The power and importance of prayer

Across the Preacher’s Desk

• The power and importance of prayer

Have you ever taken notice of the importance of prayer in the life of Jesus? He began His earthly ministry in prayer (Luke 3:21). He continued in prayer and ended in prayer (Luke 23:34). The Heavenly ministry of Jesus was begun in prayer (John 14:16) and is now continued in prayer (Hebrews 7:25) The disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Prayer is more important than rest, for we read, “in the morning, a great while before day, He rose up and went out into a desert place and there prayed” (Mark 1:35). Prayer was more important in securing workers than either money or machinery, for Jesus said, “Pray the Lord of Harvest that He sent forth laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38).

It pains me to find someone here and there who feels that the only answer we receive to our prayers is the satisfaction of praying. I believe with all my heart that God does something in answer to prayer that he would not do if I did not pray. There just isn’t any end to the things that may be accomplished by prayer.

There is absolutely no limit to the power of God. Jesus said, “Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened.” Never discount the power of prayer. Pray and pray often.

It’s something to think about.