Prayer Power

   The coldest of cold days, the longest of nights, the loudest of cries out to God, "Save this child!" The pain and sorrow led to the prayer. It all started with a prayer.

   In James 5:13 it says, "Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray." The bible put special emphasis on the importance of prayer. When you pray, God gives you His full attention. God listens to your every word. If you are filled with fears, He is ready to bear the burden for you. If you're overcome with joy and gladness, He delights in the sound of your thankfulness.

   This past December, something happened. I got very sick and very weak. I wasn't sure if I was going to make it through, nor did my dearest mother. Little did I know that every night I laid down to rest, she was ridden with anxiety. Anxieties lead to prayer, and prayer leads to action. My mother was a warrior, a prayer warrior, in the midst of it all.

   Nights seemed longer than ever for her, and she'd often wake up in terror. She'd whisper to the Great Healer. She was praying that I'd be sustained. I want to say to her, thank you. Your prayers have meaning and power.

   "When he heard this, Jesus said, 'This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.'" (John 11:4)

   In the story of Lazarus (found in John chapter 11), Jesus heals Lazarus. And this all started with Mary and Martha calling on Jesus. Prayer.

   Because a prayer does not depend on the one who speaks it but the One who hears it (our God in heaven), prayer is essential.

   "In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." (Ephesians 6:18 MSG)

   Remember that your prayers are never ignored. Every prayer is cherished by our Heavenly Father. He cares for us. "casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

   -The Introverted Evangelist