The power of Prayer in a Young Person's Life

ANCHOR SCRIPTURES

Acts 12:5
“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”

Luke 18:1
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.”


INTRODUCTION

One apostle was kept in prison, and because no one prayed for him, he was beheaded. But Peter was different — the church prayed for him without ceasing, and God moved on his behalf.

Prayer will invite an angel in human form to come to you. The man who prays draws closer to God.

How many of us have heard the voice of God? Let us consider what prayer does in the life of a young person.


SIX BENEFITS OF PRAYER


1. PRAYER HELPS YOU HEAR FROM GOD

If you want to see how God spoke to people, it was through prayer. In the manner you understand, God will talk to you. But when you pray, God gets closer to you.

How many of you want to hear the voice of God? Then learn to pray.


2. PRAYER RELIEVES YOU OF STRESS AND ANXIETY

There is a burden troubling you — you cast it to God through prayer. Moses started praying by crying at the riverside, and a woman had mercy on him. When you are overwhelmed, prayer is the place to go.


3. PRAYER PROVIDES DIVINE DIRECTION

Prayer will direct you. It is not science or visual art that leads your steps — it is prayer. Prayer helps you navigate your way through life when the road ahead is unclear.


4. PRAYER INVITES MIRACLES

There is a difference between a miracle and magic. A snake can be beheaded and reattached — that is magic. So many magicians are now posing as pastors, and if you are not careful, you will mistake magic for miracle.

Pharaoh performed magic — it was a snake. Moses performed a miracle — it was also a snake. To distinguish between the two, you must be a person of prayer.

Illustration: There was an interview, and one candidate arrived late but did not skip the queue. The manager noticed his composure and selected him first. A pastor worked with white men and his phone was off, but because of prayer, they sent a car to pick him. Prayer opens doors and arranges what no human effort can.


5. PRAYER BRINGS EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL HEALING

There are some sicknesses that doctors only manage. Doctors may give you words of comfort — “you will be okay” — but prayer can heal you completely.

Illustration: There was a woman who was told she would die. But one day, as she was mopping and praying and singing, she started to flow blood. She was carried to the hospital and the doctors asked, “Who performed this surgery? You are healed.”

Personally, I liked fufu but had a stomach problem. Thanks to God, that problem is no more — so I can eat fufu as much as I like, with hot pepper.


6. PRAYER AIDS IN OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

A child of God must pray. Prayer will aid you in overcoming temptation when it comes. Do not wait until temptation arrives — build your prayer life before it does.


THE PRAYER OF A MINOR PROPHET

Beyond what prayer does for us, we must also learn how to pray. Let us look at the words a minor prophet used when he prayed.


i. Lord, Let Me Be a Slave to Your Work

The prophet did not ask for comfort or recognition. He asked to be used — to be wholly given to the work of God. This is a prayer of consecration.


ii. Let Me Be a Slave to Prayer

There was an Arab young man who loved prayer deeply. The Arabs around him mocked him for it. One day, a Muslim commander wanted to mock him publicly. He was given a car to drive. The young man said he could not drive, but he was told to start the car. With fear, he started it. The commander was stunned — because the car had no engine.

Be addicted to prayer.


iii. Lord, Deliver Me from Overeating and Too Much Sleeping

The prophet prayed against the sins of comfort. He resolved to take on hard work without judging others. He committed to doing the difficult things — fasting and prayer. He chose discipline over ease.

Be addicted to prayer.


iv. Conclusion of the Prayer

“Dear Lord, when I am old and weary, too tired to go on — make me to be numbered with the saints above, in Your eternal glory.”

This is the final cry of a faithful life. After a lifetime of prayer and service, the only thing left to ask is: Lord, receive me.


CLOSING WORD

Child of God — pray.

Prayer keeps you. Prayer heals you. Prayer directs you. Prayer connects you to God. The church prayed for Peter, and an angel walked him out of prison. You do not know what God is waiting to do for you — the moment you begin to pray.

Child of God — pray.