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Does Prayer Change Things?
The answer to this question is yes.
Firstly because if prayer didn’t change anything, what would be the point in praying “in everything”? (Php 4:6).
Secondly because God promises that people who pray are far better off than people who don’t, so things must change for the better through prayer (Jas 4:2-3 and Matt 7:7-11).
What Things Does Prayer Change?
Prayer changes “all things”. If we are to “pray in everything” (Php 4:6) then everything must be capable of being changed by prayer. Prayer helps make “all things” work together for good (Rom 8:26-28).
But “all things” does not mean absolutely everything in the universe but rather “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2Pe 1:3-4, 11). The “life” referred to is eternal life. Prayer does not change things which have no connection with the salvation of souls.
However this doesn’t mean that prayer changes only spiritual things. Prayer will certainly change material things when that change has a spiritual benefit. On the other hand, God is not Santa Claus.
Prayer is not for satisfying material lusts and whims, although it is certainly important that we pray for our material needs. In one breath Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses…” The main purpose of prayer, however, is to help make things “turn out for salvation” (Php 1:19).
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How Much Does Prayer Change Things?
Prayer avails “much” (Jas 5:16)
But how much is “much” ? If you think, “Not very much”, you are mistaken. “Much” is “more than we ask or think” (Eph 3:20). Prayer changes things more than we imagine or comprehend. Prayer changes things for spiritual and eternal purposes which are wonderfully high.
We cannot measure or perceive the changes which prayer makes, so in one sense we cannot answer the question “How much…?”
But we do know this: Prayer changes things as much as is necessary to ensure the salvation of our souls. Thus prayer changes things very much indeed!
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In What Manner Does Prayer Change Things?
Sometimes in a miraculous manner –for example when Peter raised Tabitha from death (Acts 9:40).
Sometimes in an extraordinary manner –for example the case of Elijah and the drought (Jas 5:17-18).
But mostly in an ordinary manner –for example when Paul was met by his friends (Acts 28:15-16). We usually experience the changes prayer makes at an ordinary level. If miracles and extraordinary events were commonplace, they would not be extraordinary, would they? God is able to influence the ordinary course of events so that our real needs are satisfied. This does not diminish the power of prayer or the providence of God. In a way, it makes it all the more wonderful and abundant.
Wednesday, 05 December, 2007
Salutes and prayer for Colonel Penny on his recent promotion from Lt. Colonel to full Colonel. And even though he is a Michigan Woof-er-rine, he is a great Christian brother of mine who I have a lot of respect for. The Story:
Wednesday, 07 November, 2007
If you would, please add my daughter, Alyssa, to the prayer list for the noon prayer on tomorrow. I would like to have her back home with better behavior and attitude soon. These last 8 months with her living at the group home has been tough for me and all of my children.
Thanks,
Tweety
Tuesday, 06 November, 2007
Please pray for my mother, who has a heart condition that currently has her hospitalized. The doctor is needing to make a decision about his options, including the possibilities that open-heart surgery, or a pace maker may be needed. Pray that her body will have the strength to recover, that her mind will hold on to the golden key of faith, and that we, her children, will be able to accept whatever the outcome may be as the will of a merciful God.
UPDATE (11-07-07)
Thank you for your prayers. Please continue. Mom had another surgery this morning. they put in a 6th stint in a vessel that was 98% blocked. She still has one vessel that is 100% blocked, and the doctor is not able to clear it. She is weak, and
nauseous, but awake. The doctor has no explanation as to why she continues to have heart attacks. She is 67. Please continue to pray. I am very grateful for your kindness.
Diedra
Monday, 29 October, 2007
Tonya Colvin’s Dad suffers from Congestive Heart Failure and has been for at least a ouple of years. According to his doctor, his heart is getting weaker nd without a defibrillator, his chances of sudden heart failure are very high.
At this point, he does not want to undergo the surgery but wants to o when it’s time. It’s extremely difficult to face, I am just not ready for him to go right now. I am praying for God’s will and our strength in the Lord.
All, please continue to keep us in your prayers!
Tonya
Friday, 12 October, 2007
Please be in prayer for the Sheftall Family. They lost one of their shining stars on Thursday. He was found in his home with a gunshot wound to the head. The murder is being investigated. To those who knew and Loved him, he was a very outgoing person with a heart as big as a mountain. Please, pray for the Sheftall family.
Tuesday, 02 October, 2007
- Passengers I need you to join me in prayer regarding my 16 year old daughter; Jessica. The devil is attacking her mind. She has developed the symptoms of depression and is going through. Not only has this depression gotten to her its attacking a lot of our young people today. So lets lift not only her up in prayer but the youth of today also. Thank you - Stephanie Taylor
Monday, 01 October, 2007
- Please pray for Jay Reid. Jay’s words: OK everyone , here’s the deal the results of my biopsy reveal of the 12 samples taken 3 test positive for Prostate Cancer. It’s in the early stages so all I have to do is decide on the treatment and follow through. My surgeon advises all the males in our family get checked immediately because it could be hereditary…All you need to do is get a full physical which should include a blood test and a (DRE) digital rectal exam(finger check). What they must look for in the blood test is your PSA count. Mine was 6.2 and should have been under 4 thats why I had to get the biopsy…I will probably get surgery to have it removed in 11/07. It will be done by the latest technological robot available so recovery will be quick. go to this web site to get more info http://www.healthcentral.com/prostate/symptom-checker.html. I already talked to Tone, Jacqueline, Celeste and Guy…feel free to forward this to any other family members (our cousins) because I don’t know if it runs on the Carter side of the family also. The main thing is don’t delay your check up. Hopefully I’m the only one with it and the rest of you can start eating more products that promote prostate health…Those of you that are not Carter or Reid were sent this also because of our friendship and your well being matters to me also…Jay
Saturday, 29 September, 2007
- Please pray for Richard Cobb, Sr. He lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Cobb was in a serious car wreck Thurs. morning, currently in intensive care, still needs to have additionally back surgery as soon as his vital signs stabilize.Mr. Cobb is the grandfather of Attorney Ewing Carter III (CLICK) who just happens to be the father of my two God-children, Channing and Ewing IV. Our prayers are with you my brother.
Friday, 28 September, 2007
- Please pray for Sheila Bynum. She is having eye surgery today.
- Please pray for Pamela Ware. Our beloved sister lost her mother to Cancer. At this time Pamela is fighting what we know will be a winning battle with this opponent. So, let’s send up the timber for our sister.
- Let’s pray for our sister Tammy as she deals with a corporate issue. Let us pray that God will provide for the miracle of resolution in a very favorable way. Tammy, God will provide the decision you need.