Unlocking God's Power in Your Life

In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, many believers find themselves questioning whether their prayers actually make a difference. The truth is, God wants you to experience powerful, result-producing prayer that brings heaven's solutions to earth's problems.

What Does It Mean to Pray with Results?

Prayer isn't just about going through religious motions or reciting beautiful words. True prayer is about releasing God's power into real-life situations. When David Green started Hobby Lobby with just $600, he attributed his success to one simple principle: "We worked hard, and God gave the results."

This is the essence of praying with results - partnering with God's power to see His will accomplished on earth as it is in heaven.

Why Don't Some Prayers Get Answered?

The Problem Isn't God

Many people assume that unanswered prayers mean God is unwilling or unable to help. However, Scripture reveals that God's promises are "yes and amen." The variable isn't God's willingness - it's often our approach to prayer.

Faith Is the Key Component

Hebrews 11:6 makes it clear: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Notice that God is described as a "rewarder" - He wants to give you results.

The problem comes when we try to define faith by our traditions, convenience, or preferences rather than by God's Word.

What Makes Prayer Powerful?

It's Not About Performance

Many people fall into the trap of thinking their prayers need to be long, eloquent, or accompanied by great sacrifice to be effective. This is religious thinking, not biblical faith. Romans 3:10 reminds us that "none is righteous, no not one." Our power in prayer doesn't come from our goodness but from Jesus' righteousness.

Faith Must Be Put to Work

James 2:26 tells us that "faith without works is dead." This doesn't mean we earn salvation through works, but rather that faith must be activated. Faith that isn't put to work is dormant - it does nothing.

When you have faith, you must:

• Say something (pray)
• Do something (take corresponding action)
• Let go (trust God with the outcome)

How Do You Activate Faith in Prayer?

Use Simple, Focused Prayers

Jesus said that even mustard seed-sized faith can move mountains. You don't need elaborate prayers - you need activated faith. Simple two-word prayers like "Help me," "Heal them," or "Provide now" can be incredibly powerful when prayed in faith.

Take Corresponding Action

Faith requires corresponding action. If you're praying for a job but don't show up for interviews, your faith isn't working. If you're praying for healing but won't follow medical advice, you're not partnering with God's provision.

Learn to Let Go

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is get out of God's way. Stop trying to control every detail and trust Him with the outcome. What you're willing to let go of determines what you're able to take hold of.

What About Long-Term Prayer Requests?

A Real-Life Example of Persistent Faith

Consider this powerful testimony: A family prayed for their father for decades. He struggled with addiction, anger, and destructive choices that eventually required them to separate from him for their own wellbeing. They continued praying simple prayers: "Father, we commit dad into your hands. You're able to draw him to yourself."

After 17 years of separation and consistent prayer, this father walked through their door as a completely transformed man - free from addiction, serving God, and helping others find freedom.

The Power of Generational Faith

This man's mother had prayed Acts 16:31 over all her children: "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved, and your household." Even though some lived broken lives, every single one of her 13 children eventually came to faith in Jesus.

What Hinders Powerful Prayer?

Religious Tradition Over Biblical Truth

Jesus warned about prayers that are "useless" because they substitute human traditions for God's truth. When we pray according to religious rules rather than biblical faith, we limit God's power in our lives.

Trying to Control the Process

Many people pray but then try to orchestrate the answer themselves. This is like trying to perform surgery while the doctor operates - you get in the way of the very help you're seeking.

Focusing on Problems Instead of God's Power

Faith needs to focus on what makes it strong, not on everything that's wrong. When you constantly rehearse problems instead of God's promises, you weaken your faith rather than strengthen it.

How Can You Start Praying with Results Today?

Recognize Your Need for God

Isaiah 40:29 says God "gives strength to the weary and to him who has no might He increases power." Humility - acknowledging your need for God - positions you to receive His strength.

Partner with the Holy Spirit

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would help us pray. Romans 8:26 tells us the Spirit helps our weaknesses and intercedes for us. Don't try to pray in your own strength - invite the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers.

Pray According to God's Will

The Lord's Prayer gives us a perfect template: "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." When we align our prayers with God's will, we can pray with confidence and expect results.

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to move from religious prayer to result-producing prayer. Instead of long, elaborate prayers, practice simple, faith-filled requests. Choose one specific situation in your life that needs God's intervention and commit to praying about it daily using these principles:

1. Pray simple, specific prayers in Jesus' name
2. Take whatever corresponding action God shows you
3. Trust God with the timing and method of His answer
4. Focus on His goodness rather than the problem

Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I praying with expectation of results, or just going through religious motions?
• What corresponding actions is God asking me to take alongside my prayers?
• What do I need to "let go of" so I can "take hold of" God's answer?
• How can I align my prayers more closely with God's will rather than my own preferences?

Remember, God wants to answer your prayers more than you want them answered. He's not the variable in the equation - your faith is. Start praying with results today, and watch as heaven's power transforms your earthly circumstances.

-Dr. Stephen Marshall