Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. Job 22:26–27 NIV
Why pray? Why seek God and pour out our souls to him? Because of the power of prayer. Because God will surely hear; he will surely respond. God will certainly appear and give us an answer. Maybe not the answer we expect, but the one we need most.
The Power of Prayer and the Example of Job
Job is a great example of the power of prayer. Job was a righteous man and his faith was severely put to test. I love his speeches and monologues, heart-felt and authentic, coming unfiltered from the deep recesses of his heart. Powerful prayers. In the pain of his suffering, he was lifting his whole being to God knowing that no answer would satisfy him besides an answer from the Source. No theology, no explanation, but the experience of the living presence of God.
The Power of Prayer and the Relationship with God
The power of prayer originates only in the context of a relationship. Prayer is the language of our relationship with God, our means to connect, to express ourselves, and to receive. Just one verse before, God is compared to gold and the best silver for the ones who want to live a righteous life and consider God their greatest treasure. Placing God in the center of our life and making Him our everything helps us experience deep delight, pleasure, and joy.
Prayer Helps us See, Hear and Follow God
God tells us not only that He will hear us but that as a result, we will be able to fulfill our vows. What was the vow that Job was struggling to fulfill? This was his vow and determination to keep his faith no matter what. The most important thing for Job and every believer is to keep our faith and continue trusting God no matter what, testifying that He is good, faithful and worthy of our worship and praise. Prayer is the channel through which God empowers us to persevere, to stay firm and follow him in living a righteous life by His grace.
God’s Answer to Job
Nobody expected God to answer Job. Job, his friends, and Elihu did not believe that God will personally answer Job’s cries. Job just hoped for that. And then, when at least expected, God appeared speaking through the storm. And what a speech it was! It didn’t answer specifically Job’s questions, but it gave him a vision of the splendor, the immense power, and wisdom of God who has full control over his creation. God’s words and His presence had a profound, transforming and humbling effect on Job. He didn’t get all the answers, but he was satisfied. This is the power of prayer.
Friend, God will show up for you too. He hears you, and he will answer you, giving you what you need most. So, choose to seek him today. Pray.
Dear God, thank you for the gift and the power of prayer. Thank you that you always hear and answer me. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear your answers. Give me the perseverance to wait for you. Thank you that you always show up. Please, fill me with joy and peace today as I choose to delight in you. Amen.
This devotion originally appeared on Devotable written by Hadassah Treu
Devotable is a brand trying to spread the word of God to everyone around the world.
If you like what we’re doing, please connect with us. We love to hear feedback. Follow us on facebook, twitter, instagram or pinterest. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily devotions and news right in your inbox.
Also, please leave us a clap here on Medium to show your support!
