The Privilege of Prayer

I think there must be days that I overlook some of God's mightiest
acts, simply because I am too busy managing my own affairs.  I often
forget to look for God's hand at work.

There are, however, some days that I see his incredible works in
bold, vibrant, tangible ways…as I did yesterday:

After enduring a month of surgeries, anesthesia, medications, ER
visits, doctor's appointments, extreme pain and illness, our co-pastor's
wife, Mrs. C, was able to
attend our church services! 

It was wonderful to see her, and hug her, and have her in our midst
again, but the joy I felt was more than that. 

It was the tangible awareness that the great God of Heaven, Creator
of the universe, had heard – and answered – our prayers on her behalf.

It was an answer to prayer – a miracle – talking and walking around!

How exciting it was to be reminded that God uses us, somehow, to
accomplish His will.

We cannot all be pastors or teachers.  Some of us can't get out to
visit the sick.  We might not be great musicians.  It may be difficult
for us to greet strangers.  We may feel our greatest talent is that of
warming up our spot on the pew!

There is one thing, however, that we ALL can do, and that is to
PRAY!

Consider the following scenario:

Your pastor rises from his seat next Sunday, stands behind the
pulpit and announces YOUR name.  He tells of a grave diagnosis or a
family crisis or a great need that has developed in your life.  You hear
a gasp of shock followed by a murmur of sympathy as it sweeps the
congregation.

How would you want the audience to respond?  Would you want them to
walk out of the sanctuary at the end of service, and forget about you
until service time next Sunday?  Or would you want them to faithfully
call out your name to the Heavenly Father until the crisis was passed?

I know that I would want my church family to remember to pray for me
in my time of need.

We can all be faithful to pray for those who need a touch from God.

Even when we are overwhelmed with our own pain, we can pray for
others. 

Sometimes, it is BECAUSE of our own suffering that we are made
more acutely aware of the distress of those around us.

Ask the Lord to lay someone on your heart this week.  We cannot carry
everyone's burden, but we can be faithful to pray for one, especially
if the Lord burdens our heart with that need.

I know that your faith will grow as you see God work in the lives of
those for whom you are praying.  It will encourage your own heart, and
build confidence in your God. 

It will move your heart to praise and adoration as you see Him show
Himself mighty in your midst.