When we pray, do we pray earnestly, fervently? The fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. I shared yesterday the story of Novice Bruner praying for the delivery of a lost dog. The family had despaired they would never find their city dog out in the country. After she prayed, the dog was found. Her son-in-law said, “The fervent prayer of a righteous woman also avails much.”
When Peter was thrown in prison, the prospects of his survival were dim. Herod had just received kudos for killing James. People tend to repeat rewarded behaviors. Peter’s shelf-life seemed short. But the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
At one of my former churches, at the end of the service, the music minister said, “Watch this: I’m going to call on Michael to pray.” I had heard about Michael’s prayers, but I had never heard him pray. Michael nodded his head at the invitation, closed his eyes, and shouted, “Oh Jesus.” It was apparent that he and Jesus had a love relationship that exceeded that of many Christians I have known. Michael talked to Jesus like he knew him on a first-hand basis. He called upon him for favor and mercy. Michael agonized in prayer for our church and for the spread of the gospel in the world. We needed seat belts and crash helmets. God was in the house. By the time Michael finished praying, the whole church was energized and ignited.
Do you want to pray like Michael? When you pray today, move beyond prayer as a form or a formality. Let it be a force. Talk to God like he is your loving Father. Tell all about your trials. Trust him to deliver you and thank him when he does.
