Scripture Reading: Job 21:13–15

Introduction

A. As we can see from both testaments in God’s word, prayer has the remarkable ability to change things completely.

B. The child of God should always look at prayer as a powerful ally and as the first resort (not the last) in times of need or distress.

Discussion

I. Prayer is a very powerful thing.

A. It has the power to take things away (James 5:17; 2 Kings 6:18).

B. It has the power to restore (James 5:18; Numbers 12:13; 1 Kings 13:6; 17:21–22; 2 Kings 4:32–35; 6:20; 20:1–6).

C. It has the power to deliver (Isaiah 37:14–38; Jonah 2).

D. It has the power to bestow extraordinary blessings (1 Samuel 1:10, 19–20; James 1:5; 4:2; Matthew 7:7–11; Malachi 3:10).

II. There are some things that prayer cannot do.

A. It cannot save anyone apart from repentance and obedient faith (Jeremiah 7:16; Acts 9:11; 22:16; Romans 10:1–3; 1 John 5:16–17).

B. It cannot produce faith (cf. Romans 10:17; Matthew 21:22).

C. It cannot ascend to God from a heart that is not pure in His sight (Proverbs 15:8, 29; 28:9; 1 Peter 3:7, 12).

Conclusion

A. If your life were to end today and your last prayer had already been said, is there anything that you would wish you had said to God while there was still time?

B. If your prayer life is not what it should be and your relationship with the Father is not what it should be, you can resolve to change that from this very moment.