Hattie’s Hangout: Never Underestimate the Power of Prayer

After witnessing thousands of faith-based Christians gather Saturday afternoon under one mission in the name of Jesus Christ through prayer, Paul’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 became a reality.

Pray without ceasing.

The Prayer March 2020 in Washington, D.C. stands as an example of the importance and necessity of prayer in the lives of all Christians as we come before our Father with thanksgiving and petitions. How gracious is the love of God to assure to those who call upon and believe in his name a confidence that he listens?

A nation that stands on the foundation of prayer can do far more than any work of man. However, if prayer is pushed aside as an afterthought and our opinions are the first words to come out of our lips, we will be in trouble. 

The command to pray to the God of the universe is one we must not take lightly, as it is an essential part of every Christian’s daily life. The right to exercise this publicly is one I hope I never take for granted. The power of prayer should never be overrated, for if all we do is pray, we are doing everything we should do.

Theologian and pastor Charles Spurgeon once said in a sermon, “Prayer has become as essential to me as the heaving of my lungs and the beating of my pulse.”

As thousands marched from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol Building, prayers for repentance, conviction and salvation were uttered up into the air with every breath. Spanning the two-mile stretch, I saw hands locked together and heads bowed in reverence to the Lord whose sovereign will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Knowing how important prayer is, how many times do we forget to pray first? Before we read the Holy Bible, do we pray for softened hearts and listening ears? During our study of Scripture, do we pray for discernment and understanding? And after, do we pray for change in heart and clear application? 

When Jesus died on the cross and “the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom,” (Mark 15:38) God made a way through Christ’s death for us to stand in the presence of God, allowing us full freedom to pray to him anytime.

Then what holds us back from drawing near to the throne of grace with full assurance and faith in prayer to the Lord asking for guidance and wisdom, as it says in Hebrews 10:19-22?

Let prayer be the first thing that comes out of our mouth, not the last. 

As I marched down the National Mall, with a full heart I looked around to see thousands unified under the truth that prayer is everything. Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr. knew this when he said, “Nothing of eternal significance happens apart from prayer.”

We pray not expecting to change God’s will but believing our prayer to be a part of his will. 

No feel-good devotional or repetitive worship song can ever supplement the necessity and sufficiency that prayer brings to our hearts before the King of Kings.  

We need God’s help today and every day, returning to the Lord for him to heal us (Hosea 6:1). With a nation struck down with fear and anger, pray for healing and pray for the hearts of our leaders and citizens to turn to God with confidence that he will listen and answer. 

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quit life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Prayer changes everything. Believe in it and never doubt it. 

Hattie Troutman is the Editor-in-Chief. Follow her on twitter at @hattrout.