Do you know Sceva’s seven sons? Have you met them? You will not be able to meet them in the flesh but you’ll find them in the Bible. They were fascinated by Paul and his actions. They saw the power of prayer in action and wanted it for themselves. They got a whipping instead. You can read about it at Acts 19:11–16.
The sons of Sceva were interested in the power of prayer that they saw manifested through Paul’s prayer. However, they were not interested in Jesus through whom Paul prayed, nor God. They did not even know Jesus Christ.
Power of Prayer or Power?
Unfortunately, we still find that in this day, in and out the church, many are fascinated by the power of prayer. Why is this unfortunate? This is not accompanied by a fascination with God and Jesus Christ though whom we pray. Now as then, the thirst for power is greater than the thirst for the God of prayer.
This is not to suggest that the power of prayer is a mirage. We are told in James 5:16 that “the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” We can conclude that the awesome power of prayer is real. It is exaggerated when we leave God and righteousness aside and focus on power for the sake of power.
The Power of Prayer of the Righteous
There are some things that go with being righteous:
- Relationship. There is a relationship with God who is perfecting you and changing you into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
- A desire to do what God wants as Jesus did. What God wants becomes what nourishes you.
- A concern for the welfare of others. This moves you from self-centered praying that is centered in God and God’s love for the world.
Thus, when the righteous pray, they are not concerned with the power of prayer. You focus on God. You pray to God in love, seeking to pray as God wants and leads, in an all-encompassing way. Prayer is surrendered. Why do you do this?
The Power of Prayer
The power of prayer resides with God, the one who answers prayer. When God uses you and God answers prayer, God does so in mercy and grace. There is no supernatural power residing in you. Neither is there any obligation for God to answer.
Confusion comes when you just go off and pray as you want without any reference to what God wants. The power of prayer becomes exaggerated when you seek to pray in manipulative way, as I discuss in How to Pray: Living Wholly Through Honest, Surrendered, Heart Praying.
The awesome power of prayer is real. However, it can be exaggerated when we focus on the power instead of the God to whom we pray. Are you seeking God or power?
Experiencing the shift to clarity and peace through honest, surrendered, whole whole-hearted praying.
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