There are two things ordinary people who love God can do when the world seems to be shaking out of control.
We can and should align our lives with the Lord. Jesus made an astounding promise to His followers.
“Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14.12).
As we read the Gospel of John, we will see that Jesus never deviated from the Father’s guidance. He was perfectly aligned with the Father.
According to Frank Lauback, the verse below is one of 42 instances where Jesus declared his dependence on the Father:
“Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own but only what he sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise” (John 5.19).
When we think of “great works,” we often think of miracles. Our alignment with the Father’s will must take place before we can be trusted with deeds of power.
We may not be able to influence world decision-makers who have the fate of millions in their control, but we can do one thing. We can discover what God is doing in the world and join His activity.
Jesus linked prayer to doing “greater works.”
He said, “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
“If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it” (John 14.13-14).
I can’t think of a single national leader who would take my phone call. However, the King of all kings is always ready to listen to my voice.
The Greatest Being to walk the face of the earth tells us, “I have called you friends” (John 15.15).
When we approach Friend Jesus and pray in His name, the Father is glorified by granting our request.
The key is to pray in His name. The “name” refers to a person’s character or nature. This brings us back to being aligned with the Lord.
When our prayer is aligned with Jesus’ character and will, we can anticipate that He will be doing “great things” with it.
Prayer for Praying People and Leaders
The most effective prayers are those that are informed by God’s Word. We can use our Bible study text for today as we ask on behalf of praying people and world leaders.
I am discouraged by the evil and corruption that seems to be present in politicians around the world. We don’t want to neglect praying for them, but we do well to include lovers of God in our prayers.
Please consider using Proverbs 10.8-12 in your prayer time today. Please put Solomon’s counsel into your own words as you intercede for the world.
Proverbs 10.8 – The wise of heart will heed commandments,
but one with foolish lips will come to ruin.
Prayer: Dear God, please lead world leaders to know and do your will. Please help people who pray and love you to be
aligned with your will.
Verse 9 – Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but whoever follows perverse ways will be found out.
Prayer: Dear God, please grant that world leaders walk with integrity. Please expose and root out all forms of corruption. Please defeat your enemies by making them your friends.
Please reveal more of your nature and character to people who love you. May they pray “in your name.”
Verse 10 – Whoever winks the eye causes trouble,
but one who rebukes boldly makes peace.
Prayer: Dear God, please bless the peacemakers. Give them the boldness to communicate your guidance in a political environment characterized by self-interest.
Please help people who pray and love you to be filled with your Spirit of peace in their relationships with others.
Verse 11 – The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Prayer: Dear God, please elevate those who are characterized by righteousness and justice. Please reveal the schemes of dishonest leaders.
Please help every praying person to embrace your character of righteousness and justice.
Verse 12 – Hatred stirs up strife,
but love covers all offenses.
Prayer: Dear God, we see the immense power of hatred in wars, disputes, and murders. Please give praying people who love you the power to release love in the world. May we see your love conquer the evil that is in the world.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I have produced a YouTube video on this passage. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 