In 2 Corinthians 5 Paul describes the role of disciples of Jesus as that of an ambassador. For those of us who are disciples of Jesus our role is to represent King Jesus to the world around us through our actions and our words. We are to go to all those who do not yet know Jesus as King, who have not entered his kingdom and plead with them to “be reconciled to God.” On the cross Jesus did everything that was necessary to reconcile people to God, He took our sin on himself and offers to us His righteousness, deciding to receive that offer is the first step every disciple of Jesus must take, but it’s also the message every disciple of Jesus is called to take to the world.
The power of prayer is twofold. One, it changes us. 1 John 5:14 lets us know that it is part of the process by which God causes our will to be brought into line with his will. Prayer not only changes us though, it also changes things. 1 John 5:15 lets us know that God hears and answers our prayers. Throughout scripture we see people healed, wisdom granted, enemies defeated, by God’s power in response to His people’s prayers.