There is power in prayer – great power. “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working,” James wrote (5:16). Yet while many of us believe in “the power of prayer”, I’m not sure we realize just how great it really is. Too often, we measure its power based on getting what we want – the job, the grade, the relief, or the cure – but there is so much more going on when we pray. While imprisoned, the Apostle Paul wrote that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). There is a very real unseen world impacting our daily lives – and prayer is the powerful weapon God has given us to respond to it.
Burdened over his people’s plight and physically weak after a three-week fast, the prophet Daniel felt spent: “For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me” (Dan. 10:17). Yet when a heavenly messenger appeared to him, it became clear just what power the prophet had unleashed through prayer: “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…” (Dan. 10:12-13).
The very real-world problems Daniel faced were reflections of a greater struggle in the heavenly places. Yet because Daniel prayed and fasted, humbly seeking God’s will – it led to a breakthrough. Daniel’s words were heard. His weakness from the fast wasn’t a waste: those three weeks were exactly the time needed for Michael to come help. While this vision undoubtedly leaves us with a ton of unanswered questions, one thing is crystal clear: the prayers of God’s people matter. They make a difference in the cosmic struggle – and give us strength.
“And he said, ’O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.’ And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, ‘Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me’” (Dan. 10:19). Our prayers position us to receive God’s strength. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might”, Paul wrote (Eph. 6:10). When we take up the “whole armor of God” and are “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” – God provides us with strength greater than any struggle we may find ourselves in (Eph. 6:13-18). That is the power – the great power – of our prayers.
God wants to strengthen us. Let’s get to work with “Stronger”.