The Extraordinary Power of Prayer: Transforming Your Relationship with God

The Greatest Thing You Could Do Today

Walking up a mountain alone. But it’s no ordinary mountain. The ground beneath you is shaking, and the entire mountain is covered in smoke. At its peak is a thick cloud with lightning and thunder. God descends onto the mountain in fire, and each time you speak to him, he responds in thunder. This is what Moses experienced in Exodus 19.

Now compare that experience to your last time in prayer.

Distracted, obligatory, ordinary — I doubt any such words came across Moses’s mind as he ascended the mountain. But some three thousand years later, we rarely marvel that God permits imperfect humans into his presence.

How did the shocking become so ordinary to us? Is it even possible for our experiences with God to be that fascinating?

Going Up the Mountain

A mentor of mine lives in India. Last year, he called me on the phone crying, distraught over the state of the church in America. He had been watching the news and seeing reports of declining faith and moral decay. He asked me, “What can I do to help?”

I paused for a moment, considering the weight of his question. Then I replied, “The greatest thing you could do today is to pray.”

Prayer: Ordinary or Extraordinary?

Prayer is an extraordinary privilege. It is the means by which finite creatures commune with the infinite Creator. We have direct access to the throne room of God, where we can pour out our hearts, seek his guidance, and experience his presence. Yet, how often do we treat prayer as ordinary? How often do we approach it with a distracted or obligatory mindset?

Imagine if we approached prayer with the same awe and reverence as Moses ascending Mount Sinai. Imagine if we truly believed that when we pray, God hears us and responds with power. Our prayer lives would be transformed. Our churches would be transformed. Our world would be transformed.

Experiencing the Extraordinary

So, how do we recapture the extraordinary nature of prayer? How do we make our experiences with God truly fascinating?

1. Recognize the Privilege

Take a moment to reflect on the incredible privilege of prayer. We have been invited into the presence of the Almighty God. We can approach him as our loving Father, knowing that he desires to hear our voices and respond to our requests. Let this truth sink in and let it fuel your passion for prayer.

2. Engage with Scripture

The Bible is filled with examples of extraordinary encounters with God through prayer. Take time to read and meditate on these stories. Study the prayers of Moses, Elijah, David, and Jesus. Allow their experiences to inspire and guide your own prayer life. Let their faith and boldness challenge you to pray with greater expectation.

3. Cultivate a Listening Heart

Prayer is not just about speaking to God; it is also about listening to him. Create space in your prayer time to be still and listen for God’s voice. He may speak through his Word, through a gentle impression on your heart, or through the wise counsel of others. Be open and attentive to the ways in which God may want to communicate with you.

4. Embrace the Power of Corporate Prayer

While personal prayer is important, there is something extraordinary about coming together with other believers to pray. Jesus promises that where two or three are gathered in his name, he is present with them (Matthew 18:20). Find opportunities to join with others in prayer, whether it be in your local church, a prayer group, or a virtual gathering. Experience the power of unified prayer.

5. Pray Boldly and Persistently

God delights in our boldness and persistence in prayer. Jesus tells us to ask, seek, and knock, and promises that the Father will respond (Matthew 7:7-8). Don’t be afraid to pray audacious prayers, believing that God is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Keep praying and trusting God, even when it seems like your prayers are unanswered. He is always at work, even in the waiting.

Conclusion: The Extraordinary Awaits

Dear reader, the extraordinary awaits you in prayer. Don’t settle for a mundane and ordinary experience. Approach prayer with awe and reverence, knowing that you have been invited into the presence of the Almighty God. Engage with Scripture, cultivate a listening heart, embrace the power of corporate prayer, and pray boldly and persistently. May your prayer life be transformed, and may you experience the extraordinary power and presence of God in your life.

So, what is the greatest thing you could do today? The answer is clear: Pray.