Bible Study

The Privilege and Potential of Passionate Prayer

By David Smithers

David is an author and teacher of historic revival and carries a powerful passion for revival in this generation.

“And when they had crucified Him… Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” – Mark 15:24-38.

The sacrifice of Christ has made it possible for all men to have a passionate relationship with God. Jesus died on the cross so that we might walk and talk with our God and Father … Jesus suffered on the cross so that you can passionately pray! What a privilege and yet so many of us fail to use it. When we neglect prayer, we do far more than merely neglect some religious exercise, we are neglecting the very presence and person of Jesus Christ Himself. A lack of prayer communicates that we are not interested in coming close to God’s heart! Some sadly assume that the only reason Jesus died on the cross was to deliver them from the torments of HELL! The cross of Christ does much more than that; it removes the stain and filth of our sins that prevent us from enjoying the presence of a holy God. The cross secures for us a private audience with the King of kings here on earth. What Adam and Eve forfeited through willful disobedience —the privilege of unlimited access to God — has been restored to all those who put their faith in Christ for the forgiveness of sin. Are you taking full advantage of the privilege of prayer? Do you daily or even hourly use the access you have been freely given to enter into the Father's presence? The veil has been rent and God’s door is standing wide open. What are you waiting for? “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” –James 4:8.

Neglecting the privilege of prayer trivializes the presence of God and disregards the cross of Christ’s love, but it also reveals our lack of true concern and compassion for those who are in eternal danger! Such unlimited access to God’s heart through prayer affirms the fact that as born again Christians we have an incredible amount of influence with God. Think of it, we can go to God anytime we want and ask Him for anything on behalf of ourselves or even others. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” – I John 5:14. With such assured access and influence in prayer comes a GREAT amount of responsibility. Are you using your blood bought influence with God to rescue the lost and hurting souls who are headed for hell? As incredible as it may seem, God has sovereignly chosen to deliver the perishing through our frail prayers. “Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.” – Psalm 2:8.

In times of great need, men naturally seek the surest and quickest path to victory. For the church, that path is still Christ-centered, faith-filled prayer! God has placed before us an open door of limitless power and potential through the means of intercessory prayer. That is, IF we grasp by faith what the Lord has already promised and placed in our hands. Regardless of your age, education, race or gender, God is eagerly waiting to use your prayer life to change the world! “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of NEED.” – Hebrews 4:16