Prayer is Our Power Supply

In a world filled with distractions and challenges, the church is often tempted to lean on programs, strategies, and innovations. Yet Scripture consistently highlights prayer as the foundation for a thriving spiritual life and impactful ministry. Consider the example of Jesus and the early church, and reflect on your own devotion to prayer.

Prayer Must Be Our First Priority

In 1 Timothy 2:1, Paul writes, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.”

Similarly, when addressing the spiritual decline of His people, Jesus declared, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Matthew 21:13).

Notice that Jesus didn’t describe His house as one of preaching, counseling, or programming. He called it a house of prayer. Why? Because prayer is at the very center of our relationship to God.

In Acts 6:4, the apostles delegated tasks so they could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. The early church understood that nothing could replace the power of a maintained connection with God through prayer.

The Prayer Life of Jesus

Prayer was central to everything Jesus did:

  • Before major decisions… Jesus prayed all night before choosing the twelve (Luke 6:12).
  • During busy seasons… He withdrew to pray after healing and teaching many (Mark 1:35).
  • In times of crisis… He prayed fervently on the eve of His crucifixion (Luke 22:44).
  • Even now… He lives to intercede for us at the right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34).

If we are to experience the power and joy of life in Jesus, we must imitate His devotion to prayer. If prayer was essential for Jesus, how much more should it be for us?

Devotion to Prayer in the Early Church

This testimony to the power of prayer continues as Jesus continues to accomplish His work in and through His church:

  • Acts 1:14: The church began with a prayer meeting.
  • Acts 4:31: When they prayed, the place was shaken, and they were filled with boldness.
  • Acts 12:5: Prayer led to Peter’s miraculous release from prison.

It is undeniable that the remarkable growth and transformation seen in the early church were not due to their resources or strategies but their unwavering commitment to prayer.

The Problem of Prayerlessness

Despite its importance, we struggle with prayer. Busyness, distractions, and feelings of inadequacy often prevent us from cultivating a vibrant prayer life. James 4:2 reminds us that we do not have because we do not ask.

As Robert Murray M’Cheyne said, “What a man is alone on his knees before God, that he is, and no more.”

Prayerlessness is a root cause of spiritual stagnation. Without prayer:

  • We lose connection with God.
  • Our ministries lack power.
  • Our churches become ineffective in advancing God’s kingdom.

Introducing the A.S.K. Initiative

To combat prayerlessness, join the A.S.K. Initiative. Inspired by Matthew 7:7 (“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you”), this initiative encourages you to:

  1. Acknowledge God’s sovereignty through worship and thanksgiving.

  2. Seek His kingdom and righteousness in all you do.

  3. Knock persistently, trusting Him to provide and transform.

Practical Tips for Cultivating a Vibrant Prayer Life

  1. Set a Dedicated Time: Make prayer a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

  2. Follow Jesus’ Model: Use the Disciple’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) as a framework for worship, confession, and intercession.

  3. Pray with Others: Join a prayer group and participate in church-wide prayer meetings.

  4. Focus on God’s Kingdom: Shift from self-focused prayers to those that seek God’s glory and the advance of His kingdom.

  5. Persist in Prayer: Even when answers seem delayed, trust that God is working for His glory and your good.

Why Prayer Changes Everything

Prayer doesn’t just change circumstances; it changes us. Through prayer:

  • We align our hearts with God’s will.
  • We experience His presence and peace.
  • We grow in faith and dependence on Him.

As Samuel Chadwick said, “The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray.”

In Conclusion, Will You Commit to Prayer?

The early church didn’t have buildings, programs, or modern resources, yet they turned the world upside down. Their secret? Prayer.

Imagine what God could do in our lives, our families, and our church if we became a praying people. This year, let’s commit to ASK—acknowledging, seeking, and knocking fervently in prayer.

Will you join us in becoming a church that shakes the world through prayer? Let’s ask God to fan the flame of revival in our hearts and communities.