At some point in time, most of us have experienced trouble severe enough to show us that we weren’t created to live successful lives though our own efforts. It’s humbling to realize that there are some situations that we simply can’t get out of without praying for help and guidance. This is something God uses to teach us to depend on Him. One of the most important things He wants us to realize is that we don’t have to beg Him to do something, because everything is already done.
Everything we’ll ever need, whether it’s healing, deliverance, or provision, has already been provided through Jesus’ finished works. Therefore, when we pray, we’re giving heaven the okay to manifest what grace has already made available. This changes the way we see prayer—it’s a bridge, not a ritual.
Prayer gives permission for God to release what was already done on the cross. Similar to a building permit, nothing gets built without one. “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). Our prayers make tremendous power available; this is power that rearranges and changes things. It’s explosive, dynamic power that shows up when we have a prayerful conversation with the Lord.
Prayer isn’t optional, but essential. Without it, we’re like people sitting on land with no building because we never applied for the permit. Everything we need is completed and ready for us, and prayer opens the door for manifestation.
Trusting God makes our prayers effective. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). This doesn’t say to be strong in our own strength; we trust His power, not ours. Prayer connects us to that power and positions us to stand firm against every strategy of the enemy.
Prayer is taking God’s Word and saying to Him what He has already said. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” (Ephesians 6:18). We don’t pray foolish prayers like, “Lord, please be with us,” because Matthew 18:20 reminds us that when we gather in His name, He’s already with us. We pray from victory, not for victory, because Jesus has finished the work.
It’s time to stop waiting to see what God will do and start praying like we believe what He’s already done. This isn’t about drama, but faith. The early Christians knew this. “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). It’s significant that the shaking didn’t happen until after they prayed.
Praying keeps us alert in spiritual warfare. We’re not wrestling against flesh and blood, but standing against strategies designed to move us away from Jesus’ finished works. When the enemy throws the fiery darts of fear, lack, or sickness at us, we hold up the shield of faith. We’ve already won this fight. “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19).
Prayer, not panic or fear, is the believer’s response to trouble. “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray…” (James 5:13). It’s how we say, “Lord, I believe what You’ve already done.” Prayers of faith make available power that heals, delivers, and restores.
Staying humble and teachable lets us live a life of prayer. This gives God an opportunity to act on our behalf. Praying without ceasing connects us to power that changes everything.
