And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. Matthew 21:22
The car appeared glorious, pristine. The chrome gleamed. The interior was spotless. Yet it went nowhere. Why? The owner had lost the key; he had no means to start the engine. Now, this glorious specimen of automotive engineering sat immobile, little more than a glorified paperweight.
During his last week in Jerusalem, Jesus continually reinforced the energizing power of faithful prayer. He organized the events of His ministry to allow for key times of private prayer. His prayers in the garden, even His prayer from the cross, reveal the essential nature of prayer for every aspect of our lives. Even now, Scripture records, Jesus prays for us.
Jesus’ discussion of the fig tree in Matthew 21 shows His followers where our true work lies. Prayer can’t merely bookend the key parts of our lives; Jesus reveals the Father has designed prayer to tap into His power for every moment and challenge of our lives. Prayer does not merely equip us for greater works; prayer sets that greater work in divine motion.
Like the turning of a key starts a powerful car’s engine, so prayer in Christ’s name and according to His will energizes the forces of heaven itself, accomplishing more than we can ask or imagine. Without it, nothing moves.
I thank you, O God, for hearing the constant prayers of my heart, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
