Prayer changes things. Who you become, the circumstances in your life, and the core of your character are all determined by what you talk to God about. According to the Bible, the power of prayer is, quite simply, the power of God, who hears and answers prayer.

Preparing your Heart

First, it’s important to come before God with a clean and humble heart before requesting anything from him. I start out each morning with thanks, then repenting and asking God to forgive me of anything that doesn’t please him.

Talking to God

Far too many people only pray when they are worried or having an “emergency.” They only come to God with a wish list. But he is not “santa” Jesus. Nobody likes to feel used, including God. He desires a real love relationship with us. Why do you talk to God? Is it because you need something or is it just because you love him?

Your motive for talking to God will reveal your relationship status.”

What do you pray for?

Begging God for temporary things and asking with selfish motives doesn’t move the heart of God. However, praying for his will to be done, asking to be more like him in character and praying for eternal matters is where it’s at. He already knows our every need and has everything taken care of before we even ask, because he’s a good father. Instead of stressing out, trust in his unfailing goodness.

The closer you get to Jesus in your relationship with him, the more your prayer life changes. I remember back when I would mainly ask for things that would benefit me or beg God to sort out “petty” things in my life. Now the majority of my prayers are kingdom focused. I pray that God will make me like him, petitioning for others that need deliverance, and that he’ll give me divine appointments.

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” -James 5:16

If you are believing for God to come through in your circumstances, don’t give up. Pray without ceasing. Keep your faith strong.

Remember, God still performs miracles, brings home the prodigals and he still answers prayers. Nothing is out of reach for the creator of the universe.

Tune in to the podcast episode, The Power of Prayer: