“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
In this second IBCM Values article, the importance of Prayer is emphasized. At IBCM, we firmly believe that Prayer is a powerful spiritual resource that can bring about meaningful change in nations, churches, and people. It is significant in our ministry, as we rely on Jesus Christ for direction and strategy, recognizing it as the cornerstone of our work. Seeking God first in Prayer, trusting in His guidance, and holding steadfast to His Word allows us to lead without fear, knowing that God is at hand and serves as our anchor (Isaiah 41:10, Acts 2:42; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer also aligns our will with God’s will.
As we look to biblical figures such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, Nehemiah, Jeremiah, Peter, and Paul, we find that they turned to Prayer during times of crisis, conflict, and constant change, finding comfort in the knowledge that God was their refuge and strength (Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 46:1).
Nehemiah’s Prayer
“O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the Prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant, Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the Prayer of your servant, and to the Prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man” (Nehemiah 1:4-11)
The Scriptures also demonstrate that biblical leaders prayed from Genesis to Revelation. Leaders from the Old and New Testaments sought God through Prayer to praise and exalt Him and to seek Him in times of struggles. By relying on God in Prayer and holding steadfast to the Scriptures, they could lead without fear, assured that God is at hand (Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:4-7).
Hannah’s Prayer
My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. here is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world. He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed” (1 Samuel 2: 1-10)
Oswald Chambers describes Prayer as life because it is life-giving. Prayer is not just essential; it is the cornerstone of a Christian life. You can pray in the morning before you get out of bed to begin your walk with God.
Morning Prayer
I give thanks unto You, Adonai, that, in mercy, You have restored my soul within me. Endless is Your compassion; great is Your faithfulness. I thank You, Adonai, for the rest You have given me through the night and for the breath that renews my body and spirit. May I renew my soul with faith in You, the Source of all Healing. Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, Ruler of the Universe, who renews the work of creation daily.
By beginning each day with a morning prayer, we begin to communicate with the Heavenly Father, to help establish a deep, personal connection, and align our hearts and will with God’s. (I Thessalonians 5:17). You can also pray before you go to bed to the thank and praise Him for your day and for His blessing throughout the night.
Night Prayer
Adonai, I humbly ask that you grant me the serenity to lie down in peace and rise up in peace. Please shield me from any troubling thoughts, dreams, or daydreams. I also ask for your protection over my family and loved ones. O Guardian of Israel, I trust in your constant vigilance and ask that you watch over me as I sleep, keeping me safe. Please let me rest deeply and allow the healing processes in my body to work their magic. May I wake up tomorrow feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the new day. Thank you for your care and guidance.
Part 2 of the Value of Prayer will discuss a model for praying each day.
Dr. Thomas S. Narofsky, President
International Baptist Church Ministries