Game Changer (noun): a newly introduced element or factor that

changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way.

You’ve seen it many times in your favorite sporting event. Everything is moving in one direction and one team has all the momentum. But then one play or a strategic move turns everything in a completely different direction and gives the other team all the momentum. And you’ve probably seen it in many other places – a relationship, a circumstance you are involved in, or a precarious situation you are occupied with.

Prayer is a game changer. It’s the element introduced into an existing situation, event or activity that changes it in a significant way. Richard Foster wrote, “To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us…to pray is to change.”

As you study the life of Jesus, you’ll notice that before Jesus ever did anything significant, He prayed. Prayer was the “game changing moment” in every encounter. Everywhere you turn, He was praying for the Father’s agenda (“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done”). He prayed before choosing the twelve disciples (Luke 6:12-13). He prayed before he fed over 5000 people with a few loaves of bread and some fish (John 6:11). He prayed before he raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:41-42). His prayers continued up to His death on the cross.  In Luke 23:34, you see that even as the spikes were being driven into His hand He was praying for them. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

The disciples saw what a game changer prayer was for Jesus. And on one occasion they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. In that exchange, Jesus gave them (and us) what is called “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4).

Our Father who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the glory,

For ever and ever.

Amen.

It was a real game changer for the disciples. And it can be for you too! I challenge you to prayer the Lord’s Prayer every day. I’m praying it at noon every day. Aldersgate Church is praying it at noon every day. And churches around the nation are praying it at noon every day. Will you join us? It’s a real game changer!