The Power of Prayer

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (Jas 5:16) NIV

Prayer appears to be irrational to those who do not have faith. It looks like a waste of time and effort. It seems like wishful thinking expressed as talking into the air. The Bible teaches that this is true for those who worship false gods because they are fabricated by man. On Mount Carmel, the prophets of the false god Baal chanted, danced themselves into a frenzy and even cut themselves to get a response but to no avail. However, immediately after Elijah said one prayer to the true God of Israel, fire came down from heaven and consumed a pile of logs that had been soaked with water. (1 Ki 18:20-39)?

The Bible teaches that there is a God and there are powerful spirits both good and evil called angels. An angel sent by God destroyed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night. (2 Ki 19:35-36) An angel brought death to the first-born son of every Egyptian family in one night. (Ex 12:12-13, 29-30)

Witchcraft, palm readings, seances and other mystical practices have persisted for thousands of years. These are attempts to contact spirits. It is true that many times these practices are methods used by scammers to get money. However, I believe that these methods have sometimes enabled contact with evil spirits. The Witch of Endor contacted a spirit in the form of Samuel (who was dead). This spirit foretold the death of King Saul. (1 Sam 28:7-15)

Prayers to God, angels, ancestors, or others do not obligate them to respond. Prayers are many times requests for something. Prayers can also be expressions of thanksgiving and worship. An evil spirit (Molech) responded to the prayers of Andhun and his followers. They prayed that King Thymalis would change his mind and join their cause. The response they received to their prayers was the death of this king. While they were praying, Andhun saw a pair of bony hands close around the throat of the king. This shows that those who pray are not in control and the response may be different than what is requested.

Prayers are a vital means of communication with God. This is why the Bible says Christians are to pray without ceasing. (1 Th 5:17) Prayer is to the spirit what breathing is to the body. The frequency and intensity of prayers are signs of spiritual health. Some Christians are not spiritually healthy because they prayer irregularly. The frequency of prayer grows as we become aware of our dependency on God. It also grows as we sense God’s presence, guidance, commands, and blessings. Most of all, prayers are a form of glorious communion with God. This is seen when Tom encounters Oriana in a glowing and trance-like state of communion with the Creator. Oriana receives healing, wonder, blessings, and instructions during this encounter. A similar experience happens to the Sons of Light in the library at Hadrian’s Keep. They gather around the great stone in the library. They are enveloped in a bright light as they praise and pray to the Creator. This light forces Devlin and his army back until their communion with the Creator is complete.

Prayer is an expression of faith. Those who have faith have eyes to see what is unseen. These eyes are not like human eyes. These eyes are a means by which they know God within and see the presence of God without. Jesus said that those who have not seen with their eyes but see with the eyes of faith are blessed by God. (Jn 20:29) These are the Sons of Light! (1 Th 5:4-9)

Jesus said that everyone is either a child of God or of the Devil. (Jn 8:34-47) Children of God have their sins forgiven through faith in Jesus. They are spiritually reborn, adopted into his family and walk in his light. (1 Jn 1:5-7) Do you have the light of God through the presence of the Holy Spirit within you?