The essence of prayer is two-fold: it is an expression of mankind’s unity and relationship of love with God. It is an expression of mankind’s affirmation and participation in God’s purposes. Prayer is man (and woman) giving God the permission to intervene in the earth’s affairs. ~ excerpts from Understanding the Purpose and Power of Prayer by Dr. Miles Munroe

Do you pray? Good. That’s a great start. Now let me ask you: when you pray what do your prayers sound like? Are they comprised of the latest wants on an otherwise long list of personal desires or self-centered wishes? Do your prayers function more like a one-sided conversation where you’re the one hogging the microphone and the spotlight?

When we pray, we give God the permission to intervene in our affairs. We give Him the right and the authority to do what He does best: be Sovereign. The purpose of prayer is to usher the will and power of God into this wonderful haven we call earth.

Instead of praying prayers that only focus on our immediate family or situation, pray for God to heal, reconcile and bless others. Selena, you don’t understand. I’m in the furnace and I’m being burned by the fiery flames that life brings. Are you suggesting that I not pray for myself? Here’s a prayer that will help to answer that question:

Lord, this (insert situation) really hurts. I feel alone, angry and I’m at a total loss of what to do. I almost feel like you’re punishing me, like I’ve done something wrong. So many things are going wrong right now. But I remember in your word it says many are the afflictions of the righteous but you deliver us from them all. I also remember it saying that if I trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge you in all my ways and you will direct my path. So, Lord even though I don’t feel like it, I’m going to trust that your word is true. And I thank you for directing my steps. Now Lord, I know if I’m going through a hard time, there are others who may be going through worse. Like (insert name). I heard they’re going through (insert situation). I know it’s hurting them. Please Lord, cover them with your grace. Send joy, peace and rest to that situation and above all remind them, just as your word reminded me, that even in the midst of the storm, you’re always there with us…

Hopefully, you get the idea. The plan is not to neglect yourself but to give God the invitation to move not only on your behalf but on the behalf of others who may be in more dire circumstances than yours. Imagine that God is a car and you are the driver. Without the right key, the car cannot move. Prayer is the key that ignites the power and purpose of God in the earth.