The power of prayer should never be underestimated. James 5:16-18

declares “...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not

rain and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again

he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its

crops.” God most definitely listens to prayers, answers prayers,

The power of prayer is not just the result of praying. The power or

prayer resides in our Lord who is being prayed to. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, “This is the confidence we

have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us -

whatever we ask - we know that we have waht we asked of him.”  It doesn’t matter who is praying, the passion behind the

prayer, or the purpose of the prayer -- God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always

yes, but are always in our best interest. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God’s will, God responds

powerfully!

We cannot access powerful prayer by using "magic formulas." Our prayers being answered is not based on the eloquence of

our prayers. We don't have to use certain words or phrases to get God to answer our prayers. In fact, Jesus rebukes those

who pray using repetitions, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard

because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:7-

8). Prayer is communicating with God. All you have to do is ask God for His help.

Do you have a prayer request that

should be communicated to the

Diaconate of Santa Fe? Contact

the Diaconate Phone Tree

Coordinator at 505-268-8633 and

relay the request.