If you’re anything like me, adjusting to life in a yearlong pandemic caused this pervasive feeling of being isolated and inhibited, kind of like being stuck in traffic. At times I have felt constrained and disconnected from others.
The Holy Spirit recently corrected my thinking as I realized that many constraints only exist in my mind. While being physically present with others is wonderful, and something we’ll probably never take for granted again, the Scriptures teach us that our prayers are only constrained by the limits we impose upon them.
Mark 5 tells the story of the man named Jairus who had a sick daughter. Jairus was convinced that if Jesus would lay His hands on her, she would be made well (v.23). In verse 28, the woman who suffered from a flow of blood said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well” (NKJV). In both these cases, their faith was connected to touch. Contrast this with Matthew 8, where the Roman centurion said to Jesus, “Only speak a word and my servant will be healed” (v.8).
If distance does not limit the power of prayer, then we truly are unconstrained in whatever we ask the Lord to do. Pray with power!
Prayer + Reflection
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of your life where you have conceded to self-imposed limits.
- Exercise your power by speaking words of life over your circumstances, your community, our nation and God’s church.
- Stretch your faith to pray for people who are far away from you in terms of lapsed time or geographical distance. Expect God’s power to bridge the gaps.
Share your thoughts. See comments below, and add your own.
