Title: PRAYER THAT MOVES MOUNTAINS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 17:20
Supporting Texts: Mark 11:23-24, James 5:16, Luke 18:1-8
INTRODUCTION:
Prayer is one of the most powerful tools in the believer’s arsenal, capable of moving mountains and bringing about change in any situation. Jesus assures us in Matthew 17:20 that if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can move mountains. This kind of prayer—one that is rooted in faith and aligned with God's will—has the power to break every barrier and overcome any obstacle. In this sermon, we will explore the principles and power of prayer that moves mountains, understanding how we can tap into its transformative potential in our lives.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF FAITH-FILLED PRAYER
a) Faith is the Key to Mountain-Moving Prayer:
The first key to prayer that moves mountains is faith. Jesus explains that even a small amount of faith can accomplish the impossible (Matthew 17:20).
b) The Role of Persistent Belief:
Mountain-moving prayer requires not only initial belief but also persistent trust in God’s ability to answer. James 1:6 encourages us to ask in faith, without doubting.
c) Prayer in Alignment with God’s Will:
Our prayers must align with God’s will, as He answers according to His purposes and plans for our lives (1 John 5:14-15).
d) Confidence in God’s Power:
It’s not about the power of our words, but about the power of the One to whom we pray. Prayer becomes effective when we place our confidence in God, who is mighty to save (Jeremiah 32:17).
e) Biblical Example: The Prayer of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9-20). Hannah’s faith-filled prayer for a child was answered because she prayed with a deep, persistent trust in God's power and plan.
2. THE ROLE OF HUMILITY IN MOUNTAIN-MOVING PRAYER
a) Humbling Ourselves Before God:
Prayer that moves mountains requires humility. James 4:6 tells us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humility positions us to receive answers from God.
b) Acknowledging Our Dependence on God:
Mountain-moving prayer recognizes our complete dependence on God. We cannot move mountains by our own strength, but only through His power (Zechariah 4:6).
c) Surrendering Our Will to God’s Will:
Humility in prayer means surrendering our desires to God’s perfect will, trusting that He knows what is best for us (Luke 22:42).
d) Fasting and Humbling Ourselves:
Fasting is one way we humble ourselves before God, amplifying the power of our prayers (Matthew 17:21).
e) Biblical Example: The Prayer of Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-14). Solomon humbly asked for wisdom, not selfish gain, and God granted him what he needed, showing that humility in prayer leads to divine favor.
3. PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER
a) The Parable of the Persistent Widow:
Jesus teaches the importance of persistence in prayer through the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). She kept asking the unjust judge until her request was granted.
b) Never Giving Up:
The key to mountain-moving prayer is persistence. We are encouraged to pray and not give up, trusting that God will answer in His perfect timing (Luke 11:9-10).
c) Overcoming Discouragement:
Persistent prayer allows us to overcome discouragement, doubt, and fear, as we focus on God’s promises rather than the challenges (Romans 8:37-39).
d) Praying Without Ceasing:
Mountain-moving prayer requires continuous communication with God. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing, remaining in a posture of prayer at all times.
e) Biblical Example: Elijah’s Persistent Prayer (1 Kings 18:41-45).
Elijah prayed persistently for rain, even when there was no sign of it, demonstrating the power of persistent prayer.
4. SPEAKING TO THE MOUNTAINS
a) Authority in Prayer:
Jesus gives us the authority to speak to the mountains in our lives and command them to move (Mark 11:23). This authority comes from our position in Christ.
b) Speaking in Faith:
We must speak to our situations with faith, not doubt. Jesus said that if we believe, we will receive what we ask for in prayer (Mark 11:24).
c) Declaring God’s Word:
In mountain-moving prayer, we declare God’s promises over our situations, aligning our words with His truth (Isaiah 55:11).
d) Speaking with Boldness:
Boldness in prayer is essential for moving mountains. Acts 4:29-31 shows the apostles praying with boldness, and the place where they were meeting was shaken.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus Calms the Storm (Mark 4:35-41).
Jesus spoke to the storm, rebuking it, and it obeyed. This demonstrates the power of speaking with authority in faith.
5. THE IMPACT OF REPENTANCE AND HOLINESS IN MOUNTAIN-MOVING PRAYER
a) The Need for a Pure Heart:
Psalm 66:18 tells us that if we regard iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us. Repentance and holiness are essential for effective prayer.
b) Confession of Sin:
If we want God to move in power, we must confess our sins and ask for forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Unconfessed sin can hinder the effectiveness of our prayers.
c) Living a Holy Life:
Living a life of holiness and righteousness enhances our prayers and brings us closer to God (James 5:16).
d) Standing in Righteousness:
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). As we live in right standing with God, our prayers carry weight in the spiritual realm.
e) Biblical Example: The Prayer of Daniel (Daniel 9:3-19).
Daniel’s prayer, filled with repentance for his people, brought about a swift and powerful response from God.
CONCLUSION:
Prayer that moves mountains is not just about asking for what we want, but about aligning our hearts with God’s will, praying with faith, persistence, humility, and holiness. As we press into these principles, we will see God move in ways that we never imagined, breaking every barrier and overcoming every obstacle. Let us be encouraged to pray bold prayers, knowing that with God, all things are possible.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, increase my faith, that I may pray prayers that move mountains.
2. Father, help me to align my prayers with Your perfect will.
3. I surrender my own desires to You, Lord, and trust Your perfect plan.
4. I declare that every mountain in my life shall move in Jesus' name.
5. I commit to persistent prayer and refuse to give up on Your promises.
6. Father, empower me to pray with boldness and authority.
7. I repent of any sin that may hinder my prayers, and I ask for Your forgiveness.
8. Holy Spirit, guide me in every prayer and help me discern God’s will.
9. I speak to every challenge and declare victory in Jesus' name.
10. Lord, let my life be a testimony of the power of prayer that moves mountains.
