Unleashing the Power of God Through Prayer

April 20, 2026

I recently had a conversation with a fellow Presbyterian about prayer. I shared that our congregation is deeply committed to prayer and that we regularly see God do miracles. He smiled and said, “My wife believes in the power of prayer. When she prays, miracles happen all the time. But I am skeptical.” His comment made me pause. What would cause someone to remain skeptical even when they see miracles happening around them?

Prayer is a very big deal to the Apostle Paul. He speaks of or sends a prayer 42 times in 16 Letters. Every letter Paul wrote included a prayer or he wrote about the importance of prayer. In the book of Romans alone, he mentions prayer or offers a prayer in six different places. Paul clearly believed that prayer is essential to the Christian life, and to the advance of the Gospel. Today, I want to highlight three of those prayers that help to show us how to unleash the power of God through prayer, in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.

First, Paul prayed with constant thanksgiving and remembrance. In Romans 1:8-10 he writes, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times.” Paul did not pray only when there was a crisis. He remembered the Roman Christians constantly, and thanked God for their faith. When a church begins to practice this kind of steady, thankful prayer, something powerful happens. People feel covered, encouraged, and strengthened. God has been taking our congregation on a journey to learn to pray out loud whenever it seemed necessary, no matter where we might find ourselves. Our congregation reports praying in places they never dreamed, and seeing God change the atmosphere on the spot. It is quite an experience of the power of prayer when you pray in a Walmart aisle, and the person forgets who might be watching, and experiences peace they never expected.

Second, Paul prayed for the salvation of others. In Romans 10:1 he says, “Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” Paul’s heart broke for people who did not yet know Christ. He did not simply hope they would come to faith; he prayed earnestly for their salvation. This kind of prayer moves the heart of God. When we pray consistently for family members, friends, coworkers, or neighbors who do not yet know Jesus, we join Paul in the same urgent work. Who do you know that needs a prayer for faith? The more we pray for the lost, the more we see God open doors and soften hearts.

Third, Paul asked others to pray for him in his ministry. In Romans 15:30 he urges, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.” Paul knew he could not do the work God had given him in his own strength. He needed the prayer support of other believers. When a church rallies to pray for its leaders and its mission, God’s power is unleashed in remarkable ways. I covet my congregation’s prayer for me, my family, and my ministry. If you are involved in ministry, get people to pray for you. Your minister needs every prayer you can send out for him/her.

These three prayers from Paul give us a clear pattern. We are to pray with thanksgiving, pray for the salvation of others, and pray for God’s ministry leaders. Prayer is not a religious duty we check off a list. It is the way we release the power of God into every situation. When we pray, we invite the Holy Spirit to move in ways we cannot accomplish on our own. We become partners with God in His work of redemption and restoration.

Which of Paul’s three prayers speaks most strongly to you right now? Who in your life needs you to pray for their salvation? In what area of your life or your church do you sense the need for more prayer support? This week, how will you make prayer a more consistent part of your daily walk with God?

Make time each day to thank God, to pray for the lost, and to lift up the work of His kingdom. As you do, you are giving God an invitation to come and make your prayers a reality, and He will be glorified.