POWER OF PRAYER FOR IMPACT (3)

“Then he spoke a parable to them, that men ALWAYS ought to PRAY and not to lose heart” – Luke 18:1

There has never been an alternative to the POWER of PRAYER for IMPACT to occur: “Then he spoke a parable to them, that men ALWAYS ought to PRAY and not to lose heart” (Lk.18:1). Our Lord Jesus Christ modelled the Practice of Praying. He also taught the disciples HOW to PRAY, in response to their request: “Now it came to pass, as HE WAS PRAYING in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, TEACH US to PRAY, as John also taught his disciples.” So He said to them, “WHEN YOU PRAY, say: Our Father in heaven...” (Lk.11:1-2a). Prayer is a matter of WHEN NOT IF!

Today’s text illustrates this priority of prayer through the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. It emphasizes the importance of consistent prayer, even when facing challenges or feeling unfulfilled. It highlights the need to keep praying and not lose heart. It also teaches that God is more merciful and responsive to persistent prayer than an unjust judge who ultimately granted justice to a bothersome widow. The widow’s unwavering pleas, despite initial rejection, demonstrate the power of persistent prayer. Believers are thus encouraged to pray without ceasing, even when it seems like God isn’t listening!

Luke 11 introduces the Lord’s Prayer – our Pattern Prayer – further reinforcing the cruciality of prayer as the Believer’s Way of Life. This Model for Prayer includes petitions, praise, and thanksgiving, and serves as a reminder that prayer should be a regular and essential part of a Believer’s relationship with God. Prayer is a Kingdom Priority! Believers must pray consistently, not just in response to an urgent need. Prayer is a means of cultivating a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. Persistent prayer provides strength and resilience when facing difficult situations, and guidance in making important decisions.

Prayer is partnership with the Power of God – alliance with Divinity! When humanity fails, Divinity waxes strongest and truer still. This is why the best of all men all prayed! Our Lord Jesus Christ lived a life of prayer. Moses prayed and delivered Israel. David, Elijah, and Elisha, all prayed. John, Peter, and Paul, prayed. Why? Because when we pray God hears and moves on our behalf. The place of prayer is the seat of revelation and manifestation of the Divine Presence. A desire to know God must be born out of the burning zeal and passion to pray. Anyone who will fulfill his God-given destiny on earth must learn the secrets of prayer. For when Zion travailed, sons and daughters were born (Isa.66:8). Prayer precedes God-glorifying Impact!