Jeremiah 17:5, 2 Chronicles 32:8, Esther 4, James 5:16, Isaiah 38:1-6, 1 John 5:14, Job 22:21, Psalm 85:8, 10-11, Proverbs 16:7, John 14:18, 2 Corinthians 6:18, Colossians 1:11-12, Isaiah 40:29, 1 Corinthians 15:57, Psalm 51:17, Deuteronomy 4:7

Olu Kolawole helps us take encouragement from scripture in the power of prayer.

Olumide Kolawole

Prayer has been defined by Oxford dictionary as 'A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity'.

It has also been described by another authoritative school of thought as 'an expression of faith in God's power'.

Total dependence on its efficacy and effectiveness comes especially at this time where the arm of flesh appears to be failing on all fronts. (Jeremiah 17:5, 2 Chronicles 32:8) Faith, trust and total reliance on the Almighty God is required more than ever before.

The account of a beautiful Jewish girl who becomes queen and saves her fellow Jews from slaughter, as described in Esther 4, clearly demonstrates the power of prayers.

James 5:16 says, '"Therefore confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God - It is dynamic and can have tremendous power."'

Did Hezekiah pray when the Prophet Isaiah announced the death verdict? Hezekiah was so quick to realise that he had no other option and he did pray as stated in Isaiah 38:1-6 and the Almighty God came through for him and added 15 more years to his life.

These two accounts above make real the scripture in 1 John 5:14 which says, '"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."'

God's antecedents speak volumes, and are a sure rock and support to lean on.

Does life in general seem devoid of peace? Job 22:21 suggests, '"When I acquaint myself with Him (agree with God and show myself to be conformed to His will) and I am at peace, by that (I shall prosper and be great) good shall come to me."'

Psalm 85:8, 10-11 encourages, '"I will listen to what God the Lord will say. He promises peace to His people."'

This is further corroborated by Proverbs 16:7 which explains that '"When I am trying to please God, he makes even my worst enemies to be at peace with me."'

And when we seem stranded or at cross-roads in life decisions, John 14:18 comes as respite that '''He will not abandon me or leave me as an orphan in the storm. He will come to me."'

The Lord Almighty says in 2 Corinthians 6:18, '"I will be a father to you and you shall be my sons and daughters."' When we seem to be drained while waiting and have expended all strength through the seeming 'fire' and 'waters', Colossians 1:11-12 reaffirms that '"I will be strengthened with all power according to God's glorious might so that I may have great endurance and patience."'

Isaiah 40:29 says '"He gives power to the faint and weary and to him who has no might."' At times of contention and battles, 1 Corinthians 15:57 comes as reassurance which says, '"Thanks to God, who gives me the victory (making me a conqueror) through my Lord Jesus Christ."'

Let us remember that as we pray in faith with these scriptures, what really matters is 'a broken spirit' and 'a broken and contrite heart' as accounted to David in Psalm 51:17 and also being in right-standing (righteousness) is equally as important a position to be in.

God is not far from us, as He is just a prayer away. Deuteronomy 4:7 reaffirms that, '''What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?"'

Let us therefore pray to take charge and exercise dominion.