10 Prayers for Power and Authority in Ministry (Luke 9:1)

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“Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.” Luke 9:1 (KJV)

Kingdom business is spiritual business. It cannot be carried out by mere human skill, intellect, or resources alone. Ministry requires spiritual resources—specifically, power and authority (1 Corinthians 4:20). Without power, one cannot manifest the supernatural works of God, and without authority, one lacks the legitimacy to operate in spiritual matters. This post explores these concepts and provides ten prayers to ensure their presence in your ministry.

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Prayer One: Asking for the Gift of Power

Power in ministry is a gift from God. Luke 10:19 states, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” The disciples did not earn this power; it was given to them. Similarly, James 1:17 reminds us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” The gifts of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29), meaning that when He grants power, it remains with us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that all power comes from You. I ask for the gift of power to serve effectively in Your Kingdom. Fill me with divine ability to heal the sick, cast out devils, and proclaim Your Word with boldness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer Two: Grace for Intimacy

While power is a gift, authority is developed through relationship with God. Mark 3:14 states, “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach.” Notice the order—first, they were to be with Him, then they were sent. Authority comes from intimacy with Jesus. Acts 4:13 provides a clear example: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Their authority was evident because of their relationship with Christ.

Prayer: Lord, help me to develop deep intimacy with You. Let my authority in ministry stem from my relationship with You. May my time in Your presence grant me the right to represent You with power and confidence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer Three: Manifestation of Signs and Wonders

Power is God’s tool for conquest. It is often demonstrated with signs and wonders to confirm His presence and activity. Jesus said, “And these signs shall follow them that believe” (Mark 16:17). For example, in Acts 8:5-9, Philip’s ministry was characterized by both audio (hearing deliverance) and video (seeing miracles).

Prayer: Father, let my ministry be accompanied by signs and wonders. May Your power be evident through healing, deliverance, and supernatural breakthroughs, proving Your presence in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer Four: Walking in Legitimate Spiritual Authority

While power is demonstrative, authority is judicial. It operates on the basis of legitimacy. In Luke 13:11-17, a woman was bound by a spirit of infirmity for 18 years. Jesus enforced divine law by declaring her freedom, proving that authority overruled demonic oppression. A police officer does not need physical strength to stop traffic; he only needs the right uniform. Similarly, spiritual authority is not about effort but legitimacy. Psalms 66:3 states, “Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.”

Prayer: Lord, grant me judicial authority to operate in Your Kingdom. Help me to enforce divine laws and bring liberty to the oppressed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer Five: Power to do the Impossible

Power answers the question, “Can it be done?” It is performance-based. Psalms 78:26 states, “He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind.” God’s power enables miracles and changes situations.

Prayer: Father, release Your power in my life so that I may accomplish what seems impossible. Strengthen me to do Your will and bring transformation wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer Six: Submission to God’s Will

While power asks, “Can it be done?” authority asks, “Should it be done?” Matthew 7:21-23 warns against unauthorized service: “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” Without a proper relationship with God, power alone is not enough. For example, a surgeon may have the power to perform an operation, but before they do, they usually ask for authorization from the patient or their relatives.

Prayer: Lord, help me to operate within the boundaries of Your authority. Let my works be pleasing in Your sight, and may I never be found unauthorized. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer Seven: Resisting Satan’s Influence

Satan has power but lacks authority. Luke 10:19 acknowledges his power but also assures us of our superior authority in Christ. The enemy can only gain authority if we give him place (Ephesians 4:27).

Prayer: Father, I refuse to give the enemy any foothold in my life. Strengthen me to walk in righteousness and stand firm in my God-given authority. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer Eight: Receiving the Power of the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8 says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” The Holy Spirit imparts divine ability, enabling believers to advance God’s Kingdom.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power. Let me be a vessel through which You demonstrate Your might. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer Nine: Fasting and Prayer as a Key to Power

After 40 days of prayer and fasting, Jesus returned from His fast “in the power of the Spirit” (Luke 4:14). Fasting weakens the flesh and makes way for spiritual empowerment.

Prayer: Lord, give me the discipline to fast and pray so that I may walk in greater power. Help me to subdue the flesh and be led by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer Ten: Walking in Both Spirit and Power

Luke 1:17 speaks of John the Baptist operating “in the spirit and power of Elias.” However, John lacked the signs and wonders associated with Elijah’s ministry (John 10:40-41). We must pursue both the spirit and the power of God.

Prayer: Lord, let me walk in both Your Spirit and power. May my ministry reflect the fullness of Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In conclusion, both power and authority are essential in ministry. As we pursue intimacy with God, walk in obedience, and seek the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, we will operate effectively in the two in His Kingdom. May these prayers help you grow in spiritual strength and impact for the glory of God.

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