The healing power of prayer should not be underestimated. James 5:16-18 declares, "...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Rev. Randy Booth and Monroe United Methodist Church for reminding us of the healing power of prayer in the midst of our community's conflict and turmoil within our high school's and middle school's recent fearful events. They hosted a prayer vigil and encouraged other churches/faith communities to remember in prayer our schools' administrative team, teaching staff, students, school board members, police and government leaders.
Jesus, our Great Physician taught, "...I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). As a medical spiritual care clinician, I have witnessed the healing of prayer in the midst of the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual crisis/trauma.
Sacred Scripture urges us, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18). In other words, our words and deeds are to be acts of prayer for our wounded sisters and brothers at all times, especially during fearful events in our lives. God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but always are in our best interest. As the Prince of Peace, God will hear our prayers when we seek peace with one another and the peace of God.
The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to. In the Hebrew Scripture, we read about the Prophet Elijah, who was a person just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. God most definitely listens to prayers, answers prayers, and moves in response to prayers.
Therefore, let us continue to "Pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17)
Jesus, our Great Physician taught, "...I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). As a medical spiritual care clinician, I have witnessed the healing of prayer in the midst of the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual crisis/trauma.
Sacred Scripture urges us, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18). In other words, our words and deeds are to be acts of prayer for our wounded sisters and brothers at all times, especially during fearful events in our lives. God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but always are in our best interest. As the Prince of Peace, God will hear our prayers when we seek peace with one another and the peace of God.
The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to. In the Hebrew Scripture, we read about the Prophet Elijah, who was a person just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. God most definitely listens to prayers, answers prayers, and moves in response to prayers.
Therefore, let us continue to "Pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17)
