A Pastor’s Prayer for Power
“Father in heaven, I come before You just as I am. And I know it doesn’t come as a big shock, but I need Your power. You know I’m Your child and have accepted Jesus as my Savior and I love You. Lord, I have received Your Holy Spirit and tasted the goodness of Your many blessings and gifts. I have committed my life to Your service. And I’ve enjoyed Your working in my life. But in spite of all of that, I’m powerless. This is my humble prayer for more power.
I’ve agonized for months with a feuding couple and they’re still getting a divorce. I’ve counseled folks with a lot of resentment, and they stay bitter. Those upset remain angry. And the sensual continue to struggle with lust. The skeptic has not been converted yet. And the wounded haven’t started to forgive. The backslidden are still sliding. And the depressed stay down in the dark depths, no matter what I’ve said. The weak barely survive no matter how much I share and pray.
Lord, you’ve been with me in my study as I’ve poured over all the texts. I know Your Word. You’ve excited my spirit and propelled me into the pulpit where I speak to the silence of half-empty pews. Father, I’m powerless. That’s why I desperately pray for power.
How I Need You
I need everything You can give me. I can’t minister without Your power. This church needs Your power and so does this town where I serve. I also want You to know I’ll pay the price. Even if it takes laboring eighty hours a week. Or putting away the writing–not one more article or book. Yes, I’m willing to get rid of our house by the lake. I’ll pay the price You ask because I want Your power, Lord.
To do Your work, I need more spiritual power. I long to see dramatic, supernatural results in the lives of Your people. I can’t be satisfied with anything less. Praying for power means I hope to see the presence of more husbands whose wives faithfully attend here alone week after week. I’m expecting more prodigals to return and many of the unconverted to come to know You. Let them all rejoice in Your presence as I so often do. May seekers of all ages become excited about their faith. Shake these church walls with vibrations of wholehearted singing praise to You.
Lord, I’ve shared my heart in public and I’m afraid. Have I exposed myself too deeply? Give those who hear and note my words mercy to accept and to believe in Your power for themselves, for I’ve seen You work before. Again, Lord, bring it again. I thank You now for the great joy that will be ours when the power begins to flow. I pray this, Lord, not just for my life, but for the lives of all those others up close and at a distance everywhere around me. And may the glory all be Yours, in Jesus Name, Amen.”
STEPHEN BLY
Circa 1985
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FAITH ADVENTURE “Turn on the Power” audio podcast by award-winning western author Stephen Bly. Sponsored by BlyBooks.com Legacy Series.
“Got Spiritual Power?” blog post article found here: https://www.blybooks.com/2024/01/spiritual-power/
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A Hearty AMEN to wanting to share Him with everyone we meet!