In one of the conversations Jesus had with His disciples, He told them they have been given authority and power.
Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan), and nothing will [in any way] harm you (Luke 10:19 AMP).
Just as Jesus assured his disciples back in the days, His promise of power and authority through prayer still applies to us today. Sadly, a lot of us are not experiencing this promise when we pray.
In the book of Philippians 4:6, the Bible says “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.”
One question in the mind of many is, “Why do we pray and not get results?“
As a Christian, you may also wonder how you can exercise the authority given to you by Jesus while praying.
Here are some guidelines on how to pray with power and authority.
- You must have faith.
Having faith is one of the secrets to praying with power, although it may sound like a cliché.
The Bible, in the book of Hebrews 11:1, gives us a definition of faith, stating that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
As Christians, we know that our prayers are effective only when backed up by faith. In verse 6 of the above chapter, it says, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
In addition, John 1:12 states, “But as many as received him, to them gave He the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name.”
Now, if you have received the power to become the son of God, and you lack faith, how do you want to activate your power?
- Have a Vast Knowledge of the Word of God.
Another essential secret to powerful praying in the life of a Christian is having a vast knowledge of the word of God.
2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
The Bible instructs us to, “Study to show thyself approved…” To be approved means to be regarded as good.
Once you are approved, you automatically gain access to the throne of Grace and whenever you pray, your prayer will be powerful.
Quoting God’s word back to Him shows that you are aware of His promises and that you want Him to fulfill them. When you know God’s Word, you come to know God Himself (John 1:1).
- Give the Holy Spirit a Chance.
The best thing that can happen to a Christian is the possession of the Holy Spirit.
When you possess the Holy Spirit, you will begin to operate at a higher level of grace.
This change will result in your prayers holding immense power and nobody will be able to toy with you spiritually.
In Luke 4:1 the Bible says, “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost (this can also be used in place of spirit) returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness”.
When you possess the Holy Spirit, He becomes your guide, shield, and helper in choosing the right words for your prayers.
Would you like to pray with power today? Give the Holy Spirit a chance to work in your life.
- Activate the Power of Praise
As a Christian, it’s important to begin your prayer by praising God, worshipping, and adoring His holy name. Remember that King Jehoshaphat won the battle against the Moabites through praise.
When you praise God, even the problems that seem insurmountable can be solved. So, before you pray, ensure you charge the atmosphere with praises.
- Be in Constant Communion with the Holy Spirit.
Another key to praying with power is to be in constant communion with the Holy Spirit. It’s one thing to possess the Holy Spirit, but it’s another thing to have a continual fellowship with Him.
Being in constant communion with the Holy Spirit guarantees your, access to his power at all times. It is a great tip for praying with power.
Have you ever wondered why some great men of God pray for just a few minutes and the effect is visible immediately?
They spend time communing with the Holy Spirit!
If you want to pray powerfully as a Christian, you must make the Holy Spirit your constant companion. Without the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life, you will not be able to achieve spiritual success.
- P.U.S.H.
P.U.S.H is an acronym that reminds us as Christians to, “Pray until something happens.” The key to gaining the power to pray effective prayers is by being persistent in prayer.
In the book of 1 Thessalonians 5:17, the Bible says, “Pray without ceasing.” This three-word verse in the Bible reminds us never to grow weary of praying—it should be a part of us.
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Throughout the life of Jesus, as recorded in the Bible, He never neglected to pray. He started and ended with prayer, and as His followers, we should do the same.
It’s evident that God desires for believers to wield power and authority so they can experience ease and victory in their spiritual journey. However, when our spiritual lives lack faith, the presence of the Holy Spirit and consistent communion with Him, a persistent prayer life, and an attitude of praise, we become a symbol of ridicule in the camp of the enemy.