One of the great joys in the life of a Christian is seeing their prayers answered. Unfortunately many Christians approach prayer with the idea that we need to convince God to do something when in fact, he has already decided to do it, or has already done it! Prayer is not an act of trying to twist God's arm to move him in a direction, but rather the privilege of God allowing us to co-labor with him to change a situation for for God's (and our) good. God has a plan and our prayers allow us to join him in his plan and get the blessing of seeing him answer!
In John 14:13-14 Jesus tells us that, "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." That is a huge promise. Stop for a moment and read it again, "Whatever you ask in my name. If you ask me anything...". Jesus doesn't add any qualifiers here – he simply says "whatever" and "anything". Do you pray that way? Do you pray with the understanding that God desires to and will answer your prayers, "whatever" and "anything" you pray?
When we pray with that understanding we have the power to shatter the plans of the enemy in the lives of our families, our neighborhoods, our cities, our nation and yes the world. You may feel that you are only one person and what can one person's prayer do? But look at what one person did in Daniel 9 and 10. Daniel's prayers altered the course of his nations history. One man co-labored with God Almighty to bring a nation out of bondage and into freedom. The prayers of one man changed the course of his nation and unltimately the entire world. Prayer is very powerful!
Never underestimate the power of your prayers. Never for even a minute think that God does not hear or answer your prayers. Approach the throne of grace boldy proclaiming "Lord have mercy!" He, your God, your Lord is listening and hastens to answer your prayers.
Shalom! Jim+
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