(Editor's Note: The week that was saw this BGlante in depression mode after a Cebu doctor made a deadly diagnosis about the kind of ailment the wife had. It may be too early to break the champagne bottle but a second opinion from a Manila-based oncologist says otherwise given the diagnosis of the dreaded disease. Anyway, be that as it may, we still cannot find any plausible reason except to admit the fact that prayers did wonders to an otherwise hopeless case. Overwhelmed by the changes in the original medical finding, we researched the internet and came up with this article on the power of prayer).

Power Of Prayer - How powerful is it?
The power of prayer should not be underestimated. James 5:16-18 declares, "…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." God most definitely listens to prayers, answers prayers, and moves in response to prayers. Jesus taught, "…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The Bible urges us, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).

Power Of Prayer - How do I tap into it?
The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." No matter the person praying, the passion behind the prayer, or the purpose of the prayer - God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but are always in our best interest. When our desires line up with His will, we will come to understand that in time. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God's will, God responds powerfully!

We cannot access powerful prayer by using "magic formulas." Our prayers being answered is not based on the eloquence of our prayers. We don't have to use certain words or phrases to get God to answer our prayers. In fact, Jesus rebukes those who pray using repetitions, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:7-8). Prayer is communicating with God. All you have to do is ask God for His help. Psalm 107:28-30 reminds us, "Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven." There is power in prayer!

Power Of Prayer - For what kind of things should I pray?
God's help through the power of prayer is available for all kinds of requests and issues. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." If you need an example of a prayer, read Matthew 6:9-13. These verses are known as the Lord's prayer. The Lord's prayer is not a prayer we are supposed to memorize and simply recite to God. It is only an example of how to pray and the things that should go into a prayer - worship, trust in God, requests, confession, protection, etc. Pray for these kinds of things, but speak to God using your own words.

The Word of God is full of accounts describing the power of prayer in various situations. The power of prayer has overcome enemies (Psalm 6:9-10), conquered death (2 Kings 4:3-36), brought healing (James 5:14-15), and defeated demons (Mark 9:29). God, through prayer, opens eyes, changes hearts, heals wounds, and grants wisdom (James 1:5). The power of prayer should never be underestimated because it draws on the glory and might of the infinitely powerful God of the universe! Daniel 4:35 proclaims, "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: 'What have you done?'

Intercessory Prayer - What is it?
Intercessory prayer is prayer for others. An intercessor is one who takes the place of another or pleads another's case. One study Bible defines intercession as "holy, believing, persevering prayer whereby someone pleads with God on behalf of another or others who desperately need God's intervention."

Intercessory Prayer - The Biblical Foundation
The Biblical basis for the New Testament believer's ministry of intercessory prayer is our calling as priests unto God. The Word of God declares that we are a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:4), a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:8), and a kingdom of priests (Revelation 1:5).

The background for understanding this calling to priestly intercession is found in the Old Testament example of the Levitical priesthood. The priest's responsibility was to stand before and between. He stood before God to minister to Him with sacrifices and offerings. The priests also stood between a righteous God and sinful man bringing them together at the place of the blood sacrifice.

Hebrews 7:11-19 explains the difference between the Old and New Testament ministries of the priest. The Old Testament Levitical priesthood was passed on from generation to generation through the descendants of the tribe of Levi. "The Melchizedek priesthood" spoken of in this passage, is the "new order" of spiritual priests of whom the Lord Jesus is the High Priest. It is passed on to us through His blood and our spiritual birth as new creatures in Christ.

Intercessory Prayer - Our Model Intercessor
Jesus Christ is our model for intercessory prayer. Jesus stands before God and between Him and sinful man, just as the Old Testament priests did: For there is one God, and one mediator (intercessor) between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34). Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25).

Jesus brings sinful man and a righteous God together at the place of the blood sacrifice for sin. No longer is the blood of animals necessary as it was in the Old Testament. We can now approach God on the basis of the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross of Calvary for the remission of sins. Because of the blood of Jesus, we can approach God boldly without timidity (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Jesus was an intercessor while He was here on earth. He prayed for those who were sick and possessed by demons. He prayed for His disciples. He even prayed for you and me when He interceded for all those who would believe on Him. Jesus continued His ministry of intercession after His death and resurrection when He returned to Heaven. He now serves as our intercessor in Heaven.

Intercessory Prayer - Effective Intercession
In intercessory prayer, we follow the Old Testament priestly function and the New Testament pattern of Jesus - standing before God and between a righteous God and sinful man. In order to be effective standing "between" we must first stand "before" God to develop the intimacy necessary to fulfill this role. Numbers 14 is one of the greatest accounts of intercessory prayer recorded in the Bible. Moses was able to stand between God and sinful man because he had stood "before" Him and had developed intimacy of communication. Numbers 12:8 records that God spoke with Moses as friend to friend and not through visions and dreams as He did with other prophets.

As New Testament believers, we no longer sacrifice animals as in Old Testament times. We stand before the Lord to offer up spiritual sacrifices of praise (Hebrews 13:15) and the sacrifice of our own lives (Romans 12:1). It is on the basis of this intimate relationship with God that we can then stand "between" Him and others, serving as an advocate and intercessor in their behalf.

Peter uses two words to describe this priestly ministry: "Holy" and "royal." Holiness is required to stand before the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). We are able to do this only on the basis of the righteousness of Christ, not our own righteousness. Royalty is descriptive of the kingly authority that is delegated to us as members of the "royal family," so to speak, with legitimate access to the throne room of God.

Power of Prayer

The Power of prayer is something no believer should doubt. Prayer has been known to bring the greatest of the giants down. There is Power in Prayer. Great examples can be seen in the Bible. Some mighty intercessors pinpoint it clearly to us. Daniel shows us that when we pray, the lion's mouths get shut. Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego show us that when we pray, even the hottest flame will not burn us. Esther shows us that there is Power in Prayer. When we pray, closed doors will open and favor before God and men will be encountered. Every false decrees, memos, plans, will be nullified in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen. Paul and Silas show us that when we pray every prison door will be open. Has the devil held some of your goods? Its time to pray so that all the doors that are holding what belongs to you will be swung open in Jesus Powerful Name, Amen. Jesus said "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." John 14:14. Remember Jesus also said "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Mathew 28:18. Therefore it is with boldness that we believe there is Power in Prayer for He is looking to perform that which we ask Him to. Jeremiah 33:3 says "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Friend, Prayer works.

Elisha prayed and a dead child war raised from the dead.
Abrham prayed the cousin lot off from the decayed society of Sodom and Gomorah.
Elijah prayed and fire came down from heaven. He also prayed and the heaven werer shut; no rain till he called it forth again.
The Power of Prayer is hinged upon the faithfulness of God to perform that which He has promised. God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: When He says it, He does it. When He speaks He makes it good.
Look at our other pages on Healing Prayers, Prayer and Fasting, Prayer, Prayer Room and we are confident you will be blessed.
Friend, appropriate the Power of Prayer

What is the power of prayer?

I suppose there are many answers to this question. Here's one (or several strung together) for starters.

I believe that the power of prayer is first felt inside of us. It's a sense of God's assent, somewhat like someone answering our phone call when the phone has been ringing for a long time and we're wondering if maybe we should just hang up and try again another time. Then a voice answers and simply says, "I'm here. I'm listening to you." Communication has been established!

God has assented to our calling. God has assented to be in relationship with us. God has assented to us—to you, to me, to who we are and who we hope to be. But why? you might ask. And why now? Because that is God's deepest desire and what God has been hoping for all along. I believe that we experience the power of God when we sense God's assent to our seeking and even realize that God has been reaching out for us all along.

The power of prayer is the power that comes to us when we realize that God can be our point of reference in the midst of all the confusions of our daily lives, the steadfastness of God rather than the incomplete, fragile inconstancies of ourselves. It's the power that comes when we're able to be centered, anchored in a belief and rooted in a Truth, which is stronger and deeper than the day-to-day truths we struggle with.

I think this may have been what the apostle Paul had experienced when he wrote to the people of Ephesus about God's desire for us "that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of people, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles." (Ephesians 4:14) In prayer our hearts and minds can be focused on the eternal truths of God and not the changing, fickle truths of human knowledge and human nature.

The power of prayer is the constant renewal of perspective. Prayer opens our eyes. It extends our horizons. It sheds light into the darkness of our fears and our sorrows, our hopes and joys, our shame and our pride. It gives us new ways of seeing life and relationships, of understanding work and the cost of growing.

The power of prayer is real and palpable. You can feel it and know it and depend on it. It comes to us as a gift, but we need to do our part as well. God calls us to pray and through our prayer, God empowers us and gives us strength.

-- The Rev. Margaret B. Gunness

I don't believe that our prayer changes God's mind or improves God's disposition. God will do what God will do. Our basic prayer is: God, be God. Be the God you have shown yourself to be. Would God be something else if we didn't pray? No. Would God hate if we didn't beg God to love? No. Would God ignore a cancer or marriage unless we remembered to pray and did so fervently? No. It is God's nature to love, to show mercy, to forgive, and to redeem. Our prayers don't modify God's nature. What, then, do our prayers do? At one level, they are like a child's cry for a parent's help. They just burst forth. We see a need, and we cry to God. We feel a pain, and we cry to God. Our prayers don't cause events to change, rather they recognize God's presence. Our prayers also align us with God, assuming they are prayers that are true to God's nature, and not prayers that seek wealth or revenge. What does alignment with God accomplish? You never can tell. It certainly would put us in a mind to help another. It would ease the other's burden. It would amend our lives and, thus, amend the lives of others, in ways we might never see. The positive, radical and transforming impact of one person's choosing to love another cannot be fully known, but it is sufficient reason to pray.

-- Tom Ehrich

The power of prayer is awesome and immeasurable. It brings God close to us so we can listen. He suggests—we ask—we thank—we listen. It is a challenging, blissful round robin.

--Margie

To me, the power of prayer depends on the sort of prayer that you are praying. Oftentimes people become disappointed and disillusioned when they pray to God to grant a specific outcome or desire and their "prayer" is not answered. Many people think a miracle has happened when just such a prayer results in God's bringing about the desired outcome. I once prayed that a close friend who was sick be made well. His subsequent death seemed to me not only a failure on God's part to grant my prayer, but an affront to my sense of right results and even justice. In reflecting on this event over the last several years, I've come to realize that a miracle occurs as we learn to perceive the purpose of prayer as something different, something that changes us and gives meaning to our understanding of the words "thy will be done" ; that is, we understand an outcome as part of living fully and the total package of the human experience, both the joyous and the tragic, instead of perceiving it as upsetting our apple cart. This is not to say that tragedy is not tragic, but tragedy is not something caused by God for the purpose of making us suffer or to deny our wish. While we may not want our friends to die young, death happens to us all, and it is not God's failure on our behalf when it does. Living fully is so hard to do. In order to achieve it, we have to accept many conditions, outcomes and events that we wouldn't have chosen and don't agree with, and even embrace them as a part of life - our lives - because they are a part of life (and death). Learning to pray with that more mature understanding helps me experience God as not so much a parental figure with the power to give me what I want, but as a potent and ever- present source of connectedness and strength that helps me to understand those events life inevitably throws my way.

Prayer is the most personal, intimate aspect of my relationship with God. Sometimes prayer is my time to prepare for the challenges of life...like the words of a coach to a player before going into the game. Often prayer time is when I can hear God speaking to me. It is when I seem to be able to make sense of how God is leading me through his presence in my life, like a child asking "why?" and finally beginning to understand. Prayer time helps me connect the dots. It is an opportunity to sit with a great teacher to review the homework of my life...to be better prepared for the next chapter. Prayer is also a time of obedience, for Jesus instructs us to pray. Prayer is my opportunity to lift up the needs of others to the Father, especially those for whom life is so complex that prayer is difficult. Several years ago I began keeping a prayer journal—a list of the things I want to share with God during our prayer time. The power of prayer took on a new dimension when I realized how many prayers had been answered! God's presence in my life became very real.

--Fred

The power of prayer: To heal physical and spiritual hurts, to bring insight, to place one's burdens in God's hands, trust them to God's keeping, to be comforted, to give joyful thanks.

Question: "What is the power of prayer?"

Answer: The idea that power is inherent in prayer is a very popular one. According to the Bible, the power of prayer is, quite simply, the power of God, who hears and answers prayer. Consider the following:

1) The Lord God Almighty can do all things; there is nothing impossible for Him ( Luke 1:37 ).

2) The Lord God Almighty invites His people to pray to Him. Prayer to God should be made persistently ( Luke 18:1 ), with thanksgiving ( Philippians 4:6 ), in faith ( James 1:5 ), within the will of God ( Matthew 6:10 ), for the glory of God ( John 14:13-14 ), and from a heart right with God ( James 5:16 ).

3) The Lord God Almighty hears the prayers of His children. He commands us to pray, and He promises to listen when we do. “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears” ( Psalm 18:6 ).

4) The Lord God Almighty answers prayer. “I call on you, O God, for you will answer me” ( Psalm 17:6 ). “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles” ( Psalm 34:17 ).

Another popular idea is that the amount of faith we have determines whether or not God will answer our prayers. However, sometimes the Lord answers our prayers in spite of our own lack of faith. In Acts 12, the church prays for Peter's release from prison (v. 5), and God answers their prayer (vv. 7-11). Peter goes to the door of the prayer meeting and knocks, but those who are praying refuse at first to believe that it is really Peter. They prayed he would be released, but they failed to expect an answer to their prayers.

The power of prayer does not flow from us; it is not special words we say or the special way we say them or even how often we say them. The power of prayer is not based on a certain direction we face or a certain position of our bodies. The power of prayer does not come from the use of artifacts or icons or candles or beads. The power of prayer comes from the omnipotent One who hears our prayers and answers them. Prayer places us in contact with Almighty God, and we should expect almighty results, whether or not He chooses to grant our petitions or deny our requests. Whatever the answer to our prayers, the God to whom we pray is the source of the power of prayer, and

He can and will answer us, according to His perfect will and timing.