First – Jesus taught to have power in prayer we must become “Poor in Spirit”. That means to recognize our need for God. In “The Sermon on the Mount” Jesus revealed a paradigm shift from the way most people think and act. (See Matthew 5.)

When Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to be hailed as the Messiah and King, we would have supposed that he would come riding on a white steed in regal splendor. Instead he comes riding on a colt of a donkey. This would be akin to President Bush arriving at his inaugural ceremony in a VW. What was Jesus’ point? That the power of God’s kingdom begins with humility and servanthood not pompous pride.

The disciples found the donkey where “two ways met” (Mark 11:4 KJV) and, in obedience, brought it to Jesus. Perhaps you are at a crossroads. You can choose to be like the proud Pharisee that Jesus told us about or become like the publican who bowed his head and prayed, “God be merciful to me the sinner” (Luke 18:9-14).

Second – the principle of PRAISE. When Jesus instructed his disciples to bring the donkey, he told them that if any one asked what they were doing they should tell them, “The Lord has need of it” (Mark 11:3). Have you ever considered what God has need of? He doesn’t need our gold, silver, or sacrifices, but He does desire our PRAISE. The Father seeks worshippers (John 4:23, 24). We thank Him for what He has done, but we praise Him for who He is.

As Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, people cut down palm branches and strew them in the way. They shouted, “Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” Even the children gave Jesus praise. Some of the religious leaders became indignant. Jesus replied, “Have you not heard the scripture, “Out of the mouths of infants and babes thou hast prepared praise. . .” (Matthew 21:16). Sadly, though, the praise of the people later turned to “Crucify him!” You can only truly praise whom you know. The more you know God and His Son, Jesus Christ, the more you will praise Him. Praise brings His presence, power, and delight to prayer. Ask God to help you praise Him.

Third – the principle of PURITY in PRAYER. After Jesus rode into Jerusalem, He entered the temple, “And when He had looked round about upon all things. . . He went unto Bethany.” Jesus was making an assessment of the temple. He saw the greed and merchandising going on. When you become a believer in Christ you become a temple of God. What does God see in your life? Does He see sin, worldliness, wrong motive, and wrong attitudes? David, the Psalmist, said, “If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18). Ask God to cleanse your temple, through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross for the sins of the world. Pray as David prayed for a clean heart (Psalms 51:10).

Fourth – prayer must be a PRIORITY. Jesus drove the moneychangers and merchandisers out of the temple and declared, “. . . My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. . .” (Mark 11:15-17). Prayer was a priority in Jesus’ life. Is it a priority for you, or do you only pray when you are in a jam? A sign outside of a church read, “A week without prayer, makes one weak.”

Fifth – PERSUASIVE PRAYER is a prayer of faith. After leaving the temple, Jesus, being hungry, went toward a fig tree expecting to get some figs. Seeing nothing but leaves, He declares, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” (Mark 11:13, 14). The Lord expects fruit in our lives. Are you a barren professor of Christ?

The next morning as they passed by the fig tree, the disciples were surprised to see the fig tree had withered from the roots up. Jesus replied, “Have faith in God, - whoever says to this mountain, be taken up and cast into the sea, and does not doubt. . .but believes. . .it shall be granted him” (Mark 11:22-24). Faith is the key to mountain – moving prayer. It’s not even how much faith you have, but that you use the faith that you do have. (See Luke 17:5, 6.)

Six – principle for power praying is PARDON. Jesus said, “When you stand praying – forgive.” “If you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive you” (Mark 11:25, 26). If you do not pardon those who have hurt or offended you, your prayers will be blocked from being answered. God will not forgive you. Is there someone you need to forgive?

Do you want power for living and power for praying? Practice these six power principles and your life will be radically changed. Prayer will become a delight.