Praying Powerfully and Effectively

Hebrews 4:6 says “ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” NKJV

What an awesome gift we have in prayer! Access to commune with our God is available to us freely 24/7. Learning to pray powerfully is essential for us to live victoriously in the Kingdom of God. Our “sword of the Spirit”, the Word of God, can be used as a defensive and offensive weapon. Ephesians 6:17 and 18 states. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-“ (NKJV)

Examples of people in the Bible who prayed using scripture are documented, but most notable was Jesus. In Matthew 4:1-10, He resisted the enemy’s temptations by responding with the Word of God. John 1:14 “ And the Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us…” In the gospels, Jesus released His peace to the wind and the waves and calmed the sea as He spoke to them. (Mark 4:39) He used His power and authority when He rebuked the storm. Jesus taught the disciples to use theirs when He said “ Behold I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing by any means shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19 (NKJV) Again Jesus teaches the disciples about using their power and authority in Mark 11;22-24 (NKJV)….”Have faith in God. 23.For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Hallelujah! We have the power and authority to move mountains in our lives if we believe and speak to them. Thanking God for moving the mountain whenever we are tempted to get anxious about the problem, helps us to build faith. Speak to the problem and not about it, because the issue gets bigger in our minds if we keep talking about it. Speaking and declaring the Word over the situation builds faith, which is essential. We are to pray with confidence and not from a place of fear and wishful thinking. Our minds are renewed as we speak the Word of God out in prayer and we are coming onto a common ground of agreement with God. Praying scriptures helps us to remember them. Proverbs 18;21a says “ Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” Let’s always speak life!

Start by welcoming the Holy Spirit to come and get into His presence. Wait on Him to bring peace. Praise and worship the Lord. Build faith by thanking Him for coming and for His answer.. We pray FROM a place of victory and not FOR victory as Jesus has already won. Ephesians 2:6 says..” And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” (NIV) If praying about healing, we declare a scripture and then speak to the body part and call it to come into divine alignment. Sometimes, giving a testimony of healing can be shared to build faith( which is the currency of Heaven) Praying long prayers does not get them answered so keep them short and powerful. Then test or check out the body part if possible to see if any change. Keep thanking Jesus for the healing as it often starts gradually and continues.

Celebrate and praise God for any improvements and pray again. Use of the 1-10 pain scale is helpful. Knowing that Jesus paid the price for our healing and wants us to be well is essential.

3 John1:2 “Beloved, I pray that you would prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (NKJV) Keep a prayer journal to record answers. God always answers!