What Does Prayer Do?

A black preacher began his sermon shouting these words, "Prayer doesn't change God." The audience became silent. "Prayer doesn't change things. Prayer doesn't change circumstances," He bellowed. "Prayer changes us."

The early disciples were once timid, afraid and ashamed. But now they prayed for boldness and power. "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus Christ" (Acts 4:29-30).

Their prayers changed them. God took wimps (weak, ineffectual, and insipid) and transformed them into warriors (bold, courageous, and powerful).

Richard Foster wrote, "To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us... The closer we come to God...the more we desire to be conformed to Christ."

Bold prayers honor God. God honors bold prayers.

As you pray, expect God to change you.