Daily devotion – The weapon that is prayer!
Are Our Prayers Making a Difference?
Each Wednesday evening here at Calvary Chapel Secret Harbour, the faithful gather to study God’s Word and then join together in prayer. Week after week, we’ve been praying earnestly—for our nation, for peace in Jerusalem, and for the Jewish people—especially in light of the alarming rise in antisemitism.
The Bible clearly teaches us that prayer makes a difference.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Just yesterday, Australia released a statement taking a meaningful stand against antisemitism. Special Envoy Jillian Segal has recommended cutting funding, where possible, from broadcasters, universities, and arts institutions that fail to combat antisemitism. Her review also calls for changes to Australia’s hate speech laws, social media algorithms, and visa screenings.
I believe this step didn’t happen merely because of politicians—but because God’s people across this land, including here at Secret Harbour, have been persistently bringing this issue before the Lord in prayer!
In Israel, too, there is rising hope that the war in Gaza is nearing an end. I am convinced this optimism is again the result of God’s people standing in the gap—praying in obedience to His Word:
Psalm 122:6 – “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”
Prayer is how the Church calls upon the power of God and aligns with His will. Jesus taught us to pray:
Matthew 6:9–10 – “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
But here is the great tragedy: the enemy remains largely unchallenged in many churches today—not because he is strong, but because so few believers truly engage in the battle through prayer. In many churches across the Western world, the prayer meeting is the most neglected gathering of the week. And because of this, many Christian families suffer under constant conflict and spiritual weakness. Why? A lack of prayer, and a lack of belief in its power.
Yet to you who are faithful—who pray, who seek God’s face, who cry out in faith—keep going! Do not lose heart. Every time we pray, we lay siege to the enemy’s strongholds. And as we use this mighty weapon God has given us—the privilege of prayer—we will continue to witness the defeat of darkness and the advance of God’s purposes.