The Power of Prayer

woman praying in park


“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Prayer is powerful. I felt the immense covering when my husband unexpectedly passed away. Now, 10 months later, I continue to feel a sustaining strength. I have no explanation for this, except that my family and friends still tell me they continue to pray for me. Prayer sustains me.

Recently I came across a small prayer written by Author, Stormie Omartian—The Power of a Praying Grandparent. With three grandbabies and one the way, I definitely wanted to read this edition of Stormie’s powerful prayer books. When I got the chance to sit down and open my second hand copy, I noticed feminine handwriting. As I skimmed through it, I realized a woman had been praying for her grandchildren as well as her great-grandchildren.

On the page for Proverbs 13:22 (A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children), she listed these names:. In the Grand column–Amanda, Ryan, Tyler, and Laren. Her Great column listed Levi, Aaron and Baby Diaz (on the way). Later in the pages, she welcomes Remington Thomas on December 10, 2016.

By the prayer based on 1 John 4:7 (Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God), she listed Ryan and Kate, Joe and Amanda, Marla, and Walter, Lori and Randy followed by, “May God bless you each day with good health to care for your children and always the love of God.”

For Exodus 20:12 (Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you), she wrote of her children, “My grandchildren’s parents are all Christ loving and have and are helping their families use the Bible as their guide book. May they always live by those heavenly words.”

As I read her precious prayers for her family, it was clear she had embraced the heart of God and lived it out in an exemplary way. She had a firm grasp on the hand of Jesus Christ. Her words revealed her heart and in such a humble way. One entry said, “May I never be afraid to ask for forgiveness when I feel I have done or said anything to hurt another. The example I set will speak louder than words.”

I was moved to quiet tears as I read her response to 1 Corinthians 10:24 (Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being), “Help me as a grandmother to put the comfort of my family first. Forgive me when I am selfish in any way. My grandchildren will never know how much I love them. Thank you, Lord, for each one of them. Please protect them each day. May this prayer be recorded in Heaven forever. Amen. “

My heart was stretched a little more when I realized she may not live close to her children. Her last entry on February 9, 2017 was a response to 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God) she wrote, “PA & NJ are getting a deep snow today. and I know my grandkids will enjoy the beauty of the flakes and playing in the ice-cold drops. Amanda and Joe will show them how to make snow angels. Ryan and Kate will let Remington look out the window and touch the cool drops with his hand. Tyler and Lauren will be in FL seeing all of this and look forward to a vacation in the north someday. Bless them all. Amen.”

With her last post being in February 2017 and the fact she is a great-grandmother four times over (as indicated by this book alone). she may be in failing health or maybe she’s face to face with the One whom she entrusted with the generations after her. I can’t help but wonder if her family ever knew how much she loved them and how often she prayed for them. Her age alone indicates she is not a social media type person. She probably made phone calls using one that was still attached to the wall in her house. I have no doubt that, on the occasion they were able to talk or visit, the love she had for them could not be contained and naturally poured out of her.

Let me be that mother, that grandma, that type of great-grandma known in the throne room because of my prayer life for my children, my daughters-in-law, my grandchildren, their spouses and children, and all the generations after me. I want my voice to be recognized because of my petitions. Let me offer prayers that will move the heart and hand of God to bring His kingdom present here in their everyday lives.

I’m going to keep a journal of the prayers I pray over my family. I want them to see how much they are loved, to experience the power of prayer, and to make a connection of answered prayer. I wish I would have kept a prayer journal for my sons. It would have been a beautiful gift for them when they got married or when their children arrived. I know they pray over their children, but I feel sure seeing my prayers would strengthen them for the parenting journey. Additionally, it would give them a testimony of how God answers prayer when they saw all the many ways He provided and answered.

I found my way to faith because of my aunt who was continually praying for me. I have no doubt she prayed for all her family right up until she drew her last breath. With regard to her prayers for me, she did not get to see those prayers come to fruition, but she prayed in faith for things that were not yet seen. My Aunt Rainey prayed for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Prayer moves the heart of God and, in turn, He moves His hand to bring His kingdom directly into our lives. It moves mountains, breaks chains, and ends generational curses. The power, immense love, and protection that is contained in heaven is ours through prayer.

NOW LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!



These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.

This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take what you discover and hold it up to the Light to evaluate it against who God says you are.

  • What type of prayer life do you have? Daily? Weekly?
  • Do you have a prayer journal?
  • Have you experienced answered prayer? If so, in what way?
  • Are you praying for anyone? Who?
  • Find a prayer partner so the two of you can agree. This doubles the power of prayer.




Use God’s word to take control over traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts, take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises found in His word.

Print, then cut and carry this Scripture with you and/or post it in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!

Here is what God’s word says to encourage you and to give you an example of His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

When you read God’s word say to yourself: God tells me to worry less, pray more. Give God thanks as we bring our requests to Him. We are blessed by the best!

Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!