The Power in Prayer

The Power in Prayer

Sermon by Pastor Glen Lim
Text: John 15:7–8

As we continue the year with God’s instruction to “be anxious for nothing,” Pastor Glen Lim reminded the church that God has already provided the key to living steady and confident lives in uncertain times — prayer. In a world overwhelmed by rapid change, troubling news, and constant pressure, prayer remains God’s divine provision for peace, clarity, and strength.

Pastor Glen emphasised that prayer is not merely a religious activity. If prayer had no power, there would be no reason to pray at all. But we worship a living God — a God who hears, speaks, and intervenes. That is why prayer matters.

Power in Prayer Comes from Relationship, Not Formula

Using John 15:7–8, Pastor Glen highlighted that the power in prayer is not found in techniques, special words, or methods, but in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus begins with a condition: “If you abide in Me, and My word abides in you…” This reveals that prayer flows from connection.

When we remain connected to Jesus — living in close relationship with Him — power flows naturally. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains connected to the vine, our spiritual lives slowly dry up when we disconnect from Christ. Disconnection does not happen overnight; it happens gradually as our hearts drift away from Him.

Staying connected to Jesus keeps our faith alive, our hearts tender, and our prayer life effective.

God’s Word Shapes Our Desires and Our Prayers

Jesus also taught that power flows when His Word abides in us. As we read Scripture daily, we learn God’s heart, His will, and His purposes. When God’s Word lives in us, our desires are shaped by His will, and our prayers become aligned rather than self-centred.

Without God’s Word, prayer can easily become demanding, anxious, and focused on personal wants. But when Scripture fills our hearts, we pray with faith, assurance, and confidence — trusting God’s promises and His timing.

God may answer prayers in different ways — sometimes with “yes,” sometimes with “wait,” and sometimes with “no” for our protection. Yet we can trust that He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Jesus Is Not Only the One Who Answers — He Is the Answer

Pastor Glen reminded us that prayer works because Jesus is alive. He is not distant or silent. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, our Strength, our Healer, our Provider, our Guide, and our Friend. When we pray God’s Word back to Him, we declare faith in who He is and what He has promised.

Answered prayer does not glorify the believer — it glorifies God. When others see believers remain calm, steadfast, and trusting in times of crisis, they witness the reality of a living God. Our peace, faith, and fruit become a testimony of His greatness.

The Final Challenge: Check Your Connection

Pastor Glen concluded with a simple but powerful challenge: check your connection. God’s power supply is always present — but we must ensure there is nothing blocking the flow. Whether it is sin, distraction, fear, or neglect of God’s Word, we are invited to realign our hearts and reconnect with Christ.

The key to a powerful prayer life is not better words, longer prayers, or stronger effort — it is staying close to Jesus. As we abide in Him, read His Word, pray continually, and trust His timing, His power flows through us, our lives bear fruit, and God is glorified.