From the Publisher
FOREWORD GREG LAURIE Have you ever been in what seemed like an impossible situation with no way out? Have you ever had a desperate need that had no seemingly possible solution? Have you ever thought there was no future for you, and that it was just too late? If so, then you need to know more about the power of God and what can take place through prayer. One thing that stands out in the pages of Scripture is that prayer can dramatically change situations, people, and, on occasion, even the course of nature itself. But what prayer changes the most is you and me. God allows hardship and difficulties in our lives so He can reveal Himself and put His power and glory on display for those who are watching. When we pray, we’re acknowledging our weakness and our need for God’s help. Maybe that’s the reason we don’t pray as much as we ought to. Prayer is an admission of weakness on our part, and some people don’t like to admit they have a need. The strongest man who ever lived was Jesus Christ, and we read repeatedly in the Gospels that Jesus prayed—and He prayed a lot. He would spend the night in prayer. He would rise up early while the disciples were still sleeping and pray. And as the crucifixion approached, He turned to the Father in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Bible tells us that “while Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God” (Hebrews 5:7 NLT). Notice the phrase “with a loud cry and tears.” There’s a place for that too in prayer. So if Jesus, who is God, prayed a lot, then undoubtedly we need to pray a lot too. God is deeply involved and deeply concerned about what you’re facing right now. If it concerns you, then it concerns Him. But we also need to recognize that prayer is getting God’s will on Earth, not our will in heaven. As Christians, we know this, yet we would all have to admit that we don’t pray as much as we ought. But I have good news for you…help is on the way! My good friend Pastor James Merritt deals with how you can unlock your prayer life, and you are holding that book right now in your hand. He is one of the finest Bible teachers in the world today, and when he speaks or writes, I take the time to listen. In The God Who Hears, Pastor James focuses on the prison prayers of the great apostle Paul and shares practical and applicable truth that will enhance your prayers. Let’s get started and learn more about prayer together!
