POWER OF PRAYER

PSALM 23 -NRSV – THE DIVINE SHEPHERD

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.  He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff-they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

There is something so miraculous about the power of prayer. When you love the Lord with all your heart and soul and trust in Him, and believe in His word, miracles happen. It never ceases to amaze how people will ask you to pray for them, as if they do not have the ability to go to the Father in prayer.

It says in the word, that we are to come boldly to the throne of grace, asking boldly for all prayers and supplications. In order to do this, we must believe that God is, and that He hears our prayers, and He will answer them. It is in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that we can offer up our prayers. God in His infinite wisdom, loves us so much, that He wants us to be able to commune with Him.

We are His children, made in His image, created from the dust of the earth, filled with the spirit, He breathed into us. When we go to Him, in faith, He is just to bend a listening ear. I am growing more in love with Him each day that He allows. I pray often in many different forms. Some times I pray by journaling, as well as singing, and by reading out loud the scriptures.

When you speak out loud, the words of the Lord, He knows that you are speaking His truth, And His word is sent forth to do the things they were sent to accomplish, because He does not lie. Our faith helps that word to go forth like an arrow shot into the heavens It goes to God’s ears and then He releases it back to accomplish what His will is.

I speak to the cleaning lady on my floor almost every night. She doesn’t speak English very well. On this one particular evening, she stopped to tell me that her 15 year old son was very sick. I asked his name, as well as hers and told her that I would pray for them. I told her to trust God. She apologized for not understanding English very well. I’m not sure if she understood what I was trying to convey to her, but I know without a shadow of a doubt, that I was being charged to pray for her and her son.

I thank God, for Barbara feeling comfortable enough to share with me that evening about her precious David. I believe that God was using me, and I trust that all will be well for them. God is still in the healing business, and Jesus is still on the throne, making intercession on our behalf.

Never under estimate the power of prayer. We are our brother’s and sister’s keepers, and we have to stand in the gap for one another. When you know Him, to be the light and love of the world, you are in constant communication with Him. Pray often, about all things, and watch the miracles happen right before your eyes.

Dear Loving Father, God of all creation. Gracious, precious and most healing Lord Jesus. Blessed Holy Spirit, that is comforting and wise. You who knows all things, and is everywhere at all times. Bless Barbara and her son David. Hide them in the shadow of your almighty wings. Keep them safe in the hallow of your hands. Strengthen them on every side. Let your hand of protection be with them. Comfort their hearts, and heal their minds, allow them to trust you in all things. Help them to endure, and to praise you while going through. Let your love prevail, and may you receive all glory for all that they must endure. Keep them forever in your care. Take not your presence from them in Jesus Name, I offer this prayer, Amen.

Submitted by:  A. Michelle Jones-Christ Servant Minister