Articles
The Power Of Prayer For Those Born Again
One that has been "born again" (John 3:3-5; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; I Peter 1:3-4, 22-23) needs to live his life in such a way as to overcome the world (I John 2:15-17). Prayer will help the child of God to overcome the world.
Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (Matthew 6:13). His disciples need to be praying to the Father for the courage and strength to say "No" to temptation and the courage and strength to say "Yes" in doing what's right.
Prayer is powerful. It can give us great comfort and the courage to escape in time of temptation. Jesus said to His disciples, "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass" (Luke 21:36).
Jesus again said, "that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (lose heart, NASB)" (Luke 18:1). It's easy to get discouraged and stop praying. Jesus tells us to not get discouraged, and to keep on praying! The apostle Paul says to "take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand". With that armour Paul says, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Ephesians 6:13, 18).
We need to let our heavenly Father know all that's on our hearts. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). The results will be "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). Man, so desperately wants and needs peace of mind. A child of God has peace of mind and contentment thru faithful obedience to the Father and prayer. This is why Paul says, "Pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17) and "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving" (Colossians 4:2).
Let us not be ashamed nor afraid to pray to the Father, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). Prayer is just one of those wonderful blessings we have from the Father above (cf. James 1:17) that gives His disciples the strength to overcome the world. We CAN overcome the world through the great privilege of prayer. Are you praying?
