The strongest action that you can take in any situation is to go to your knees and ask God for help. Whatever is worth worrying about is certainly worth praying about. Prayer unlocks God’s treasure chest of great ideas.
I will share with you one of my favorite prayers. It is one word: help.
“Help, help, help!”
When we pray, we must be simultaneously willing to take the action that God directs in answer to our prayer.
There are four levels of prayer:
Level #1 is petitions: “Father, I need….”
Level #2 is intercession: “God, help….”
Level #3 is praise and thanksgiving: “Thanks, Lord!”
Level #4 is conversation: “Good morning, Father.”
In Philippians 4:6-7 the Apostle Paul counsels us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (NIV).
In Colossians 4:2 he says, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (NIV).
There are twelve benefits to prayer:
- Prayer defeats the devil (Matt. 18:18).
- Prayer saves the unbeliever (Acts 2:21).
- Prayer edifies the believer (Jude 20).
- Prayer sends laborers into the harvest (Matt. 9:38).
- Prayer heals the sick (James 5:13-15).
- Prayer overcomes the impossible (Matt. 21:22).
- Prayer changes the natural (James 5:17-18).
- Prayer brings the right things to pass (Matt. 7:7-11).
- Prayer imparts wisdom (James 1:5).
- Prayer brings peace (Phil. 4:5-7).
- Prayer guards against temptation (Matt. 26:41).
- Prayer reveals God’s answers (Luke 11:9-10).
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing
John Mason is an international bestselling author, minister, publisher, executive author coach, and noted speaker. He’s the founder and president of Insight International and Insight Publishing Group. Both organizations are dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their God-given destinies.
He has authored thirty-two books including An Enemy Called Average, You’re Born An Original—Don’t Die A Copy, Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop, and Know Your Limits Then Ignore Them which have sold over 2 million copies and are translated into 40 different languages throughout the world. His books are widely regarded as a source of godly wisdom, scriptural motivation, and practical principles. His writings have been published twice in Reader’s Digest along with numerous other national and international publications. Seven of his books have reached number one on Amazon bestseller lists.
He’s been the president of two Christian publishing companies. He’s also a former Vice President and Publisher for Thomas Nelson Publishers (Harper Collins), the 6th largest book publisher in the world and largest Christian publisher.
He’s an internationally recognized executive author coach, helping numerous prominent authors with their books for more than thirty years. Politicians, NBA, NFL, PGA, MLB, an Olympic gold medalist and other professional athletes, billionaires, businesspeople, pastors, ministers, New York Times bestselling authors, a Fortune 500 CEO, Navy SEALs, Top Gun pilots, and a Texas governor have all benefitted from his knowledge.
Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts, and insightful ideas, he is a popular speaker across the US and around the world.