“The faith which creates powerful praying is the faith which centers itself on a powerful person. Faith in Christ’s ability to do and to do greatly, is the faith which prays greatly.” E.M. Bounds

Have you prayed a great prayer? A prayer that requests something that is impossible for you to accomplish? Was it based upon Jesus and His ability to accomplish it?

Today, perhaps you’re thinking that your circumstances are more than you can overcome. Your hope has fled from you. You do not believe that you can rise from the troubles that you are facing.

There is hope.

But he [Jesus] said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27

Peter and John walked to the entrance of the temple and looked at the lame man sitting at the gate begging for money.

“Look at us,” Peter said.

The man looked up.

“I don’t have money, but I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Acts 3:6. Peter took him by his right hand and raised him up.

The man started leaping for joy and praising God, and everyone marveled. Peter and John took the opportunity to tell everyone about Jesus.

After they told the people about Jesus, the captain of the temple and the Sadducees (they don’t believe in the resurrection) arrested them. The next day, they instructed Peter and John not to speak of Jesus and released them. (Acts 4)

Peter and John walked to their friends’ house, and the believers began to pray for boldness to tell others about Jesus.

“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31)

Centered on Jesus.

Praying for boldness that they did not possess.

Believing that nothing was impossible with Jesus.

They prayed greatly.

They believed.

The place was shaken.

They spoke boldly, pointing to Jesus.

You may not be able to rise above your troubles with your own strength, but there is One who is your strength, One who will take you by your right hand and raise you up.

Jesus.

He is waiting for you to pray greatly. To pray focused upon His power and strength.

My prayer

Almighty God, You made the heavens and the earth. You hung the stars, the sun, and the moon in the sky. You know every thought we have, every cell in our bodies. Your thoughts of us are too numerous for us to understand. You are holy and righteous. Your thoughts and ways are higher than we can understand. Have mercy upon us, Lord. Be gracious to us. Take our hopelessness and our troubles and replace them with hope and solutions. Renew us Lord and with Your mighty hand lift us up, so that we pray greatly and go into the world boldly proclaiming Your goodness and salvation. In Jesus’ great name. Amen.

What is your prayer, today?

Related Link: A Prayer for Trusting God in Seemingly Impossible Situations

Photo by Road Trip with Raj on Unsplash