God Answers Prayer

 

I just got off the phone with a friend who called to praise God for answering a prayer we had begun to pray a few days ago. She had sent out a prayer request to a couple of people she could trust because there had been a death in her husband’s family. The prayer request was for some in the family who would be together at this funeral for the first time since a falling out several years ago. She wanted us to pray that the lines of communication would be opened and that there would be no drama for the family of the deceased to deal with at the funeral.

I know of three of us who were praying. Perhaps there were others. I also know that one family member was able to say to the Christian in the middle of the problem that they hoped that the Christian would be willing to extend to the other the mercy and forgiveness that God had extended to them. Under the circumstances it was a gutsy statement but, in God’s grace, one they agreed on.

Well, in His mercy, God answered all of the prayers! The ice was broken, the two engaged in conversation and agreed to let the past be past. All hurts were not healed but the family can now gather in peace again.

My friend called me so thrilled with the work that God had done in the heart of the Christian. True change was evident! We were amazed!

Why?

Why are we amazed when God does just what He says He will?

In His Word God says that the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (James 5:16). He tells us not to be anxious about anything but with prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving to let our requests be made known to God and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6). God even says in 1 John 5:14, “And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.”

Because my friend trusted God by being willing to pray and to ask others to pray, she and the rest of her extended family can have peace in their hearts and minds before every family get-together. They do not have to fear the drama that comes when family members are estranged because of an argument. This is a gift to more than just the two who were engaged in the original disagreement.

 

The first part of James 5:16 says this, Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. THEN it says, The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

What do you need to be praying about today – and asking others to pray with you — so that you, too, can be amazed at the work God will do – just like He promised ?  When we live righteously before Him and follow His commands -including the command to pray for each other -He will keep His promise to answer those prayers.