It seems like every
time I read the news it is more proof of the poor state of our world. As I type
this there is devastation and heartache due to an earthquake in Nepal. There is
rioting in Baltimore. ISIS is beheading Christians for no other reason than
their faith. There are cases before the Supreme Court that will have historical
consequences. Furthermore, I talk with and read e-mails from friends that are
dealing with loss, sickness, pain, depression, rejection, and more.
I quickly come to
realization that I do not have the power to change any of these things on my
own. While I can send money to support relief efforts, raise awareness about
the issues of the day, and be a listening ear, the reality is I can’t change
the circumstances of any of these situations. However, I know a God who can and
does. While God does not answer all my prayers as I would like for him to do or
in my timing, I do trust that he works all things together for good for those
that love him and are called to his purpose (Rom. 8:28).
I am convinced that
one of the kindest things we can possibly do for someone is to fervently pray
for him or her. I say this because there are so many things I would love to do
for people, but I can’t because it is beyond my control and power. I would love
to personally rescue the stranded in Nepal, to bring peace to hearts in
Baltimore, to change the hearts of ISIS, to give wisdom to the Supreme Court
and Congress and the President, to heal the wounds of the past, to heal
diseases, to cure depression, to …., but it is beyond my power. However, it is
not beyond the power of my God. This is why I pray.
This is why I can look
back and see the power of prayer. I can remember evils and injustices from the
past that have been dealt with. I can remember tragedies that lead the world to
put aside our differences to bring relief. I can remember several friends that
doctors said there is little or no hope, but I can call and talk to right now.
I can remember those that were so down they could not look up, but now can help
others as wounded healers.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
wrote, “Intercessory prayer is the purifying bath into which the individual and
the fellowship must enter every day” (Foster 1992, 191). Will you join me in
prayer both individually and as a united people?
