We’re focusing on prayer this month. In this last devotion and as a tie-in to next month’s topic of spiritual warfare, we are reminded of the power God has blessed us with when we pray:

IN WORD We live in hostile territory. That’s no surprise; the difficulties of this world get us down often, and they frequently seem designed to do exactly that. There’s nothing random about our trials when we’re on mission with God. A world system inspired by the evil one stands against us. That may seem intimidating, but John reminds us that the One who lives in us is greater than the one who lives in the world (1 John 4:4). Our opposition is really an opportunity to call on the God who saves and delivers and establishes His Kingdom.
When the authorities of this world stand against us, as they did with Peter and John, we can appeal to a higher authority. Prayer is a mighty weapon, not because it is powerful in itself, but because of the power of the One to whom we pray. Remember that as you go through life in this world. Obeying God and living as His servant are difficult tasks. There are many obstacles to faithfulness. But Jesus told His disciples that faith could move obstacles as big as mountains. We can do whatever He calls us to do in the power of prayer.
IN DEED It’s easy to take prayer for granted. It’s so commonly encouraged and God is so readily accessible that we treat prayer like a favor we do for Him; it becomes trivial to us. But the right to communicate with God was bought with a heavy price, and there’s nothing trivial about it. It is a privilege, and it is powerful.
Prayer is the most effective thing a Christian can do. Resolve to recommit to prayer. Let it form the foundation of every day. Begin with it in the morning and end with it at night. Come back to it frequently in every task and every decision required of you. You’ll find that the opposition offered by this world remains fierce; but the victory over it becomes greater and greater. “None can believe how powerful prayer is and what it is able to effect, but those who have learned it by experience.” —Martin Luther (in “God With Us” by Chris Tiegreen)

In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, we are called to pray for kings, leaders, and nations. By our prayers, the course of human history can align with God’s salvation plan. All the great revivals occurred because people came together to pray in unity. Because of prayer, missionary movements were spawned worldwide. We pray for daily needs and God’s protection in our small groups. But how many come together to pray for revival, for nations to be transformed, or for the Lord’s return?
Is ECC known as a praying church? There was once a time it was, when the whole church would gather humbly in prayer. It can be again if only a handful are willing to start a movement of the Lord.
Finish reading E.M. Bounds’ book, “Power Through Prayer,” and learn to exercise the authority and power God has granted us through prayer. Have a power-filled and blessed week! - from Singapore, Pastor Sam