This statement from the title was a constant saying of my dear friend, Pastor Richard Dyson who has been with the Lord now for the past several years. Pastor Dyson was an African/American Pastor who ministered in Brunswick, Md for years. He was such an example of one having hunger and passion for the Lord. He was a constant on WJTM’s prayer line when I managed the radio station. In fact, he and I were doing prayer line together on 9/11 when the three planes smashed into the “World Trade Center” buildings in New York City and the “Pentagon” respectively. It was during our time together at WJTM that he and I became close friends. In fact, Pastor Dyson was a great support to Cheryl and I when we led city-wide prayer meetings with intercessors from all over Frederick County back in the 90’s. His belief in the need for much prayer clearly impacted my life. It is why prayer is such an important part of Cornerstone. If we’re too busy for prayer, we’re too busy. Church programs will never replace the need and purpose for prayer in the church. After all, Jesus said this in Matthew 21:13 (ESV);
“13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”
Without prayer, we have no power to effect change or overcome the enemy of our souls. The prophet Malachi” mentioned that “Elijah the prophet” would be sent before the great and terrible day of the Lord (Mal 4:5). Elijah was a man of prayer. It was the way he confronted Ahab and Jezebel in his day. The Apostle James describes Elijah’s prayer life this way; James 5:16b-18 (ESV).
“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.”
The secret to Elijah’s ministry was his prayer life. Prayer turned him from being ordinary into being a “super” hero able to confront the political spirit plaguing Israel. Elijah’s prayer life was not passive and non-effective, it was a violent travailing prayer that brought forth victory. An example of a position of “travailing prayer” is seen in 1 Kings 18:41-42 (ESV);
“41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees.”
The Apostle Paul also had a effective prayer life. I encourage you to do a study of Paul’s prayers. You will find it very encouraging. Paul when listing the armor of the believer made prayer in the Spirit the offensive weapon against the principalities and dark powers in the second heaven; Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV)
“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 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, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
This is why I have such hope for what is going on in America right now. As decades of corruption and deceit that has been plaguing America is being exposed, this has been causing prayer warriors all over our nation to rise up in prayer like never before. God is about ready to do something awesome in our nation. Why? Because It’s His purpose and plan for our nation to become a great light like a city on a hill for the nations to come to the light. So, I encourage you to not become discouraged and stop but to press even more into prayer; Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV)
“7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up”
I encourage you to join us on our Prayer Zoom call every Wednesday night at 7:30. It’s my favorite night of the week. You will find it encouraging to your spirit. The ZOOM meeting ID is 789-511-953.
I also encourage you to download “Give Him 15” on your smart phone. It is a daily fifteen-minute devotional and prayer session with Dutch Sheets. It is also encouraging and uplifting and helps us to be in sync with prayer warriors all over the world who are also praying for our nation.
In closing, let these words be imprinted on your spirit so that you will be changed through the necessity for prayer and power of prayer.
“Much Prayer = Much Power; Little Prayer = Little Power; No Prayer = No Power”