“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
James 5:16b ESV
SEEK HIM: Devotion is Meeting with God in Our Own Lives!
Just over a century ago, the electrical power grid began to spread across the United States. Cities were lighting up, making history. However, having power nearby didn’t mean people experienced it in their homes. Each household had to choose to connect to the grid and power up. Spiritually, the same is true for us. God’s power is real and available, but experiencing this isn’t automatic. Scripture teaches we can access God’s power for our lives through prayer. Let’s “Seek Him” about this in James 5:16b. (Listen HERE to the podcast episode about this conversation!)
WHAT: What is God saying through this Scripture?
In a “plugged in prayer life,” God’s mighty power works in and through us! Prayer is a living, ongoing connection with our Almighty God. When we pray, we can seek Him about everything from our own needs to the needs of others. Prayer is not just about sending words into the air; it’s about plugging into the real power of a God who hears, cares, and responds. ~ How has God answered an important prayer in your life? Have you ever seen His power in response to your prayers? Do you have an urgent prayer for which you need God’s power right now? Can you share a “Jesus Story” about His strength at work in your life?
WHY: Why does this Scripture matter?
God’s power changes everything. When we choose to give our lives to Jesus, we no longer have to live simply by our own strength; we have access to His great power. Scripture tells us, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10 NIV). The Psalms say that, “The Lord gives strength to his people” (29:11a), Isaiah proclaims, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (40:29 NIV), and Colossians tells us that we can be, “strengthened with all power according to his glorious might” (1:11). These are amazing promises with which we can “power up” our prayer life. A “plugged in prayer life” isn’t passive; it is an active, daily choice to live connected to the Lord. ~ Which of these promises about God’s power encourages you most today? Why do you think God invites us to rely on His strength instead of our own? How would your life be different if you truly lived “powered up”?
HOW: How does God want us to respond to this truth?
We can rely on God and His strength through prayer. Scripture says, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV). This means we make prayer a way of life, not just something we do in emergencies. Just like electricity powers our homes physically, prayer powers our lives spiritually. The “plugged in prayer life” is our lifeline, our first instinct, our go-to when life is hard, and our continual source of connection. ~ What is one way you need to “power up” your prayer life this week? How does daily connection with God change your outlook or decisions? What are some practical times you can “power up” in prayer this week?
SPEAK HIM: Discipleship is Making God Known to Others!
In the early days of electricity, word spread quickly—neighbors told neighbors, towns lit up together. In the same way, a vibrant prayer life isn’t meant to stay hidden. Scripture reminds us: “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power” (Psalm 145:4 NLT). Thing is, our “plugged in prayer” lives are invitations for others to connect, too. This week, start a conversation about prayer. Share how you’re learning to depend more upon God’s power, and invite someone you love to consider what “powering up” could look like for them. Discipleship starts with a conversation, so let’s start that conversation and invite someone else to “power up” in prayer, too.
Up Next:
THE PLUGGED IN PRAYER LIFE // Teach Us To Pray!
Convo #2: Plug In!
