Devotionals
THE EFFICACY OF PRAYER
As often observed, “More is accomplished by prayer than this world realizes.” We might gather as much from the exhortation to “pray continually” (1 Thess. 5:17). Even so, there remains the question concerning how prayer may alter circumstances. Were we to better understand its dynamics, we might make better use of it. It is with such in mind that the following observations are set forth for consideration.
(1) Prayer focuses our attention on God in the course of life. As relates to his parental concern, guidance, and enablement. Otherwise, we fail to recognize that our chief purpose in life is to glorify the Almighty and enjoy him forever.
(2) Consequently, it extends to our calling. In whatever regard, we are to serve as unto the Lord. While being confident “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Whether desirable in themselves or not.
(3) Prayer also serves as an encouragement to those for whom we pray. They do not feel left to struggle on their own, but draw strength from life together. This is derived not only from the one who prays, but the one to whom he or she offers prayer.
(4) It is especially apt at critical times, as Luke observes concerning the life of Jesus. Then, in turn, to give rise to the novel observation that one can be too busy not to pray. Rather than an excuse to refrain.
(5) Prayer is likewise in keeping with God’s disposition to greatly bless the efforts of the righteous, while restraining that of the wicked (cf. Exod. 20:5-6). Thus are we assured that God welcomes prayer, and if for no other reason, this acts as a prime incentive.
(6) It may also invoke the concept of mystery. Mystery is set forth in Scripture as something in the process of being understood more fully. So that we may come to understand the dynamics of prayer in the context of hope, as one aspect of the triad faith, hope, and love (cf. 1 Cor. 13:13).
For instance, I sometimes feel impressed to pray for a person, while unaware of the circumstances. Then, on occasion, to discover that the individual was facing some difficult situation. Thus perhaps suggesting that I was prompted to pray.
(7) The admonition to persist in prayer requires obedience. In this regard, it is said that if we have difficulty believing, obey. So I am reminded by a youthful wife, who struggled with the exercise of faith. However, at a home Bible study she was overwhelmed with confidence. Those present rejoiced with her.
The next morning I received a telephone call from her, allowing that her doubts had returned. I was frustrated, and blurted out: “Forget it; follow Jesus.” She proceeded to do so, cultivating faith in the process.
(8) We may expect either too much or too little from prayer. As for the former, I recall persons insisting that a person would be healed if one exercised faith. When he failed to be healed, they attributed it to his lack of faith and would have nothing more to do with him. As for the latter, someone disappointed with the seeming lack of results, may decide that prayer is of no importance.
(9) Finally, the answer to prayer may be other than we anticipated. Accordingly, Paul allows that he was given a thorn in the flesh, usually thought to be some physical affliction. “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me,” he recalls. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Cor. 12:8-9). Incidently, the reference to three times may be idiomatic for many occasions. In any case, the apostle concludes for this reason that he will boast in his weakness.
Thus are we reminded that God is eminently creative. As confirmed in the creation narrative, and likewise in dealing with subsequent circumstances. This gives rise to the dual admonition, “Expect great things from God,” and “Undertake great things in his name.”
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