“Power of Prayer”

Scripture Lesson:

Matthew 14:22–30

Title: Power of Prayer

Preacher: Pastor Mark A. Evans

Jonahville AME Zion Church

Pastor Evans preached with fire and conviction from Matthew 14:22–30, reminding the congregation that prayer is not just a moment, it’s power. In this familiar passage, Jesus walks on the water, and Peter, filled with faith, steps out of the boat to meet Him. But when Peter looks at the winds and waves, fear takes hold, and he begins to sink.

Pastor Evans reminded us that many of us are just like Peter, we start in faith, but when life’s winds start to blow, we take our eyes off Jesus. “Feed your faith and starve your fears,” he declared. “Get the true worshipper to stop wind-watching!”

In the midst of worship, too many of us are watching the winds, messy winds of distraction, doubt, and fear that keep us from seeing the miracle right in front of us. But Pastor Evans declared, “We have to know which wind is blowing. Not every storm is from Satan, some winds are sent by God to push us into purpose.”

Getting Out of the Comfort Zone

This sermon came on the heels of Paul’s bold proclamation, “I am not afraid of Jesus.” Pastor Evans tied this to Peter’s courage to step out of the boat. “Sometimes,” he said, “you’ve got to get out of your comfort zone to see what faith can do.”

Peter didn’t wait for calm waters, he stepped out in the storm. Likewise, Jesus is calling us today with one simple, powerful word: ‘Come.’ That’s the invitation to every believer, to walk by faith, not sight, even when the winds are howling.

The God Who Satisfies

Before the storm, Jesus had just finished feeding the five thousand. Pastor Evans reminded us that this miracle wasn’t only about bread and fish, it was about satisfaction.

“Jesus doesn’t just feed us,” he said, “He fills us.” The crowd didn’t leave hungry, they left satisfied. That’s what Jesus wants for His children: not partial blessings, but overflowing fullness. Pastor Evans shouted, “I need everything God has for me!”

We serve a Father who satisfies, who not only provides what we need but blesses us until we’re full and grateful.

The Power of Alone Time

After the feeding, Jesus sent the disciples ahead and went up into the hills to pray. Pastor Evans taught that even Jesus needed alone time with the Father. In a world filled with distractions, cell phones, noise, and endless obligations, God still calls us to the quiet place.

“Sometimes,” Pastor said, “God moves by raising His hands,  not to punish, but to bless.” When Jesus dismissed the crowd, it wasn’t rejection, it was preparation. He was getting ready for the next miracle.

The message was clear: personal prayer fuels public power.

“Little prayer, little power. Much prayer, much power. No prayer, no power.”

A Call to Gratitude and Praise

Pastor Evans closed the sermon by urging everyone to lift up thanksgiving. “Neighbor,” he said, “I’ve got something to give Him praise for!” Because prayer doesn’t just change things, it changes us.

When we give thanks, when we pray with sincerity, and when we dare to step out of the boat, God shows us that every storm is temporary, but His power is eternal.

Reflection

In this season, God is calling Jonahville to deeper faith, bold action, and unshakable prayer. Like Peter, we must trust Jesus enough to step onto the water, and like Jesus, we must spend quiet time with the Father so that our strength is renewed.

When we feed our faith and starve our fears, the winds may still blow, but we’ll walk on water instead of sinking beneath it.