The Power of Prayer
Posted on February 5, 2018 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16
We are kicking off a special time of prayer beginning March 5 through April 13th. I am going to be encouraging our America’s Keswick Board, staff, and partners in joining me on a 40-Day Prayer Challenge as we prepare for our summer season.
Since making that decision, I have been digging deeper into my prayer life, and in my Bible and devotional reading, the topic of prayer keeps coming up.
I read this powerful story about prayer this week in the Our Daily Bread devotional, Great Is Thy Faithfulness.
While crossing the Atlantic on a ship many years ago, Bible teacher and author F. B. Meyer was asked to speak to the passengers. An agnostic listened to Meyer’s message about answered prayer and told a friend, “I didn’t believe a word of it.”
Later that same day, the agnostic went to hear Meyer speak to another group of passengers. But before he went to the meeting, he put two oranges in his pocket. On his way, he passed an elderly woman who was fast asleep in her deck chair. Her arms were outstretched and her hands wide open, so as a joke he put the two oranges in her palms.
After the meeting, he saw the woman happily eating one of the pieces of fruit. “You seem to be enjoying that orange,” he remarked with a smile. “Yes sir,” she replied. “My Father is very good to me.” “What do you mean?” pressed the agnostic. She explained, “I have been seasick for days. I was asking God somehow to send me an orange. I fell asleep while I was praying. When I awoke, I found He had sent me not only one but two oranges!”
The agnostic was amazed by the unexpected confirmation of Meyer’s talk on answered prayer. Later, he put his trust in Christ!
Yes, God answers prayer!
Do we really believe that God answers prayer? Sometimes He answers immediately. Sometimes He answers with a “no.” Sometimes he answers our prayers with a better “yes” than we could have even imagined.
God delights when His kids pray. Don’t miss out of the blessing of seeing God work in your life. Prayer is worth it. Have you taken time to pray today? If not, now is a great time to start.
Overflowing and abounding in hope,
Bill Welte, President/CEO America’s Keswick
Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
The Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 19-21| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Think About This: God always gives us what we ask – or something better. — Our Daily Bread
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, Psalm 33:18
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
