Prayer is an essential part of a Christian's life and an opportunity to communicate with God and grow in faith. It helps us establish a strong relationship with our Creator, and it is important to understand the power of prayer.
In a recent podcast episode on Out of the Darkness, Penny Cooke shared her experiences growing up in a family that prioritized prayer and its impact on her life. We discussed the importance of setting a good example for children, the power of generational prayer, and practical tips for those just starting out in their prayer lives.
The Power of Prayer
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." As spiritual battles rage around us, it is important to recognize the power of prayer in our lives. Through it, we can experience God's intervention and guidance, leading us to overcome obstacles and grow in our faith.
Setting an Example of Prayer
Proverbs 22:6 states, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." One of the best ways to teach our children about prayer is by setting an example. By consistently incorporating prayer into our daily lives, we demonstrate its importance and help our children develop a solid foundation of faith. Even if they walk away from the faith, the influence of prayer in their lives will stay with them.
Spiritual Warfare Prayer
As believers, we must recognize that there is a spiritual war going on around us, especially concerning our children. Prayer is our weapon against the enemy, and we must consistently engage in spiritual warfare prayer to protect our families and ourselves.
The Acrostic of Prayer
It's helpful to use the word PRAYER as an acrostic to understand the power of prayer.
Each letter of the word PRAYER stands for a different aspect of prayer:
P: Praise God for who He is and what He has done (Matthew 6:9)
R: Repent for any sins or shortcomings (Matthew 6:12)
A: Ask for God's will to be done in your life (Matthew 6:10)
Y: Yield to God's will, trusting that He knows best (Matthew 6:10)
E: Express your needs to God, trusting Him to provide (Matthew 6:11)
R: Rest in God's presence, listening for His guidance (Psalm 46:10)
By following this acrostic, we can develop a well-rounded prayer life that keeps us connected with God and allows us to experience His power in our lives.
The Power of Childlike Prayers
Regardless of our experience or eloquence in prayer, we can take comfort in the fact that God values our sincere, childlike prayers. In fact, Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Our prayers may not always be elaborate or eloquent, but God hears and answers them as long as they come from a genuine heart.
Prayer is a powerful tool that can help us grow in our relationship with God and experience His guidance and intervention in our lives. By prioritizing prayer and setting an example for our children, we can leave a lasting impact on their faith and equip them for the spiritual battles they may face. Let us diligently pray, trusting that God is always with us and ready to answer our heartfelt prayers.