Pray for Strength: The Kind That Comes From God

Pray for Strength: The Kind That Comes From God

As human beings, we frequently find ourselves in situations where we need strength to overcome challenges or accomplish certain tasks. It could be a difficult exam, a health issue, a job interview, or a family crisis. In such moments, it is important to remember that God is the source of all strength, and to turn to Him in prayer for the kind of strength that only He can provide.

What Does It Mean to Pray for Strength?

When we pray for strength, we are essentially asking God to give us the power and ability to do something that we cannot do on our own. This could be physical strength, mental strength, emotional strength, or spiritual strength. We are acknowledging that we are weak and in need of help, and we are turning to God as our source of strength.

However, it is important to note that when we pray for strength, we must also be willing to do our part. We cannot simply sit back and wait for God to do everything for us. We must take action, make an effort, and trust that God will provide the strength we need to accomplish our goals.

The Importance of Praying for the Right Kind of Strength

It is one thing to pray for strength, but it is another thing entirely to pray for the right kind of strength. As Christians, our top priority should always be to strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with God. When we pray for strength, we should be asking God to help us become more like Jesus, to grow in wisdom and knowledge, and to become better equipped to serve Him and others.

However, it is easy to fall into the trap of praying for the wrong kind of strength. We may pray for material or temporal blessings, or for the strength to pursue our own desires and ambitions. While there is nothing inherently wrong with these things, they should not be our primary focus. Instead, we should seek to align our desires with God's will and pray for the kind of strength that will help us fulfill His purposes for our lives.

What Does the Bible Say About Strength?

The concept of strength is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we see numerous examples of God's strength being made perfect in human weakness. Here are just a few examples:

• Isaiah 40:29: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."


• 2 Corinthians 12:9: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."


• Philippians 4:13: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."


• Psalm 18:32: "It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure."

These verses remind us that God is the ultimate source of strength, and that we can do nothing apart from Him. When we pray for strength, we are acknowledging our dependence on God and inviting His power to work in and through us.

How to Pray for Strength

So, how can we pray for the kind of strength that comes from God? Here are a few tips:

1. Pray with humility.

When we pray for strength, we must remember that we are not in control. We must humble ourselves before God and acknowledge that without Him, we can do nothing. As Jesus said in John 15:5, "Apart from me you can do nothing."

2. Pray with faith.

When we pray for strength, we must also pray with faith, believing that God is able and willing to provide what we need. As James 1:6-7 says, "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord."

3. Pray with surrender.

When we pray for strength, we must be willing to surrender our own will and desires to God's will. We must trust that He knows what is best for us and that He will provide the strength we need to fulfill His purposes. As Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42).

4. Pray with perseverance.

When we pray for strength, we must also be persistent in our prayers. We cannot simply pray once and expect God to answer immediately. We must continue to pray and seek God's strength, even when it seems like He is silent or not answering our prayers. As Jesus said in Luke 18:1, "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."

In Conclusion

Praying for strength is an important part of the Christian life. It reminds us of our dependence on God and invites His power to work in and through us. When we pray for strength, let us remember to pray for the kind of strength that comes from God, and let us be willing to surrender our own will and desires to His will. As we do so, we will find that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, and we will be better equipped to serve Him and others.