The Power of Prayer

“None can believe how powerful prayer is, and what it is able to effect, but those who have learned it by experience. It is a great matter when in extreme need to take hold on prayer.” – Martin Luther

This week’s quote by the great Reformer Martin Luther reminds us that prayer is powerful and is the primary thing when we face extreme needs. We often think of Luther as a Reformer and teacher of Scripture – and he was those things – but he was also known for a great life of prayer.  Throughout his life, he faced great danger and difficulty and learned to cry out to God during these times of extreme need. He wrestled with the Devil through nights of prayer, crying out to God for deliverance, courage, and strength. He prayed for safety, guidance, and wisdom to lead in the Reformation. And he prayed for God to bring revival and awakening to His Church and among the lost.

We may not have the same needs as Luther, but we all have great needs! We have situations in our lives, in our families, and in our church that cry out for prayer. We all live in a culture that needs a great outpouring of the Spirit of God. Nothing else will avail in the face of these needs. No earthly wisdom or power can bring the change for which we long. But if we cry out in prayer – alone and together, night and day, with fervency and consistency – we will be amazed to see how God will work.

May God remind us in the face of our great needs, not to trust in our own strength but to fall to our knees in prayer. 

In Christ,

Bret