is there a particular temptation you face that you need Jesus’ help with? He wants to help, so talk to Him about it and pray that He would help you.

PRAYER:

Father, thank you for the opportunity to know You through prayer. Teach us to seek You consistently, knowing You hear us. Change our hearts and minds and align our desires with Yours. Give us peace and confidence in Your presence. Amen.