5 Examples of Powerful Prayer
In our previous blog (Power of Prayer Part 2) we listed 5 examples from our book Where Heaven Meets Earth (Intimacy and Impact through Prayer) where a child of God exercised their privileged position as God’s representatives here on earth to release His will. As we promised you in that blog, 5 additional examples are listed below to once again encourage you in exercising this great privilege and right given to each one of us.
1. It was the will of God to fill the Disciples with the Holy Spirit, but it happened after prayer.
John 14:16 ‘And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor.’
Matthew 3:11 ‘Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with Fire.’
Acts 1:4 ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised.’
Acts 1:8 ‘And you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.’
Acts 1:14 ‘They all joined together constantly in prayer.’
Acts 2:4 ‘All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.’ (Acts 2:32-33)
The disciples had a promise from Jesus, yet they still had to pray. We can’t afford to think that when God gives us a specific promise concerning our need, that we can simply wait on its fulfillment. Instead He wants us to experience the power of declaring His promise with the expectancy that it is going to happen as He says.
2. It was the will of God to send His Spirit to the Gentiles, but it happened after prayer.
Acts 10:1a, 2b, 4b,9-10, 44 ‘At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius…; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly…The angel answered, ‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.‘ Peter went upon the roof to pray…he fell into a trance…While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.’
Following the example of Jesus and the disciples, the early church continued to meet with God to seek His indwelling power. They knew by example that it was a relationship to be greatly desired.
3. It is the will of God to perform miracles, save souls, and deliver, but it happened after prayer.
Acts 2:42-47 ‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together…the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.’
Acts 4:31 ‘After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.’
When we submit ourselves to God, and seek to glorify Him as our Father, He promises to do what we cannot do on our own – wonders and miraculous signs. It is not something we seek as a test for God to prove Himself, but to reveal His love and care for the people He created.
4. It was the will of God to deliver Peter from prison, but it happened after prayer.
Acts 12:5 – 7a ‘So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him…. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. Quick, get up‘ he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.’
We have heard the above story mentioned in messages with a focus on the ministry of the angels. But just as important as the fact that Angels released Peter, is the fact that our prayers dispatch Angels. We don’t command them, God does, but He does so in response to the prayers of His people.
5. It was the will of God to deliver Paul, but it happened after prayer.
2 Cor 1:10-11 ‘He has delivered us from such a deadly peril and will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.’
Phil 1:19-20 ‘for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.’
If you missed out on Parts 1 or 2, click on the following links:
In our next blog we will discover the amazing truth that “You are Destined for Answered Prayer!”