” DO OUR PRAYERS “MOVE” GOD? ”
“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2, KJV).
The human body has over seven trillion nerves that transmit signals from the brain, through the spinal cord, and out to the rest of the body. When those nerves are activated, response is expected. This has given rise in our modern vernacular to idiomatic expressions such as “Oh! that touched a nerve!” or “You’re about to get on my last nerve!”
Noted preacher Charles Spurgeon has been quoted as saying, “Prayer is the slender nerve that moveth the muscle of Omnipotence.” What a powerful word picture! The Almighty Creator of the universe is moved by His creation’s prayers. Spurgeon’s quote is confirmed in both Old and New Testaments.
“Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me” (Isaiah 45:11, KJV).
On the surface, one may believe that God simply bends to the will of humanity. However, this is an “if-then” promise. The Lord says through His prophet, “If you inquire of Me about the future welfare of My children, then you may direct My actions according to their expected end.” Our prayers according to our own desires do not sway God’s activity, but prayers according to the will of God, discerned from inquiring of the heart of God, contain great power.
Jesus confirms this thought as He instructs His disciples prior to his crucifixion: “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24, KJV).
The name of Jesus Christ is not a magic word that unlocks every blessing we desire. Jesus encouraged His disciples to ask in His name because they had spent over three years in close community with Him, being instructed by Him, and coming to understand His heart. Herein lies the power of prevailing prayer—spending time getting to know the heart of God and submitting our desires to His.
Prayers that move God begin with a closer relationship with Him. “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalms 37:4, KJV).
A changed heart and a conformed will undoubtedly lead to prayers that move the hand of God.
Rev. Christopher Paolini
WNOP Idaho District Prayer Coordinator
(Information from: Prayer Connect – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)