Every time you pray, you make power available.
James 5:16 says: “the earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].“
The phrase “dynamic in its working” conveys the idea that the power generated through prayer is multifaceted, capable of producing a variety of outcomes depending on the situation. Scripture is filled with countless examples of individuals who prayed and experienced God’s power manifesting in unique ways, perfectly suited to their specific needs and circumstances.
- In one instance, it can deliver you from danger, as seen in the case of Jacob when he prayed for protection from his vengeful brother Esau (Genesis 32:9–12, 24–30).
- In another, it can enable you to conceive against medical and biological odds. For example, Sarah, Elizabeth, Rachel (Gen 30:1-24) Rebekkah (Genesis 25:21-23) and Hannah.
- It can bring healing for your body as seen in the case of King Hezekiah who was ill to the point of death (Isaiah 38:1-8) and unusual strength as in the case of Samson (Judges 16:28-30)
- At times, it imparts knowledge that enables you to excel in your exams or unusual wisdom and understanding that sets you apart like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego. (Daniel 1:17-20)
- It can give you boldness to address a crowd you’d otherwise be too afraid to face. For example, Peter and the other disciples, when the Holy Spirit came upon them in the upper room (Acts 2:14-41).
- It can provide extraordinary courage and favor to accomplish the impossible, as seen in Esther’s story, where God used her to deliver the people of Israel.
- It can grant extraordinary skills in your career or profession, setting you apart. Example of people God blessed with extraordinary skills include; Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:28), Bezalel, Oholiab and other craftsmen (Exodus 31:1-15), whom God specifically endowed with unique skills to build the temple, demonstrate how God equips individuals with special abilities for His purposes.
- It can change the course of your destiny. For example, Jabez prayed that instead of him being a sorrow maker as his mother had cursed him to, that God would bless him and keep him from evil and God granted his request.
- It can also inspire divine ideas for various purposes, including business, as Scripture says, “It is God who gives you the power to get wealth.” Remember the woman whose husband left her in debt, leaving her at risk of losing her sons to creditors? She went to Prophet Elisha for help, and by the Spirit, he instructed her on what to do. Through God’s power, she was empowered to gather enough oil to pay off her debts. The oil kept flowing, miraculously filling every jar she had borrowed, until all her debts were settled.
- It can provide strength in times of adversity or enable you to do what your flesh resists. It empowers you to persevere despite opposition or pain, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ when His crucifixion was imminent. In fact, Scripture recounts that an angel came to strengthen Him (Matthew 26:36-45).
- It can bring about miraculous deliverance, even from imprisonment, as seen in Peter’s case when the church fervently prayed for him. (Acts 12:1-17). Similarly, when Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises, God sent an earthquake that shook the very foundations of the prison, opening the doors and unfastening everyone’s shackles. (Acts 16:25-30).
The common thread in all these examples is the impartation of supernatural ability, enabling them to accomplish what would have otherwise been impossible.
- Remember that day you were stranded on the road, with no taxi in sight? You prayed a simple, heartfelt prayer, asking God to send one and suddenly, a taxi appeared?
- Remember when you had to defend your project before your supervisors, feeling scared and anxious? You whispered a quick prayer, and everything went smoothly?
- Remember when you prayed for months or even years for the fruit of the womb or marital settlement, and God granted your heartfelt request?
- Remember when you asked God to guide you on what to study for your exams? Certain topics came to mind, you focused on them, and voila!, the exam questions aligned perfectly with those areas?
- Remember when you faced a tough decision and prayed for God’s wisdom? He guided you, and you made the right choice?
- Remember when you had a job interview and prayed for favor? The interviewer unexpectedly loved the color of your shirt or your shoes, the atmosphere shifted, and the interview went seamlessly, leading to your success?
In summary, every time you pray, whether or not you see an immediate response, believe without doubt that you are making power available, dynamic in its working. A delay in receiving answers is not always a denial. This is why we must pray continually, without ceasing or doubting. Remember Daniel, on the very first day he began praying for understanding of a vision, God sent an angel with a message to bring him clarity, though the answer was delayed.
Meditative Declaration/prayer
Thank you, Father, for strengthening me to pray without ceasing. As I pray, power is released, dynamic in its working!
Key Scriptures to Study
James 5, 1 Thessalonians 5.
