Here is the heart of the matter, and that which should change the way we pray forever: Prayer is the way God has chosen to accomplish His will on earth.  When we understand that, suddenly prayer moves from something that can seem selfish and self-serving, to an amazing opportunity to be a participant in the work of God in our world.  Forgotten Power, David Butts.

It is amazing that the Sovereign, Almighty God of the universe would choose to rely on us in any way, but He does.  He has chosen to give us a leading role in advancing His Kingdom on earth.  In some ways, He has actually limited Himself to accomplishing what we pray for. 

Jesus taught us to pray for God’s Kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, Matt. 6:10.  He told us to pray earnestly that God will send laborers into His harvest, Matt. 9:38.  In a slightly different context, James 4:2 tell us, “You do not have, because you do not ask.”  God has given us a primary role to play in the advancement of His Kingdom.

We like to believe that we fulfill that role through our intelligence, our abilities, and our stellar service.  While God can and does use those things, they are not the primary way we advance His Kingdom.  All too often, they become ways of advancing our own kingdom and ego.

The best way for us to advance the Kingdom of God is to humbly admit our complete dependence on God and pray.  Jesus said that if we abide in Him and allow Him to abide in us, we will bear much fruit, but apart from Him we can’t do anything – nothing, nada, zilch, John 15:5.  Even Jesus said, I can’t do anything on My Own, without My Father, John 5:30.  But, the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working, James 5:16. 

Kingdom advancing prayer is difficult.  It requires us to humble ourselves before God and admit that we need Him to do what we cannot do – and in some cases don’t even want to do.  But God stands ready to unleash His power and advance His Kingdom in ways we find difficult to imagine.  He will move with power if we pray asking Him to establish His will and accomplish His purposes.  We have the right, privilege and responsibility to partner with God in advancing His Kingdom through prayer.  Let that forever change the way you pray.  Become an active participant in the work of God in our world.