Prayer changes things. But do we really believe in the power of prayer?
It is so easy to underestimate the effectiveness of prayer – I know that I have in the past. But last week I felt the power of prayer.
I had a flair up from an old back injury and usually when this happens, it could last for a couple of weeks before it calms down. I let a few people know and they started praying for a quick recovery. And I was amazed at how quickly my back recovered and I didn’t miss a day of work.
Letting people know is not my usual way of operating. I am a bit of a loner when it comes to prayer requests – I suppose I think that I can just as easily speak to God – why do I need other people to do that too?
It seems that God has orchestrated prayer to have increased power when believers pray for each other. I certainly experienced its extra effectiveness this week. It’s good to remind ourselves of the power of prayer on a regular basis – that is why I am sharing ten of my most favorite quotes on prayer…
- Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? – Corrie ten Boom
- If you spend time praying for people instead of talking about them, you’ll get better results – Toby McKeehan (TobyMac, Christian recording artist)
- To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing – Martin Luther
- God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil. – Mother Teresa
- Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:13-16 ESV
- When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don’t, they don’t. – William Temple (Archbishop of Canterbury,1944)
- There is nothing that makes us love a man so much as praying for him. – William Law (Priest, 18th century)
- You are never more like Jesus than when you pray for others – Max Lucado
- Pursue intimacy with God by praying for others – Rick Sarthou (pastor)
- I have benefited by praying for others; for by making an errand to God for them I have gotten something for myself – Samuel Rutherford (Scottish Presbyterian pastor, 17th century)
Which one is your favorite quote? Or is there another quote you love? Please share!
I live in New Zealand with my husband and three young adult sons. I write about growing in faith, prayer and developing your potential. Check out my book: Delighting in the Names of God: 8 Weeks to a Deeper Prayer Life and download 7 Steps to Seeing God in the Midst of your Real Messy Life free!
Excellent quotes on prayer, Rachel. My favorite is the one from William Temple: “When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don’t, they don’t.” I am amazed that God would choose to partner with us to get things done as we pray and he works miracles.
Hey Marlys – thanks! Awesome quote by William Temple – it’s so true!