Powerful Prayer Warriors

[klj2425]

I have been thinking a lot about the power of prayer lately, and i have noticed some interesting things in my own life. When I think about the people I know who are what I call "prayer warriors" it strikes me that I feel as though some of their prayers seem to be "answered" more often than others. It is my understanding that individual Christians are uniquely gifted for specific tasks (pastoring, encouragement, hospitality, etc.), but I do not see in scripture where prayer is included in that list. I don't know that I have a specific question in all of this, but any thoughts/scriptures would be appreciated.

[Elbit Pada]

I have been thinking a lot about the power of prayer lately, and i have noticed some interesting things in my own life. When I think about the people I know who are what I call "prayer warriors" it strikes me that I feel as though some of their prayers seem to be "answered" more often than others. It is my understanding that individual Christians are uniquely gifted for specific tasks (pastoring, encouragement, hospitality, etc.), but I do not see in scripture where prayer is included in that list. I don't know that I have a specific question in all of this, but any thoughts/scriptures would be appreciated.

I don't know that I would say some are 'better' pray-ers than others ... I would say that the way people pray, tend to go in line with: 1) their basic personalities (choleric, melancholic, phlegmatic, sanguine) and 2) their spiritual gifts and talents. I think its wrong to want to pray like someone else, because their prayers look or seem to be more powerful, although, I think we are all guilty of that from time to time (or maybe that's just me)

I have observed two very distinct things about prayer:

1) When I pray scripturally (quoting God's Word, from memorization) I see more answered prayer and I am regularly empowered ... stronger;

2) That Paul never prayed for people to be taken out of their trials, tribulations, and troubles (any of their circumstances or situations) ... or for them to be in a better situations or circumstances. He only ever prayed for more power from God, that people would grow deeper and more intimate with God, for people to be more courageous, to stand firm, to depend on truth.

Personally, when I pray this way ... my joy is UNSPEAKABLE !!!

The down side of it, is that when you only pray scripturally (similar to Paul's way) and you are in the company of other people (like you won't pray for 'aunt molly's' sore back to be healed); you WILL be alone in this. I struggled with this for almost the better part of a year ... I just chose NOT to pray out loud. Finally, God said, "enough ... you know how I want you to pray ... do not be afraid; it was a very big step of faith for me. Really, I didn't have much of a choice anyway !!! I knew I had to obey him.

I don't know if that helps at all ... hope so.

[Guest LadyC]

elbit, thank you for your post. i've been kinda whining to God lately that i want to be more effective of a pray-er, because even though i know God is answering prayers for me, i just sound so repetitive to myself, and so whiny. not for my own needs, (i don't seem to have any of my own lately) but for the needs of everyone else.

so two things about your post that really encouraged me.... a guideline for effective prayer, and affirmation that i'm on the right track in a way... i've been frustrated to my wits end at the hours my husband has been working, and quite resentful, but at the same time, i've been praying for God to sustain him and strengthen him against the temptation that i know he struggles with.

and after reading some scriptures this morning, your post kinda goes hand in hand with what i was studying.... that when we pray, God often allows the circumstances to become even more unbearable before delivering us from our trials.... because it tests our faith and makes the victory to come all the sweeter.

[~pearl]

Some are better at praying than others. I think we all go through cycles though. Recently I went through a period where it was hard for me to pray. I guess it could be called laziness? God worked me through this so I am now back to 'my normal' praying self. This laziness came after a period when my mother in law was very sick and I was praying most of my waking hours.

I don't think it's a good idea to compare to others, we all go through the cycles and I believe we become prayer warriors when God decides we are ready.

[GloryToGod!]

Great topic....I have wondered the same myself. I have heard different people pray very eloquent prayers and have thought to myself....why can't I pray like that? Then I have heard simple heartfelt prayers and have seen God move through them. I used to believe that I couldn't pray good enough to pray publicly but the Lord really brought conviction to my heart. I was worrying about what others thought about my prayers. Prideful me!!!! Now that I have that issue cleared up I leave the "answering prayers" part up to Him. IMHO.... I can't say that the more eloquest the prayer the more God listens...that wouldn't be true at all. But yes, God does answer our prayers according to His good will.

[psalmone]

Some people whose senses have been exercised to discern good and evil might be more effective pray-ers, and through receipt of good teaching. These are acquainted with true life and true victory unlike some whose prayers may not truely be mixed with faith. I'd like to flow in prayer more because it's a safe place to be if not the safest, from which our lives can be best ordered.

[psalmone]

Some people whose senses have been exercised to discern good and evil might be more effective pray-ers, and through receipt of good teaching. These are acquainted with true life and true victory unlike some whose prayers may not truely be mixed with faith. I'd like to flow in prayer more because it's a safe place to be if not the safest, from which our lives can be best ordered.

[OneLight]

In the Gospels, we find that Jesus told us that if "two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven" and "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son". We need to realize that we first have to be in His will, asking only for what is in His will. Knowing what the will of the Father is makes prayer seem "eloquent " in how it flows. Even so, we have the Holy Spirit to pray for us, "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

All it takes is a heart that is truly seeking Gods will in the persons life. This means not giving Him choices to choose from, as some do. It means knowing what the word tells us and praying for what is in His word. Talk to him as you would to someone who you knows truly loves you and understands you. Cry to Him, if the Spirit moves you to tears. Allow your communication to be as real as it could ever be, without doubt, and you will have your answers.

I should also tell you that my words do not flow as well as I would like, but when my heart is toward God, He knows what I am saying. It is our heart that he hears, not our words.

Your Brother In Christ,

Alan

[GloryToGod!]

I should also tell you that my words do not flow as well as I would like, but when my heart is toward God, He knows what I am saying. It is our heart that he hears, not our words.

Right on

[patricia1]

I personally believe that there are believers who know how to get a hold of Gods heart better than others only from experience.

I also believe there are people God appoints for specific times of prayer

Just as in a army ther are levels given to each soldier. Some are on the front lines..others are not.

Then there are those who are watchmen

There are anointings for every occassion.

There are those that are ready to pray anytime anywhere and are faithful to be called upon.

Then there is just plain talking to God...I call that prayer.

Personal prayer is different than coporal

My prayer sometimes is just plain listening to Jesus.. prayer is a two way street. patricia1