What do Biblical conquerors, David, Mary and Daniel all have in common? All three of these individuals were young (teenagers or younger) when God used them in dramatic ways. Why is this relevant to your life if you're a teenager? Because there's no age requirement you need to meet before God considers you valuable enough to use for his glory. He values people of all ages. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

Why do I mention this while dealing with the topic of prayer? Prayer is one of the strongest ways to strengthen our faith. God hears. He waits for us to present our requests to him. Far too often we diminish the importance of going to God in prayer. But I offer, we will never know the things that don't transpire because of our lack of prayer, but we can see the blessings and potential promises that result from committed prayer.

As David prepared to take down Goliath, he said, "This day the Lord will hand you over to me..." (1 Samuel 17:46). Call me crazy, but I'm willing to bet he called that out in confidence but also as a prayer. No matter his physical state, David was human and I'm sure standing before the giant-man, he knew in order to do what must be done; he needed God to show up in a big way. If you remember the rest of the story, God showed up.

As Mary and Elizabeth visited, Mary prayed, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." (Luke 1:46-47). Mary had to feel a tremendous weight of uncertainty. She knew how to handle it. She prayed. And God heard her prayer. Jesus came into the world over 2,000 years ago.

Before Daniel began his prophetic dream-telling, he thanked God for his visions. Held captive in Babylon, Daniel prayed, "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them." (Daniel 2:20-21).

What would the world be like if these people hadn't prayed at such crucial times? We can't know that answer. I believe God has showed up in big ways in my life. Was it due to prayer? I don't know for certain. I trust he has come close when I've humbled myself to ask for his closeness. I believe he has heard my prayers hundreds, if not thousands of times. Faith is built upon prayer.

The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. It does not say only prayers from those twenty and older will be answered. Even in times when it's difficult to feel God's presence, pray. He will show up. Our powerful God will hear your powerful prayers.

Wendy Miller’s work has been published in inspirational books, online magazines and on numerous websites. She is passionate about encouraging women through writing and speaking, and currently Wendy leads a small group of seniors from her church. Raising her three little girls, writing novels, creating craft projects, and hiking are other ways she enjoys spending her time. Feel free to visit her blog to peek inside the window of her thoughts as she actively pursues what it means to follow the Lord. Wendy's Website