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Does Prayer make a Difference?

The Bible has many examples of the power of prayer. At Praying Singles, however, we also believe in the power of action. James 3:20 states 'Faith without works is dead'. Could this also be interpreted as 'Faith without action is dead'? If we as Christians have faith, but do not act on God's Will, what does it tell us about our faith?

When someone asks you to pray for them, they are putting their trust in you. Show them how important they are to you by praying.

In Acts 3:2-7, Peter and John were entering the temple when a lame man asked them for alms. Peter replied 'Silver and Gold I do not have, but what I do have I will give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk'. Peter then took the man by the arm and helped him to his feet. The Bible states 'as he rose to his feet, his ankles and legs were healed'. Whose faith healed the man? Would he have been healed if Peter had not truly believed and without questioning the results of his statement reached down to help the man up?

Praying

God gives us several ways to pray. Just as we should not live our lives in complete solitude, we should not live our prayer lives in complete solitude.

Personal

Mathew 6:6 - But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.

With Others

Mathew 18:19-20 - Jesus said "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

For Others (Spiritual and Health)

Colossians 1:9-12 - For this cause we also, since the day we heard, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that you might walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every work and increasing in the knowledge of God, being empowered with all power, according to the might of His glory, to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness, giving thanks to the Father, who has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.

James 5:14-15 - Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

How to Pray

There is no 'magic' formula for prayer. We don't have to say certain things for God to do something. Prayer is simply talking with God. All you have to do is tell God what your concerns are and ask Him for help.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

If you want an example of a prayer, read Matthew 6:9-13. This passage is known as the Lord’s prayer. This is not a prayer we are to memorize and recite to God. It is an example of the things that should go into a prayer – worship, trust in God, requests, confession, protection, etc. Pray for these things, but use your own heartfelt words.