How to Pray for Breakthrough Using the POWER Prayer Method

Hi, and welcome to the Praying for Breakthrough Prayer Workshop!

I am so excited that you have decided to join me for this workshop! My name is Christin and I am the blogger behind Garments of Splendor! 

I am a former Elementary school teacher and Sunday School curriculum writer, and I have served in women’s ministry for many years through the local churches and ministries my family and I have been part of over the years.

My passion for this online ministry has been to see women grow in their faith and understanding of who we are in Christ, and how we are clothed with Christ–clothed in spiritual garments of splendor.

In this workshop, we will discuss how we can walk in freedom and pray with POWER.

Prayer is one of the best ways we can develop a deeper connection with the Lord, and when we couple prayer with the Word of God, we can experience double the impact and power through the Holy Spirit!

Before we dive into the components of the POWER Prayer Method to receive amazing breakthroughs in our lives, I want to share a powerful prayer the Apostle Paul prayed for the church in the book of Colossians.

It’s found in Colossians 1:9-14,

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,

10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 

11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 

12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 

13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

What a powerful prayer! Paul was dedicated to praying for the church in Colossae. In fact, he had not stopped praying for them. 

Here are the prayer requests he prayed for them:

He did not stop praying and asking God for them to…

1. Be filled with the knowledge of God’s will (through wisdom and understanding through the Holy Spirit–vs 9)
2. Live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way (vs 10)
3. Bear fruit in every good work (vs 10)
4. Grow in the knowledge of God (vs 10)
5. Be strengthened with God’s power (according to His glorious might) (vs 11)
6. Have great endurance and patience (vs 11)
7. Joyfully give thanks to God (vs 12)
8. Share in the inheritance of His saints (his holy and chosen people) in His kingdom (vs 12)

That is such an amazing prayer list!

If Paul prayed those things for the church of Colossae, why shouldn’t we also pray these SAME prayer requests for ourselves and for our loved ones?!

Like I have said in the past on the Garments of Splendor blog and in previous Bible studies–

Whenever we pray the WORD of God, we always pray the WILL of God!

Let’s take a moment to look more closely at a few of the prayer requests in today’s video, and then discuss how we can pray for breakthrough using the POWER prayer method. 

Prayer Request 1: To be filled with knowledge of God’s will through wisdom and understanding (vs 9)

The Greek word for knowledge is gnōsis, which means general intelligence, understanding, general knowledge of Christian religion, and moral wisdom. The Greek word in Colossians 1:9 is epignōsis–which means precise and correct knowledge (source).

Paul prayed not only that they would receive knowledge, but that it would be the correct knowledge/truth according to the truth of God’s Word.

Not only do we need to have the correct truth about spiritual knowledge of God, but we also need to know practical knowledge about the world we live in, and how to apply that knowledge to our lives–according to God’s will.

You may be familiar with the story in Scripture when God approached Solomon and asked him for whatever he desired. Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom and a discerning heart to govern the people he was king over (1 Kings 3:7-9).

Solomon needed spiritual and practical wisdom to know how to govern his kingdom. He knew he needed God’s wisdom because that was something he had neve done before, but God had obviously called and appointed and called him to do it.

In the same way, we need spiritual knowledge to understand God’s will for our lives, and we also need practical knowledge, wisdom and understanding to carry out God’s will.

Practical knowledge can be things such as…

• Relational knowledge to know how to communicate in marriage and parenting
• Financial knowledge to understand how finances work and how to manage our finances with wisdom and discernment
• Practical knowledge and training in our careers so that we can perform our jobs to the best of our abilities
• Learning how to manage our homes with efficiency and effectiveness
• And so on

Ask God for spiritual knowledge to know what it is the God has called you to do,

And then ask God for practical knowledge to know how to implement and execute His will in the best way possible using the strengths, gifts, and talents God has given you.

Quick reflection time:

What area of your life are you praying for a breakthrough in?

What is God’s will for you regarding this area of your life?

What spiritual knowledge has God given you about this area of your life,

or what is he specifically calling you to do in this area of your life?

What practical knowledge do you need in order to help you receive your breakthrough in this area of your life? (ie, what books do you need to read, what podcasts do you need to listen to, youtube videos do you need to watch that will give you practical knowledge that you need to receive your breakthrough?)

For example:

If you are praying for a breakthrough in your finances, what is it that God has called you to do regarding your finances? 

What practical knowledge do you need to help you grow in understanding of how to manage, maintain and grow your finances?

 **Note: whenever we are asking ourselves these questions for the areas of our lives where we need breakthrough, we need to make sure that we are learning and gaining practical knowledge from other believers who teach these subjects from a Christian perspective. Remember, we want the correct knowledge!**

Here’s another example:

If you are praying for a breakthrough in your marriage, what has God called you to do in your marriage? 

What practical knowledge do you need to understand from a biblical perspective about how to love and pray for your spouse, and for how you can be the spouse God has called you to be?

Remember what it says in Hosea 4:6a,

    my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.

If we reject or ignore God’s spiritual and practical knowledge that God is calling us to, we cannot expect to see breakthroughs and victory in our lives.

Remember the words Jesus in John 8:32,

“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

If knowledge of the truth makes us free, then (ignoring or rejecting truth and believing lies) will put us in bondage.

May we pray, like Paul, ask to receive true knowledge, wisdom and understanding through the Word of God–and may His knowledge set us free to live peaceful, abundant lives through Christ!

Prayer Request 2: To live a life worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in every way (vs 10)

What does it mean to live a life worthy of the Lord? The Greek word for worthy in Colossians 1:10 means suitable, or “in a manner worthy of”. This means that God calls us to live a life in a manner that is suitable and worthy of Him– to live like we truly are children of the King of kings! 

One who is born into royalty acts like they are royalty. They don’t live as poor peasants, but feast at the king’s table and enjoy the abundant riches of their inheritance. 

This means that we conduct ourselves in a way that displays who we belong to, and seek to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Paul spoke about this in other Epistles:

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:1-2

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. Philippians 1:27

Living a life worthy of the Lord means that we…

• Know who we are in Christ and act according to our identity in Him
• Understand that we are God’s chosen people and royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)
• Conduct ourselves according to God’s standard of living by obeying His commands out of love for reverence for Him
• Live humble and gentle, patient, loving others (Ephesians 4:2)
• Stand firm and courageous in the Spirit (Philippians 1:27)

May we live a life worthy of the calling we have received as we courageously fulfill the callings God has placed on our lives!

Prayer Requests 3 and 4: To bear fruit in every good work and to grow in the knowledge of God (vs 10)

As we grow in spiritual and practical knowledge and in deeper wisdom and understanding through God’s Word, we will bear fruit through the Holy Spirit to live out our calling in a manner that is worthy of the Lord.

We know that fruit of any kind is not produced overnight, but takes time to grow and cultivate. Paul prayed that the Colossian believers would produce the bountiful fruit of the Spirit–love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.

Here in Colossians 1:10 Paul used the word epignōsis again, meaning that he prayed for the Colossians to grow in the correct and precise knowledge of God. The more we grow in our understanding of who God is and dispel any lies in our minds about God that may have developed, we will bear more fruit in Him!

In order to bear fruit we need to understand and know that…

God is love. (1 John 4:8 )

In His presence there is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11)

He is our peace. (Ephesians 2:14)

He is patient. (2 Peter 3:9)

He is kind. (Psalm 145:8)

He is good. (Psalm 34:8)

He is faithful to us. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

He is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)

The more we grow in our understanding of who He is, the more we can grow in the fruit and work of the Holy Spirit and become more like Him! As we live lives worthy of Christ and dwell in His presence, we will bear more of the life-giving, nourishing Fruit of the Spirit in everything we do.

Prayer Request 5: To be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit (vs 11)

Paul also prayed for the church to be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for power in this passage is dynamis (pronounced doo-nam-is) and is packed with such definitions such as:

• strength power, ability
• power for performing miracles
• moral power and excellence of soul (source).

Many of us know that this Greek word is where we get the word dynamite in English. What an explosion of power!

The same power who raised Christ from the dead resides within us–and God through the Holy Spirit can resurrect any dead situation in our lives and strengthen us with his power to overcome any obstacle!

Prayer Request 6: To have patience and endurance (vs 11)

There is a joke in the Christian community that says that we should not ask for patience, because then the Lord will allow circumstances in our lives that will require us to be patient! (lol)

But the truth is, circumstances that require patience will come whether we ask for them or not–but don’t we want to be equipped with the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit to patiently endure whatever trials come our way?

To get through the difficulties we face in life, we’re going to need more than just enough patience to make it through a line at the grocery store. 

We are going to need long-suffering–and the strength and stamina to endure life’s circumstances with grace, peace and joy. 

That kind of patience is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.

If you are trusting the Lord for a breakthrough in your life and it hasn’t come yet, the patience and endurance we can gain from the Holy Spirit will give us the strength to continue to fight on our knees–and to continue to call on the name of the Lord, even when we don’t see the immediate results of our prayers.

It reminds me of the passage in Galatians 6:9,

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Not only do we want to bear fruit, but we want to reap a harvest.

And that only comes through patience and endurance.

Prayer Request 7: To joyfully give thanks (vs 11-12)

Giving thanks is such an important part of our Christian walk with the Lord. Some Bible translations include giving joyful thanks in this passage. 

The Greek word for thanks is eucharisteō, which means to be grateful, feel thankful, and give thanks (source). 

This is the same word used when Jesus gave thanks before feeding the five thousand (Matthew 15:36). It is also the same word used when Jesus gave thanks and performed the Last Supper–the first communion (Matthew 26:27).

As he thanked God for the bread he broke for his disciples, He gave thanks as He was preparing to offer His body for us.

Before Jesus went to the cross, he gave thanks.

What struggle are you currently going through? 

What breakthrough are waiting on God for? 

Give thanks as you wait for your season of harvest.

Are you looking for God to come through in a powerful way?

Give thanks for the deliverance that is on its way.

Are you trusting the Lord to provide for your needs?

Give thanks that He is Jehovah Jireh–your Provider.

Are you waiting on the Lord for healing and restoration?

Give thanks that He is Jehovah Rapha.

Whatever it is that you are in need of today, remember to give thanks.

God has been good, and He is faithful to complete the work He began in your life!

Prayer Request 8: To share in God’s inheritance in His Kingdom of Light (vs 12)

Paul’s final prayer request was for the believers of the Colossian church to share in God’s inheritance in his Kingdom. The word inheritance here means what is obtained by lot, allotted portion (source). 

This inheritance is the wonderful gift of salvation through Christ. Not only have we received the gift of salvation, but we also inherit God’s wonderful spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3).

This amazing blessing and inheritance we have reminds me of the story of Jehoiachin in the book of Jeremiah. Have you ever read the story of Jehoiachin? There is SO MUCH we can learn from his story.

In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, Evil-Merodach king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, showed favor to Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison. He spoke kindly to him and gave him a throne above the thrones of the kings who were [captives] with him in Babylon. Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table all the days of his life. And his allowance, a regular allowance was given to him by the king of Babylon, a daily portion [according to his needs].

Jeremiah 52:31-34 (Amplified Bible)

Do you see the beautiful display of the Lord’s kindness and mercy towards Johoiachin? According to this passage, King Jehoiachin was in prison for at least thirty-seven years (vs 31). 

He spent a large segment of his life in chains…behind bars…in bondage. How long do we sit shackled by our pain, imprisoned by our past, and held captive by our thoughts? We don’t have to live another day in captivity. 

Jehoiachin was in prison long enough for the next king of Babylon to rise to power. But this king treated Jehoiachin with kindness instead of cruelty. 

The NIV translation says that Jehioachin was given a “seat of honor” higher than the other kings and “put aside” his prison clothes. Instead of eating from a prison cell, he feasted regularly at the king’s table. 

The King James Version says that the king of Babylon “lifted up the head of Jehoiachin” and brought him out of captivity. 

We too, like King Jehoiachin, were imprisoned by our sins. Like this prodigal prisoner, we strayed from God’s perfect law that gives freedom (James 2:12). 

But through Christ, God in his great mercy lifted our heads and set us free from our prison. He graciously and tenderly speaks words of love and kindness to us. 

“In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment,

but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you.”

Says the Lord your Redeemer. 

Isaiah 54:8

He gives us a seat of honor at his table, and gives us full access to the riches of his glorious feast. 

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:6-7

We are granted the amazing riches of God’s grace through Jesus.

Our feast includes…

• The riches of his glorious inheritance (Eph 1:18)
• His incomparably great power (Eph 1:19)
• His great love (Eph 2:4, Ps 145:8)
• His rich mercy (Eph 2:4)
• The incomparable riches of his grace (Eph 2:7)
• His rich kindness (Eph 2:7)
• The riches of his glory (Rom 9:23, Col 1:27)
• Riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God (Rom 11:33, Col 2:3)
• Full riches of complete understanding (Col 2:2)
• A rich harvest of righteousness (2 Cor 9:10-11)

What a wonderful feast of God’s power and goodness! He lavishes us with the gift of his grace, though we did not deserve it or could ever earn it. What we deserved was death. 

What we were given instead, was abundant, eternal life. Remember the words of the father regarding the prodigal son? 

For this son of mine was dead and is alive again… (Luke 15:24).

Paul in Ephesians 2 uses the same language of death and life: 

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins…But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…

(Eph 2:1, 4)

Since we were dead in our own sins, Jesus died on our behalf. When he was raised to life, we were also spiritually raised to life in him. The power of God raised Jesus to life and seated him at the right hand of the Father (Eph 1:20). 

We too, since we are spiritually raised with Christ, are also spiritually seated with him in the heavenly realms (Eph 2:6). What a seat of high honor!

Are you still wearing prison clothes from your past? Take them off and put them aside; we have no need for garments of captivity. Let Jesus clothe you in his garments of royalty, and allow your soul to be satisfied with his glorious riches. 

After King Jehoiachin’s release from prison, he was free to eat regularly at the king’s table. He was given a daily allowance for the rest of his life, according to his need (Jer 52:34). 

The Hebrew word for allowance is a portion, or ration of food (source). Jehoiachin was given daily provision, daily portions, and daily bread. We too have the freedom to eat daily with our Savior. 

Our spiritual provisions go much deeper than our physical daily bread; we live on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matt 4:4). 

We can come to the table of the King and confidently say,

I have not departed from the commands of his lips;

I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

(Job 23:12)

 Come to the table of the Most High King as often as you need to. Come hungry, and come often. Feed yourself regularly on his word, for he is your portion and your cup (Psalm 16:5). He will fill you with his grace and goodness; feast on him, for he is your daily bread.

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in he will never be thirsty.”

John 6:35

Not only do we have a place of honor at the table, but we are invited to a seat of royalty with Christ on his throne.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Revelation 3:20-22

Do you hear the sweet words of our Savior? You are free. You are seated with him on a throne of royalty. He tenderly escorts you to the heavenly banquet hall, and his banner over you is love. 

Take off your clothes of captivity and array yourself in his divine garments of splendor and glory. He beckons you to dine with him. Have you taken your seat?

I hope you have enjoyed the prayer workshop!

I also invite you to take the time to answer the questions in the Praying for Breakthrough Workbook and reflect on what you have heard or read today. One of the best ways we can apply the knowledge and wisdom from God’s Word is to meditate on it, reflect on it, and APPLY it to our daily lives.

Thanks for reading!