The Power of Prayer

For if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Romans 8: 25

Unfortunately, due to the corona virus pandemic,
we face more serious challenges than usual in our lives.
In order to cope we need to pray earnestly.
Some people might not know how to pray.
Others might think that in any case God does not answer prayer;
or we can solve the problem in our own way.
In some cases if we do pray eventually,
it might be out of duty rather than faith that God will answer us.

Jesus told his disciples that faith only the size of a mustard seed could move mountains.
I remember praying for years with a friend that her eldest daughter, who was living abroad,
would return home as she was single, homeless, and penniless.
Last year, my friend’s daughter returned home just at the right time to live with her mother.
Relatives who were sharing the home had to relocate to another area because of employment opportunities.
Mom is much older now and needs to have her daughter’s support and company.
In fact, they need each other.
Whenever we pray with faith God does the impossible in our lives.
Our timing is not His timing, but He is always on time
and answers in the way that is best for us.
Sometimes in hindsight we realise that if God had granted our initial request
it would not have been in our best interest.
Then we become conscious of the fact that God did the impossible,
and His grace and actions exceeded our expectations.

The Israelites faced the threat of the Philistines,
who had previously defeated them when God’s people didn’t trust in Him (see 1 Samuel 4).
After repenting of their sins, they heard that the Philistines were about to attack again.
However, this time, they asked Samuel (Prophet) to continue praying for them.
‘Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us.’ (1 Samuel 7: 7–14)
The Lord answered by throwing the enemy into confusion.
So we should never underestimate the power of prayer,
God loves us, wants to help us and wants us to come before him with confidence.
Always, let us remember to praise and thank God for His blessings,
note only one of the ten lepers returned to thank Jesus for their healing.

Let us pray:
Almighty God, you are our Father and we know that we can come to you
about easy and tough issues in our lives.
We pray for our country and our world
as we are experiencing tragic times as a result of the corona virus.
Thousands are grieving the loss of  loved ones,
many frontline staff and volunteers in hospitals, care homes and nursing homes,
will need counselling because of the long and exhausting hours of work;
the tragedies they have experienced through loss of patients;
loss of colleagues; as well as the fear that they might infect their own families.
Please heal the sick, comfort the dying;
protect frontline staff for whom every day is a challenge,
and yet despite the risks their dedication is beyond question.
Father, we thank you and ask your blessings on all NHS staff.
So as we go to rest,

²⁴ The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
²⁵ the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
²⁶ the Lord turn his face towards you
    and give you peace.’

Numbers 6: 24–26

Glynne Gordon- Carter