How many times have you heard the expression, “there is power in prayer!”?  For the most part, I think people’s intentions are genuine. I know I have said the same thing. Usually, we infer that we realize that God answers prayer and we are not praying enough, which is probably true.

You have seen the forwards on all the social media; Facebook, Whatsapp, email, twitter, etc., telling you to pray, to pass on to 8 people, (why always 8?). Some even threaten you with mild curses if you neglect to pass it on.  It always makes me uncomfortable- I never pass them on.

In Peru, many people pray and believe strongly in its power.  Catholicism here has incorporated many pagan beliefs and ideas from the Incas and other ancient cultures. They pray to many saints, believing that the saints will pass/reinforce their petitions to God.  They pray to Mary, the mother of Jesus, believing that she suffered more than Jesus did on the cross. They believe that she understands human suffering the best and that she will intercede to God for us better than Jesus. Some Peruvians still pray and offer sacrifices to Pachamama, the ancient Inca mother earth, sincerely believing that she will help their crops. (Not just the indigenous people believe this- our mayor of Arequipa was involved also.) They also believe in the power of prayer!

I was talking with a local pastor here in Peru when he made the following statement, “I don’t believe in the power of prayer!”

My first reaction was probably the same as yours. “What! Blasphemy! Of course there is power in prayer! It works, doesn’t it? I mean, we all know of miracles being done because of prayer! We need to pray more! The more we pray, the better or faster God will answer! Maybe if we all pray at one time, exactly to the minute, it will work better! Maybe if we do prayer walks and walk around the object we are praying for 7 times, things will happen! Maybe we need to use certain language or words. Maybe…….

The pastor continued, “I don’t believe in the power of prayer, I believe in the power of God!”

Wow, what a paradigm shift!

“It’s just terminology,” you say, “We’re meaning the same thing!” “Don’t be so nicky, picky.”

 

Let’s talk about it. Believing in the “power of prayer” puts the emphasis on the prayer, how it is done, how many people need to help pray, the location, icons that help, etc, etc. There is no end of the ideas that “work”. Look at the religions around you. All have a prayer to pray. All have a method to follow. All have a place to do it or do it toward. Most have a certain time, whether it is yearly, monthly, daily, 5 times a day, 3 times a day, or on certain holidays. All religions believe in the “power of prayer”! Some resort to (hurting themselves while praying [there’s a word for this]) believing God will hear them better.

The power is in the prayer. This is the way of religion. It is about doing. It answers the question of “What can I do to make God do what I want. It puts the power in our hands. It is an attempt to obligate God. We become the bigger god obligating the lesser “God” to do what we want Him to do. And in doing so, we put ourselves in direct violation of the 1^st commandment given to Israel, “Thou shalt have no other God’s before me”.

So what is prayer? It is a way to draw near to God. (Heb.4:16) It is about aligning ourselves with God’s revealed will in His word and our request and petitions aligning with the same. (Matt.6:9-13) It’s an avenue of communication to God in faith (Matt.21:22; James 1:6), with patience (Luke 18:1–8), in obedience (Ps. 66:18; 1 Pet. 3:12), and in submission to God’s greater wisdom (Luke 22:42; Rom. 8:28; 1 Pet. 4:19).

Is there a method, though?

Yes! Our Lord taught us how to pray. (Matt 6:9-13)

Is there a place that works?

Yes! Our closet where no one sees. (Matt 6:5-8)

Is there a length of time or how often?

Yes! Without ceasing, praying always. (1 Thes 5:17; Eph 6:18)

Who has the power?

Our Father who hears us in secret. (Matt 6:5-8)

 

So I believe in God, and His power. I believe that he answers prayer. I do not have faith in the prayer itself or its varied pop methods. I do not try to manipulate God to do what I think needs done in my world, my nation, or my family, although I do bring my needs and desire before Him.

He is in control. He holds all things by the word of His power. He has promised to be be with us and provide for our needs. He is directing the affairs of the world to culmination. Everything was created by Him and for His purpose. He alone is worthy of all praise, honor and glory. Amen

So rather than believing in the power of prayer, let’s believe in God. Let’s not get caught up in the christian pop religious forms that subtly imply that there is power in the method. There is not. The power is in God and Him alone. Let us align our prayers, petitions and thanksgivings with Him and with what His purposes are in this world!

 

P.S. This article by far does not cover all aspects of prayer. It was written to expose and push back at the subtle false belief and tendency to put faith in the prayer rather than in God.

-Stan Schrock