MIGHTY PRAYER

 

I am certain that most of us know the importance of praying in faith to receive that which we ask for. The Saviour demonstrated this through the incident of the fig tree which withered at His word before the eyes of the disciples. After teaching them the power of faith he added: “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matt 21:19-22)

There is something that makes prayers even more powerful and mighty than faith. It is not just faith but faith in Jesus Christ. Two examples of this come to mind.

During his interlude with God, Enoch pleaded with Him that He would have ‘mercy upon Noah and his seed’ (Moses 7:50) but he did so in the most powerful way that a prayerful plea should ever be uttered. He said: “I ask Thee, O Lord, in the name of thine Only Begotten, even Jesus Christ, that thou wilt….”(v50).

In other words, he did not use Jesus' name as an ending afterthought, like we are accustomed to do so at the end of our prayers. He began with the Saviour’s name as an acknowledgement of his faith in the source of power through which his petition can be answered.

As a result of his faith in the Saviour and the power of His name, God could not withhold from covenanting with Enoch that He would grant his petition (v51). So powerful did Enoch become in speaking ‘the word of the Lord’ that the earth trembled and the mountains fled (v13). Which word? Without a doubt, he commanded the mountains to flee in the name of Jesus Christ.

My second example is Alma and Amulek who delivered themselves from prison.  Consider the powerful expression of Alma’s faith in Jesus Christ by which a miracle of freedom was brought about: “O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance….” And “the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were rent in twain….and Alma and Amulek, came forth out of the prison, and they were not hurt; for the Lord had granted unto them power, according to their faith which was in Christ”  (Alma 14:26-28).

The mountains of our lives can crumble at the mention of His name and the prison doors of suffering can open. My testimony of this truth is based on experience. I have written of this before but I will mention it briefly here. During the greatest trial of my life, my heart was broken in pieces. My petition to God was not for help but for a healing and the prayer went like this: “Through my faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the His Atonement, I ask for a healing of my broken heart…..” I wanted to acknowledge that I knew that true healing can only come through the saving grace of Christ…. and the healing came.

The Saviour should never be an afterthought in our prayers, let alone in our lives. The very mention of His name should inspire in us confidence, faith, hope and reverence. If you want power in your life, you know where to find it. You are one of the privileged in the world who possess such knowledge.

 

I will look for Thee in faith

My Lord and my God;

When I am oppressed,

When I am unloved,

When I am wronged.

 

I will look for Thee

When I can walk no more;

And I will find Thee,

The Saviour of my soul,

Thou who waits for those who call

On Thy name

To renew their strength,

To save them from their fall.

 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Precious Little Ones by Danny Hahlbohm)