The Power of Prayer with Karen Berry

Prayer can be a mysterious thing. Whether it is a financial crisis, health scare, or family drama, it seems like everyone regardless of their faith background has at one point or another prayed to God. For some, they feel like their prayers go unanswered, for others it draws them closer to God, and for some they witness miracles through prayer. Even when it doesn’t seem like God is working in the situation, He is always listening to our prayers. It is easy to get discouraged and to give up praying for a friend, family member or situation because we don’t perceive God to be at work.

Karen Berry is a believer in the power of prayer. Several years ago, when she was extremely sick, her friends, family and even strangers prayed for her as she endured surgeries and treatments. Shortly after trial, Berry met a woman named Angie. Angie shared with her that she had prayed for Berry for an entire year. Angie used a prayer bowl to help her keep her commitment to pray for Berry. Out of Berry’s sickness and Angie’s commitment to pray, Berry was inspired to create a unique and distinctive prayer bowl for herself and others. Thus PrayerBowls was born.

“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” 1 Corinthians 1:10-11

Berry shares on her website about how we often forget to pray for a request shared and what she does to help her to remember to pray.

“So many times we hear of a prayer request at church, Bible study, or even through email, and we pray for that person at that time. Often, we quickly forget to offer a prayer again while we shuffle back into our daily routine, but God tells us to pray continuously. So, simply place your prayer bowl where you sit daily, and jot down the names of those whom you’re praying for on a slip of paper. Then, each day, alone or with your family, lift up those friends in need to the Lord.

PrayerBowls are a practical way to communicate with God. They can be brought to family gatherings and holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Each person can write what they are thankful to God for this year and place in the PrayerBowl to be read aloud with your loved ones. Each PrayerBowl is a porcelain bowl that is elegantly created with a unique design. Inscribed on each bowl is a powerful Bible verse, and each set includes a set of cards and one dollar of every PrayerBowl sold is donated to Mary Lee’s House, The Center for Child Protection and Advocacy.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.  Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,” Ephesians 6:18-19

Risen Reflections

Commit to praying. So often a friend shares an urgent prayer request. While we often respond with a commitment to pray, we often forget to actually pray in the business of life. Rather than wait, pray for the person or request on the spot. It can be replying to a prayer email, texting the person back with a quick prayer, or pausing after the person shares and praying with the person right there. God wants to speak to us through prayer so make sure that you take time to listen too!

Write down your prayers. Whether it is with the prayer bowl, a prayer journal or in your planner, take time this week to write down your prayers. It is a great way to organize your thoughts and be more diligent about a commitment to pray for someone or something. Look up verses that go along with your prayer request. Writing your prayers down serves as a way to be able to look back and see how God answered the request. It also can give you or others hope when they go through a similar situation, you can share what God taught you as you wrote down your prayers. Don’t be afraid of what you are going to say, God wants to talk with you.

Pray for your “Top 5.” It can be a friend, family member, co-worker or someone you pass by everyday. Write them down on a notecard or with a dry-erase pen on your mirror. Commit to praying for these 5 people every day. Make the prayer for the “Top 5,” part of your daily routine. While you brush your teeth, drive to work or get ready for bed, take some time and pray for the people on your list. It can be that they come to know Christ personally or for a specific request that they have shared with you. If you are able to, ask them to share updates with you or pray with them in person. Don’t forget to listen to the Holy Spirit as you pray for each person. He will give you insight and direction as you pray.