Do you ever read the news and feel like there's nothing you can do, like it's completely out of your control? Who do I call? What can I do? Who can I complain to? How can I change things?

We have an active faith, so believers should look for ways to show the love of Christ. We should pursue action, not inaction. But, at all times, there is an action we can engage in -- prayer.

"Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel..." (Ephesians 6:18–19, ESV).

Brothers and sisters, we have the gift, the weapon of prayer.

We can pray for governing authorities, that the sovereign God would direct their decisions and grant them wisdom.

We can pray for the church, that it would be a resounding instrument of God's light and grace and glorious gospel.

We can pray for the success of the gospel of Jesus Christ, that it would be the message that resounds from the church during these days -- and no other.

We can also pray for our brothers and sisters and Christ, that God would protect and watch over them, preparing them for the work he's given them.

And we can pray for our sanctification, that we would grow in Christ Jesus and be made more holy and like Christ in our every activity.

Let us be a people who cry out to God in prayer. It is not a throwaway weapon that God has given to us. It is not a mere sentiment that God has given to us. It is power. Not because of you, but because of the blood of Jesus, which, by faith, has covered and cleansed you, gaining you access in prayer to the God of glory.