The POWER of Prayer

By Lindsay

Now I lay me down to sleep.
These words are so very familiar, but now our thoughts are much more deep.
For in these prayers alone, can ONE our secrets keep.
And we smile as we reflect… knowing the benefit is ours to reap.

When I think of strength, I think of prayer… the power of prayer is something that no reason could ever comprehend. Enormous effects arise from such an intangible thing, and it never fails to fascinate me. Prayer is not only a powerful thing in itself, but it also shows strength on behalf of the pray-er. To place the worries of your day - or minute, for that matter - in a few words or phrases, conclude it with a heartfelt “AMEN!” and somehow feel an indescribable sense of relief proves so much more than we dare to think about. And when our minds are so consumed with guilt and confusion that we find it impossible to put it into the right words, we can rest assured that HE knows exactly all of the words we felt, but couldn’t say. In this stage of our lives, it is so easy to feel misunderstood by friends, parents, and teachers, that it is such a comfort knowing someone truly understands the confusion that is in our minds.

A physically concealed entropy…
That’s my mind to me,
Yet somehow without words You see:
My thoughts and worries perfectly..

At times it’s hard to know whether or not our prayers are really heard. We may ask repeatedly for the same things, and realize that it’s just not happening, thinking that God doesn’t “get” how much we need these things to exist. But then we’re gently reminded that it isn’t always our choice to make, and we come to the realization that every prayer- answered “yes” or “no”- is answered with our heavenly Father’s deepest concern for our best interest. Ironic also, how we sometimes don’t receive the things we ask for, and the things that we so often take for granted are always in ready supply such as food, transportation, friends, and family… Think about it.

Each prayer ascends straight up to You,
No matter what we’re going through.
And though You have so much to do,
You answer for our best- be it keeping the ordinary, or trying something new..

So please remember to pray for prayer and thank God for it just as you thank Him for your daily bread. Never doubt the effects of a few seconds of your life. Think about the power you have generated as members of a congregation praying for your brothers and sisters in Christ; God provides. He always has and He always will. Thanks be to Him!

Thank-you Lord for this gift you’ve given,
It’s a small telephone line that leads to heaven.
But here we’ll never be put on hold,
Not one conversation will ever get old.
This line was created especially for me,
With no long distance, it’s always free..

So use it in your darkest hour or your brightest moment,
Knowing that it's from heaven- sent.
And if you ever doubt His care,
Or think He’s somewhere “over there”
Remember your treasure-so precious and rare,
Remember this- the POWER of prayer!.