Thinkaloud | Where real power lies

A prayer challenge

Christians really do not believe in the power of prayer. They may say they do, but their actions speak much louder than their pious words. Every Christian pays lip service to the value of prayer, and then ignores it, preferring tragically to wage the fight of faith without one of the most powerful weapons God has provided.

This is not a treatise on prayer. Many more able writers have penned their lucid thoughts, which have moved many to prayer and brought glory to God. The purpose for this column is to remind Christians that there is much to be done for Christ at the beginning of the 21st century but this work can be done only in God’s way, which is the way of prayer.

Jesus said that God answers believing prayer, but He answers it in His own way and not necessarily according to the natural short-sightedness of the person who is praying. The Scriptures reveal that Jesus spent much time in prayer. If He needed to seek His Father’s direction, why are we thinking that we can get along without constant communion with our Heavenly Father?

How many Christians who are retired from work with time on their hands spend more of that time watching TV, playing golf or just puttering around than they do in prayer? How many younger Christians value extra time in bed more than time spent in the presence of the Lord of all?

Could it be that we are standing on the threshold of a great worldwide harvest for the Kingdom of Christ? Could it be that the Holy Spirit is leading a number of godly and concerned people to form themselves into a praying band: to pray for revival, for the leaders of our countries, for the heads of the churches and for an outpouring of the power of the Holy Spirit in these perilous times?  And could it be that God’s work is being hindered because His people are too preoccupied with the transitory things of this world to spend time on their knees in “I-will-not-let-You-go-unless-You-bless-me” kind of prayer?

Clever and admired blogs won’t change the world. Religious self-absorption will not change the world. Expensive denominational conferences won’t change the world. I have in my historical files agendas of Army conferences of 60 years ago. Apart from technical phrases, the same subjects are being discussed today. I can’t remember a conference solely on prayer, where people prayed rather than talked about prayer.

Here’s a challenge for you. Will you become a prayer covenanter, a prayer warrior, a person who will dedicate at least half an hour a day in intercessory prayer?  “What am I going to do with half-an-hour before the Lord?” you might well ask. For starters organize your prayers. Prepare a list, and as you pray for those on the list, thank God – by faith – for the answers. Before long things begin to happen, to you as well as to those who are being prayed for.

The most powerful political act a concerned Christian can do about government is to pray. Secure a list of members of parliament or your legislature and other elected representatives and pray for each person by name, believing that they will hear and heed God’s voice. Use the newspaper or news sites on the net as prayer lists.

Real power lies with God, And He has invited you to spend time with Him. How can you refuse such an invitation?

Writer: Lieut.-Colonel Maxwell Ryan is a former Editor in Chief in Canada and the UK. In retirement he is a copy editor of theRubicon and the author of theRubicon series called Resurrected Writers.

5 Comments to Thinkaloud | Where real power lies

1. Colonel Ryan:

   You have delivered something powerful here with your challenge. Prayer can be a powerful discipline, but only if approached with discipline.

   Thanks

   Andrea
Andrea614Regent on November 16th, 2008

2. Ah yes, Andrea. If only. If only!
Maxwell Ryan on November 16th, 2008

3. Thank you so much for this beautiful piece. I try to remain mindful of what a privilege prayer is. How could I not crave communication with God more than communication with any other? But as I’ve often mentioned to God, he is my only invisible friend, and that makes it tough sometimes.

   Clark Pinnock believes that prayer can involve actual collaboration with God in bringing about His mission - not only hearing and submitting to His will, but bringing our own suggestions to the table. Such a thing is often seen in the OT. I think the idea is upsetting to many, but I have seen biblical precedent.
Amy Reardon on November 16th, 2008

4. Thank you Colonel Ryan, beautiful and inspiring as always.

   Through several years of disciplined, corporate and personal prayer, I have come to learn that I know very little about the internal workings of prayer, but that this is ok, because there is no set formula to how prayer is supposed to “work”.

   I think of prayer now as far more about intimacy and obedience than anything else. I don’t understand intercessory prayer, don’t get how it “works”, but I pray for others because they are important to me, and to God, and because I am commanded to prayer for others. The more time I spend with my Father, the greater love I have for my brothers and sisters, and the more I want to express the love that God has for them.

   But the main bulk of my prayer life is devoted to recognising and dwelling in the presence of the LORD, in meditating on his word and in his Spirit, and on learning obedience to him. This is how I see Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. He had every right to bring his suggestions to the table, did in fact do so, but then ended by listening to and obeying the will of his Father, at the cost of his life.

   This doesn’t mean I lose my own personality. I do believe that God is happy for us to express our emotions and desires to him in prayer, and completely honestly as well. As I genuinely pray, I walk towards the purpose of my life, which is union with God through Christ. In this way my will becomes united with his will, so that my heart will desire the things of God, rather than the things of my flesh.

   Grace,

   Aaron
aaron on November 17th, 2008

5. Brother Max, Yes prayer is the glue of Gods people. This sunday morning at the coffee shop on my way to the Corps in Cathedral City Cal.to teach some 20 childrens bible stories, talking with a man who asked me if I was a pilot. No but The Salvation is my church.Hethen said did I know science has proven that prayer is good.He then took his coffee cup and said you can pray to this cup and if you have enough faith prayer will work.Interesting talking to people. Son Greg. says the coffee shop is the new church and coffee the new wine.Did you know some 29 people gather Wed nights at TSA Southlands C.C.for prayer, teaching and song . People open their hearts to God. It was a great joy to hear the first prayer of a coverted Buddist .Iam a product of prayer and yes Iam praying daily. God bless Henry
Henry Armstrong on November 17th, 2008

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