I get frustrated when things don’t work.
Perhaps you do, as well. In a world of technology and machines, when one breaks, it frustrates me. My whole day or week can go awry with the breakdown of a car, water heater, or computer.
Too often, I treat prayer with the same mentality. It exists for me to use, right? I put prayers in, and I get what I want out of it. Of course, when I don’t get the answers I want or the results I ask for, I am tempted to say that prayer doesn’t work.
Many Christians have the same experience — “I asked God to change this, and he didn’t.” Does prayer really work?
With the abundance of scriptures about prayer, the writers of the Bible believed in the absolute necessity and power of prayer.
We must begin by getting away from the transactional mindset with prayer. Yes, we can achieve mighty things, and we are told to bring our concerns to God, but the primary goal of prayer isn’t transactional but relational. We receive and grow from that relationship, not a simple religious obligation.
What Does the Bible Say about Prayer?
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are instructed to “pray without ceasing,” indicating prayer should be a continuous and integral part of our daily lives. Jesus Himself set an example of the significance of prayer by frequently retreating to solitary places to pray.
Primarily, and most importantly, prayer is a means of communication with God. Our core issue is the severing of the intimate relationship with God he wanted for us. Now, through Christ, we’ve been made one with a loving Father.
The ultimate goal of the gospel is the reconciliation of all things back to the Father, back to a right relationship (1 Corinthians 15:24). Therefore, prayer must first have relationship at the heart.
Prayer allows us to express our thoughts, concerns, gratitude, and requests to Him. Philippians 4:6 encourages us to “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” This passage reminds us that prayer is a channel through which we can bring our worries to God.
When we begin relationally in prayer, we can ask according to his will. The Bible assures us of God's faithfulness.
Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
This passage encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He hears our prayers and responds according to His perfect will.
We can pray for others, for their good and salvation. The Bible highlights the power of intercessory prayer. 1 Timothy 2:1 urges us to pray for all people, including those in authority, so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.
James 5:16 reminds us that “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Interceding for others allows us to participate in God's work of healing, transformation, and provision in their lives.
The Bible speaks of the need for endurance in prayer. In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus shares the parable of the persistent widow who continuously seeks justice from an unjust judge.
Jesus concludes by saying, “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?”
This parable encourages us to persevere in prayer, knowing that God hears and responds to our persistent petitions.
What Is the Bible Say about the Purpose of Prayer?
We’ve already discussed the importance of relationship in prayer and, from there, the amazing opportunity to consistently bring our concerns to God. Along with what’s mentioned above, there are other biblical purposed for prayer.
Prayer is a way to acknowledge that we can do nothing of our own. Prayer is an act of faith, communicating we believe God has all the power, trusting in the ways of heaven and the love of the Father. Once we are humbled and in right relationship (James 4:6), we can move forward in other aspects of prayer.
Prayer is a way for believers to seek God's guidance, wisdom, and direction in their lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Through prayer, we invite God to lead us and align our desires with His perfect will. His ways lead to eternal life for us and others.
We use prayer to confess and repent. When we recognize our sins and shortcomings, prayer enables us to humbly approach God, seeking His forgiveness and restoration.
1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Praise and worship also happen in prayer, as Jesus revealed in the beginning of “The Lord’s Prayer” with “our Father, who is in Heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9-13).
Prayer provides an opportunity to express gratitude and praise to God. Psalm 100:4 urges us, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
We must never forget. We are in a battle with spiritual enemies, and we need spiritual weapons to fight a spiritual battle. Prayer is a vital weapon in spiritual warfare.
Ephesians 6:18 states, “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
Through prayer, we can resist the schemes of the enemy, seek God's protection, and experience victory in the spiritual realm.
What Are Some Examples from the Bible When Prayer Works?
During a severe drought, Elijah fervently prayed for rain. He persisted in prayer, sending his servant to look for signs of rain seven times.
Eventually, a small cloud appeared, and the sky became dark with rain. This account showcases the power of persistent prayer and God's response to a faithful servant (1 Kings 18:41-45).
Hannah, who was barren, poured out her heart to the Lord in the temple, praying for a child. Her prayer was answered, and she conceived and gave birth to a son named Samuel. Hannah's prayer highlights God's ability to bring forth new life and fulfill the desires of the heart (1 Samuel 1:10-20).
Paul and Silas were imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Despite their challenging circumstances, they prayed and sang hymns to God.
Suddenly, an earthquake shook the prison, breaking the chains of the prisoners and opening the prison doors.
This incident illustrates the power of prayer to bring deliverance and supernatural intervention. (Acts 16:25-25)
Prior to His crucifixion, Jesus prayed earnestly in the garden, expressing His surrender to God's will and seeking strength for the impending suffering.
Although He faced great anguish, His prayer demonstrated submission and led to His unwavering obedience. This example highlights the transformative power of prayer in aligning our hearts with God's purpose (Matthew 26:36-46).
Scientific Evidence and Personal Testimonies for When Prayer Works
While scientific research on the impact of prayer is ongoing and complex due to the subjective nature of prayer and the limitations of empirical measurement, there have been studies and personal accounts that suggest prayer can have positive effects on individuals.
Several studies have explored the relationship between prayer and health outcomes. While the results are mixed, some research suggests that prayer can have a positive impact on physical and mental well-being.
For example, a study published in the American Heart Journal in 2006 found that intercessory prayer was associated with improved recovery for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.
Prayer has also been linked to psychological benefits such as reduced stress, increased feelings of hope and gratitude, and improved emotional well-being.
A study published in the Journal of Psychology and Theology in 2011 found that participants who engaged in prayer reported lower levels of anxiety and higher levels of optimism compared to those who did not engage in prayer.
Transitioning to personal testimonies, many individuals attribute transformative experiences and personal growth to the power of prayer.
Personal testimonies often highlight instances where prayer has brought about positive changes, such as overcoming addiction, finding inner peace, or experiencing emotional healing. These testimonies serve as anecdotal evidence of the impact prayer can have on people's lives.
Numerous personal testimonies involve situations where individuals have prayed for specific needs or desires and claim to have received direct answers.
These stories range from financial provisions to restored relationships, indicating a belief in the efficacy of prayer in bringing about tangible outcomes.
I can give one such example. Our second child, our daughter, had stomach issues as a baby. My wife breastfed and had to eat very bland meals, or our daughter would vomit everything up.
This began to take a toll on both my wife and our mealtimes since my wife would make one meal for her and another for the rest of the family.
After a couple of months of this, we had enough and began praying. God gave me the words “body for the food and food for the body.” I spoke that over my daughter, laying hands on her stomach, and told my wife to eat healthily.
Our daughter never dealt with the issue again.
Not every prayer has been answered like that for me, but I have dozens of stories of answered prayer. I also know several people with stories of amazing answers to their prayers. What are some of your stories?
What Are Some Tips and Techniques for Prayer that Works?
Prayer is a powerful and personal way to deepen our relationship with God and grow in faith. Here are some practical tips to help us practice prayer.
1. Sincerity and authenticity. Approach prayer with a genuine and sincere heart. Be honest with God about your thoughts, feelings, and desires.
Authenticity in prayer fosters a deeper connection with God and allows for open and honest communication.
2. Praise and worship. Begin your prayers with praise and adoration for God. Acknowledge His greatness, faithfulness, and goodness. Praising God shifts our focus from ourselves to Him and helps us align our hearts with His will.
3. Praying Scripture. If one of the purposes is to align us with God’s will, use the Bible as a guide and incorporate passages into your prayers. Meditate on God's Word and pray it back to Him.
4. Intercession. Dedicate time to pray for others. Lift up their needs, struggles, and desires before God. Praying for others cultivates a heart of compassion and allows us to participate in God's work in their lives.
5. Listening and silence. Prayer is not just about speaking; it is also about listening. Create moments of silence in your prayer time to listen for God's voice and guidance.
6. Perseverance. Be persistent and consistent in your prayer life. Don't give up easily when you face challenges or when answers are not immediate.
Trust in God's timing and continue to pray with faith and perseverance. If you do miss a day or fall off for a bit, get back to it without shame or condemnation.
7. Community and fellowship. Seek opportunities for communal prayer and fellowship with other believers. Praying together strengthens the bond of unity and provides support and encouragement.
God has provided an opportunity through his Son to enter the most holy place in heaven and have an intimate relationship with him, and learn how to change things that matter in prayer. What an amazing opportunity! Let us endeavor to be a people of prayer.
For further reading:
What Does a Prayer Life Look Like?
Can We Pray for Illumination in Our Lives?
4 Reasons Why Prayer Time Is Unique to Christians
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/simonapilolla
This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayers for Healing
Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
Night Prayers Before Bed
Prayers for Protection
The Lord's Prayer: Our Father
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