I love you, LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
My shield and the horn
Of my salvation, my stronghold.

Someone recently said in my hearing something like, “I believe in the power of prayer.” I didn’t say anything, but in my spirit I said, “I don’t.”

Yep, you read that right, I don’t believe in the power of prayer. I do, however, believe in the power of the One who answers prayer.

Prayer can be a religious activity. I’m assuming most if not all religions consider prayer to be essential to a meaningful life but there isn’t inherent value in praying. Prayer can be misguided and lead to all sorts of sorrow. The prophets of Baal who locked horns with the Living God on Mount Carmel soon learned how harmful misguided prayer is.

Prayer isn’t a religious practice that earns you points with God. Prayer is simply speaking to the God who revealed himself in Jesus. We say it as honestly and as awkwardly as those who came to him during his time on earth: “Master please come….” “Teacher help.…” “Lord, I want to see.”

What is on your heart these days? What joy are you experiencing? What sadness? What longing? Anyone else aching for the nations to live at peace?

Say it, pray it, and trust the power of the One who hears … and answers.

“He reached down from on high and
took hold of me;
He drew me out of deep waters.
He rescued me from my powerful enemy….
He brought me out into a spacious place;
He rescued me because
He delighted in me.

Praying with you this day.

Andrew