Praying with Authority: Walking Boldly in Christ's Power

Devotional

Day 1: Praying with Authority as God’s Children

As believers, we have been given delegated authority through Jesus Christ to pray boldly and confidently, knowing that we are God’s children and co-heirs with Christ. This authority is not based on our own merit but on our relationship with Jesus, who grants us access to the throne of grace. When we pray, we do so not as strangers or outsiders, but as beloved sons and daughters who can approach God with boldness, trusting that He hears and responds to our prayers. This confidence transforms our prayer life from hesitant requests to powerful declarations rooted in our identity in Christ. [01:08:33]

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV)
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been hesitant to pray boldly? How can you approach God today as His child, bringing this need to Him with confidence?

Day 2: The Power of Continual, Spirit-Led Prayer

We are called to pray without ceasing, remaining sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings throughout our day. Whether it’s a sudden urge to pray for someone or a persistent need in our own lives, God invites us to be in constant communication with Him. Spirit-led prayer is not limited to formal moments but can happen anywhere—while cooking, driving, or working. As we respond to these promptings, even with simple prayers, we participate in God’s work and grow in our awareness of His presence and power. [01:04:01]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Reflection: Who has God brought to your mind recently? Will you take a moment right now to pray for them and, if prompted, reach out to let them know?

Day 3: Repentance and Forgiveness: Clearing the Way for Effective Prayer

True repentance and forgiveness are essential for prayers to have authority. Unconfessed sin and unforgiveness can hinder our relationship with God and block the effectiveness of our prayers. Continual repentance keeps our hearts aligned with God, and choosing to forgive others—regardless of whether they have apologized—frees us from bitterness and opens the way for God’s power to flow through our prayers. As we humble ourselves, confess our sins, and release others, we experience healing and restoration, both in our own lives and in our relationships. [01:23:00]

James 5:16 (NKJV)
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or something you need to repent of today? Take time to bring this honestly before God and experience the freedom He offers.

Day 4: Abiding in Christ and His Word for Fruitful Prayer

Abiding in Jesus and allowing His words to dwell in us is the foundation for powerful, effective prayer. When we remain connected to Christ and saturate our hearts with Scripture, our desires align with His will, and our prayers become fruitful. Jesus teaches that it is our responsibility to abide in Him, internalize His word, and then ask boldly—knowing that God delights to answer prayers that flow from a heart rooted in Him. This abiding relationship transforms our prayer life and empowers us to pray with authority and expectation. [01:30:41]

John 15:7 (NKJV)
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can let God’s word abide in you more deeply this week? How might this change the way you pray?

Day 5: Praying About Everything and Trusting God’s Peace

God invites us to bring every concern, big or small, to Him in prayer. Nothing is too insignificant for His attention, and He cares about what matters to us. As we pray about everything with thanksgiving, God promises to guard our hearts and minds with His peace—a peace that surpasses all understanding, even in the midst of uncertainty or difficulty. This peace is a sign of trust, knowing that God is in control and will provide according to His perfect will. [01:17:54]

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one worry or need you have been carrying on your own? Will you choose to bring it to God in prayer today and trust Him for His peace?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered to celebrate the dedication of two precious miracles, Elijah and Lucas, to Jesus. Their story is a testimony to the faithfulness of God, who answers persistent prayer and brings life where there was longing. As we anointed and blessed these children, we were reminded of the call in Deuteronomy 6 to diligently teach our children to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength, and to make our homes places where God’s Word is lived out daily. The example of AJ, their big brother, shows how a child’s love for Jesus can impact an entire family.

We also honored our veterans and first responders, praying for God’s protection, healing, and peace over them and their families. As a church, we reaffirmed our vision: to help people acknowledge, trust, and lean on God every day. This is not just a slogan, but a daily necessity, especially in a world filled with challenges and spiritual battles.

Our identity in Christ gives us delegated authority, but many believers do not walk in the fullness of that authority, especially in prayer. We explored Ephesians 6, where Paul reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. We are called to put on the whole armor of God, wield the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God), and pray always, being led by the Spirit. Prayer is not just a ritual, but a powerful exercise of our authority as God’s children.

We must pray continually, boldly, and about everything—nothing is too small or insignificant for God. Yet, our prayers can lack authority if we neglect repentance, harbor unforgiveness, or fail to let God’s Word abide in us. True repentance cleanses the conduit between us and God, and forgiveness releases us from the prison of bitterness. When we abide in Christ and His Word abides in us, we can ask boldly, knowing we are heard.

Finally, we were challenged to examine what we have stopped praying for, to return to persistent prayer, and to walk in the authority given to us as sons and daughters of God. Whether you are new in faith or have walked with Jesus for years, the same authority is yours—exercise it, and let your life be marked by continual, bold, and Spirit-led prayer.

Key Takeaways

1. Persistent prayer brings breakthrough God honors the prayers that do not give up, even when answers seem delayed. The story of Elijah and Lucas is a living testimony that God hears and responds in His perfect timing. Our faith is strengthened as we continue to ask, seek, and knock, trusting that God is working even in the waiting. [64:01]
2. Authority in prayer requires repentance Without true repentance, our prayers lose their power. Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual turning of our hearts toward God, acknowledging where we have missed the mark. As we keep short accounts with God, the channel of communication remains open, and our prayers become effective and fervent. [83:00]
3. Forgiveness unlocks spiritual authority Unforgiveness is a barrier that hinders our prayers and poisons our souls. Jesus taught that we must forgive others as we have been forgiven, releasing bitterness and allowing God’s healing to flow. Forgiveness is not about excusing wrongs, but about freeing ourselves to walk in the fullness of God’s grace and authority. [88:27]
4. Abiding in God’s Word empowers our prayers When God’s Word lives in us, our prayers align with His will and carry authority. It is not enough to read Scripture; we must internalize, obey, and let it shape our desires and requests. As we abide in Christ and His Word, we pray with confidence, knowing we are asking according to His heart. [91:20]
5. Pray about everything, big or small Nothing is too insignificant for God’s attention. Whether it’s a lost earring or a major life decision, we are invited to bring every need to Him in prayer. As we do, His peace guards our hearts and minds, and we learn to trust Him in all things. [77:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:48] - Baby Dedication: Elijah & Lucas
[27:55] - Teaching Our Children to Love God
[29:07] - Blessing the Family
[41:09] - God’s Provision and Peace
[43:25] - Honoring Veterans and First Responders
[45:00] - Our Vision: Trusting God Daily
[46:14] - Identity and Authority in Christ
[47:30] - Prayer with Authority
[51:01] - Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God
[57:16] - Wielding the Sword: Praying the Word
[59:01] - Praying in the Spirit
[64:01] - Persistent Prayer and Testimonies
[83:00] - Repentance and Authority in Prayer
[88:27] - The Power of Forgiveness
[91:20] - Abiding in the Word
[97:01] - Returning to Prayer and Repentance
[105:26] - Invitation to Salvation
[108:50] - Walking in Authority and Generosity
[113:27] - Closing Blessing and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV) — > Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

John 15:7 (NKJV) — > If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

James 5:16 (NKJV) — > Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 6, what are the different pieces of the armor of God, and what is their purpose in the life of a believer? ([51:11])
In John 15:7, what two conditions does Jesus give for prayers to be answered?
What does James 5:16 say about the connection between confession, prayer, and healing?
In the sermon, what were some reasons given for why our prayers might lack authority? ([01:23:00])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces? How does this change the way we approach challenges in life? ([51:25])
The sermon mentioned that persistent prayer brings breakthrough, even when answers seem delayed. Why do you think God sometimes waits to answer our prayers? ([01:04:01])
How does true repentance and forgiveness affect our ability to pray with authority, according to both the Bible and the sermon? ([01:23:00] / [01:28:27])
What does it mean for God’s Word to “abide” in us, and how does that empower our prayers? ([01:31:20])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to examine what we have stopped praying for. Is there something or someone you used to pray for but have given up on? What would it look like to start praying persistently again? ([01:04:01])
Are there areas in your life where you need to practice true repentance? How can you make repentance a regular part of your prayer life, not just a one-time event? ([01:23:00])
The message said that unforgiveness can block our prayers and poison our souls. Is there anyone you need to forgive—someone else, yourself, or even God? What step can you take this week to begin that process? ([01:28:27])
When was the last time you prayed about something “small” in your life, like a lost item or a minor decision? How can you develop the habit of bringing everything to God in prayer, big or small? ([01:17:54])
The sermon talked about praying with authority as sons and daughters of God. Do you struggle to see yourself as having that authority? What truth from Scripture can you hold onto to remind yourself of your identity in Christ? ([01:09:46])
What practical steps can you take to let God’s Word “abide” in you this week? (For example: memorizing a verse, reading a chapter each day, or journaling about what you read.) ([01:31:20])
The pastor encouraged us to pray for others when God brings them to mind, even sending a quick text or call. Can you think of someone God has put on your heart recently? How will you respond the next time this happens? ([01:01:20])

Sermon Clips

There is a false gospel, a false Christianity, if you would, that preaches that when you come to Jesus, everything's going to be fine. And that is contrary to the word of God. Jesus said, you're gonna face stuff, but have peace. I've overcome the world. And it says here, that our fight, our wrestling, our war is not against flesh and blood. So I am not in war with the person. It is a demonic situation happening in the background. And we are in a spiritual war, whether you choose to believe it or not. [00:51:34] (35 seconds) #SpiritualWarReality

You have the same authority delegated to you. Whether you are a Christian that just gave your life to Jesus three months ago, or last Sunday, or this morning, then I do. I'm not special. The difference lies in how we're exercising the authority. That's where we can maybe have a differentiation, but you have authority. [01:06:10] (32 seconds) #EqualAuthority

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your request be known to God and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. What should we pray about? Everything. Pray about everything. [01:17:43] (23 seconds) #PrayAboutEverything

Without true repentance, our prayer lacks authority. Without true repentance, our prayer lacks authority. Do you know what happens many times to believers? The only time they truly repent is the day they gave their life to Jesus. But do you know that the day you gave your life to Jesus, you became God's son, and you were washed by the blood, and you are white as snow, but you do not become a sinless individual. So what does that mean? We all need to continually repent before God for thoughts that we had that didn't please him, for things that we said that didn't please him, for things that we did that didn't please him. [01:22:51] (45 seconds) #RepentForAuthority

If it is true that my fight is not against flesh and blood, and that I am not fighting the individual, it's the principality, it's the powers behind it, the opposite of that is true as well. When I do something, it's not just to the individual, it hurt God. So I got to repent. [01:24:45] (18 seconds) #RepentForImpact

Without the word of God. Abiding in us, our prayer lacks authority. It's what Jesus said. All the way up to verse number 7, there he's talking about being part of the vine and giving fruit and that. But then he says, if you abide in me, and my word abides in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you. [01:31:10] (24 seconds) #AbideInTheWord

True repentance cleans the conduit. Pray with authority. Repentance. What is it, church? It's our responsibility to repent and get full of the word. Listen, I can't get saved for you. I can't repent for you. I can't read the word of God for you. I can't quote. I can't do it. [01:34:30] (37 seconds) #RepentAndPray

What did you stop praying about? What did you quit praying about? Who did you stop praying for? What have you stopped believing? That today, not David Perez and not 3W Church, you're not here on coincidence. God wanted you to hear, from the word this morning. You've got authority, but the vessel's got to be clean. There's got to be repentance. [01:36:41] (34 seconds) #KeepPrayingKeepBelieving

The fact that they did that and now you forgive, it doesn't make what they did okay. It was still wrong. But if you don't forgive, you're a prisoner to that unforgiveness and your life is hindered and your marriage suffers, your children suffer, your health suffers. Release it today. Walk out of here today free from that pain and that past. Because out of an act of your own free will, you chose to forgive. It's on you. [01:42:19] (37 seconds) #AskInFaith

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