Living With Purpose by Matt Dobson
The greatest thing you can do for a person is pray for them. Pure, undefiled, sincere, genuine prayer sets in motion the greatest power in the universe. Prayer power is a manifestation of energy. And it’s important you understand you are dealing with the most amazing power in the world when you pray. If you’ve not experienced this power, perhaps you have not been praying the right way or with the right spirit.
Prayer is not complicate, in fact, it’s rather simple. One can pray anywhere and at any time. We are even commanded to do so (Eph. 6:18). Calling upon God’s name should be as normal and routine as washing your hands and brushing your teeth. In other words, you should do it every day, more than once. Many people, even professing Christians, neglect the almighty power that is available through their prayer life. And we wonder why we lack power to live the Christian life. People pray in different ways. That’s the wonder of it all. God acknowledges the prayers of the big and small, the young and old, and everyone in between. If you’re having trouble experiencing the power of prayer, maybe you need to try some new techniques. You must bear in mind the secret to a successful prayer life is to find the method that will most effectively open your mind humbly to God. Any process through which you can stimulate the power of God to flow into your mind is legitimate and usable.
Prayer normalizes us and renews our spirit. True prayers will renew your hope, give you energy and take away weak, listless attitudes. Prayer can freshen you up in the morning and renew you in the evening. When you allow God to enter your mind, you receive guidance in problems. This has always intrigued me. Prayer, if allowed to seep into your subconscious, can help you make decisions and determine right or wrong reactions to any issue. That’s why it is always a good idea to think, before you speak. I might add, think and pray before you speak. I find praying to be thinking in its highest form. It’s during that time your thoughts are in step with God. And God can see things and knows things far better than we do. While prayer certainly qualifies as positive thinking, it’s much more than that. Prayer is an exercise of faith in God Almighty! A good God that loves you beyond all measure (1 John 3:1).
Some of the most encouraging words you can give a person you like: “I’ll be praying for you!” Some of the best words you can give a person you don’t like: “I’ll be praying for you!” It’s true! The simple act of praying creates an image of your problems being brought to the source of all wisdom and this is tremendously reassuring and comforting. It also gives clarity to your heart and the proper attitudes you need to have for a difficult person or persons in your life. It’s important you learn to pray for people who you don’t like or who have mistreated you. This can be extremely hard, but resentment is blockade number one of spiritual power. Satan is happy when things in our life inhibit the filling of the Holy Spirit. I’ve always said we should have two goals for each day, 1) Make God glad, and 2) Make Satan sad! We know the power of God can overcome anything the devil tries to do.
An important function of prayer is to act as a stimulus to enable us to act in a God-guided way. Within the mind are all the resources needed for successful living. The Bible says, “The Kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 7:21). This word is informing us God has created and established within our minds all the potential powers needed for constructive and positive living. What we must do is tap into them and develop these powers.
Prayer can become a greater power in your life. Work to establish it as a part of your daily life. Pray for others and do it when you say you will. Don’t neglect prayer for yourself. And when you do pray, don’t always ask for something, but instead, affirm God’s blessings are being given. Spend most of your prayers giving thanks to God. Our loving heavenly Father never fails to answer the soul which sincerely comes to Him and asks (John 15:7). Everyone who seeks will find—something. Everyone who asks will be given—something. The value of the gift will depend upon your own faith and the sincerity of your seeking. One of my prayers for you is that you will find a church where you can study God’s Word, worship, and attend faithfully. Do these things and follow God in all your ways.
- This weekly column is written by Matthew Dobson. A graduate of Florida State University, University of West Florida, and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, he is Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Jay, Florida. Matthew can be reached by email: rmdobson@liberty.edu. He welcomes your thoughts and questions concerning faith, belief, and Christian living. Visit the Living With Purpose website at www.living-with-purpose.org.