The Power of a God-Initiated Prayer

March 2025

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Like you, I can recount many exact answers to specific prayer requests made to the Father over the decades. He answered the prayer for five acres of land and a sanctuary to seat 200 people, filled a financial need with a request for $10,000, then $30,000, then $50,000 and even $250,000. He has saved named individuals, healed against seemingly impossible odds, given insights and ideas, revitalized congregations – all in keeping with His promise, “if we ask anything according to His will, we know we have the petitions we have asked of Him." (1 John 5:14,15) The key is to discover what He wants you to ask of Him.

Several months ago, in my quiet time, He gave me two requests to ask of Him, and He has actively and noticeably been answering each one.

The first request is this (or something similar): “Father, stir up the hearts of people in this region to have a hunger and a thirst to know You.”

The second request follows the first: “Father, send more people to come and help us accomplish Your purposes at this church.”

I asked the congregation to join me in these two    prayers and we have seen people come through the doors who are unknown to us and are seeking a closer relationship to God. One man, who owns a construction business, sent an email of appreciation last week, stating he has not been in church in “well over 20 years,” and expressed how much he enjoys the services and that his faith is growing.

His answers are being noticed by everyone in the congregation. His leading us to pray these specific prayers and then answering them in amazing ways underscores a truth I have come to    embrace: the revitalization of a congregation finds its source, not primarily in formulas or strategies or methods, but in the prayer closets of God’s people! “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6)

I encourage you, challenge you, to begin praying these prayers for the people in your community; the Father is working!

Dr. Lynn Hardaway