Vital Signs: Friday, March 7, 2025

The Power of Prayer: Changing Us, Not God

God answers prayer. Sometimes, He responds swiftly with a resounding yes, bringing relief and optimism. Yet, many of our prayers are answered slowly, providing only enough Heavenly strength for the next moment. Often, we understand His answer only in hindsight—months or even years later—when we begin to see that God delights in answering the prayers of His children. He is a God big enough to see the whole picture, not a genie in a bottle waiting for us to recite a specific meditation or perform certain works. He is omniscient and all-powerful, responding to the cries of His children.

God calls us to be His prayer warriors. We may not feel like warriors as we sit in a hospital room, holding a loved one's hand. We may not feel mighty when praying for a friend’s salvation or spiritual growth. Yet, that is one of the secrets of prayer warriors—they are not powerful in and of themselves but because of the One who hears their prayers.

Prayer is not about persuading God to adjust His plans to fit our desires; rather, it is about aligning our lives with His revealed will. When we pray, it is not God who changes—it is us! The purpose of prayer is to glorify God through His work here on earth.

When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, He sought His Father’s will above all else. Though He did not look forward to the suffering of the cross, He willingly submitted to His Father’s plan. He longed for another way, yet “…for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame…” (Hebrews 12:2).

Prayer is not a tool to change God's will; it is a means by which we see His will accomplished on earth. More than changing our circumstances, prayer changes us. As we dedicate ourselves to prayer, God reveals ways we need to grow and transform.

What do your prayers consist of? Are they filled with requests for God to change your situation? Take some time to reflect on your recent prayers. How would they change if you asked God to transform you instead of your circumstances?