Stepping Up in Prayer: Bold Faith, Powerful Results

During last week's Zoom meeting with our art group, our mentor shared a powerful word: “He who has the burden, has the calling.”

I had to chuckle because stepping up in prayer has definitely been on my heart for some time.

Our art group is faith-based, so we pray for every aspect of our lives—not just our art business. If you haven’t read my last post, Stepping Up to the Plate, I encourage you to check it out first for some context.

Have you seen the Christian movie War Room? Miss Clara was standing in her kitchen, praying Heaven down with fervor! I loved her passion and boldness. That character knew we could come boldly to the throne of God in our times of need (Hebrews 4:16 TLB).

Matthew 18:18 (AMPC) reminds us:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven.”

In other words, when we pray, our petitions should align with the Word of God to be effective.

Before praying, I have to check my motives. How about you? Do you ever pray with the wrong intent? James 4:3 (TLB) puts it plainly:

“And even when you do ask, you don’t get it because your whole aim is wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”

I remember praying that a certain person would get out of my life by any means possible. The Lord gently asked me,“ Why don’t you pray that he becomes the person I’ve called him to be?” Ouch. That was a heart-check moment. We’re called to pray FOR people, not against them—see Matthew 5:44.

About ten years ago, I went through a season of dryness. Though I was still praying, I wasn’t doing it with much intensity or determination. My heart began tugging me back to my spiritual roots.

I started attending Spirit-filled conferences again—and didn’t even realize how much I’d missed flowing in the Spirit! It was a healing process, but as I drew near to God, He drew near to me (James 4:8 NKJV). My spiritual dryness was eventually quenched by His Living Water, flowing in me and through me. There’s no place I’d rather be.

Everyone should have God’s phone number—Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV): “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

I encourage you to have God on speed dial when lifting praise and prayers to Him. Pray expectantly: expecting that He hears you, and expecting to see outcomes changed.

Yes, I know God's answers are sometimes yes, no, or wait—but remember James 4:2 (KJV): “Ye have not, because ye ask not.” And Matthew 7:7 reminds us to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking.

On 01/18/25, our lead pastor said: “I’m praying that we would not be afraid to pray powerful prayers—believing God can bring healing in every way to people’s lives and bodies, and for miraculous signs and wonders—all to bring glory and people to Jesus.”

That is my prayer for you as well. Be bold. Pray Heaven down. And always be expecting while keeping your eyes on Him.