We’re focusing on prayer this month. In this second devotion, we’ll learn how our vision of prayer may be much too small, and that expanding prayer to its biblical breadth can have life-changing impact:

IN WORD Sometimes we pray small prayers. Is it that we question God’s ability to answer the big ones? Or do we believe we’re only worthy to receive small answers? Either way, we’re misunderstanding the heart of God. He is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20), and He doesn’t base His answers on our worthiness.
When we pray small prayers, we are underestimating God. God has big plans. His mission began with a handful of disciples and a vision as big as the world. Big prayers were essential to accomplish such all-encompassing plans. The disciples knew they were not equal to the task, but they also knew that God was more than equal to it. Those two pieces of knowledge are the fuel for any prayer life.
If we understand who we are and what we’ve been called to do, and we understand the God who has redeemed us and commissioned us, then we will spend much of our time on our knees. We will ask for a lot because God promises a lot. The disciples did that in Acts 4. They asked for healing and miraculous signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. They wanted Him to be glorified and for people to believe. They wanted the Kingdom of God to cover the territory of earth. And they knew that only God could do such a thing.

IN DEED How big is your prayer life? That’s not a question that asks how long or how passionately you pray. It’s a question that asks how much faith is involved when you talk to your Father. Do you seek Him with huge tasks and for huge answers? Or do you ask only for small, personal victories that will make your life easier but do little to further His Kingdom? Develop a vision for the Kingdom of God. See how enormous and sweeping His mission is, and ask accordingly. Be prepared for Him to use you far beyond your capabilities. Why? Because a God of miracles delights in making a miracle of His people. God shapes the world by prayer. —E. M. Bounds (in “God With Us” by Chris Tiegreen)

When people of faith pray, it is a fragrant offering to God that ushers His power to be manifest in our physical world (Revelation 5:8). Prayer has healed the sick, set prisoners free, saved cities from destruction, and brought the gospel to faraway lands. The question is whether or not we are just using prayer only for our own needs – or drawing its full power to further God’s Kingdom as we are led by the Spirit to pray. Continue to read E.M. Bounds’ book, “Power Through Prayer,” and make an impact far greater than you can ever imagine. Have a power-filled and blessed week! - from Singapore, Pastor Sam