Prayer

After hearing that I would definitely be doing Mission Year, my mom recommended that I read a certain book about a German missionary named George Mueller. His lifestyle truly amazes and humbles me. He lived trusting God day to day, never knowing how long he would remain in one place before God led him to move on. When he prayed, he did so with faith, being certain that God would answer and provide. God always did, even when it seemed like there was no possible way Mueller could get what he needed.

One time, Mueller needed money to buy Bibles. So he prayed specifically for God to give him 20 pounds with which to purchase them. That very day a woman came to his door and handed him an envelope. Inside the envelope was exactly 20 pounds. Mueller asked the woman if she wanted the money to be used for anything specific. She answered that she wanted him to buy Bibles. Praise God!

God never lets us down; we let Him down when we fail to trust Him. God, grant me greater trust in You.

In the words of Casting Crowns, “What if His people prayed?” If all Christians prayed earnestly and fervently with the trust that George Mueller displayed, we would see amazing things take place.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” ~ James 5:15-16

As incredibly encouraging as this is, it often overwhelms me. There is so much in this world that needs prayer – churches, schools, governments, families, friends, believers, non-believers, homeless, orphans, slaves, leaders….the list goes on. Fortunately, God again provides.
“…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” ~ Romans 8:26-27
Praise God that He doesn’t put all the pressure on us! (If that were the case, things would be hopeless) He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us and to plead with God on our behalf when we are unable.