The Power And Purpose of Prayer

You may not know the name, Dr. Maxie Dunnam, but Dr. Dunnam’s contribution to the

evangelical movement within Methodism is renowned. In his career, he has been a

pastor, director of The Upper Room Ministries, Asbury Seminary President, teacher,

leader, and friend to countless believers. I’ve heard Dr. Dunnam preach several times

during my time at Asbury.

One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Dunnam is ‘There are some things God either

will not or cannot do, unless the people pray.’

Prayer is one of the most profound gifts God has given His people. It is both a privilege

and a lifeline — an invitation into communion with the Creator of the Universe. Prayer

is vital in our growth as Christians. Without prayer, our faith is nothing more than a

fairytale. If we don’t pray, then how can we say we trust God, or experience his

goodness?

But what does prayer do for us?

At its core, prayer draws us near to God. James 4:8 declares, “Draw near to God, and

He will draw near to you.” Prayer is the pathway into His presence. When we intentionally

seek God, we experience His nearness, His comfort, and His transforming grace. In a

world filled with noise and distraction, prayer becomes the quiet place where our hearts

reconnect with the One who knows us best.

Prayer also brings peace to the heart. Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us that when we

bring our anxieties to God with thanksgiving, “the peace of God, which surpasses all

understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace is not

dependent on circumstances; it flows from trust. Prayer shifts our focus from the

problems we face to the Problem-Solver, calming the storms within even when the

storms around us continue to rage.

For the weary and worn, prayer strengthens the soul. Isaiah 40:31 promises that

those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. Prayer is the act of waiting—

resting, trusting, and leaning into God’s sustaining power. When life drains us, prayer

refills us. When we feel weak, prayer lifts us. When we feel like giving up, prayer

empowers us to press on.

Prayer also aligns our will with God’s. In Matthew 6:10, Jesus teaches us to pray,

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done.” Prayer is not about bending God to our desires;

it is about shaping our desires to match His. Through prayer, our priorities shift, our

decisions become clearer, and our hearts learn to desire what God desires. It is in prayer

that we surrender, listen, and obey.

Beyond personal transformation, prayer opens the door for God’s help. Jeremiah

33:3 is God’s invitation: “Call to Me and I will answer you, and show you great and

mighty things.” Prayer activates divine intervention. It invites God’s wisdom, provision,

protection, and power into our lives. When we pray, heaven moves.

Finally, prayer changes circumstances and people. James 5:16 affirms that “the

effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Prayer is not passive; it is

powerful. It can heal, restore, reconcile, and transform. It can shift situations that seem

immovable and soften hearts that seem unreachable.

We are in a battle — spiritual, emotional, and cultural. Prayer is our weapon, our shield,

and our strength. The call remains clear: pray without ceasing.

This weekend, the youth and I will be in the mountains of North Carolina, experiencing

God in a fresh way. While there, I will be praying that you will also experience God; that

your prayers will be answered; and that God will bless you.

Pastor Marty