The Power of Specific Prayer

George Müller’s life reminds us that God honors specific prayer, building faith as we trust Him to answer in His time and His way.

“Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.”—Psalm 65:1–2

Born in Prussia in 1805, George Müller spent much of his youth in rebellion and a lifestyle of waste and deceit. But at age 20, he made a radical commitment to serve Jesus, and he went on to become one of the most influential Christians of his time.

Müller became a powerful advocate of prayer. Many times, children in his orphanages were given plates with no food, but somehow food always arrived, often through miraculous circumstances. No one ever went hungry.

Müller believed in being specific in prayer, and he taught that vague, nebulous prayers are frequently not answered. For example, one day in 1838, after studying Psalm 65 he wrote down six requests and committed them to the Lord. Then he concluded, “I believe God has heard my prayers. He will make it manifest in His own good time that He has heard me. I have recorded my petitions that when God has answered them, His name will be glorified.”

He also believed in persistent prayer: “We should continue in prayer till the blessing is granted; without fixing to God a time when, or the circumstances under which, He should give the answer.”

God is ready to hear your prayers. Don’t be vague, but tell Him the specific burdens of your heart. Then allow God to stir your spirit and give you faith to believe He will answer your prayer in His time and His way.

Reflection Question: What specific requests do you need to bring before God today?