Authority Prayer: The Divine Mandate to Command and Be Commanded

Bible Verse: Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, we acknowledge and honor the absolute authority bestowed upon our Savior. Recognizing that Jesus possesses all authority, both in heaven and on earth, we come boldly before Your throne. Lord Jesus, grant us the grace and wisdom to wield the authority You’ve given to us responsibly. As You have commanded us to go forth, may we do so with clarity, courage, and compassion, leading others to the truth of Your Word. Let our words and actions reflect Your teachings and empower us to stand against the snares of the enemy, confident in the divine authority You have delegated to us. May we always remember that it is not by our might, but by the power of Your Spirit, that we can command darkness to flee and bring Your kingdom’s light to the world. Amen.

Explanation:
The verses from Matthew 28, often referred to as the Great Commission, highlight the unmatched authority of Jesus Christ over all creation. He declares His divine mandate, emphasizing the weight and breadth of His authority. Notably, He then commissions His disciples, and by extension all believers, with a vital task: to make disciples of all nations, signifying the transference of some of this divine authority to His followers. This is a powerful reminder of our role in His divine plan and the spiritual authority we possess through Him.

Jesus’ teachings and life examples consistently demonstrated this authority. Whether it was casting out demons, healing the sick, or calming storms, His word held power. However, the authority wasn’t used as a mere show of might, but rather it was always aligned with divine purpose and love. The same holds for believers. While we have been given a share in this authority, it is meant to be used to advance the kingdom of God, not for selfish ambition.

Furthermore, the concluding assurance in these verses, “And surely I am with you always,” emphasizes that while believers are given authority, they are never alone in its execution. Jesus promises His perpetual presence and guidance. This reassures us that in our efforts to spread the Gospel and stand in spiritual authority, we are continually supported by the very source of that authority – Jesus Christ. The verse encourages believers to operate in the God-given authority with the wisdom and humility that comes from staying connected to the vine, Jesus Himself.