MORNING MANNA 3-20-23
PRAY
“Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.” Hebrews 13:18
Never take for granted the power of prayer.
I once read the following story of a missionary’s testament to the power of prayer:
“A mother at our mission station died after giving birth to a premature baby. We tried to improvise an incubator to keep the infant alive, but the only hot water bottle we had was beyond repair. So we asked the children [at our orphanage] to pray for the baby and for her sister. One of the girls responded. ‘Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today. Tomorrow will be too late because by then the baby will be dead. And dear Lord, send a doll for the sister so she won’t feel so lonely.’ That afternoon a large package arrived from England. The children watched eagerly as we opened it. Much to their surprise, under some clothing was a hot water bottle. Immediately the girl who had prayed so earnestly started to dig deeper, exclaiming, ‘If God sent that, I’m sure He also sent a doll!’ And she was right. The heavenly Father knew in advance of that child’s sincere requests, and five months earlier He had led a ladies’ group to include both of those specific articles.”
Paul Chappell wrote: “Even the prayer of a small child could miraculously be answered by God. No prayer is too small or too bizarre for God to answer.
One of Paul’s last comments in Hebrews is his request in our verse, “Pray for us.” He desired that the readers of his letter would take time to pray for him and his fellow laborers. Studying the life of Paul we see the trials and pains he faced as he served God, and he requested prayer that God would strengthen him.
Prayer is your most important commodity as a Christian. With prayer, you have direct access to your Saviour, His power, and His help. Not only is prayer an important part of your personal Christian battle, prayer helps you intercede for other Christians.
Every Christian is facing difficult battles and is trying to stand against the devil’s attacks. Satan’s temptations may not be the same in their lives as they are in yours, but his presence is just as real to them. While you may not be able to actually help them fight the devil, you can help them through prayer. Notice three groups of people who need your prayers every day…..
Prayer is more powerful in Christian battle than the strongest army, the mightiest warrior, or the craftiest weapon. Your pastor, family, and friends need your prayers each day. Take a few minutes now to pray for these three categories of people. Ask God to protect, guide, and bless them. Never take for granted the power of prayer.”
Pray as thought everything depends upon it, because it does.- HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx
