do it with your might.” Applying this principle to prayer allows us to “avail much.” Biblical Examples God’s servants have modeled active, effective prayer throughout histo - ry. In Genesis, Abimelech, King of Gerar, took Sarah, Abraham’s wife, believing her to be Abraham’s sis- ter (Gen. 20:2-18). God intervened through a vision, warning Abimel- ech of impending death. Abimel- ech acted immediately, confronting Abraham and offering restitution. Abraham prayed (supplication), and God answered speedily vs 17-18: So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children; for the Lord had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. King Hezekiah provides another re- markable example. Very ill and fac - ing the Assyrian threat, Hezekiah prayed earnestly. Isaiah was sent to deliver a dire message that the king was to “set his house in order” for his impending death. Hezekiah’s heartfelt prayer moved God to heal him and extend Judah’s protection. Elijah also demonstrated the power of prayer. Though human and fal- lible, Elijah’s prayers were highly effective (James 5:17). Through his earnest petitions, God withheld rain for over three years and later sent abundant showers (I Kings 17; James 5:18). Even the raising of a deceased child required only nine Hebrew words (I Kings 17:20). In modern times God’s Church too has witnessed similar miracles.
Couples struggling to conceive have gone on to have children after prayer and anointing. People have been healed of terrible diseases, out of dire financial troubles and even delivered from overwhelming gov- ernment persecution. Have a Plan Prayer is not identical to delivering a speech, yet there can be similarities. When approaching God remember that Christ is at His right hand (see Eph. 1:20), along with the heavenly assembly found in Hebrews 12:22- 23: But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the liv - ing God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels… and to God the Judge of all. Even Satan, the accuser, may be present (Rev. 12:10) from time to time. Given the audience, prepa- ration is wise. While spontaneous prayer can be powerful and nec- essary in time of need, deliberate planning through meditation for regular daily prayers ensure long- term impact. The Model Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13) is a Christian’s outline. Christ’s words provide a structure for all prayer, guiding purpose, gratitude, confes- sion, protection, and praise. Person - alizing and expanding each point fosters sincerity and power. Memo- rized prayers, by contrast, can stifle the Spirit. If we ever find ourselves struggling to pray there are scores of recorded prayers in the Psalms where we can find inspiration. Take time to review a few in order to stir up ideas. Continued on page 20
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