Prayer is Powerful
Over the last two or so weeks, we have been confronted by the depth of brokenness and evil in our world. We have seen an uprising and cry for freedom in Cuba, an earthquake in southwestern Haiti, and now a tropical storm, and this week we hear the cries of those in Afghanistan. These are only a few of the realities of this broken world that we live in. And frankly, our hearts are heavy, broken, and left wondering, what can we do?
A traditional Christian response would be to pray. However, we can begin to feel like prayer is not enough. You might have even been told that at some point in your life. I’ve heard it. And, yes, if we have the means to help and assist, we should. But, that does not negate or nullify the power and importance of prayer. As John writes to a group of believers in the middle of a difficult church split and in a context that does not favor Christians, he encourages them to pray. Here is what he says:
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” – 1 Jn. 5:14-15
There is an important truth in John’s words for us right now. The Father who is strong enough to rescue us from eternal death is also intimate in relationship to us and hears us when we pray! Our prayers aren’t drifting off into the nebulous; they are being heard by the sovereign God of the universe. If there is anyone who can fully deal with the brokenness and evil of this life, it is him. And, good news, he does now, and he will complete that restoration work in the future. (Rev. 21)
As we wait for that future restoration and final overcoming of all evil and brokenness, let us be a people of fervent prayer. Prayer is not powerless because the One we are praying to is powerful.
‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. – Jer. 32:17
Friends, if you feel overwhelmed by all that is going on, that is normal. We were not wired to, nor are we are not strong enough to bear the weight of the world on our shoulders. But we are connected to the One who is able to restore the lost, comfort the broken, and give hope to the hopeless. So, let us pray, and pray fervently to him because he hears us.