Have you ever been in need and prayed for the person who can help to show up and a few minutes later he/she does?
How about praying for a sick friend. You prayed and prayed but nothing seems to change?
Why is it that sometimes some prayers are answered while others seem unanswered?
Are some prayers more efficacious than others?
A prayer is said to be efficacious when it is successful in producing a desired or intended result.
Examples of prayers in the Bible:
1. Elijah prays that it does not rain
James 5:17, 1King 17:1.
Here we note that Elijah was a man like us... but we also see Elijah knew who he was as a prophet of God. He spoke authoritatively.
Lesson: Know who you are!
2. The church prays for Peter's release
Act 12:5-16
We are told the Church never stopped praying. And the result came- an Angel appeared to Peter and led him out of prison.
Lesson: Don't stop praying until you see the desired change.
3. Hezekiah prays and his life is spared
2Kings 20, Isaiah 38.
When God said it was time for Hezekiah to die, the man pleaded with God. And yes, our gracious God had mercy on him and added more years to his life.
Lesson: Don't be afraid to ask God for big things. Even when your pastor or prophet says it is impossible.
4. Jesus prays for God to take the cop away (before His crucifixion).
Mark 14:33-40
But Jesus knew God's will must prevail.
Lesson: When we pray and God says no. Allow His will prevail. It is for our good.
As christians, it is not for us to measure our prayer. It is not about the power in our prayer but about the power of the one who answers our prayers.
We must note in the above examples, all of them had a relationship with God. We must have a RELATIONSHIP with God to be able to commune with Him.
Having faith when we pray is also important. Mark 11:22-24, James 5:15, 17-18.
The first step is to have faith that God has the power to answer prayer and also allow His will to prevail.
God has good plans for us. We must humble ourselves and live to please Him.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Two agree, ask, God will do it.
Matthew 18:19
Don't stop praying for yourself. Don't stop praying for others.
Shalom!
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