The Power of Prayer
National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance designated by Congress in 1952 and is held on the first Thursday of May, when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation”. The president is required by law to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. But for many Christians every day is prayer day. We talked to Justin Coleman, The Salvation Army Orange County’s Director of Development, who beams when he talks about the power of prayer.
Ask for what you need
God wants you to pray and ask Him for what you need and be specific. In essence, James 4:1-3 tells us that you must come to God for help and understand that:
- If you don’t ask God, He cannot give you what you want, and:
- When you ask, God will answer according to His perfect will. Only God knows what is righteous and His will be done.
That said, you will not necessarily get what you think you need. God knows what you truly need and His ways aren’t always our ways. Think of the power of praying, “Thy will be done” in the Lord’s Prayer, and emphasize those words when saying this wonderful pray that makes everything holy. 1 John 5:14 states, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
An example of answered prayer
Recently Justin’s sister was about to be forced to leave her rehab program because insurance would no longer approve the cost. Justin, his family, and his prayer team prayed to keep the door open for her. Not only did they find a way for insurance to pay, but also, the facility gave her a job, which helped her not only pay for the services but feel valuable and wanted. Look at what God has done!
Journal
Justin has kept a prayer journal since 2007 so he can log his requests and see how God has worked in his life. The power of prayer is unlimited! Pray in your own words, share your thoughts with God, and open your heart to His wishes.