The Power of Prayer
When we look at prayer, there are three different aspects that we look at. Why we pray, how we pray, and what to pray for. During our Sabbath Service this weekend, Caleb Oliva walked us through these different sides to prayer.
First we look at the why. Why do we pray? Firstly, we pray out of reverence to Yahweh. We are blessed to be able to approach Yahweh with respect, instead of a place of fear. Prayer can help us resist temptation, something that we see in Matthew when Yahshua was in the Garden of Gethsemane. We also pray to be closer to Yahweh, for Yahweh wants to be close with us. He is a personal God. We also find that prayer brings peace. When we look at Numbers 22, we find instructions to pray over the people and bless them. That passage ends with the bringing of peace. It is important to use our prayer to bless those around us. Prayer is also a form of worship, and it strengthens our faith (Mark 9:24).
Next we examined how we are supposed to pray. Prayer is meant to be personal, a conversation with Yahweh. Matthew 6:5-8 says that we are to pray privately, not with vain behavior for the sake of those around us, but for us to connect personally with Yahweh. Genesis 5:24 tells us about Enoch, a man who walked with Yahweh. We strive to walk with Yahweh daily, having conversation as we would with anyone who is close to us. If we look at Romans 8:26 we see that the Holy Spirit is a part of our daily prayer life. He helps us when we struggle to find the words to say, or to even know what to pray for.
So what should we pray for? When we look at Matthew 5:43 we are told to pray for our enemies, for those who persecute us. We are also supposed to pray over fellow believers and family members, for the forgiveness of sins and for healing (James 5). In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, we see that we should pray for those in Authority in our life. This includes those in government, even when we don't agree with them. We pray that they will do the will of Yahweh, or that Yahweh will appoint someone who will. Prayer is our weapon, it is our way to fight in the spiritual realm. We pray to stand against the corruption in our culture, through music, movies, and other forms of entertainment. We should also be praying the word of Yahweh, using it as a guide to the will of Yahweh. There are many blessings and prayers in the scriptures that are beneficial for us to bring before Yahweh. Prayer is also a form of worship. Many worship songs are taken straight from scripture, so when we are singing we can be praying for the things that those passages are speaking about.
Finally, we look at how Yahshua told us to pray.
“ In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
(Matt 6:9-13)
If you need prayer, or are looking for a place to call home, we encourage you to reach out! We meet every Saturday at 2pm for Sabbath service.
