Prayer Changes Things - Part 1

A local, generous antiques dealer sold me this late 1800's prayer chair for his cost - $50! He stated he had already made his profit on this particular lot he acquired from an elderly couple who immigrated to the U.S. from Europe many years ago. The couple said the prayer chair came from a Catholic church in France. The upholstery is original.

My grandparents had a magnet on their refrigerator that read "Prayer Changes Things." Amidst an array of magnets and various clippings, it was one I always seemed to notice. Now, it graces my refrigerator. Sometimes, I look at the prayer chair and wonder how many people over the years have prayed on it and what changes were put in motion as a result of their prayers.

One needs only to look to the Bible for evidence of how prayer changed things in the lives of many. James 5:16 NIV states: "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." When we are in need we should remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 21:22 NIV: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Sir Thomas Buxton is quoted: "You know the value of prayer: it is precious beyond all price. Never, never neglect it."

When a situation we pray for does not result according to the way we have prayed, I still contend that prayer changes things. It provides peace and sometimes it changes us. We have peace knowing our part has been done and that our heavenly Father knows what is best according to the circumstances. An excerpt from the 1966 book Meet It With Faith by Martha Smock reads:

"When we form the habit of taking all of our needs to God first in prayer, we find that we are filled with a sense of rightness and direction that we can gain in no other way. We are filled with a feeling of freedom and peace when we pray about all matters; and even though the answer may not be yet apparent, we are able to go about our life with a calm and confident spirit, sure of God's presence, sure of the right outworking of every situation."

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV

A prayer from a humble, believing, obedient soul is never unavailing. It reaches God. Just as sure as God exists, so sure will he respect such a prayer. His word says so, and it can never fail. - J. W. Lowder

Linked to an inspirational place to visit - Spiritual Sundays - http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/