Prayer Works

Intercession

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior

1 Timothy 2:1-3

I read this passage and think to myself could a quiet and peaceable life really be that easy? Could something as easy as saying a prayer really bring about a life of godliness and dignity? Now, I think a bit more and I must say I do believe in everything this passage has to say. I think the best way to express how true this verse is for all of us is to simply look at some things that have happened because of prayer and intercessions.

Just today I was having lunch in the village with a member of St. George’s. We were talking about getting involved in charity work in poor countries. She told me a story about a friend of hers that went something like this. Maureen worked in a very poor village in Africa as a nurse in a clinic where she dealt mainly with pregnant women. When women had trouble giving birth they would come to the clinic. Often Maureen had no problem helping them but many times she didn’t know what to do and she would turn to God and prayer. She would simply pray for God to move her hands in a way that would help the woman. She was almost always able to help the women that came in this way. One day though she just couldn’t help this woman that had come in. She needed a cesarean and Maureen was not trained to do it. She simply turned to prayer again and asked God to help. Minutes later a man came in saying he was a doctor and he didn’t know how he ended up there but must have taken the wrong track. He was looking for directions on how to get back to where he needed to be. What are the odds of this? Maureen simply said I will help you if you help this woman first.

In the past year and a half I have learned so much about prayer. So many times I have just been completely worn down and had no idea where to go or what to do. I would just sit and pray and low and behold something would come to me. For example this past Sunday I was doing the sermon at church. I have never done a sermon at St. George’s so I was quite nervous and wanted it to be perfect. The only problem was every time I sat down to write my notes I couldn’t. I asked God what am I supposed to do?? God simply said to me just go and do it. I thought this was a bit crazy but you know what I went and I did it. I prayed before asking God to give me the words to say and he did. I went in to my first sermon with no notes and what came out is exactly what God wanted everyone to hear.

Bottom line is prayer works. No matter what the situation is whether we want to give thanks or ask for something or pray for someone we should always take the time to do it. God wants us to prayer to him. He wants us to ask for help. He wants to hear what we are thankful for. He wants us to rely on him. It is amazing what God can tell you and do through you with prayer.

Dear Lord,

We ask You to help us to take the time to listen to You and to talk to You. Help us to remember that there is no end to the line of communication we have with You. You will always be there to listen; all we need to do is speak. Amen

Kristen Morton

Kristin@yagm.us