Understanding the Power of Prayer Scripture Reading: Jam 5:14-16

Introduction Is there really power in prayer or is it just a nice idea? If there is power in prayer what are it’s limitations? Does the power of prayer mean there is nothing else I need to do? Unless we know the answer to these questions, we will not be able to use prayer as God intended

Prayer does not have the power to replace the need for obedience in the alien sinner One outside of Christ cannot be saved simply by prayer – Consider the example of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:9-12, 22:12-16) – Consider the example of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-6, ) Faith and obedience save the lost sinner-not prayer – In the examples above salvation came at baptism – Other scriptures to consider (Acts 2:38; Mt 7:21; Heb 5:9)

Prayer does not give the power to perform miracles today There was a time when this did occur – The epileptic boy (Mt 17:14-21) – Dorcas Restored to life (Acts 9:36-40) This time ended when the New Testament was completed – The purpose of miracles (Mk 16:20) – Since the Scriptures have been completed, we now need neither spoken revelation nor miraculous confirmation. (Jude 1:3) – 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 predicted that, when the process of revelation had completed its work, so that God's perfect will had been made available to man, miraculous powers would cease

Prayer does not give the power to perform miracles today Some today act as though they believe they can still work miracles – They pray for the sick to recover but refuse to do anything to help them as though they will miraculously recover – They pray for the needy and then do nothing to help relieve their need – They pray for the lost but make no effort to reach out to them or share the Word

The prayers of those who refuse to do God’s will are powerless (1 Jn 3:22) We are to pray for our daily bread (Mt 6:11) but we are also expected to work for it (2 Thess 3:10) We are to pray for the needy and also help them as we have ability (Mt 25:35-40; Acts 20:35; 1 Jn 3:17) We are to pray for the lost and then work to save them (1 Tim 2:1-4; Mt 28:18-20)

Examples of the power of prayer Forgiveness from God – Forgiveness through the blood of Christ (1 Jn 1:7- 10) – Erring Christians are to repent and pray (Act 8:22) Peace from God (Phil 4:6-7) Help in time of temptation (1 Cor 10:13) Strength from God (Eph 3:14-20) Wisdom from God (Jam 1:5-8)

Examples of the power of prayer Boldness from God – When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed and God delivered (Acts 4:23-31) – When Paul needed boldness he asked for prayers on his behalf (Eph 6:19-20) Healing from God – Physical (Jam 5:14-15) – Spiritual (Jam 5:16)

Conclusion Is there really power in prayer or is it just a nice idea? – We have just reviewed multiple examples of the power of prayer If there is power in prayer what are it’s limitations? – Prayer does not have the power to save the alien sinner apart from obedience – Prayer does not have the power to work miracles today – Prayers from those unwilling to do the Lord’s will are powerless

Conclusion Does the power of prayer mean there is nothing else I need to do? – I need to pray daily for bread and then work for it – I need to pray for the needy and then help as I have ability and opportunity – I need to pray for the lost and then work to Save them – Remember the message of Mt 25:31-46 Now that we understand the answers to these questions, let us use this precious gift of prayer as God intended