Today's Daily Bread
There’s Power
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 wouldn’t have to undergo
chemotherapy or radiation. And God answered yes! When I reported the
news, one friend remarked, “I’m so glad there’s power in prayer.” I
responded, “I’m 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? I’ve had enough “no” and “wait” answers to wonder
about that.
Prayer is powerful, but it’s such a mystery. We’re 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. I’m
just thankful that God wants to hear our hearts and that no matter the
answer, He is still good.
I like Ole Hallesby’s 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.
Lord, I’ve been taught many things about prayer—be
specific, be bold, be surrendered, be strong in faith,
be persistent. Today I recognize my helplessness and
Your power as I share my heart with You. Amen.
specific, be bold, be surrendered, be strong in faith,
be persistent. Today I recognize my helplessness and
Your power as I share my heart with You. Amen.
Prayer is the child’s helpless cry to the Father’s attentive ear.
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