When my sister found out she had cancer, I asked my friends to pray. When she had surgery, we prayed that the surgeon would be able to remove all of the cancer and that she wouldnt have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation. And God answered yes! When I reported the news, one friend remarked, Im so glad theres power in prayer. I responded, Im thankful that God answered with a yes this time.
James says that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (5:16). But does effective and fervent mean the harder we pray, or the more people we ask to pray, the more likely God is to answer with a yes? Ive had enough no and wait answers to wonder about that.
Prayer is powerful, but its such a mystery. Were taught to have faith, to ask earnestly and boldly, to persevere, to be surrendered to His will. Yet God answers in His wisdom and His answers are best. Im just thankful that God wants to hear our hearts and that no matter the answer, He is still good.
I like Ole Hallesbys words: Prayer and helplessness are inseparable. Only those who are helpless can truly pray. . . . Your helplessness is your best prayer. We can do helplessness quite well.
Read: James 5:13-18
Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.