unleashing the power of God through prayer

ἀλλὰ λήμψεσθε δύναμιν ἐπελθόντος τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς, 

καὶ ἔσεσθέ μου μάρτυρες ἔν τε Ἰερουσαλὴμ καὶ ἐν πάσῃ τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ καὶ Σαμαρείᾳ καὶ ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς.

These are the words Jesus gave to a bunch of guys who had locked themselves in a dark room, bolted  the windows and were shaking in fear...

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—

in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 

Acts 1:8 (New Living Translation)

God has a habit of using choosing the weak things to display his glory (Judges 7:2,1 Cor. 1:27).   Those whom he chooses he empowers. My children's bible states it this way;

Because God sees not just who you are-

but who he is going to make you. 

If you are a lover of Christ and have laid down your life for him as he has for you than you are δύναμιν in his hands. This word translates "power", specifically The Holy Spirit.  It to weak, nor subtle. 

 Unfortunately  have bought the lies that the Deceiver has whispered (or shouted) into our ears that the Holy Spirit has truncated sporadic power in our lives. Was Jesus wrong? No. 

So are the lives of most followers of Christ so different from the twelve frightened,  hiding men? 

Perhaps it is because we forget to ask for the the power to live. Here is the prayer I pray with and over my family at the door before we head to work, kindergarten, and daycare. 

"Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us into safety to this new day: preserves us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all that we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

This short prayer found on page 137 of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer holds all the pieces; submission to God as Lord, acknowledging his provision of life and control of our bodies while we sleep, asks to be sustained throughout the day spiritually and physically (for without him we die both ways), begs help to not sin admitting we are powerless, and calls us to die to ourselves and agendas and to replace it with His. 

Pray it with your family for 30 days...if cannot because you are too scattered in the morning do whatever you need to do to stop that and focus. It seems as if you are more concerned with your agenda...