OneLoveSample

Your prayer matters

Whenever I read this passage I’m struck by Jesus’ response to the disciples upon finding them sleeping. Elsewhere in the gospels we find him very patient and gentle with them yet here He almost seems just a bit frustrated at their inability to pray for Him in His time of need. Have you ever wondered why He would respond in this way? I believe it is because Jesus believed in the power of their prayer. Jesus believed that their prayer would change something about the situation He was going through. Jesus believed their prayer over there would change something over here. I wonder if the disciples would have remained awake and praying if they had believed in the power of their own prayer, if they had believed that God hears their prayer and if they had believed that their prayer over here changes something over there.

Do you believe in the power of your prayer? Do you believe your prayer over here changes something over there?

Prayer response:

1. Pray that God will help you grow in your understanding of the power of your prayer, that God hears your prayer, and that your prayer changes things. Ask God to help you develop a healthy prayer life and that you would not be found asleep at the times He has called you to pray.
2. Pray for someone you know who is going through a difficult time. Pray that God would give them wisdom and comfort, that they would taste and see that God is good in the midst of their struggle. Ask God to show you if there is something practical you can do to help and demonstrate love toward your friend.
3. Commit to a daily time of prayer. Make an appointment in your diary for this or use your cell phone to schedule a daily reminder. If you haven’t already got one, we would encourage you to keep a prayer journal, writing down what you pray for each day.

*Write down the names of five people who are not currently in a relationship with Jesus and commit to praying for some of them each day for (at least) the duration of this prayer devotional. You may want to put their names up somewhere where you will see them regularly as a reminder to pray for them throughout the day.