The Power of Prayer: Trusting God’s Will

Often, as I lay in bed in the dark of night, I pray. I think of the names of people on my heart and offer simple prayers to the Lord Jesus Christ, asking Him to assist and guide them on their journey. It is such a blessing to be able to pray whenever it comes to my mind—24/7. I am reminded of the words from James 5:16, which say, "...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

On one hand, I rejoice because of the privilege of praying to my God about anything or anyone. But on the other hand, I think about my personal "unrighteousness." I long for my prayers to be heard and to make a difference. I want them to bear fruit, to have a real impact. Yet, I not only remember James 5:16, but I also recall the words of Romans 3:10: "As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one."

In these moments, I feel stuck. I find myself backed into a corner of my mind, confused. I pray, and I believe, but I wonder: Are my prayers truly "powerful and effective," or are they simply words and wishful thinking uttered by a sinful, unrighteous person?

The truth is, I am sinful and unrighteous. However, as a redeemed believer in Jesus Christ, I am no longer alive to sin but dead to it. Romans 6:11 reminds me: "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." In Christ, I am made new. I can confidently pray and lift my thoughts, hopes, wishes, and even my dreams to the Lord.

I also take comfort in the words of 1 John 4:4: "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." The Holy Spirit, who lives within me, is greater than any doubt or fear. Therefore, in His greatness and righteousness alone, I can pray with confidence, knowing that He will sort through my prayers and minister as He deems best.

So, I pray. I share my thoughts, day or night, by faith that my divine, personal friend, the Righteous Lord Jesus Christ, will work, bless, and do what is best. Prayer is a powerful gift, and when we pray, we align our hearts with God's will.

Please, talk with Jesus—that’s called prayer.