When God’s people pray, they rule the world.
It only stands to reason. In the beginning, at the onset, Adam—the son of God—was given dominion. It was told him, “Rule,” but he lost that in the disobedience. In Christ Jesus it is restored. John writes, “He has made us kings and priests” (cf. Revelation 1). Christians not only minister on God’s behalf, they also reign. At least that is God’s intent.
When God’s people pray, God listens. Scripture tells us He does not hear the prayer of the wicked, nor of the one who turns away from His law-word, but He does lend His ear to the prayers of the righteous. They pray according to His will, and when they do that, He hears, and if He hears (John tells us), then they have the things for which they pray.
What is astonishing about God is what He promises regarding prayer. He says, in effect, ‘Whatever you want and ask for, I give it, you have it.’ And this, not only for people and things outside us, but for ourselves too. In one instance Jesus commands we ask—something for ourselves, whatever it is that we want (John 15:7 Wuest). This is well and good, but we’ve a greater purpose than ourselves. We are called to rule the world. There comes a day when we will do so from real, political offices. Some will be mayors, some governors; others will be commissioners and supervisors. This is the lesson of the parable of the minas. In the meantime, we do so through the medium of prayer.
When God’s people pray, He moves leaders’ hearts. Proverbs reveals that the hearts of kings are like watercourses in the hand of the Lord; He directs them wherever He wills. He hardened Pharaoh’s heart. He definitely changed Nebuchadnezzar’s. Cyrus’ heart He moved upon to aid the Jews in the rebuilding of the Temple.
When God’s people pray, He heals lands. That is, a country that has gone astray in rebellion against God—and is suffering the consequences, God can and will heal that land, if His people pray.
When God’s people pray, the Spirt falls, He comes down and the nations bear witness. They see and hear things they’ve not heard before. They come under the conviction of God and are led to repentance.
When God’s people pray, chains fall off and prison doors open; captives are freed.
When God’s people pray, the angels of God do battle in the heavenly realms, making their way to the pray-er with God’s response.
When God’s people pray, cities, states, and nations are spared God’s judgment.
When God’s people pray, their enemies are scattered; they even turn against themselves and self-destruct.
When God’s people pray, those commissioned by God experience open doors for the Gospel.
When God’s people pray, they are emboldened to speak the word of God themselves.
When God’s people pray, all kinds of things happen: needs are met, sickness and disease are healed, demons flee, circumstances change, battles are won, strength is regained, peace comes, hearts are comforted, relationships are restored, wisdom is imparted, discernment is given, and creativity flourishes. When they pray, a bulwark is established, a banner erected, and a refuge established. When they pray, the Lord Himself and all His host are mobilized.
There is no greater power on earth than the prayers of God’s people.
Not ISIS, nor Islam, nor North Korea, nor China or Russia, nor any bomb or missile or cyber assault. No philosophy, no government, no Supreme Court or Congress or President. No foreign army. Not even Satan himself—over whom God’s people have been given authority. Not one person, place, or thing, natural or spiritual, in heaven or on earth, or under the earth, compares in power to that inherent in the prayers of the saints of God.
The saints rule the world, and they do it through prayer. No prayer, no rule. Pray, the Scripture promises, and you get what you ask for. All power and authority vested in Christ Jesus is issued God’s people to be exercised through prayer. We pray therefore, God, hallowed by Your name; Your kingdom come and Your will be done—right here, right now, in our day and in our time. Heal our land—heal us! Move upon the hearts of our leaders. Turn the hearts of the peoples who have shunned You. Restore us to our original foundations as a nation. In Jesus’ name.