Beyond the Weekend: Powerful Prayers
Powerful Prayers A 7-Week Series | May 10–June 21
What does it really mean to pray?
Prayer is one of those things most people think about but aren't sure they're doing right. Is God actually listening? Does it matter what you say? Does prayer even work?
This series digs into some of the most powerful prayers in the Bible. From the Lord's Prayer to Daniel's cry in a crisis, we'll see what happens when ordinary people bring their real lives to God.
Whether you've prayed your whole life or you're not even sure God is real, this series is for you.
Do Not Fear
Read: 2 Chronicles 20:14-18
Listen: 2 Chronicles 20
This is what the LORD says to you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 2:15b
King Jehoshaphat calls the nation together to fast and pray for God’s help. As the people stand in the temple seeking the Lord, the Spirit of God comes upon the prophet Jahaziel with a message. God tells the people not to be afraid because he will fight for them. He commands them to “take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you” (2 Chronicles 20:17). The next day, the people obey and march forward singing praises to God, trusting that he will keep his promise.
It is easy to become worried or afraid when we look at the problems in our lives and the world around us. Often, we feel fear because we think everything depends on us. But through Jesus, God has already given us the greatest victory. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us we are saved by God’s grace through faith, not by our own strength. Jesus died and rose again so we could be forgiven, restored, and brought close to God. Because of this, we can respond with faith instead of fear. Even when life feels overwhelming, we can rest in the truth that the battle ultimately belongs to the Lord.
PRAYER DAY #17: Like Jehoshaphat, you can call on God. Read 2 Chronicles 20:9 and linger on the phrase, “we will stand in your presence…and will cry out to you in our distress.” Spend time thanking God that through Jesus, you are heard, loved, and rescued. Because of Jesus, you can pray with confidence, knowing that God listens to you, cares for you, and is faithful to help you.
Learn more about Jehoshaphat’s prayer in this week’s episode of the Beyond the Weekend podcast. Find it wherever you listen to podcasts or on YouTube HERE.
