Prayer And Love Form A Common Bond

August 15, 2003

           In a recent study a famous cardiologist separated his cardiac patients into two groups.  One group was secretly prayed for.  This group improved remarkably in many ways.  The other group did not respond as easily and required more medication and treatment. 

            St. Peregrine, a young priest in the 14^th century, was scheduled for a leg amputation due to cancer.  The night before the surgery, he prayed fervently.  He dreamed he received a healing.  He awakened the next morning to find his dream had come true.

            I heard about a young boy who had been in a coma for weeks.  The parents obtained special permission to bring the child’s beloved dog to him.  Overjoyed, the pet began to lick the child’s face.  The boy awakened and was normal.

            Prayers continue in our subconscious.  Prayer and love form a common bond among living things.

            When the Spirit resides within, he “helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). 

              Prayer connects us with God who is always ready to hear and to answer.  Prayers demonstrate love for God and others.  It is a reminder we are never alone.  In this huge, vast gigantic universe, we are never alone

            Prayer is vital to our lives.  In times of deep distress I often explored every avenue to find relief.  Finally, when all else failed, I turned to prayer.  Prayer sustained me over three young sons through illnesses, accidents and surgeries.  Prayer kept me in faith in my husband’s recent accident.

 Through the years I have experienced many answered prayers and I have seen the truth of Romans 8:28 in the Living Bible:  “And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans” (Romans 8:28). 

            Prayer is a way of life.  This journey of living is too complicated without it.  Prayer guides us through problems and hard places, giving peace in the midst of the storms of everyday circumstances.

            Those heroes of Bible times depended on God’s faithfulness.  Through prayer, Nehemiah executed his plan to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  (Nehemiah 2:4)  Through prayer the early church fortified itself in persecution.  (Acts 2:42)  Through prayer Stephen was strengthened to face death.  (Acts 7:59).  Through prayer Jesus faced the mob.  (Matthew 26:36-44).

            Prayer is a wondrous thing! 

            “I met God in the morning.  It was near the break of day.

            I put my life into his hands, and humbly knelt to pray.

            I met God at the noontime.  I thanked him for my meal.

            I prayed for my coworkers, that all their needs he’d fill.

            I met God at my bedtime and prayed my soul to keep.

            He kept me safely all night long and gave me pleasant sleep.

            Now pray your day tomorrow.  Give God your every care.

            It’s such a wondrous blessing to start your day with prayer!”