Prayer Works

Prayer works.

Here's a challenging thought for this day. When was the last time you prayed for a complete stranger?

When I say a complete stranger, I don't mean a prayer like for "All those who are lost" or "All of the less fortunate."

I mean, when was the last time that you were walking down the street or driving in your car and you saw someone and you felt the need to pray for that person right then and there? The Bible calls us to pray for others. In fact, Ephesians 6:18 tells us to "be alert" in our prayers.

Several years ago, I began working with a men's ministry that helps men who needed some kind of help in getting their lives together. It was amazing to watch as men’s lives began to change.

Why did their lives change? Because they were being prayed for. God called godly men to gather and pray for these men who needed prayer. We prayed and watched them change.

Today, that ministry is still helping others, and they have learned to pray for those whom they don't even know. This is what the Apostle Paul once told a young pastor to do:

1 Timothy 2:1-2

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men ... so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”

Next time you feel your heart go out to someone you don't even know, pray for them. Just ask God to bless that person in a way that honors God and changes lives. It's as easy as that.

James 5:18 tells us that when the righteous pray, their prayers are powerful and accomplish much. I have seen it happen.

Isaiah 56:7

"For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.”

Who is God asking you to pray for today?