Jesus' Teachings About the Power of Prayer

In the Bible Prayer is Second in Importance After the Topic of Love

Nov 11, 2009

Christians can learn from spiritual giants of any era. In his writings, Rev. Andrew Murray shared his perspective on Jesus' teachings. This is what he wrote about prayer.

Andrew Murray was a 19th century missionary to South Africa and a godly pastor. He was also a prolific writer whose lessons stretch through the decades to touch Christians today. Five of his works can be found online at Project Gutenberg.

In his book, With Christ in the School of Prayer, Murray explains the lessons Jesus’ taught his disciples about prayer. Although it was written about 100 years ago, the truths it contains are timeless and will benefit any believer who wants to grow closer to God.

Who Can Capture the Ear of God? The Power of Prayer is Available to Anyone

The first lesson in the book is a simple one: anyone can pray. A child uttering monosyllabic words is just as capable of communicating with the Creator as a mature theologian who teaches others about God. Regardless of the individual’s age, talents, education or experience, Murray believed that having the kind of relationship which engenders intimate conversations with the Divine was the ultimate goal of humanity.

“The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.” (James 5:16, The Message) For a prayer to be powerful, Murray says it must meet the following requirements:

*According to Murray, God hears only one prayer from a sinner, the prayer of confession of sin and asking forgiveness.

The Purpose of Prayer, Redefined by Murray

Christians often see prayer as a means of maintaining their relationship with God, and so it is. Yet Murray saw it as something far more important. He wrote, “But when we learn to regard it as the highest part of the work entrusted to us, the root and strength of all other work, we shall see that there is nothing that we so need to study and practise [sic] as the art of praying aright.”

Murray goes on to say that God waits for Christians to pray, asking whatever they will, in the name of Jesus, and it will be done. However this is not the same as the “name it and claim it” message that gained widespread popularity with television evangelists and people who desire riches. Murray’s understanding of this truth includes requirements of the prayer and the pray-er.

First, power with God through prayer is the result of a holy life. A person who prays such prayers is not asking for material things or selfish desires. The heart of this type of person is motivated to ask for spiritual things and does not limit God. Becoming such a person requires time, commitment, and an honest desire to know God better.

In the Gospel, the disciples said to Jesus, “Teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1) This request must be the heart cry of every individual who wants to know God better. When a believer says, “Teach me to pray.” God honors his or her request.

This is a universal truth; God hears prayers. What happens next is a bit of a mystery. Some people say God has three answers: yes, no and maybe or wait. Yet that is not what the Bible says. The Scriptures unequivocally state, “If ye abide in me, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 14:13,14 and 15:7, 16:23)

So there is a catch, a safeguard. The prayers that are prayed by a person who abides in God are godly prayers. These prayers:

When a person prays in these ways, his or her prayers are an act of love. Such prayers model the prayer of Jesus who is the example that Christians strive to follow.

The copyright of the article Jesus' Teachings About the Power of Prayer in Protestantism is owned by Mistie Shaw. Permission to republish Jesus' Teachings About the Power of Prayer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.